The Hornady Podcast
Seth Swerczek, Hornady's Marketing Communications Manager, hosts this show covering hunting, shooting, reloading, and the outdoor lifestyle. Each episode features discussions on gear, techniques, and experiences relevant to firearms enthusiasts. The podcast is produced by Hornady Manufacturing, a well-known ammunition and shooting products company. Listeners can expect insights from industry experts and practical advice for outdoor activities.
Episodes
Ep. 257 - 2027 New Products Overview
Host Seth Swerczek joins Neil Davies and Joe Thielen for a look at Hornady's new products for 2027. From SBR Suppressed ammunition and Critical Defense Heavy Magnum 12 gauge to new bullets, reloading tools, and VEXIS biometric security, the team shares what's new and the ideas behind it. Discover how the team's experience in the field and on the range shapes products for fellow hunters and shooter
Ep. 256 - Match Ammo on a Progressive Press?
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Ep. 255 - Mini Action - Multi Purpose 6 ARC
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with Hornady's Kyle Brockhaus to break down his lightweight bolt-action 6 ARC hunting rifle. From component selection and handloading to the 90 gr CX and real-world hunting performance, they cover the thought process behind building a compact, low-recoil rifle that's ready for everything from antelope to whitetails.
Ep. 254 - Do Muzzle Brakes Belong on Suppressors? | TENET SUPPRESSORS |
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with the team from TENET Suppressors to ask a controversial question: Do muzzle brakes belong on suppressors? They explore the engineering behind TENET's braked suppressor systems and how they balance recoil reduction, sound suppression, weight, and the ability to spot impacts in the field.
Ep. 253 - Make Reloading Great Again | Does Primer Seating Depth and Type of Primer Matter? |
On this episode of the Hornady Podcast, host Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and Preston Lentfer to examine whether primer selection and seating depth affect accuracy, velocity consistency, and reliability. Backed by extensive testing and real-world data, the group separates meaningful results from statistical noise and explains what reloaders should be aware of at the bench.
Ep. 252 - 338 ARC Bolt Action
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer to take a closer look at the 338 ARC in a bolt-action rifle. They break down Preston's component choices, and what makes this traditionally AR-focused cartridge such a fun and capable option in a bolt gun—from quiet subsonic shooting to hunting applications.
Ep. 251 - VEXIS | The Future of Biometric Security
In this episode, Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Project Engineer Matt Mack to explore VEXIS from Hornady Security. They break down how VEXIS uses palm-vein recognition technology to provide fast, reliable access to safes and vault doors, how the technology works, and why it represents an exciting step forward in biometric security.
Ep. 250 - New A-Tip Bullets | 6mm 120 & 30 Cal 177 Grain |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Assistant Director of Engineering Joe Thielen and Project Engineer Miles Neville to introduce two new A-Tip bullets: the 120 grain 6mm and 177 grain 30 caliber. The crew dives into the engineering behind these new designs, why bullet weights continue to push heavier, and how modern technology is opening the door to new levels of ballistic performance.
Ep. 249 - Thunder Beast | The Science of Precision Suppressors
In this episode, Seth and Jayden Quinlan sit down with Kurtis Palu and Sam Carlson from Thunder Beast Arms Co. to dive into the science and engineering behind precision suppressors. From Thunder Beast's roots in precision rifle shooting to sound, recoil, repeatability, and real-world performance, the crew explores what it takes to build a suppressor that precision shooters can rely on.
Ep. 248 - SureFire | Suppressors, Lights & Hard-Use Gear
In this episode, Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and special guest Andrew Wright from SureFire to explore the engineering behind gear built for demanding use. From suppressor design, back pressure, sound and flash reduction to illumination, durability, and real-world performance, the conversation dives into what really matters when equipment simply can't fail.
Ep. 247 - The Ultimate Hunting Experience
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Matt Ritchie and Evan Dextraze of The Ultimate Hunting Experience to discuss a new approach to hunter education. From practical field skills and marksmanship to competition and conservation, they explore how The Ultimate Hunting Experience is helping hunters become more capable, confident, and prepared for success in the field.
