Team Vihtavuori shooter Chad Heckler has secured his second International Precision Rifle Federation (IPRF) Limited Division World Championship title. Heckler’s victory came at the 2026 IPRF Centerfire World Championship, hosted from September 24-28 at Gravestone Precision Shooting in Lipan, Texas. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Heckler within the elite ranks of international precision rifle competition.
The championship assembled a formidable field of the world's top precision rifle competitors, with athletes representing more than 20 countries. Adhering to the IPRF's standardized international format, the event challenged participants across 20 demanding stages. Competitors fired a total of 200 rounds at targets strategically placed between 300 and 1,000 yards, rigorously testing their skill, accuracy, and consistency under pressure.
Heckler's commanding performance saw him clinch the Limited Division title with an impressive score of 171 out of 200 points. His success was underpinned by a meticulously developed and consistent load. Heckler's championship-winning ammunition featured Berger 30 Caliber 185 Grain Hybrid Target bullets, paired with Lapua 308 Winchester brass, and propelled by Vihtavuori N150 powder. This specific combination is reported to have delivered the precision and consistency essential for navigating the challenging course of fire and securing the top position.
Reflecting on his win, Heckler stated that the match was the "culmination of two years of hard work." He acknowledged the high level of competition, noting the field was comprised of expert shooters from across the globe, including numerous professional match winners and even a Golden Bullet winner. Heckler emphasized that the outcome could have easily shifted, underscoring the intense competition and the narrow margins at the highest levels of the sport.
The International Precision Rifle Federation provides a standardized international competition structure, bringing together the world's best precision rifle athletes. In the United States, the U.S. Precision Rifle Association (USPRA) is tasked with selecting and organizing the athletes who represent Team USA on the international stage. Beyond his individual accomplishment, Heckler also praised the overall performance of Team USA, which earned top honors across all division categories. He expressed pride in Team USA’s collective success, as well as for competitors from other nations who achieved podium finishes alongside them.
This second IPRF Limited Division World Championship title solidifies Chad Heckler's standing as a preeminent competitor in the precision rifle community, demonstrating sustained excellence on the global stage.
