Team Hornady Celebrates the -Centennial- National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry

[Len Backus]

In conjunction with the Garand Collectors Association, Hornady was pleased to field a shooting team at Camp Perry, Ohio for the 100th Anniversary of the National Matches. Not only was Team Hornady on the firing line, but was honored to be led by Team Captain, R. Lee Ermey, aka "The Gunny" of the television show Mail Call and of course also as the notorious "Gunnery Sergeant Hartman" in the movie Full Metal Jacket. Gunny Ermey was on hand to meet the men and women that come to compete in what has been nicknamed America's "World Series of the Shooting Sports" -- The National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

More a collection of shooting industry members and associates, Team Hornady comprised of Team Captain, R. Lee Ermey (former-Marine, Glock), Coach; Mike Gingher (former-Marine, Armalite), shooting members; Dave Emary (Hornady chief ballistician), Joe Thielen (Hornady engineer), Dennis DeMille (former-Marine, Creedmoor Sports, and also a member of the newly crowned 2007 National Champion Team Creedmoor shooting team - 2007 NRA Highpower Champions), Bob Schanen (Glock), Charlie Topp (former-Marine, Armalite), and Jerry Van Treek (former-Marine). Non-firing members were: Michael Sapporito (CMP Projects Manager), William (Billy) Van Treek, Frank Evica (former-Marine), Guy Fillinger, David Zafke (former-Marine), Kevin Winkler and Neil Davies (former-Marine, Hornady).

Last year Team Hornady competed with the M1 Garand; this year, all team members shot M1A Service Rifles for the National Trophy Team (NTT) Match. Team Hornady consisted mostly of former-Marines, and to a man, they can handle the M1A with skill. Although the scores weren't for record, Dennis DeMille posted the highest score for the Team Hornady shooters. Nipping at his heels was Bob Schanen who put on a literal period of instruction at the 600 yard line. As all of those that were at Camp Perry during Service Rifle Week can attest, the weather was brutally hot and humid. Everyone on the team made it through the day, but unfortunately there were a few unlucky souls from other teams that suffered heat related injuries. The conditions were tough, and the day was long, but the camaraderie and fellowship was beyond compare.

Aside from shooting, Hornady personnel were also on-hand throughout the week to display products and talk to the shooters. The 80 grain .224 A-Max bullet has been well received and was the recipient of many accolades, as were the myriad of reloading tools and presses on display.

Hornady would like to congratulate all the shooters that participated at Camp Perry this year, and send a special thank you to all those that have chosen to compete or use Hornady products in competition in any shooting disciplines. As always, "Camp Perry is more than a rifle match, it's what separates us (Americans), from them" - Bob Schanen.

Hornady Manufacturing Company has been a leading supplier of bullets, ammunition, and reloading accessories for over 50 years. Well respected in the shooting, hunting and match arena, Hornady guarantees the type of performance shooters demand from their bullets and ammunition.