Justin Skaret’s silver-medal finish in the long-range sling division at the 2026 Southwest Nationals isn’t just another podium story—it’s a masterclass in precision engineering triumphing over Phoenix’s notorious desert winds. Shooting at Ben Avery Shooting Facility under the Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club banner, Skaret leaned on Berger’s 153.5gr LR Hybrid Target bullets, Vihtavuori N160 powder, and Lapua 260 Remington cases to thread the needle through gusts that humbled lesser setups. This combo didn’t just hold zero; it sliced through mirage and crosswinds like a scalpel, proving Berger’s hybrid design—blending high-BC efficiency with flat-base stability—excels where boat-tails falter in real-world chaos. For reloaders watching closely, Skaret’s load data is gold: N160’s clean burn and temperature stability paired with those Berger projectiles delivered the sub-MOA groups needed to edge out the field.
What elevates this beyond a personal win is its ripple effect on the 2A community, where every match like this reinforces the Second Amendment’s heartbeat: skilled marksmanship as the ultimate check against tyranny. In an era of ammo shortages and regulatory squeezes, Skaret’s success spotlights accessible, high-performance components from Berger, Vihtavuori, and Lapua—brands that empower everyday patriots to build competition-grade rigs without corporate overlords dictating terms. It’s a reminder that long-range precision isn’t reserved for elite units; with the right bullets and a steady sling, Joe Sixpack can outshoot the pros, bolstering our collective deterrence. As wind calls grow more unpredictable (thanks, climate or not), expect this Berger loadout to dominate PRS circuits, inspiring a surge in 6.5 Creedmoor/260 Rem builds that keep American rifle culture firing on all cylinders.
The implications? Reloaders, take notes—this isn’t hype; it’s empirical proof that Berger’s R&D is arming the Second Amendment one bullet at a time. Skaret’s run signals a shift toward hybrid targets as the go-to for sling shooters facing variable winds, potentially pressuring competitors to innovate faster. For the 2A faithful, it’s validation: our tools aren’t just surviving scrutiny; they’re winning nationals, one doppler-tested BC point at a time. Congrats, Justin—keep pushing those wind limits.
