Custom Precision Ammunition

What defines precision when it comes to long range shooting or hunting? What defines quality ammunition that can produce the kind of precision needed for competition or long range hunting? These are 2 topics that I will dive into in the inaugural Powder River Precision blog, and hopefully give my readers a little bit of insight in to why accuracy and dependability of your ammunition matters.

So, what truly defines precision in the long range shooting or hunting world? Is it simply whether you or your equipment can make impact on a specific target? Or is it more scientific than that? 1 MOA accuracy? 1/2 MOA accuracy? 1/4 MOA accuracy? In my eyes, precision is a matter of opinion to the shooter, but I think we can all agree that there is a certain ability of the shooter and equipment to achieve "precision". For me, precision is more of a mindset than a number or statistic. If I am confident that me, the shooter, and my equipment (rifle, ammunition, optic, rest etc.) can accurately and confidently engage and impact a specific target, then I have achieved what I consider "precision". Now, many people may have differing opinions or feelings on what precision is and means to the long range shooter, but again, I will bet that all of those considerations will include common tools: accurate and predictable ammunition, an accurate rifle and an adequate optic. The ammunition is where I step in.

Here we are at the most important topic of my first ever blog entry. What defines quality ammunition that can produce the kind of precision needed for competition or long range hunting? Well, let me enlighten you, with my personal opinions and experience. I think with the literal explosion of the long range shooting scene over the last few years, there has been some incredible advancements in the industry whether it be rifles, optics or ammunition. There is certainly very good and very accurate ammunition available at your local sporting goods store. There is no denying that. A lot of manufacturers like Hornady, Federal, Berger and Barnes, to name a few, have embraced the need for quality, long range ammunition that is readily available to the consumer. It has all proven to be satisfactory for the long range game, but is it good, or just good enough? Not to mention a box of 20 Hornady match grade ammunition can be upwards of $70. That is $3.50 per round for you math wizzes out there. Will people pay for that? Absolutely. But why not step into the custom world and get better ammunition for, in most cases, less money, but most importantly, more consistent accuracy that is customized to your specific rifle and your specific needs. The issue that I see with all off the shelf ammunition is that it is developed with liability in mind, and for good reason with our sue happy society that we live in. But with that, means the ammunition is developed to minimum specifications to make sure that it will chamber and fire safely in every single rifle that is chambered to that that round. The issue with this reality, is that you sacrifice velocity, you sacrifice consistency in a lot of cases and you sacrifice potential accuracy. I think we can all agree that consistent sub-MOA accuracy is HIGHLY important to achieving our "precision" mindset at long ranges. I certainly don't doubt that your grandpa's 30-30 with iron sites and 27 year old ammunition can smoke a deer at 100 yards, but when we are talking about making accurate shots, without a second chance at 1000 yards, ol' trusty just isn't going to cut it. And let's be honest, your $10,000 long range rig is only as good as the ammunition it fires.

So what does this all mean? Well, it means that if you want to play in the long range game, you first have to be ready to spend a little coin. After your wallet is empty, it is time to get that new toy dialed in. Now if you are after supreme accuracy and consistency, but maybe do not have the time or desire to handload your own ammunition, Powder River Precision is here to help. We offer custom handloading and load development that is tailored to your shooting system and needs. In the future I will post some blog entries that dive in to our processes further and give an in depth look at what sets Powder River Precision apart from the competition!