Unleash Your Shooting Prowess: Insights from Hornady-Sponsored Champion Adam Popplewell

Introduction

When shooting pistol, Adam chooses Hornady American Gunner 115 gr XTP in 9mm

In the dynamic world of competitive shooting, few names shine as brightly as Adam Popplewell, a Texan veterinarian turned marksmanship legend. From his early days hunting small game to becoming a USPSA Grandmaster and a five-time Texas State Open Champion, Popplewell’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and precision.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the mind of this shooting virtuoso, uncovering the invaluable lessons and insights that have propelled him to the top of his sport.

Early Beginnings
Q: Tell us a bit about your background and when you first started shooting.

Adam Popplewell: I’m a true Texan through and through, born and raised in the Lone Star State, and still call it home today. While my day job is as a veterinarian, my true passion lies in the world of competitive shooting. I first picked up a gun at around 8 years old, starting with a Savage Stevens 410 single-shot. From there, I quickly moved on to a 22 Remington bolt-action rifle, honing my skills on small game like birds, rabbits, and squirrels.

Competitive Shooting Journey
Q: When did you begin your competitive shooting journey?

Adam Popplewell: As my hunting endeavors progressed, I became increasingly focused on perfecting my shooting skills. This quest for mastery led me to the world of competitive shooting in my mid-20s. I started out participating in local steel matches and USPSA pistol competitions, which then evolved into sniper competitions and eventually, 3-Gun events.

Partnership with Hornady
Q: How did your partnership with Hornady come about?

Adam Popplewell: My association with Hornady began around 2009, and I’ve been proud to be a part of Team Hornady ever since. Their world-class ammunition and reloading components have been integral to my success in the competitive shooting arena.

The Mental Game
Q: What’s the most valuable lesson shooting has taught you?

Adam Popplewell: While proficiency with your shooting platform is crucial, the mental game is truly the most influential aspect of the sport. In the dynamic world of USPSA and 3-Gun, you’re constantly presented with new scenarios, and being mentally prepared is vital. My mantra is to practice what you’re weak at – those areas where you struggle in matches. Everybody wants to practice what they’re good at, but that won’t help you progress. Identifying and honing your weaknesses is the key to unlocking your full potential.

Achievements and Equipment
Q: What’s your greatest achievement in your shooting career?

Adam Popplewell: The standout moment for me was being crowned the USPSA Multi-Gun Heavy Metal Division National Champion in 2010. Winning a national title is the ultimate goal, and that particular victory was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

Q: Can you share your typical competition setup with our readers?

Adam Popplewell: For my AR-15, I rely on a JP Enterprise rifle topped with a Leupold Mark 6 1-6×20 scope. I pair this with Hornady’s 75gr Match hollow-point ammunition, which has consistently delivered exceptional performance. As for my sidearm, I shoot an Infinity 9mm pistol loaded with Hornady’s 115gr American Gunner ammunition.

Q: Do you still hand-load your ammunition?

Adam Popplewell: I don’t hand-load anymore. Once I started using Hornady products, I found their factory-loaded ammunition to be so consistently excellent that I no longer felt the need to invest the time in reloading.

Future Plans
Q: What’s next on your shooting and hunting agenda?

Adam Popplewell: I’m always on the lookout for my next adventure. While I don’t have any immediate hunting trips planned, I did have the opportunity to take some impressive mule deer in Utah back in 2021 and 2022, using Hornady’s 6.5 PRC 143gr ELD-X Precision Hunter ammunition. I’m eager to get back out there and see what other challenges the hunting world has in store for me.

Conclusion
Adam Popplewell’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and precision. As a Hornady-sponsored champion, he embodies the brand’s commitment to excellence, helping shooters and hunters alike unleash their full potential. Keep an eye on this rising star – the future of competitive shooting has never looked brighter.