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.

Thinking about getting into Precision Rifle Shooting (PRS) but not sure where to start—or worried you don’t have the “right” gear? In this episode, we break down what actually matters when entering PRS competitions, straight from experienced shooters and match directors who’ve seen hundreds of competitors come through their matches. 

We cover:

• The best calibers for new shooters (and which ones to avoid)
• Whether you really need to reload—or if factory ammo can work
• Minimum rifle, optic, and accuracy requirements
• Gear you can borrow vs. what’s worth buying
• How to upgrade gradually without blowing your budget
• Why PRS has one of the most welcoming communities in shooting sports
• What match directors want new shooters to know before showing up

If you’ve ever thought: “I want to try PRS, but I don’t think I’m ready yet…” This episode is for you.

Whether you show up with a factory rifle, borrowed gear, or just to watch—the hardest part is signing up. Everything else can be figured out along the way. Drop your questions in the comments or reach out if you’re thinking about your first match.

Unlock the secrets of precision rifle load development with this in-depth episode featuring competitive shooter and match director Rick Kutcher! Josh and Rick break down every step of their reloading process, compare methods, discuss tools, and share the exact techniques they use to build consistent, match-winning ammo.

Whether you're new to reloading or refining your advanced process, this episode is full of insight on:

• Brass prep (wet tumble vs dry tumble)
• Mandrels, bushings, neck tension & sizing
• Seating depth & powder selection
• SD/ES and how they REALLY affect performance
• How pros read point of impact vs velocity during load development
• Cleaning cycles, barrel life & tuning
• Primers, pressure signs, and eliminating fliers
• Hunting loads vs match loads…and MUCH more.

Explore tools, guides, and articles at: https://forsterproducts.com

In this episode of the Forster Reloading Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most common questions in precision reloading — what’s the real difference between an expander ball and a mandrel?

Josh and Scott break down the mechanics behind each, when you should use one over the other, and how both impact your brass consistency, neck tension, and overall precision.

We also wrap up the 2025 match season, thank our amazing sponsors and shooters, and talk about what’s coming next for 2026.

Topics covered:

• Expander ball vs mandrel — push vs pull sizing
• How to choose the right method for your process
• When a mandrel really shines (especially for wildcatting)
• The truth about neck tension, bushing dies, and brass life
• Forster’s approach to precision die design

In this episode, Scott and Josh break down one of the most misunderstood aspects of long-range shooting — the Ballistic Coefficient (BC). 🎯

They dive into what BC actually means, why the number printed on your bullet box doesn’t always match real-world performance, and how to true your BC for YOUR rifle to get more accurate hits downrange.

Whether you’re shooting PRS, NRL, or just stretching your rifle at the range, understanding how to measure, adjust, and apply BC can be the difference between a solid hit and a frustrating miss.

👉 In this episode:

• What Ballistic Coefficient (BC) really means
• Why factory BC numbers don’t always match your setup
• How to true your BC for accuracy beyond 600 yards
• The importance of velocity, bore height, and environment data
• Real-world examples from competition and match prep
• Tips for consistent data and performance

Scott and Josh also share behind-the-scenes insights from their latest matches, the tools they use (like Garmin chronographs), and the best ways to keep your ballistic data dialed in.

Inside Forster Products: Innovation, Precision & What’s Next! | Podcast with Vince Alber

In this episode, Scott from Forster Products sits down with Vince Alber — one of the driving forces behind Forster’s cutting-edge designs and manufacturing. Together, they dive deep into the evolution of Forster Products, from improving production processes to developing brand-new reloading tools for precision shooters and gunsmiths.

Topics Covered:

• How Forster tackled manufacturing challenges and modernized production
• The story behind the Co-Ax XL Press and why it’s changing the game
• New tools like the Neck Tension Gauge, AQ Rings, and Micrometer Powder Measure
• Big updates in headspace gauges — now including CIP cartridges
• Inside look at Forster’s chamber reamers and piloted roughing drills
• Sneak peek at upcoming products debuting at SHOT Show, including a new precision primer seater
• How Forster balances innovation, affordability, and quality for reloaders everywhere

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, gunsmith, or precision handloader, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Forster continues to raise the bar in reloading technology.

In this episode of the Straight Shooters Podcast, Josh and Scott dive deep into the world of wildcat cartridges—why shooters experiment with them, how they’re formed, and what advantages they bring on the range and in the field.

They break down the process of converting standard brass, choosing the right tools, and what makes calibers like the 25x47 so effective for balancing recoil, wind advantage, and bullet signature. You’ll hear practical insights on Forster’s dies, bushing setups, and seating tools, along with some fun side stories about Illinois deer hunting cartridges, unique coyote builds, and even the idea of creating a brand-new “Forster Man Cartridge.”

Whether you’re a precision shooter, reloader, or just curious about cartridge development, this conversation is packed with takeaways you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Scott from Forster sits down with Rod Hartman, a former owner of Forster Products, along with Josh from the team. Rod shares his 50-year journey at Forster—from starting as a machinist on Christmas break to becoming an innovator behind some of the most influential reloading tools in the industry.

We cover:

• The history and growth of Forster Products
• Stories from the shop floor and customer interactions
• Innovations like the micrometer seating die, datum dial, and 3-in-1 case trimmer
• Lessons for reloaders on brass, dies, and neck tension
• Balancing tradition with new ideas for the future of reloading

If you’re passionate about reloading, machining, or the history behind the tools you use, this conversation is packed with insight, stories, and lessons you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Forster Podcast, Scott and Josh dive deep into one of the most important — and sometimes overlooked — aspects of precision reloading: finding the lands in your rifle.

We break down multiple methods, including the Hornady OAL gauge, custom case modifications, and Josh’s personal “feel” technique. You’ll learn why finding the lands matters, how different bullets impact measurements, and why consistency is more important than perfection.

We also touch on:

•  Common pitfalls when measuring lands
• Why magazine length and chamber pressure matter
• Tips for new reloaders to avoid mistakes
• How seating depth impacts accuracy and harmonics

Whether you’re new to reloading or a seasoned precision shooter, this episode will give you practical tools and insights to improve your process.

📍Explore tools, guides, and articles at: https://forsterproducts.com