The Cadre Podcast

Join us as we break down what it takes to compete at the highest level and dive deep into separating performance shooters from advanced riflemen. Phillip Velayo and special guest Will Ormes explore the critical distinctions between advanced and performance competition classes, covering essential topics from equipment selection to competition mindset. We discuss common gear mistakes, the truth about zeroing distances, BC truing myths, and why factory ammo might be your best friend as a developing shooter. Then we shift gears to discuss training philosophy: What does it really mean to be "performance ready"? We explore systematic practice techniques, the importance of filming yourself for analysis, and why sticking with one bullet combination builds better intuition than chasing ballistic solver solutions. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 2:23 - Advice for New Shooters and Research Importance 7:27 - Discussion on Performance Competition and Instructor Qualifications 7:42 - Practice Techniques and Personal Insights 8:01 - Filming and Self-Analysis in Shooting 8:22 - Adapting Techniques and Learning from Others 8:40 - Misinformation and Gear Considerations 8:57 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans 9:11 - Zeroing at 200 Yards and High-Level Competition 11:01 - Trueing BC and Understanding Ballistics 11:16 - Choosing the Right Equipment and Ammunition 1:34:27 - The Importance of Reloading and Maintaining Equipment 1:34:44 - Advanced Techniques and Personal Experiences 1:44:52 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com 🎯 CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Follow Will: https://www.instagram.com/covertnoob5 Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 Precision Through Chaos

Join us as we break down the latest innovations from SHOT Show 2025 and dive deep into what separates foundational shooters from advanced precision riflemen. Steve shares his first-time SHOT Show experience, covering game-changing gear from Proof Armory, Manners folding rifles, Vortex's new rangefinding binos, and Leupold's impressive spotter scope. Then we shift gears to discuss training philosophy: What does it really mean to be "advanced"? We explore the systematic approach to precision shooting, the importance of making fundamentals subconscious, and why having a process matters more than having the latest gear.   Timestamps: 0:00 - SHOT Show Review and Initial Impressions  1:50 - Long Range Shooting and New Products (Proof Armory rifle)  4:55 - Folding Rifles and Hunting Applications (Manners system)  8:25 - Pistol Red Dots and Thermal Imaging  9:36 - Vortex Products and Rangefinding Binoculars  14:19 - Leupold Spotter and Advanced Shooting Techniques  19:31 - Foundation and Advanced Shooting Courses Defined  23:49 - Advanced Course Expectations and Metrics  1:13:53 - Hunter's Perspective and Tripod Shooting  1:14:12 - One-on-One Coaching Challenges  1:15:18 - Importance of Controlled Information Delivery  1:15:56 - Upcoming Classes and Events (California & Utah)  1:17:35 - Developments at Brave Lizard Facility  1:19:51 - Class Dates and Shooting Capabilities (March 22-27)  1:22:45 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Download The Cadre DOPE Card: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources  CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Steve: https://www.instagram.com/steve_haf Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training   Listen to us on: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803   Precision Through Chaos

Your questions answered: bag riders vs. light downward pressure, carbon vs. steel barrels, moving targets, barrel break-in, and the biggest mistakes we made when we started. Plus our take on the PRS/NRL drama and why fundamentals will always beat gear upgrades. In this Q&A episode, we dig into the questions you've been asking on Instagram and break down the technical details that actually matter. We cover input pressures and touch points, why your reticle might be jumping irregularly, the truth about carbon barrels, and whether weapon-mounted rangefinders are worth it. Jon shares a game-changing demonstration on the bridge technique, and we get honest about the mistakes we made early on—so you don't have to repeat them. Whether you're just getting into precision rifle shooting or you're looking to tighten up your fundamentals, this one's packed with practical advice you can apply at the range tomorrow. TIMESTAMPS:  0:00 - Intro & Podcast Feedback  2:12 - Input Pressures: Bag Riders vs. Light Downward Pressure  5:32 - Touch Points & Ergonomics  7:10 - Recoil Management & Shooting Position  10:42 - Rifle Setup & Buttstock Placement  13:54 - PRS & NRL Drama: Our Take  15:29 - Standing & Kneeling Positions  16:34 - What New Shooters Should Focus On  28:23 - Carbon vs. Stainless Steel Barrels 31:32 - Weapon-Mounted Rangefinders vs. Binos  43:01 - Fundamentals of Marksmanship  44:57 - Barrel Break-In & Cleaning Techniques  55:00 - Recording Videos for YouTube  59:59 - Approaching Moving Targets in Competition  1:04:32 - Building Your First Custom Rifle  1:15:51 - Rifle Customization & Reloading  1:19:58 - Mistakes We Made in Long-Range Shooting  1:33:39 - Sniper School Experiences  1:45:46 - Advice for New Shooters & SHOT Show Preview TRAIN WITH US:  https://www.thecadretraining.com 🎯 CONNECT WITH THE TEAM:  Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317  Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon  Follow Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ej_doro  Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Listen to us on:  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU  Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120803 Systems beat styles. Fundamentals beat trends. Keep your face on the gun. #longrange #precisionrifle #scoutsniper #sniper #precisionriflepodcast #precisionthroughchaos #thecadre

Phil and Jon answer YOUR questions in this jam-packed Q&A episode covering everything from attending your first PRS match to the eternal chassis vs. stock debate. IN THIS EPISODE: First Match Survival Guide - What you actually need to bring (hint: it's less than you think), managing expectations, and why focusing on your process matters more than your score Wind Reading Demystified - Stop overthinking it. Phil breaks down the 4-step process every shooter needs and why "hard dope is king" Top 3 Student Struggles - What new shooters consistently get wrong in classes (rifle setup, recoil management, and trigger control)  Chassis vs. Stock- The honest pros and cons of each, why KRG Whiskey 3 is Phil and Jon’s go-to, and when stocks actually win Barrel Length & Competition - How to choose the right setup for PRS, NRL Hunter, and hunting applications 🔭 Tripod Recommendations - The "buy once, cry once" options that are actually worth your money TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Tech Struggles  5:12 - Tips for Your First PRS Match  24:50 - Barrel Length for Different Applications 29:10 - Top 5 Matches We're Shooting This Year  34:29 - Teaching Kids Precision Shooting  41:43 - Wind Reading Secrets (Stop Overthinking!)  52:12 - Top 3 Things Students Struggle With  1:08:01 - Best Tripods for Starting Out  1:15:22 - Chassis vs. Stock: The Complete Breakdown   EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Garmin 901 & Vectronix rangefinders The Cadre Dope Card (coming soon!) Really Right Stuff TFCT-34 Two Vets Recon tripod KRG Whiskey 3 Pro chassis McMillan Mountain Tracker stock   TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com   🎯 CONNECT WITH THE TEAM: Follow Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Follow Jon: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Follow Matt: https://www.instagram.com/matt.solo006 Follow The Cadre: https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training

Join former Marine Corps Scout Snipers and Instructors, Phillip Velayo, John Bumpus, and Matt Solowynsky as they introduce The Cadre podcast and their mission to transform precision rifle training. Learn their why for building a community that serves both beginners and top competitors through standardized, high-quality instruction.   Find out more info about us at www.thecadretraining.com