Ep. 246 - The BEST Do-all 6mm ARC Setup
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by ballistician Jacob Morrow to break down his ideal do-all 6mm ARC rifle build. From component selection and rifle configuration to the intended applications, Jacob explains what makes this setup versatile enough for everything from target shooting to hunting. If you're considering a 6mm ARC build, this episode offers practical insight into creating a rifle that does
Ep. 245 - Where Does the Wind Matter Most?
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jayden Quinlan to tackle one of the most debated topics in long-range shooting: where does the wind matter most? Using real-world examples, predictive simulations, and practical ballistic principles, Jayden breaks down how wind at different points along the bullet's flight affects hit probability. If you've ever wondered whether to focus on the wind at the shooter,
Ep. 244 - Performing Under Pressure with Doug Koenig
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with legendary competitive shooter Doug Koenig to discuss the mindset behind decades of championship success. From his introduction to practical shooting and the lessons learned through competition to handling pressure, hunting, training, and continual improvement, Doug shares the principles that have made him one of the most accomplished shooters in the world—and how
Ep. 243 - Is 6mm the BEST Caliber?
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and Preston Lentfer to explore the history, evolution, and enduring popularity of the 6mm (.243") caliber. From the groundbreaking 6mm Lee Navy and 243 Winchester to modern favorites like the 6 ARC, 6 Creedmoor, and beyond, the crew breaks down why the 6mm family has remained a favorite for hunters, competitors, and shooters for more than a century—and
Ep. 242 - 250 Years of Bullets
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by NRA Media's Mark Keefe and Hornady Senior Ballistic Scientist Emeritus Dave Emary to trace 250 years of bullet innovation. From round balls and Minié bullets to jacketed projectiles, polymer tips, and modern designs like the A-Tip, the trio explores the breakthroughs that have shaped shooting, hunting, and ammunition technology from America's founding to today.
Ep. 241 - Built Different | The Science Behind Foundation Stocks |
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with Foundation Stocks founder Jon Kyle Truitt to discuss the story behind one of the most successful rifle stock companies in precision shooting. From building a business from scratch and developing the first Micarta rifle stocks to the science of recoil management, hunting, competition, and family, this episode explores what makes Foundation Stocks truly built differ
Ep. 240 - Untold Stories | INTERESTING Hornady Products
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by NRA Media's Mark Keefe, Hornady President Steve Hornady, and Vice President Jason Hornady for a look behind the scenes at some of Hornady's most interesting products. From the 17 HMR, 450 Marlin, and Ruger Compact Magnums to the 30 TC and more, the group shares untold stories, product launch memories, hunting adventures, and lessons learned from decades of innovatio
Ep. 239 – Suppressors | Mounts, Accuracy & Performance with Dead Air
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Christian Chatelier of Dead Air and Hornady's Miles Neville for a deep dive into the world of suppressors. From mounting systems and point-of-impact shift to muzzle velocity, drag, and real-world hunting performance, the crew separates fact from fiction and explains why more shooters than ever are making the move to suppressed rifles. Whether you're new to suppresso
Ep. 238 - Precision on a Bigger Budget - Part 2
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer continue the budget precision rifle project by breaking down the upgrades made to the Glenfield Model A in 6.5 Creedmoor. From aftermarket parts to setup changes, the duo compares the new dispersion results using the same Hornady ammunition from Part 1 to see whether the upgrades improved performance—or made things worse.
Ep. 237 - Precision on a Budget - Part 1
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer put a bone-stock Glenfield Model A in 6.5 Creedmoor to the test to see just how much precision you can get on a budget. From the scope, rings, and bipod setup to testing three varieties of Hornady ammunition, the duo establishes a baseline for the rifle's dispersion capability before diving into upgrades. Stay tuned for Part 2, where aftermarket modifications
Ep. 236 - The FUTURE of Rifle Barrels | Exponential Twist Rifling with PROOF
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Hornady's Jayden Quinlan and Greg Hamilton of Proof Research to break down Proof's new exponential twist rifling technology. From improved accuracy, reduced rifle torque, extended barrel life, and improved drag performance, this episode dives into how PXT works, what it means for shooters, and where barrel technology is headed next.
