Team Hornady Shooters Cooley & Voigt take Top Honors at Prestigious "International Tactical Rifleman's Championship"... for Sixth Time.

Two world class shooters teamed up recently in Gillette, Wyoming to win the International Tactical Rifleman's Championship for their sixth career win. Team Hornady shooters Bennie Cooley and Michael Voigt competed amongst 27 other teams comprised of Special Forces, law enforcement and military personnel over three days to win the ultimate tactical shooting championship.

The event challenges each two man team with various shooting scenarios involving pistol targets to 50 yards, carbine targets to 500 yards, and precision rifle targets to 1,000 yards. Strategy and communication are paramount between the team partners. One partner ranges and calls shots as the shooter contends with shifting winds and mirage while trying to neutralize hidden targets masked by unforgiving terrain with the least amount of rounds fired.

Bennie Cooley said, "Michael and I specifically shot Hornady ammunition over the three days of competition because we were dealing with all sorts of weather conditions and the ammo performed flawlessly. I used the 6.5mm 140 grain A-MAX bullet handloaded for my JP Rifle and 9mm 115 grain Critical Defense round for my pistol and the 223 Remington 40 grain V-MAX for my carbine and as expected the ammunition proved why Hornady is the best out there."

Steve Johnson, Hornady Marketing Communications Manager, said "Bennie and Michael's win really drives home the fact that when our ammunition is truly put to the test in field conditions by two of the best shooters in the world, it's a combination that's unbeatable."

Seasoned professional shooter Carl Bernosky recently became a member of Team Hornady. Carl brings a unique skill set to the table; as both a world class High Power shooter, action pistol competitor and custom gunsmith he is truly one of the most well rounded shooters out there.

When Carl was asked what attracted him to the company, Carl said "I've always admired Hornady as a family owned business and the family attitude that is pervasive in their business carries over into the competitive shooting world. I use their 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition for High Power competitions and in my AR platform rifles I use their V-MAX and A-MAX bullets which I handload. Additionally, I use Hornady products when developing loads for my custom rifles that I build because of the products quality and consistency."

"We are very excited to have Carl on Team Hornady; there are very few competitive shooters who have as broad and encompassing talent as Carl. We look forward to great things to come from this partnership." said Steve Johnson, Hornady Marketing Communications Manager.

The first annual Adams Arms Ozark 3-Gun Championship, held September 25 - 27, 2009 in Kaiser, Missouri brought out 100 plus shooters, with Tate Moots winning the Heavy Metal Class. Winning all eight stages, shot on natural open terrain was quite a challenge as Mother Nature's unpredictability presented various lighting conditions along with wet and muddy loose gravel for competitors to struggle with.

Moots, a member of Team Hornady for over three years selected Hornady 45 Auto 230 grain XTP ammo in his STI 1911 and 308 155 grain TAP FPD in his DPMS LR-308. Always looking for new shooting adventures, Tate also competes in Sniper Matches using Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 140 A-MAX ammunition.

After winning the Heavy Metal Class, Tate said, "Hornady ammunition never fails me. In 3-Gun competitions, it's critical for me to be able to rely on my equipment running. Hornady ammo always does just what it's suppose to, it always performs."

"The heavy metal class requires an extra level of focus due to increased recoil and iron sighted rifles, it's critical that the ammunition performs flawlessly, guys like Tate make it look easy, and we'll keep doing our best to make them look good." said Steve Johnson, Hornady Marketing Communications Manager.

If seventh heaven is a state of perfect happiness, then Max Michel, world professional shooter and member of Team Hornady, experienced that after winning the Open Division of the United States Practical Shooting Association Area 4 Championship for the seventh time. Competing in the 2009 Infinity Area 4 Championships, organized by the North Texas Practical Shooters and held at the Double Tap Ranch in Wichita Falls, Texas, Max won his division with a winning score of 1491.0745.

After the match, Max said "my shooting schedule this past year has taken me all over the country where weather conditions and temperatures have varied at times. Knowing I can count on the performance and consistency of Hornady 9mm 124 grain XTP projectiles gives me the level of confidence that I need. There was a lot of effort put into designing these stages which required me to visualize a technical strategy in how I was going to run and attack each stage in a timely manner."

Steve Johnson, Hornady Marketing Communications Manager commented, "Max's winning  performances this past year reinforce why having 100% reliable ammunition is essential to shooting a clean match. We're looking forward to the remainder of Max's competitive schedule to bring home more wins for Team Hornady."

