Precision Rifle Ammunition Development

Instructor:
SFC (Ret.) Brandon Green

Email:

Price:
$550 per student

Class Size:
Maximum 8 students

Overview

This comprehensive, hands-on course is designed for shooters across all precision rifle disciplines who want to maximize performance through disciplined, repeatable handloading. Whether your focus is PRS or NRL competition, F-Class, Benchrest, ELR, long-range hunting, or general precision shooting, this course teaches the processes and decision-making required to produce consistent, match-grade ammunition tailored to your individual rifle. Instruction emphasizes safety, component selection, process control, and data-driven load development, helping shooters understand why properly built handloads consistently outperform factory ammunition in precision applications. Students must provide their own components and caliber-specific tooling, with pre-course consultation available once a deposit is placed.

Target Audience

• Precision rifle shooters seeking tighter groups and improved consistency
• Competitive shooters in PRS, NRL, F-Class, Benchrest, or ELR disciplines
• Long-range hunters focused on reliable, ethical performance
• Reloaders transitioning from general reloading to precision-focused methods

Prerequisites:
Basic familiarity with metallic cartridge reloading is required, or completion of an introductory reloading course. A working understanding of precision rifle fundamentals is strongly recommended.

Course Duration

1–2 days, typically 8–14 hours total, combining classroom instruction, hands-on bench work, and live-fire testing where facilities allow.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Select and prepare components specifically for precision rifle applications
• Set up and use reloading equipment for maximum consistency and control
• Develop and evaluate loads optimized for their individual rifle
• Understand key accuracy drivers including neck tension, concentricity, runout, and seating depth
• Log data correctly and make informed adjustments based on results
• Produce safe, repeatable, match-grade ammunition with confidence

Course Outline

Day 1 – Precision Reloading Fundamentals and Preparation

• Precision handloading vs. general reloading principles
• Safety protocols and best practices for high-precision work
• Component selection: brass, primers, powders, and bullets across multiple disciplines
• Case preparation techniques including trimming, chamfering, primer pocket work, neck preparation, and annealing concepts
• Measuring tools and techniques: calipers, micrometers, headspace gauges, comparators, and concentricity measurement
• Press and die setup for precision work including sizing methods, shoulder bump control, and neck tension management
• Powder charging methods focused on consistency and repeatability
• Bullet seating techniques including CBTO measurement, seating depth tuning, and quality control
• Inspection and batch control to minimize variation

Day 2 – Load Development and Testing

• Load development methods including ladder testing, OCW, and velocity node identification
• Seating depth tuning and group analysis
• Live-fire testing from 100 to 500+ yards when range facilities allow
• Data logging, ballistic consistency evaluation, and BC verification
• Diagnosing common precision issues such as flyers and vertical dispersion
• Final review, student ammunition evaluation, and next-step guidance

Required Equipment (Student Provided)

• Precision rifle, zeroed and suitable for accuracy testing
• Reloading equipment including press, dies, scale, and calipers
• Components for approximately 100–200 rounds (brass, bullets, primers, powder)
• Reloading manuals or trusted data sources
• Notebook or data book for recording measurements and results
• Eye and ear protection and standard range gear

Note: Limited loaner equipment may be available. Contact in advance for details.

What’s Included

• Expert instruction focused on precision reloading systems and workflow
• Handouts, checklists, and reference materials
• Access to specialized measuring tools and demonstration equipment