Ep. 235 - Seth's Wildcat 257 Roberts AI
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer for another installment of the wildcat build series, breaking down Seth's 257 Roberts AI rifle. From barrel and stock to optics and accessories, they dive into the reasoning behind each component and what makes this custom setup come together for performance in the field.
Ep. 234 - Wolf Hunting Realities
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by David Draper of Petersen's Hunting to discuss the reality of wolves on today's landscape. From their Arctic wolf hunt experience to the broader impact on caribou, livestock, and ecosystems, the conversation explores the balance between admiration for these apex predators and the need for responsible management.
Ep. 233 - The Truth About Accuracy | What Matters MOST
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jayden Quinlan and Miles Neville to break down what actually drives accuracy in precision shooting. From bullet selection and velocity to SD and dispersion, the crew explores the trade-offs between each "knob" you can turn—and why chasing the wrong one can hurt your performance. Backed by real data and practical examples, this episode helps shooters understand what
Ep. 232 - Is Your Powder TOO Sensitive - Or Are You?
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and Preston Lentfer to take a closer look at powder temperature sensitivity and its real impact on performance. Using hands-on examples, Miles compares "unstable" and temperature-stable powders to show what actually happens downrange. While the differences are worth understanding, the results may not be as dramatic as many expect—making this a practica
Ep. 231 - Practical Precision: NRL Hunter
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Matt Ritchie and NRL Hunter founder Travis Ishida to break down the evolution of NRL Hunter and why it's redefining modern hunting. From practical rifle setups and cartridge selection to the balance between competition and real-world application, this episode explores how NRL Hunter builds more capable, confident shooters in the field.
Ep. 230 – Engineering Accuracy: Inside Allterra Arms
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with Allterra Arms founder Drew Foster and Dave Barnes to explore what it really takes to build a precision rifle from the ground up. From innovative action and barrel design to the realities of manufacturing and maintaining tight tolerances, this episode dives into the engineering behind accuracy, reliability, and consistency in the field.
Ep. 229 - Precision Starts With Stability with Spartan Precision
In this episode, we sit down to talk all things stability and why it's the foundation of precision shooting in the field. From real-world hunting scenarios to gear innovation, we break down how the right support system can make or break your shot. We dive into the design philosophy behind Spartan Precision Equipment, what sets them apart in terms of weight, versatility, and performance, and how mo
Ep. 228 - Hornady Rifle Builds | Joe's Ultralight 6.5 PRC |
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with fan favorite Joe Thielen to break down the build behind his ultralight 6.5 PRC hunting rifle. From barrel and stock to optics and accessories, they dive into the reasoning behind each component—creating a lightweight, versatile setup built to go anywhere and perform in the field.
Ep. 227 – A Hunter's Journey with Pedro Ampuero
Host Seth Swerczek and Neil Davies sit down with Pedro Ampuero to explore his background and experiences in hunting around the world. From how he got started to lessons learned in the field, this episode dives into the stories, challenges, and perspectives that have shaped Pedro's journey as a hunter.
Ep. 226 - Match Bullets for Hunting?
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and Preston Lentfer to answer a question, that frankly, we get a lot… "Can match bullets be used for hunting?" In this episode the guys dive deep into what really matters when choosing a hunting bullet. Breaking down the key differences between ELD Match bullets and ELD-X hunting bullets. Covering how each is designed, manufactured and tested, and what
Ep. 225 - The SCIENCE of Copper Bullets
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jayden Quinlan, Joe Thielen, and Miles Neville for a deep dive into copper expanding bullet design. From how Hornady designs copper bullets to match specific cartridge needs to the latest advancements in the CX line and real-world terminal performance, this episode breaks down the science behind modern copper hunting projectiles.
