Robert Hoppe of Nevada probably has an embarrassing nickname or two to his credit, but his friends are calling him "deadeye" since he shattered the standing 600-yard light gun five-shot group record at a National Benchrest Shooters Association (NBRSA) registered match in Sacramento, California on October 28, 2007. Hoppe's 0.5823" certified record group was shot with Hornady 105-grain A-MAX® bullets, using Varget powder from a 6mm Dasher (Light Gun) with a 28" Hart Barrel, Panda Action with Jewell trigger, Dierks carbon fiber stock, and Nightforce 8-32X scope. Hoppe's group represents the smallest five-shot group ever recorded in registered 600 yard benchrest competition.

"Success is a matter of finding the perfect combination of bullets and powder to work with your gun," said Hoppe. "The A-MAX® bullets were the right combination for me..." Hoppe has been a lifelong hunter and reloader, and a long-range target shooter for 15 years. He has participated in 600-yard competitions since 2003.

Hornady's A-MAX® bullets achieve near perfect flight with an aerodynamic secant ogive, and unequaled concentricity to deliver an extremely high ballistic coefficient. Known for extreme accuracy, the A-MAX® has become a favorite among long-range match shooters. "We congratulate Robert on an outstanding group record," said Jason Hornady, Vice President and Director of Sales for Hornady Manufacturing. "And we're pleased that the A-MAX® played a part in his record-breaking achievement."

Robert HoppeThe 600-yard competition was officially sanctioned as a benchrest discipline by the NBRSA in 2003. In the light gun category, guns must not exceed 17 pounds including scope, and competition consists of three, timed sighter periods followed by timed record-string shots. Group size is determined by measuring centerpoint to centerpoint of the most distant bullet holes. Hoppe's 0.5823" group at a combined length of six football fields is an impressive achievement among long range marksmen, and is expected to remain unchallenged for quite some time.

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.