Team Lapua's Erich Mietenkorte has won the 2026 Iron Man Silhouette Championships for an unprecedented fifth time, tying the all-time Iron Man aggregate record.

The annual Iron Man Silhouette Championships returned to Deep Creek Range in Missoula, Montana, June 6–7, drawing top shooters from across the United States and Canada for two demanding days of competition. Hosted by the Hellgate Civilian Shooters Association, the event tests precision, endurance, and mental focus, with competitors firing 320 shots from the standing position across Smallbore (.22 LR at 40–100 meters) and High-Power (centerfire at 200–500 meters) disciplines. Challenging conditions with shifting winds, with heavy gusts, and rain, made every shot hard-fought.

Mietenkorte dominated the field, winning all four individual titles, Smallbore and High Power in both Standard and Hunter Rifle. He clinched the Overall Aggregate Championship tying the all-time high set by fellow Team Lapua member Cathy Winstead-Severin in 2017.

Mietenkorte competes in Smallbore Rifle using Lapua Midas+, which was matched and lot-tested for peak performance at the Lapua Rimfire Performance Center in Mesa, Arizona.

"In a match like this, there is no room to wonder whether the ammunition is going to perform. With Lapua Midas+, I know that when I do my part, the bullet goes exactly where I point it," said Mietenkorte. "That level of confidence allows me to focus entirely on execution, even as conditions and pressure build. Lapua rimfire ammunition continues to set the standard for consistency, precision, and reliability."

In High-Power, Mietenkorte shoots 6mm BR in Hunter Rifle division and 6mm GT in the Standard Rifle, both using Lapua premium cartridge cases, Vihtavuori propellant, and Berger bullets.

Winning all four individual championships, tying the all-time record, and validating a new high-power rifle combination under match conditions made this an especially meaningful weekend in Mietenkorte's shooting career. It was a true test of equipment, preparation, and execution.

About Lapua: Lapua produces the highest quality small caliber cartridges and components for civilian and professional use. Lapua is imported by Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Lapua.com.