Ep. 224 - What Makes a Real Hunting Knife? With Josh Smith of MKC
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with Josh Smith of Montana Knife Company to talk about his journey from bladesmith to building one of the fastest-growing knife brands in America. They dive into what separates a quality hunting knife from a cheap one—covering steel, heat treat, design, and what really matters when it's time to put a blade to work in the field.
Ep. 223 - Hornady Rifle Builds | Joe's Tactical 308 PRS Rig |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Assistant Director of Engineering Joe Thielen to break down the build behind Joe's Tactical Class .308 Win PRS rifle. From barrel and stock to optics, trigger, and muzzle brake, they dive into the component selection process and the reasoning behind each choice for competitive precision rifle shooting and podium finishes.
Ep. 222 - 4DOF Ballistics on Board | Leupold BX-6 Range HD Binoculars |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Senior Ballistician Jayden Quinlan for a deep dive into the brand new Leupold BX-6 Range HD Binoculars featuring onboard Hornady 4DOF. The guys are joined by the Leupold VP of New Products and Marketing, Tim Lesser, and the Product Line Manager, Eric Overstreet. They discuss how these new binoculars deliver real-time ballistic data powered by 4DOF, precision rang
Ep. 221 - Shoot to Hunt: How Competition Builds Better Hunters
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Matt Ritchie to break down how competitive shooting disciplines like NRL Hunter, PRS, and even pistol matches translate into better hunting skills. From gear familiarity and shooting positions to time pressure and mental prep, the crew explores how competition sharpens the skills that matter most when it's time to take the shot in the field.
Ep. 220 - 17 Hornet | Small Cartridge, Big Sting |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by former Hornady Senior Ballistician Dave Emary to tell the story of the 17 Hornet—from concept and cartridge design to testing, ballistics, and field performance. They break down what makes this tiny round so effective and the unique engineering behind its sting.
Ep. 219 - 308 Family Feud | A Ballistic Breakdown
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Jayden Quinlan to dive into the extensive cartridge family born from the .308 Winchester. From the classic .243 Win to the hard-hitting .358 Winchester and everything in between, the team compares ballistics, performance, and application—laying out the strengths and trade-offs of each cartridge in the .308 lineage.
Ep. 218 - Make Reloading Great Again | The SCIENCE of Headspace |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Ben Syring, Jayden Quinlan, and special guest Jeff Siewert for a deep dive into headspace. From defining what it is and how it works to controlling it during reloading, this episode covers the science, data, and real-world scenarios that make headspace one of the most critical (and misunderstood) aspects of precision shooting.
Ep. 217 - Hornady Rifle Builds | Seth's 2026 Coyote Rig |
Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer break down Seth's brand-new coyote rifle build for the 2026 season. From barrel and optic to trigger and suppressor, they walk through every component choice—and explain how this setup is optimized for fast, accurate daytime predator hunting.
Ep. 216 - Make Reloading Great Again | Sizing 101 |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Ben Syring and Preston Lentfer to break down the different methods of case sizing—full-length, neck, bump, and more. They explore the pros, cons, and best applications for each, helping handloaders choose the right approach for accuracy, consistency, and reliability.
Ep. 215 - Ballistics for Hunting | What REALLY Matters
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jayden Quinlan, Miles Neville, and Preston Lentfer to discuss how they approach ballistic solutions in real-world hunting scenarios. From ballistic binoculars and Kestrels to drop cards and max point blank range, they break down what actually matters - and what doesn't - when you're in the field. They also highlight Jayden's ultra-efficient dope card system.
Ep. 214 - Coyotes Beware: Geoff Nemnich's Secrets to Success
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer are joined by renowned predator hunter Geoff Nemnich to break down the tactics, gear, and mindset that lead to more coyotes on the ground. From call setups to shooting tips, this episode is packed with valuable insights and proven techniques for success in the field.
Ep. 213 - The 257 Roberts – A Classic That Still Delivers
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Matt Ritchie to explore the history and lasting value of the 257 Roberts cartridge. They discuss its origins, ballistics, versatility, and why this classic still holds its own in the modern era of hunting and shooting.