STI Euroteam/Team Hornady swept the Standard Division of the 2009 IV Open Delta Cup, September 4 - 6, in Belgrade, Serbia. Juan Carlos Jaime Diaz of Spain shot first place, Gregory Midgley of Germany shot second, Ralf K. Jensen of Denmark shot third, and Fabrizio Pesce of Italy shot eighth, for a team score of 5732.1635 - 677 points higher than second place, and 750 points above the third place Delta SAJ - a club consisting of Serbian special antiterrorist unit members.

"Once again we thank Hornady for the great support of the team," said Jensen. "We couldn't have done it without their help and Hornady's fantastic bullets."

In the Lady Open division, STI Euroteam/Team Hornady's Irene Canetta of Italy shot second place. And Open shooter Emile Obriot of France placed sixth against very strong competition.

The Open Delta Cup draws approximately 400 shooters from throughout Europe, to compete in five divisions with 20 exciting stages involving hard cover, half-size targets, and distance variations requiring highly technical shooting skills and unwavering focus.

Hornady® Manufacturing, recently added a new member to its family of precision driven Team Hornady Shooters, Doug Koenig, competitive shooter. Both Doug and Hornady understand what it takes to consistently be the best so it's a natural partnership.

"I've relied on Hornady products for over 28 years with the .338" Caliber 225 grain SP for all of my hunting. So, it just made sense to team up with Hornady because their quality and commitment in their manufacturing standards is second to none. When shooting competitively, I'm using their 22 Caliber 52 grain HP bullets for my rifle and the 9mm 115 grain XTP™. I can trust the accuracy is going to be thereall the time."

"We are proud to have Doug join Team Hornady and we look forward to keeping the wires hot with plenty of Team Hornady action." said Steve Johnson,Hornady Marketing Communications Manager.

Returning to the hot and dry desert of Las Vegas, Nevada, Team Hornady Shooter, Max Michel, won the 2009 U.S. Practical Shooting Association National Championship for his fifth time with a winning score of 1,409 points. Attacking 16 aggressively designed stages that required fast and accurate shooting, Max relied on Hornady's 124 grain XTP™ bullets hand loaded for his custom 38 Super fora winning result.

When the scores were tallied, Max commented that he's been using Hornady products for over 10 years because "it's the most accurate round on themarket today. Competitive shooting is my full time job that I train so hard for; I can't afford to have any mishaps and for me Hornady is there eachand every time."

"Having the support of my family going into this match was important, but having Hornady as one of my sponsors providing me with quality productsallows me to perform correctly and I'm able to focus entirely on the match itself."

The XTP bullet's profile is designed to deliver flawless function in a variety of handgun platforms, and the jacket extends forward so there's nochance of bullet deformation on the feed ramp. The XTP is purpose-built for semi-auto handguns and its hollow point design shifts the center ofgravityrearward to provide the most stable flight possible; which translates to exceptional accuracy on the range.

Recently there have been notices placed on several web sites warning about the use of 17HMR ammunition in semi-automatic firearms. Statements are to the effect of do not use 17HMR ammunition in semi-auto firearms or serious injury may result and do not use unless or until you have contacted the manufacturer of your firearm. Every ammunition manufacturer determines the warning it believes is appropriate for its product.

First and foremost, the safety of our customers is our primary concern, and the same is true for all other SAAMI member companies. We are making this statement to hopefully reduce confusion, answer questions and clarify issues.

We believe 17HMR ammunition is manufactured to the highest standard of care and quality and performs within the specifications established for 17HMR ammunition and is consistent with SAAMI standards for ALL ammunition.

We are not firearms manufacturers and we believe the firearms manufacturers are solely the ones responsible for determining if and how they should market and sell a model or type of firearm. WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER OF YOUR FIREARM TO DETERMINE IF IT IS SAFE TO USE 17HMR AMMUNITION IN YOUR SPECIFIC TYPE AND MODEL OF FIREARM.

We specifically warn you: DO NOT USE 17HMR AMMUNITION IN FIREARMS IF THE MANUFACTURER OF THAT FIREARM HAS STATED IT WILL NOT SAFELY FUNCTION WITH 17HMR AMMUNITION. SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT.

Accordingly, you should only use 17HMR, and any other ammunition, in firearms specifically marked by the firearms manufacturer as designed for the ammunition you intend to use.

We specifically cannot tell you that a certain type firearm, be it semi-auto, bolt, lever, or otherwise, is safe or unsafe with this or any other ammunition. In our experience, a type of firearm is neither good or bad, safe or unsafe. To state otherwise would imply that we are qualified to state what constitutes a good or bad, safe or unsafe firearm design or type and we are not qualified to make that determination.

