You need lots of ammo to get really good?

Published on March 13, 2026
Duration: 11:07

This video features Ben Stoeger, a USPSA Grand Master, discussing the necessity of ammunition for competitive shooting. He clarifies that while dry fire is crucial and can lead to GM classification, high-level competition requires significant live fire, estimating 20,000-40,000 rounds annually for elite shooters. Stoeger emphasizes that live fire builds confidence and hones skills like recoil management, which dry fire alone cannot fully replicate, though dry fire is more efficient for specific drills like target transitions.

Quick Summary

USPSA Grand Master Ben Stoeger explains that while dry fire is vital and can lead to GM classification, elite competitive shooting demands significant live fire, estimating 20,000-40,000 rounds annually. Live fire builds confidence and hones recoil management, aspects dry fire alone cannot fully replicate, though dry fire excels at specific drills like target transitions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Ammo Discussion
  2. 00:27Dry Fire vs. Live Fire Statement
  3. 00:44Speaker's Agreement
  4. 00:52Conditions for Ammo Usage
  5. 01:20Getting Good with Dry Fire
  6. 02:00High-Level Shooter Ammo Consumption
  7. 02:3520,000 Rounds/Year Baseline
  8. 03:00Marginal Gains at Elite Levels
  9. 03:29Speaker's Training Schedule
  10. 04:19Individual Responses to Training
  11. 04:35Audience Comment 1: GM with Dry Fire
  12. 05:13Audience Comment 2: Dry Fire Believers
  13. 06:08Audience Comment 3: Ammo Cost
  14. 06:52Audience Comment 4: 'Really Good' Definition
  15. 07:16Audience Comment 5: Time vs. Ammo
  16. 07:55Audience Comment 6: Recoil & Cost
  17. 08:27Audience Comment 7: Flinch Instinct
  18. 08:44Audience Comment 8: Tax Write-Offs & GM Schedule
  19. 09:24Audience Comment 9: Dry Fire Benefits
  20. 10:22Audience Comment 10: Range Dry Fire & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How much ammunition do elite competitive shooters typically use annually?

According to USPSA Grand Master Ben Stoeger, high-level competitive shooters, particularly those in the 'Super Squad,' often shoot between 20,000 to 40,000 rounds per year to maintain their skills and competitiveness at national levels.

Can you become a Grand Master shooter primarily through dry fire practice?

Yes, Ben Stoeger states that achieving the Grand Master classification in USPSA is possible with predominantly dry fire and a relatively low volume of live fire, citing his own experience using only around 5,000 live rounds.

What are the key benefits of live fire training compared to dry fire?

Live fire training is crucial for building shooter confidence, mastering recoil management, and developing the marksmanship required for competitive success. While dry fire is efficient for specific drills like target transitions, it doesn't fully replicate the psychological and mechanical demands of live shooting.

What is the role of ammunition volume in achieving peak performance in shooting sports?

While dry fire is essential, Ben Stoeger emphasizes that significant live fire exposure, potentially 20,000-40,000 rounds annually for elite competitors, is necessary for refining skills, building confidence, and achieving peak performance, especially when seeking marginal gains at the highest levels.

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