Ep. 212 - Hornady Rifle Builds | Geoff Nemnich's Coyote Rig |
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer sit down with predator hunting expert Geoff Nemnich to break down his signature GA Precision GAP-15 "Coyotes Fear Me" Edition. From barrel to buttstock, they go deep on the components, the why behind each choice, and what makes this rifle Geoff's ultimate daytime coyote setup.
Ep. 211 - At the Bench
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer, Matt Ritchie, and Judd Jarzynka to talk shop—literally. From reloading setups to custom gunsmithing projects, the crew shares what they've been working on at their benches and the tools and techniques they're loving right now.
Ep. 210 – Alaska Grizzlies & Handguns: Whitey's Wild Hunt
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer sit down with special guest Mike "Whitey" Jensen to relive his unforgettable Alaskan adventure—taking a grizzly bear with not one, but two of his custom handguns. From handgun setup to the raw, wild moments in the field, this story is one that won't soon be forgotten.
Ep. 209 - Max Point Blank Range | The Hunter's Zero |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and Preston Lentfer to explain the concept of max point blank range and why it matters to hunters. They break down how this method of zeroing simplifies shooting in the field, helping you make faster, more confident shots without overthinking holdover or ballistic charts.
Ep. 208 - Hornady Rifle Builds | Family Friendly 25 Creedmoor |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Matt Ritchie to break down the build of Seth's 25 Creedmoor—designed specifically for his young sons and small-statured wife. They cover every component choice, the reasoning behind each decision, and how to create a rifle that's comfortable, capable, and confidence-inspiring for smaller shooters.
Ep. 207 - Battle of the Creedmoors
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jayden Quinlan and Preston Lentfer to dive into the history and performance of the four Creedmoor cartridges—6.5, 6, 22, and 25 Creedmoor. The team breaks down what makes each one unique, where they excel, and which might be the best fit for your next rifle.
Ep. 206 - At the Bench
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Joe Thielen and Preston Lentfer to catch up on what's been happening at their reloading and gunsmithing benches. From new projects and load development to the lessons learned along the way, the trio shares what they've been working on behind the scenes.
Ep. 205 - 2026 NEW Reloading Products DEEP DIVE
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Tools General Manager Jason Slinkard and Project Engineers Ben Syring and Dylan Hood to take an in-depth look at Hornady's new reloading tools for 2026. From concept to completion, the team discusses the development, design, and features of the new Versa-Prime Bench Priming Tool and the Classic Pro Press—two innovations built to make precision reloading smoother and
Ep. 204 - 22 Creedmoor | PLUS Rifle Giveaway! |
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with Joe Thielen and Jayden Quinlan to dive into the development of the 22 Creedmoor cartridge. From early testing and design challenges to performance breakthroughs and where this round truly shines, the team breaks down everything you need to know about Hornady's latest precision cartridge.
Ep. 203 - 2026 NEW Products Overview
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jason Hornady, Neil Davies, and Joe Thielen to break down everything new from Hornady for 2026. From innovative ammunition and bullet designs to reloading tools and awesome security products, the team covers the latest developments shaping the next year of Hornady innovation.
Ep. 202 - Rifle Setup | Wildcat Cartridge Part 4 |
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer dive into every detail of Preston's rifle build, from setup and load development to the challenges faced along the way. They also share insights and data from fireforming brass, offering a detailed look into the process of refining a custom wildcat cartridge.
Ep. 201 - CUSTOM Actions with Zermatt Arms
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Ray Heusinkvelt and Aaron Tritsch of Zermatt Arms to talk about the history of Zermatt and Bighorn, the development of their renowned custom actions, and how prefit barrels and precision components are reshaping the rifle world. From innovation to execution, this episode dives deep into what makes Zermatt's actions stand apart.
Ep. 200 - The Best Antelope Cartridge and More!
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Matt Ritchie to dive into all things antelope hunting. From their picks for the ideal cartridge to bullet selection and which rounds get the job done, the crew shares stories, insights, and plenty of antelope talk in this milestone 200th episode.
