Andrew Hyder: a well-rounded shooter
Andrew spends most of his time competing in the open division of the United States Practical Shooting Division (USPSA) and International Practical Shooting Convention (IPSC). A fierce competitor, who over the last five years has risen to the top of the national rankings, winning numerous State, Sectional and Area Championships, Andrew has consistently placed in the top 10 nationally, with winning a National title being one of his most important goals.
Always mindful of what it takes to be successful, Andrew recognizes that competitive shooting requires a great support system and having key people and companies in your corner can make all the difference. Hornady fits perfectly in that role.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Canal Winchester, Ohio and when I’m not shooting, I enjoy working on guns and gun projects, load development, and putting miles on my Harley. I grew up racing motorcycles, which I did for a living for six years. Motorcycles have always and will always be a part of my life.
What age were you when you started shooting, and who taught you?
I didn’t shoot my first gun until after I quit racing, when I was around 24 or 25 years old, so about 10 years ago. I went shooting with a couple of friends and just really enjoyed it. When I quit racing, I was looking for something to fill that void and with shooting I found it.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from shooting?
I would not say it is just one thing. Shooting is really a sport, for me at least. It is very similar to racing, in that every little thing counts, including foot placement, grip, stance and trigger control. All these things are extremely important, especially when shooting a national level. Shooting teaches you so much, I think it would be hard to pinpoint one thing.
Who has been your biggest influence in shooting, and why?
My mom and dad always supported my racing and they still support my shooting, but they just don’t know much about the sport to really be involved. My biggest influence has been Kendall Merrill of Trigger Sports Management. He saw talent in me early on and helped me grow my mindset, sponsors and develop a complete program as a professional shooter. I lost Kendall late last year to cancer.
What is your specialty and what led you to choose that?
My specialty is fast accurate splits - the time in between shots fired. I have always had quick reflexes from racing and that just transitioned into the shooting game.
How do you prepare for a competition?
I try to dry fire at least once a day during the week and when peak training is in full swing, I try to shoot 1,500 plus rounds a week on top of dry fire. Then there is gun maintenance to factor in.
Tell us about your competition set up.
I’m a factory shooter for Infinity Firearms in Gordon, Texas, so I shoot an Infinity IMM 2011 Hi Capacity 1911 chambered in 38 Super Comp. It’s what they call a middy, 4.5” hybrid barrel, with four holes, plus the comp. I run really light triggers; they are all under 1lb! My optic is a Sig Sauer Romeo3 XL, 6 MOA and I load all of my ammo using Hornady Brass and 125 grain HAP bullets.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Winning multiple major matches, including State and Area Championships. Winning stages at the US Handgun Nations and being recognized as one of the top shooters in the sport. Most recently I’ve been selected to represent the United States in the IPSC World Shoot in Thailand. I’m also proud to be able to represent some great companies in this industry, including Hornady!
What are your goals for the future?
I will be a US National Champion.
How long have you been a Hornady shooter and what is it you love about their products?
I have been a Team Hornady member since 2015. They make the best, most reliable and most accurate products in the industry by far. In my sport, reliability, and accuracy is the key and I get both of these things with Hornady!
