Episodes

  • Why You Should Be Annealing for Precision Reloading
    Mar 20 2026

    In this episode, the hosts dive deep into one of the most important—but often misunderstood—steps in precision reloading: annealing. They break down why brass work-hardens over time, how that impacts neck tension and consistency, and why proper annealing is critical for achieving reliable performance at long distances.

    The conversation explores the differences between traditional torch-based annealing and more precise, repeatable methods, highlighting how consistency plays a major role in improving accuracy. The hosts also discuss real-world testing data, seating force variations, and how internal case conditions—like carbon buildup—can significantly affect bullet seating and overall performance.

    Additional topics include:

    • How brass hardness impacts reloading consistency
    • The role of friction inside the case neck
    • Why over-cleaning brass can hurt performance
    • Practical tips for improving seating force consistency
    • Variations between brass manufacturers and what actually matters
    • Workflow improvements and automation for high-volume reloaders

    Whether you’re new to reloading or looking to fine-tune your process, this episode offers valuable insights to help you achieve better consistency and performance on the range.

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    17 mins
  • Shooting Match Prep Secrets & Reloading Myths (Explained)
    Mar 14 2026

    In this episode of the Forster Podcast, we sit back down in the studio for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from upcoming precision rifle matches to the technical side of reloading and rifle setup.

    With the spring match season approaching, we discuss preparations for our upcoming regional qualifier, how stage design evolves over time, and what it takes to run successful precision rifle matches.

    The conversation also dives into several new projects in development, including work around the 30 Whitetail cartridge, barrel testing, and new suppressor adapter concepts designed to reduce recoil while maintaining sound suppression.

    A large portion of the episode focuses on a listener question about bullet seating depth, die setup, and potential pressure concerns, leading to a detailed discussion on:
    • How to properly set up a seating die
    • Why overall length measurements can be misleading
    • The importance of finding the lands in your specific rifle
    • When deeper seating actually increases or decreases pressure
    • Common reloading mistakes shooters make

    We also share real-world examples from the shop about chamber tolerances, reamer differences, and why small dimensional changes can create big problems when reloading or switching barrels.

    Whether you're a competitive shooter, hunter, or serious handloader, this episode is packed with practical insights into the details that matter when building accurate and reliable rifle systems.

    Topics Covered
    • PRS and regional precision rifle matches
    • The new 30 Whitetail cartridge
    • Suppressor + muzzle brake hybrid setups
    • Reloading die setup and bullet seating depth
    • Finding the lands in a rifle chamber
    • Chamber tolerances and reamer differences
    • Real-world troubleshooting for reloaders


    Visit our website: https://www.forsterproducts.com

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    47 mins
  • Pro Shooters Break Down Match Strategy, Reloading, and What Actually Makes You a Better Shooter
    Mar 6 2026

    In this episode of the Forster Products Podcast, the host sits down with accomplished PRS competitors Austin Orgain of Custom Rifle Barrels and Ace Precision and Ryan Beck of Beck Built Rifles to talk about what actually separates top shooters from everyone else.

    The conversation dives deep into match experience, shooting fundamentals, reloading processes, cartridge selection, rifle setup, and the mental side of precision rifle competition.

    Austin and Ryan share lessons learned from hundreds of matches and thousands of rounds downrange, including how experienced shooters approach stage strategy, why small corrections matter, and how lighting conditions and mirage can completely change what you see on the target.

    They also discuss the realities of practice, why most shooters overthink their equipment choices, and what new competitors should focus on if they want to improve quickly.

    Whether you're a new shooter or chasing the top of the leaderboard, this episode covers practical insights from competitors who have spent years refining their systems.

    Topics covered include:

    • Match strategy and decision making under the clock
    • Reloading processes and accuracy expectations
    • Cartridge choices like the 6 Creedmoor vs Dasher
    • Managing recoil and rifle balance
    • Mirage, lighting conditions, and elevation changes
    • Avoiding mental mistakes during matches
    • The fastest way new shooters can improve

    If you enjoy precision rifle shooting, PRS competition, and learning how top competitors think through a match, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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    45 mins
  • National Champion Secrets: Reloading, Training & Winning with Austin Orgain
    Feb 27 2026

    In this episode of the Forster Products Podcast, we sit down with competitive shooter Austin Orgain to talk about his journey from local club matches to winning at the highest levels of precision rifle competition.

    Austin shares how he got started, the mindset behind success in two-day national matches, and what separates good shooters from great ones. We also dive deep into reloading philosophy, gear choices, confidence behind the rifle, and the reality of building consistency under match pressure.

    Whether you’re new to precision rifle shooting or chasing your next podium finish, this conversation is packed with real-world insight from someone who’s been there and done it.

    In this episode:

    • Austin’s path from early shooting sports to national competition
    • Why two-day matches accelerate growth
    • Reloading process and practical accuracy tips
    • Load development, confidence, and match mindset
    • The story behind starting CRB (Custom Rifle Barrels)
    • Competition, business, and balancing family life

    If you’re serious about improving your shooting or just love hearing how top competitors think — this one’s for you.