Ep. 199 – Rifle Setups to Cartridge Selection with Michael Waddell
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer sit down with Michael Waddell for a technical deep dive into rifle and cartridge choices. Along the way, Waddell shares stories from the field—including his worst hunt—and turns the tables with questions of his own. From caliber selection to rifle setups, this episode blends real-world experience with technical insight.
Ep. 198 - Is Your Zero Wandering?
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jayden Quinlan and Miles Neville to break down one of the most frustrating issues for shooters: a wandering zero. They talk about how they used to zero rifles, why your point of impact might be shifting, and how larger sample sizes and smarter practices can lock down a stable zero.
Ep. 197 - Let's Talk Optics | Q&A with Leupold
Host Seth Swerczek sits down with Tim Lesser, VP of Marketing and New Products, and Dr. Dustin Miller, Director of Engineering at Leupold, to answer listener questions about all things optics. From the basics of glass to deep dives into engineering, this episode covers what hunters and shooters really want to know.
Ep. 196 – Michael Waddell | Roots, Hunting, and Real Talk
Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer sit down with Michael Waddell to talk about his upbringing, the values that shaped him, and his philosophy on today's hunting industry. From personal stories to unfiltered opinions, it's a laid-back conversation with one of hunting's most recognizable voices.
Ep. 195 - Backcountry Sidearms | The RIGHT Choice?
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Nick Earixson and newcomer Randy Ames to unpack the ins and outs of carrying a sidearm in the field. From cartridge selection and firearm type to different carry methods and real-world considerations, the crew explores what makes a sidearm the right—or wrong—choice for your next backcountry hunt.
Ep. 194 – Tripods for Hunters: Game-Changer or Gimmick?
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Judd Jarzynka to break down everything you need to know about using tripods in the field. From choosing the right height and head style to understanding weight tradeoffs and field functionality, this episode covers the pros, cons, and real-world value of this often-overlooked tool. Whether you're hunting big game or ringing steel—this one's worth
Ep. 193 - 300 Savage | America's Original Short Action |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Nick Earixson and Preston Lentfer to dive into the history of the legendary 300 Savage. From its early 20th-century debut to its role as the blueprint for future short-action cartridges, the team unpacks where it fit in, what made it special, and why it still deserves respect today.
Ep. 192 - Hornady Rifle Builds | 22 ARC Precision AR-15 |
What happens when you build the ultimate predator rifle? Seth and Preston break down every detail of Seth's custom AR-15, chambered in 22 ARC — from barrel to buttstock. Whether you're chasing coyotes, ringing steel, or looking for the perfect youth deer rifle, this episode dives deep into the why behind each component choice. Tune in for a no nonsense walkthrough of one of the most versatile AR b
Ep. 191 - Earth's Curveball | The Truth About Coriolis
Is the Earth really messing with your shot? Host Seth Swerczek and Senior Ballistician Jayden Quinlan dig into the Coriolis and Eötvös effects to separate fact from fiction in long-range shooting. They bust the myths, crunch the numbers, and reveal what actually matters when Earth starts spinning.
Ep. 190 - Right Cartridge - Wrong Rifle?
