Q&A with Hornady-sponsored shooter Clay Blackketter
We recently caught up with Clay Blackketter, crack PRS marksman and proud Hornady-sponsored shooter. Fresh from a rejuvenating family vacation in the wilderness of Alaska, Clay shared insights into his shooting journey, his training philosophy and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.
Tell us about yourself and where your shooting journey began?
Born and raised in Oklahoma, I’ve called this state my home for my whole life. While I’ve had the chance to work abroad on occasion, Oklahoma has always been my anchor. My formative years were spent plinking away with 22 rifles with my dad and brother, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I ventured beyond the 100-yard mark on purpose. A baseball buddy introduced me to precision rifle shooting, and I entered my first match just one week later. Obviously, I finished dead last but I was hooked. I soon had a custom rifle built, marking the beginning of my relentless pursuit of that perfect shot.
Why did you choose to specialize in PRS shooting?
Precision Rifle Series (PRS) is the only sport shooting discipline I’ve ever tried. My personality drives me to master anything I undertake, whether it’s a job, hobby or any other pursuit. While perfection in rifle shooting is elusive, I remain totally obsessed with it.
Have you taken any formal courses?
My journey has primarily been a hands-on experience through competition. I did serve as a range officer (RO) at the 2016 Heatstroke match, which included a training program led by Jacob Bynum. One crucial piece of advice he shared that stuck with me was to “believe the bullet.” Trusting what you see downrange is essential because bullets never lie.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from shooting?
I consider myself fortunate to have learned not to fear failure. Stepping out of your comfort zone and competing in unfamiliar places can be transformative. Many shooters become complacent by repeatedly shooting at the same place. I’ve always relished the opportunity to shoot in diverse environments and terrains, learning things impossible to grasp in my own backyard. Embracing failure is a fundamental aspect of this journey.
What advice would you give to aspiring competitive shooters?
Visit your local range and attend club matches. The shooting community is welcoming, and most shooters will let you try their rifle to help you discover your preferences. This sport can be costly, so buying and selling to refine your setup is expensive, but noting what the shooters who consistently win is a great pointer to what works well. Nearly every state has local clubs with regular matches, and the Precision Rifle Series website provides a list of clubs in each region.
Tell us about your competition setup.
My setup comprises of the following comonents:
● Impact actions with a Foundation Stock
● Ammo: 6.5 Creedmoor with Hornady 153 grain A-Tips and 6mm BRA with Hornady 110 grain A-Tips
● Tangent Theta riflescopes with a JTAC reticle
● MDT Send iT- MV3 scope level
● WieBad Mini DRC Fortune Cookie
How do you prepare for competitions in terms of training and practice?
My primary focus is ensuring my rifle is zeroed and my data is lined out to ensure my bullets land where I intend them to. Shooting well and having accurate data are essential for a successful weekend. Recently I’ve added a personal touch by wearing tie-dye shirts made by a friend’s children. They think it’s the coolest thing when they see us wearing them in photos!
What has been your greatest achievement in your shooting career?
As an individual, it’s got to be winning the PRS Finale and season championship in 2019. However, the most memorable moment was representing Team USA in France last year. Standing on that podium, listening to our national anthem, and receiving the trophy was a moment of immense pride.
What are your future goals?
I am involved in a training company with fellow Team Hornady shooters Tate Streater, Austin Orgain and Justin Watts. It’s incredibly rewarding to train individuals who break through their performance barriers. Winning the PRS again and representing the USA would be amazing, but my main goal is to have fun. It’s easy to lose sight of the fun factor amidst the competitiveness, and I aim to let the bullets fall where they may, all while having a blast.
How long have you been a Hornady-sponsored shooter?
I’ve proudly represented Hornady since late 2019, after my PRS title win that year. It was also the year I started using Hornady A-Tips, using them for all my matches including the finale.
If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I’d love to meet Michael Jordan. Delving into the mindset of someone with such unwavering determination, long before the era of sports psychology and analytics, would be fascinating. Jordan’s winning mentality is legendary, and understanding how he cultivated it would be incredible.
