James Crofts of Team Berger has been crowned the 2026 F-T/R Vihtavuori V2 Series Champion following an outstanding performance in Raton, New Mexico.

Held May 13–16 at the NRA Whittington Center, the Vihtavuori V2 Finale is an invitation-only, long-range championship. The three-day event features two 32-shooter brackets in both F-T/R and F-Open disciplines. Competitors earn their place throughout the season by participating in F-Class Points Series qualifying matches, accumulating points based on their finishes. The top 32 shooters in each division advance to the Finale, where they compete in a double-elimination bracket to determine the champion.

Crofts competes in the F-Class Target Rifle (F-T/R) category, which has strict equipment requirements. Rifles must weigh no more than 18 pounds in a "ready-to-go" state, and competitors are limited to standard .308/7.62 NATO or .223/5.56 NATO chambers with no modifications. Crofts fuels his .308 with Berger 30 Caliber 208 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target bullets, Vihtavuori N150 powder, and Lapua .308 Winchester Palma brass.

"With the continued use and support of Berger and their components, I had 100% confidence in my ammunition," said Crofts. "I knew if I missed or had a bad shot, it wasn't the ammo—it was the conditions. Berger bullets, Lapua brass, and Vihtavuori powder are hands down the best. I couldn't do it without them."

Berger congratulates James Crofts on this historic achievement. Crofts will go on to represent the United States this fall at the 2026 F-Class World Championships in Bisley, England.

If you want to feel the intensity of the competition, check out the headtohead bracket here: https://challonge.com/vico3ruz

About Berger: Berger manufactures precision projectiles and match-grade ammunition for Target, Hunting and Tactical applications in Mesa, AZ. Berger is part of the Capstone Precision Group, the exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Bergerbullets.com.