In this episode of the Hornady Podcast, host Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and Preston Lentfer to explore the idea of running cartridges designed for the AR-15 in bolt-action rifles. The team discusses the performance benefits, technical considerations, and real-world experiences of pairing rounds like the .223 Rem and 6mm ARC with precision bolt guns. With a mix of insight and enthusia
Ep. 189 - Let's Talk 6.5-284
In this episode of the Hornady Podcast, host Seth Swerczek is joined by Matt Ritchie and Preston Lentfer to dive deep into the 6.5-284 cartridge. From its wildcat origins to its SAAMI-standardized form, the team discusses the history, ballistic performance, and practical applications of this long-range favorite. Whether you're a precision shooter, hunter, or just a ballistics enthusiast, this epis
Ep. 188 - V-Max vs ELD-VT
In this episode of the Hornady Podcast, host Seth Swerczek is joined by Joe Thielen and Miles Neville to break down the key differences between V-MAX and ELD-VT bullets. Whether you're hunting varmints, dialing for distance, or looking for maximum velocity and precision, the team discusses the strengths, intended uses, and ballistic performance of each projectile. If you've ever wondered which bul
Ep. 187 - Hornady x Ruger | Cartridge Design Insights
On this episode, the team dives into the development of new cartridges and the vital role of SAAMI approval in bringing them to market. Special guests, Matt Wilson and Nate Lyon from Ruger join the conversation to share how they evaluate new cartridge designs—deciding whether they fit within the Ruger lineup, what performance benchmarks matter, and which rifle models are the right match. It's an i
Ep. 186 – Randy Luth: Machinist to AR Innovator
On this episode, Seth is joined by Jason Hornady, Neil Davies, and special guest, Randy Luth of Luth AR. The group explores Randy's remarkable journey from machinist to founder of industry-leading firearm companies DPMS and Luth-AR. They highlight his extensive contributions to the AR platform, including numerous patents and groundbreaking innovations that helped shape the modern black rifle. The
Ep. 185 - The RIGHT Rifle for You with Savage Arms
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by RJ Contorno and Casey Diefenbach from Savage Arms to dive into a "good, better, best" breakdown of Savage rifles. The trio walks through key rifle models across performance tiers, making it easier to find the right fit for your needs and budget. They also explore how the versatile ammunition lineup from Hornady pairs with each level, ensuring you get optimal perform
Ep. 184 - So You Think You Know Powder?
Host Seth Swerczek teams up with Senior Ballistician Jayden Quinlan and special guest Jeff Siewert for a deep dive into smokeless propellants. From burn rates to behavior—and even a bit about primers—this episode is packed with expert-level insights for serious reloaders.
Ep. 183 - Hornady High Speed 3‑in‑1 Power Case Trimmer
On this episode, Seth is joined by Tool Plant General Manager, Jason Slinkard and Project Engineer, Dylan Hood. The guys dive into the all-new Hornady High Speed 3-in-1 Power Case Trimmer. They break down the R&D process that took nearly 3 years and outline all of the design features that make this tool a game changer for high volume, precision reloaders. Enjoy the show!
Ep. 182 - Pistol Setups | Ultimate Hunting Revolvers |
Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Mike Jensen to dive into Mike's custom 454 Casull and 475 Linebaugh hunting revolvers. From custom modifications to real-world hunts, they explore the performance and stories behind these powerful wheelguns.
Ep. 181 - Handloading for Success | The Winning Recipe |
On this episode, Seth sits down with successful PRS/NRL competitors, Joe Thielen and Miles Neville. The guys dive deep into what it takes to craft a precision handload capable of obtaining podium finishes. From powder, case prep, bullet seating, and load tuning, this episode is your blueprint for consistent, winning performance.
Ep. 180 - Hydraulic Form Dies | Wildcat Cartridge Part 3 |
On this episode, Seth is joined by Preston and Ben to bring you episode 3 of the How to Wildcat series. The topic of discussion is hydroforming cartridge cases. The team explains how the process works, what equipment is needed, and what matters when forming cases for a custom chamber. They also dive into alternative methods and share helpful tips from their own experience. Whether you're experimen
Ep. 179 - NEED for SPEED with Weatherby
On this episode, Seth is joined by Adam Weatherby and Luke Thorkildsen of Weatherby, Inc. The guys discuss the history of Weatherby and their move to Wyoming, legacy Weatherby cartridges, new cartridge offerings to include the 25 Creedmoor, along with some new and revamped rifle offerings. We hope you enjoy this conversation with an iconic industry brand.
Ep. 178 - 25 Creedmoor
On today's episode, we are proud to announce the newest member of the Creedmoor family: the 25 Creedmoor. A .25 for '25! Seth is joined by Senior Ballistician Jayden Quinlan, Assistant Director of Engineering, Joe Thielen, and team shooter and PRS Champion, Austin Orgain. The group discusses the performance benefits of the 25 Creedmoor along with its origin story and how it was developed. Be su
