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.

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.

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.