Miles to Matches - podcast cover

Miles to Matches

Miles to Matchespodcasters.spotify.com
Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about life, friendship, discipline, Precision Rifle Competition, and many more things...while on the road putting on Miles to Matches.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

EP29 - Wind Talkers

In this episode, your hosts Francis Colon and Chad Heckler continue their discussion on wind reading, wind calls and some of the tricks they've learned to become better at centering their shots on target. The art of "reading the wind" can be difficult for even the most experienced shooters, however, learning the "science" of wind dynamics will improve your ability to manage corrections on the clock. Using everything from Kestrels to vegetation, wind charts to gut feelings, they cover the bases o...

Sep 22, 20221 hr 15 min

EP28 - This whole wind thing is pretty cool...

In this episode, your hosts Francis Colon and Chad Heckler have a random discussion that is started with some quotes from Rodney Norman... If you don't know who Rodney is, then you will after this episode. Is being a expert wind reader going to ensure that you end up at the top on match day? Maybe....maybe not.

Sep 15, 202228 min

EP27 - Are you on the right path?

In this Episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about work/family/hobby balance and their thoughts on managing it all. They also discuss Chad's recent transition to making 5X5 Precision his new full time job in order to continue to do what he loves and still be able to focus on being more present for his family.

Sep 08, 202238 min

EP26 - Dope Cards: Behind the Numbers

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon have push into the topic of communication, data cards and putting plans into action. Have you ever read a match book and thought "this looks so EASY!" only to have your dreams crushed into oblivion? Or the opposite situation: thought a stage would be the most difficult you've ever shot, but easily aced it and had an overwhelming feeling of success? If so, this episode is for you! The science of communication, interpretation and planning ...

Sep 01, 20221 hr 17 min

EP25 - Even Betty White works harder than you…

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon have an organic discussion about work ethic and motivation to be continuously climbing your way to the top of any situation in life.

Aug 25, 20221 hr

EP23 - You Asked... We Answer!

EP23 - What Do You Want to Know? In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon revisit topics discussed in previous episodes by answer listener questions. Our listeners (YOU) have reached out with a TON of questions following episodes aired over the last several month and we wanted to discuss the bulk of them in a single go. Topics covered include barrel cleaning updates, reloading specifics, brass life, cartridge selection, Kestrel tips/tricks, dry fire training, binocular mounts, ...

Aug 11, 20221 hr 15 min

EP22 - 2022 Barrel Maker Classic

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon review some of the more interesting takeaways from the 2022 Barrel Maker Classic in Wisconsin. They discuss managing the stress of bad outcomes, creative stage strategies to minimize errors and maximize points, using stages prior to plan for future stages, and more. Along with some interesting off-road excursions in the Tactical Minivan and some out-takes, this episode highlights the reasons we love the WBMC match and the Wheeler Family!...

Aug 04, 20221 hr 18 min

EP21 - The Ergonomic Interface

How do you decide between a chassis and a stock? Do you run the latest and greatest or "old faithful"? Choosing the platform that is best for your shooting style is not always easy, but it can lead to solid performance gains and increased confidence. In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about their ergonomic interface with the rifle. Having a rifle that is comfortable, balanced, and setup for you is essential for arriving at your Natural Point of Aim quickly.

Jul 28, 202249 min

EP20 - 3 Dudes…1 [AG] CUP

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk to another fellow AG Cup competitor and friend, Matt Caruso, who has won multiple AG Cup Qualifier matches. Between the 3 on this episode, there are 6 AG Cup Qualifier match wins and the 2021 AG Cup. You won't want to miss the live discussion around a bonfire the night before a 1 day club match up in northern Michigan... The discussion goes in depth on the mental preparation and mindset that they each had on those national level win...

Jul 21, 20221 hr 14 min

EP19 - PRS Reloading: Tips, Tricks and Traps!

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about their reloading processes for PRS and how they differ slightly from other disciplines. They also discuss reloading issues that can arise and what steps they feel are the most critical to having consistent ammo without a lot of extra processing or wasted time. Many shooters spend HOURS agonizing over the smallest variables in precision rifle ammo. But should you? Is it worth tinkering with neck tension in the .0005 increments? ...

Jul 14, 20221 hr 14 min

EP18 - How to DOMINATE "The Mental Games"!

What is one of the greatest differentiators between good shooters and GREAT shooters? Hint: it's not the hot cartridge or a new piece of kit; it is simply the skill of managing your thoughts and responding to stimuli without conscious effort. Managing the stress of the "new" or "novel" situations/feedback will make or break your ability to smoothly follow your process throughout a match weekend. In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about some of the more subtle aspects...

Jul 07, 20221 hr 7 min

EP17 - Should you EVER clean your Rifle?