Junior Civilian Team Makes History at 2009 National Trophy Matches with Hornady^® Match Bullets

California GrizzliesThe California Grizzlies, a civilian junior rifle team shot Hornady 223 Rem 75 gr BTHP match bullets to make history by taking the 2009 National Trophy Infantry Team Match (NTIT), August 4th at Camp Perry, Ohio. The Grizzlies are the first-ever junior team to win the event, and the first time a civilian team beat out a military team in 79 years.

Congratulations to the outstanding young shooters who make up the California Grizzlies and their monumental achievement, Hornady is proud to have played a part in helping them make history.

Team Hornady scores personal best

Team Hornady shooters who participated in the 2009 National Trophy Team Match, shot Hornady 30-06 M1 Garand Match Ammunition to post a team high score. Team Hornady is comprised of Mike Sapporito (Team Captain), Mike Ginger (Coach), Dennis DeMille, Ken Davis, Bob Schanen, R. Lee Ermey (aka "The Gunny"), Jerry Van Treek, and Charlie Topp.

Camp Perry 2009Back row (L to R): Mike Sapporito, Ken Davis, Charlie Topp, Mike Gingher, Guy Fillinger, R. Lee Ermey (aka "The Gunny"), Dennis DeMille. Front row (L to R): Billy Van Treek, Neil Davies, Jerry Van Treek, Bob Schanen, Dave Zaffke, Frank Evika

Hornady clinics and products receive overwhelming response

The Hornady-sponsored reloading clinics held at Camp Perry were standing room only. Taught by Hornady Chief Ballistic Scientist, Dave Emary, the clinics featured basic and advanced reloading safety and techniques for service and match rifles, as well as in-depth discussion on reloading for M1 Garands and as-issued military rifles.

Hornady wins "Accessory of the Year" and "Ammo of the Year"

Hornady is honored to announce the recent win of two coveted "Academy of Excellence" Awards. The awards were presented in conjunction with the Firearms Marketing Group's (FMG) Shooting Industry Masters event held in East Granby, Connecticut July 24, 25, 2009.

Hornady was presented with Academy of Excellence awards for both "Accessory of the Year" for the new EZject™ feature on the Lock-N-Load® AP auto-progressive reloading press, and for "Ammunition of the Year" for Critical Defense™ ammunition.

Steve Johnson, Marketing Communications Manager for Hornady Manufacturing stated, "The Academy of Excellence Awards are especially prestigious and meaningful to us because all voting members of The Academy are our peers in the industry; from publications, to other manufacturers, to distributors. Winning an Academy of Excellence award means that the product was successful on every level."

Hornady has been selected as the Official Ammunition Supplier for the 2009 National Springfield and Garand Matches, August 7 and 8, in Camp Perry, Ohio. Hornady 30-06 Garand Match Ammunition will be issued to all shooters competing in the Springfield Rifle Match, John C. Garand Match, and the Vintage Military Rifle Match. 

30-06 Garand Match AmmunitionHornady 30-06 M1 Garand Match Ammunition is purpose built to allow safe and accurate firing of the M1 rifle, while providing match-winning accuracy. Loaded with a 168 gr A-MAX bullet that launches at 2,710 feet per second, Hornady M1 Garand Ammunition features carefully designed medium burn propellants that protect the M1 rifles gas port system, meeting all SAAMI guidelines.

Competitors who wish to practice with Hornady M1 Garand ammunition prior to the National Matches can purchase it from local and national retailers as well as directly from CMP Sales.

Hornady Sponsors Educational Opportunities at Camp Perry

Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) rifle students will shoot Hornady 223 Rem 75 gr BTHP match ammunition from M16 5.56mm service rifles issued by the school.

Small Arms Firing Schools are held annually during the National Matches as teaching opportunities for anyone interested in learning about shooting or improving their scores. The Pistol and Rifle Schools are conducted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) and sponsored by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Schools feature two days of instruction from the nations best rifle and pistol shooters, and conclude with the opportunity to shoot in an EIC match on the countrys most famous range.

The rifle SAFS takes place August 1 and 2. Information about can be found on the CMP website.

Hornady is also sponsoring four reloading clinics, August 1 and 2. Conducted by Dave Emary, Hornady Chief Ballistic Scientist, the clinics will feature basic reloading safety and beginning techniques for service and match rifles.  Advanced-level clinics are also being offered.

A $20 registration fee is required, and all who attend will receive a $20 certificate for Hornady merchandise redeemable at Camp Perry. Class size is limited to 20, so pre-registration is required and can be completed online on the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) website. Junior shooters interested in learning how to get started in reloading are especially encouraged to attend.

The world's best shooters rely on Hornady® bullets and ammunition to rack up impressive scores, and that's never been more evident than with recent performances by Dave Neth.

