In Episode 259 of the Long Range Shooting and Custom Rifle Building Podcast, Jamie Dodson answers a question we hear all the time: how long does it really take to become a great shooter?

Inspired by a conversation with listener Monty, Jamie breaks down why some shooters can spend 10–20 years on the range and still feel "stuck," while others make huge gains in a short time—once they learn the right fundamentals, get good coaching, and start fixing the small issues that silently wreck performance (rifle setup, ammo, optics, fundamentals, and process).

You'll also hear an update as Wolf Precision gears up for SHOT Show—including where to find us (Booth 70310) and why we're excited to show the industry what's next with the Gen 4 ACE Chamber System.

Plus: Jamie shares what's coming next on the podcast—a repost of our Fundamentals of Marksmanship series and the Four Pillars of Marksmanship, posted in order so you can follow along and build skill fast.

Want to train with us?
We have limited openings left for this year at our 3-Day Long Range Shooting School (wolfprecision.net).

Giveaway:
We're also giving away two in-person class slots for the August class—one for free followers and one for Wolf Pack members—to be drawn April 15 on Patreon..

Giveaway info & Patreon link: Check the links below and don't forget to register.

• Register to win slot number one by following us on Patreon here!
• Register to win slot number two by joining The Wolf Pack here!

Welcome back to Episode 258 of the Long Range Shooting & Custom Rifle Building Podcast presented by Wolf Precision Incorporated. Jamie Dotson wishes everyone a Happy New Year and shares what he believes is the number one reason to get into long-range shooting: it's magical.

From the unforgettable pause between the shot and the impact, to the satisfaction of steering a bullet through wind and distance, Jamie explains why ringing steel at 1,000 yards never gets old—and why stepping away from shooting for too long makes you forget just how much fun it really is. He also dives into the camaraderie of the shooting community, the friendships it creates, and why this sport has a way of making people feel like they belong.

Plus: a reminder about the two all-inclusive Long Range Shooting School giveaway slots—one for people who follow Wolf Precision on Patreon (free), and one for Wolf Pack members.

Giveaway info & Patreon link: Check the links below and don't forget to register.

• Register to win slot number one by following us on Patreon here!
• Register to win slot number two by joining The Wolf Pack here!

Winners will be randomly selected and announced April 15th, 2026

Class date is August 17-19, 2026

Class slots are transferable and have no cash value

Travel and lodging is not included

Class date will be coordinated directly with the winner

Class date may not be moved or transferred to another date

One entry per person per giveaway

Multiple accounts used to enter the same giveaway may be disqualified

In this special Christmas episode of the Long Range Shooting and Custom Rifle Building Podcast, Jamie Dodson wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and announces two all-inclusive giveaway slots for Wolf Precision's 2026 Long Range Shooting School.

Stick around to the end of the episode to learn how to register and win, including one slot with no strings attached and a second slot reserved for Wolf Pack members.

We also continue our Because You Asked series with a very common—and very serious—question: sticky bolt lift. Listener "Anthony" reached out after experiencing extremely stiff bolt lift and ultimately damaging his action while shooting suppressed during a match. Jamie breaks down:

• Why sticky bolt lift happens

• How suppressor back pressure affects bolt-action rifles

• Why rapid fire and heat make the problem worse

• How lug galling occurs—and why forcing the bolt is a costly mistake

• Practical ways to mitigate the issue, including load selection, suppressor choice, lubrication, and barrel cooling

This episode is a must-listen for anyone shooting bolt guns suppressed, especially in match or high-volume scenarios.

Jamie also reflects on gratitude, giving back, and the incredible community that surrounds long-range shooting—closing out the year with a message of humility, appreciation, and forward momentum.

Merry Christmas from Jamie and everyone at Wolf Precision—and thank you for being part of the journey.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a five-star review and share it—it helps us more than you know.

• Register to win slot number one by following us on Patreon here!
• Register to win slot number two by joining The Wolf Pack here!

Winners will be randomly selected and announced April 15th, 2026

Class date is August 17-19, 2026

Class slots are transferable and have no cash value

Travel and lodging is not included

Class date will be coordinated directly with the winner

Class date may not be moved or transferred to another date

One entry per person per giveaway

Multiple accounts used to enter the same giveaway may be disqualified