The most controversial, subjective, debatable topic in precision rifle: What is the best way to clean a rifle barrel? Your hosts Chad and Francis cover their preferred methods for rifle bore maintenance as it relates to success in the PRS. Not all cleaning regimens are created equal and, by extension, what works for one type of competition may not work for other disciplines. Practically speaking, the best cleaning method is one that is easy to repeat, consistently, and yields the same results do...

Jun 30, 20221 hr 27 min

EP16 - A MILLION Ways to be Wrong...Choose One

Do you suffer from an inability to hit the same targets on different days? Does your dope line up one minute and not the next? Have you ever wanted to spin a random number generator to get better solutions than your solver is giving you? If so, you may be suffering from BDS: Bad Data Syndrome. We have the solution for just 10 easy payments of just $19.95 per round!... or you can just listen in and get it for free! :) In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about the input...

Jun 23, 20221 hr 4 min

EP15 - Load Development for PRS

Chad and Francis discuss developing the best load for their rifles. While many focus on hyper tuning, they each have their own take on what works to get the job done. From small groups to small SD's, they cover what they have learned to create rounds that impact their point of aim consistently from match to match... with the right wind call of course!

Jun 16, 20221 hr 5 min

EP14 - Downrange Effects W/Morgun King

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon bring on guest Morgun King to talk about reading and using various downrange effects to make corrections while on the clock.

Jun 09, 20221 hr 15 min

EP13: Next Level EDC with Steve Dumchus Knives

What do you carry with you every day? The items that you spend the most time with during travel, work, and play can often be mundane and utilitarian, feeling more like an anchor you rarely want to use or even remember to take with you. On the flip side of the coin (pun intended), you can carry items that you take pride in not only owning but carrying daily. Even something so small as a coin can be an positive force in your day to day activities: a reminder of someone you care about, a statement ...

Jun 02, 20221 hr 26 min

EP12 - 2022 K&M Kahles CHAMPION

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk on their way home from an epic weekend at K&M. Spoiler alert...the tactical mini van is rolling home with some hardware and some more giant fake plastic checks.

May 31, 202258 min

EP11 - The road to K&M

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon hit the road to the K&M Kahles match to have some fun and defend their titles from last year. They talk about whats on their mind while driving to one of the largest precision rifle matches of the season.

May 26, 202255 min

EP10 - Support Bags and Techniques

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about support bags and why they use what they use. The discussion covers different bag types and techniques for use. Without a good selection of bags and knowing how to use them you will continue to struggle with stability as well as keeping your groups small from any position.

May 19, 202253 min

EP9 - Target Acquisition

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon discuss target acquisition, which can stress even the most experienced shooters. They cover tips, tricks and drills learned over their years of competition to get on target quickly and efficiently.

May 15, 202247 min

EP8 - Live Fire vs Dry Fire: Which is Better?

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon discuss the benefits of dry fire vs the various types of live fire for training purposes. What are the best attributes for training with dry fire vs live fire in various calibers? Each of these platforms has a best use case and specific skills that can be developed and we work through our observations of each system in training.

May 05, 202257 min

EP7 - Two Perspectives on The Same Match

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about two different perspectives on the same match and how someone else's performance can cloud your focus on staying in the game all the way until the last round is fired. The boys also discuss what an applied ballistics PDM is and how you can get one as well as some bullet points on the new Science of Accuracy Academy.

Apr 28, 202253 min

EP6 - Paint Cans and Chad's Nickname

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler & Francis Colon share some personal stories that help bring some comedy and seriousness to the show. You will laugh, and you may even cry...stay tuned.

Apr 21, 202242 min

EP5 - Abused, yet ready for more

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon have an AAR discussion on a match that they just shot as they are driving home. They focus on the positive learning aspects of a very tough match and a less than desired performance while touching on how to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and use the experience for future goals and training objectives.

Apr 14, 20221 hr 7 min

EP4 - Tune up

Your Hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk with guest Shayne Yoakem about tune up day before a national pro match. They discuss data confirmation, truing, the importance of scope levels, reviewing the match book and few other topics.

Apr 07, 202245 min

EP3 - #OwnItEveryDay

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about the winning mindset of personal accountability and owning your actions in order to reach your goals despite setbacks and struggles along the way.

Apr 02, 202243 min

EP2 - #TheMatchHasAlreadyStarted

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon discuss the winning mindset of being prepared for a competition.

Apr 02, 202256 min

EP1 - The Beginning

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about how they met and how they forged a lifelong friendship.

Apr 01, 202244 min

EP0 - Why are we here?

In this episode, your hosts Chad Heckler and Francis Colon talk about the purpose of the podcast and the goals they have for it.

Apr 01, 202213 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android