Dave Neth used 223 55 grain Varmint Express™ and 9mm 124 gr XTP™ ammunition to earn his sixth, first-place finish in the Tactical Optics division of the 11th annual MGM Iron-Man 3 Gun competition held June 11-13, 2009 in Parma, Idaho. Informally referred to as the "Mother of All 3-Gun Matches" the Iron-Man involves 10 timed stages, each requiring the use of all three guns. Competitors averaged 11 hours of intense shooting each day, and fired over 1,000 rounds of ammunition in the course of the event.

Neth also placed second in Tactical Optics division during the 2009 FNH-USA Mid-West 3 Gun Championships, June 5-7, in Fayette, Missouri.

A Team Hornady member since 2005, Neth is a national champion competitive shooter, Idaho State Trooper, and state certified firearms instructor. He has over 15 years experience in competitive shooting sports, earning first place status in Three Gun, USPSA/IPSC, Manual Rifle, Sniper matches, and Tactical Shotgun.

Hornady Manufacturing wins two NRA Golden Bullseye Awards for their 450 Bushmaster, and 300 RCM and 338 RCM (Ruger Compact Magnums)

Hornady® Manufacturing, a world-renowned leader in ballistics technology, received two National Rifle Association (NRA) Publications Golden Bullseye Awards during a special ceremony at the 2009 NRA Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona in May. Hornady received the awards for the 450 Bushmaster, which is the "Shooting Illustrated" 2009 Ammunition Product of the Year, and the 300 RCM and 338 RCM, which are the "American Hunter" 2009 Ammunition Products of the Year. Articles featuring these products appeared in the May issue of "American Rifleman" and "American Hunter," and in the June issue of "Shooting Illustrated."

"The Golden Bullseye Award acknowledges the companies and individuals who pursue excellence and innovation in the manufacture of firearms, accessories and related equipment," said Joe H. Graham, Executive Director of NRA Publications. "We honor our winners for bringing to market products remarkable in their utility to shooters and hunters."

Highly prestigious within the shooting industry, the Golden Bullseye Awards honor the finest products available in the shooting sports. Winners are chosen by a committee of NRA Publication editors and staff with more than a century of collective experience in the firearm industry. Winning criteria includes: products must be recent introductions and available to consumers; feature innovative design and function; meet or exceed field reliability expectations; and demonstrate style befitting the firearm industry as well as good purchase value.

"The Golden Bullseye Awards signify success in the shooting industry," said Hornady Manufacturing’s Steve Johnson, "Being honored by an organization as venerable as NRA Publications is extremely gratifying, as Hornady constantly strives to raise the bar for products serving hunters and shooting enthusiasts."

Nicknamed, "The Thumper," the 450 Bushmaster, a joint development between Bushmaster Firearms and Hornady Manufactuirng, introduces radical big bore performance to the AR-15 platform, and is suitable for shooting any North American game from prairie dogs to bear, by simply switching uppers. Firing a .452" 250 gr. patented FTX™ (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet, with an overall cartridge matching the 223 Remington at 2.25", the 450 Bushmaster delivers surprisingly flat trajectories and tremendous downrange energy.

The 300 RCM and 338 RCM exceed 300 and 338 Win Mag performance, but do so in short action rifles with 20" barrels. This lighter weight and compact package enables hunters to trek with greater ease through heavy brush and rugged terrain in the most extreme hunting environments. Optimized case geometry delivers more velocity with 10-15% less powder, an extended barrel life, less recoil, and lower muzzle blast. Superior temperature stability from -15°F to 140°F ensures reliable magnum performance from the Alaskan glacial fields to the African Savannah.

Two Hornady Manufacturing video productions were honored during the 29th Annual Telly Awards. The "Hornady New Products 2008" video was the recipient of a Silver Telly, the competition's highest honor, and the "Hornady History and Heritage" video received a Bronze Telly Award for outstanding work.

The Telly Awards are the premier awards honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest film and video productions, and groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected agencies and production studios in the advertising, television, cable, and corporate video industries in the world.

"I am very proud of the hard work our marketing team put forth on these projects," said Wayne Holt, Hornady Marketing Director.

The Hornady videos were selected from an intensely competitive field of 13,500 entries. Awards are highly prestigious, with less than 10% of all entries receiving a Silver Telly Award, the highest possible honor, and less than 25% receiving a Bronze Telly Award.

"To be recognized for our work on an international stage such as the prestigious Telly Awards is a huge honor," said Neil Davies, Hornady Sales and Marketing Manager. "These awards are a testament to our company, our innovative products, and all the hard work of the very talented and creative people who worked on these projects."

Master Track Productions of Lincoln, Nebraska produced the winning video and Hornady agency-of-record, Idea Bank Marketing of Hastings, Nebraska provided creative support. Both videos can be viewed using the following links...