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    44 mins
  • Kestrel Ballistics Masterclass: How to Hit at 1–3 Miles
    Feb 13 2026

    If you're missing long-range shots, it's probably not your rifle… it's your data.
    In this episode of the Forster Products Podcast, we sit down with Chase Stroud of Pump’s Precision Rifle Training to break down how to properly use a Kestrel ballistic solver for first-round impacts — even past a mile.

    We cover:

    • The #1 mistake shooters make with their environment settings
    • How “dirty air” ruins your wind calls
    • Why you MUST update density altitude throughout the day
    • Truing muzzle velocity vs truing ballistic coefficient
    • Advanced wind angle math (full value, half value, 80% winds)
    • How mirage distorts elevation
    • Why most shooters under-hold wind
    • The difference between holding vs dialing wind
    • How to “true” wind during a match
    • Barrel wear and how it affects ballistic performance
    • Advanced long-range techniques used at 2 miles+

    Everything in shooting is deterministic… except wind.
    Garbage in = garbage out. Learn how to put the right numbers into your solver so you get impacts instead of excuses.

    If you want hands-on training — from beginner precision rifle all the way to advanced 2-mile ELR — check out Pump’s Precision Rifle Training here:
    https://pumpsprecisionrifletraining.com/
    Train smart. Update your environment. Hold more wind.

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    31 mins
  • Elite Shooters Explain Their Loading Processes
    Jan 30 2026

    In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Erik Cortina alongside Chase and Josh for a deep, no-nonsense conversation about precision reloading, consistency, and what actually matters when chasing performance on target.

    We break down real-world reloading processes used by top-level shooters, including why shiny brass doesn’t equal better ammo, how shoulder bump tolerances really work, and why extreme spread numbers don’t always tell the full story. From annealing frequency and neck tension to powder charge consistency, humidity control, and barrel maintenance — this episode cuts through internet myths and focuses on repeatable results.

    Erik shares hard-earned insights from competition shooting, R&D work, and load development across countless cartridges, emphasizing one core idea: believe the target, not just the numbers.

    Whether you’re loading for PRS, ELR, F-Class, or just trying to build more consistent ammo, this episode is packed with practical takeaways that can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary rabbit holes.

    Topics covered include:

    • Reloading workflows that prioritize consistency over aesthetics
    • Shoulder bump tolerances and why chasing exact numbers is a trap
    • Annealing frequency and brass life
    • Neck tension, seating depth, and powder charge balance
    • Velocity vs group size — what really wins matches
    • Why SD and ES don’t always predict performance
    • Humidity, powder moisture, and loading environment control
    • Barrel maintenance and knowing when a barrel is “done”
    • Developing a repeatable process you can actually troubleshoot

    If you’re serious about precision shooting and want fewer opinions and more real-world experience, this one’s for you.

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    36 mins
  • All You Need To Know About F-Class
    Jan 9 2026

    Thinking about trying F-Class shooting but not sure where to start?
    In this episode of Straight Shooters Podcast, we sit down with Mike Summers, an experienced F-Class competitor and match director, to break down what F-Class really is — and why more shooters should give it a try.


    We cover everything from getting started with the rifle you already own, to how F-Class matches are structured, what gear actually matters (and what doesn’t), and why the community is far more welcoming than most people expect. Whether you’re coming from service rifle, PRS, or casual range shooting, this episode removes the intimidation factor and explains F-Class in plain terms.


    Topics Covered:

    • What F-Class shooting is (mid-range vs long-range)
    • F-Open vs F-TR explained simply
    • What rifle, rest, and ammo you actually need to start
    • Match formats, scoring, and X-counts
    • How local, state, regional, and national matches differ
    • Why most shooters are holding themselves back unnecessarily
    • Reloading philosophy for F-Class (accuracy vs overthinking)
    • Barrel cleaning, SDs, and trusting the paper
    • Youth shooters, women in the sport, and growing participation
    • How to find F-Class matches near you

    If you’ve ever thought “I’m not good enough to show up to a match” — this episode is for you. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s learning, camaraderie, and having a great day on the range.

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    51 mins
  • How Forster Reloading Dies Are Made: Full Process Breakdown, Brass Fit, Reamers & Shop Insights
    Dec 29 2025

    In this episode of the Forster Products Straight Shooters Podcast, Josh and Scott take you deep inside the entire die-making process — from raw bar stock to polished, precision tools ready for your reloading bench.


    They break down how Forster sources their steel, how sizing dies and seating dies are actually made, why reamer design matters, and the small but critical details that separate good dies from great ones. You’ll also hear real-world examples of chamber differences, brass growth, shoulder bump, spring-back, bushing tolerances, and why custom dies can be so tricky.

    Plus:
    • Behind-the-scenes stories of the shop
    • How Forster handles heat treat, polishing, reaming, and honing
    • What really causes stuck brass and chamber fit issues
    • The people behind the dies — shoutouts to almost the entire Forster team
    • A first look at small-base dies and experimental 30 Whitetail setups

    If you’ve ever wondered “How are high-quality dies actually made?” — this is the most detailed explanation you’ll find anywhere.

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    53 mins