The Hornady Podcast

Hornady Manufacturing

Join Seth Swerczek, Hornady Marketing Communications Manager, as we discuss all things hunting, shooting, reloading, and outdoor lifestyle.

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251 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes251

Newest first

Thursday · 42 min
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 it all.
July 23 · 1 hr 6 min
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, in between, or at the target, this episode will help you make better wind calls and more consistent hits.
July 16 · 55 min
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 they apply far beyond the competition range.
July 9 · 54 min
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 debates whether it truly is the best all-around caliber.
July 2 · 1 hr 2 min
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.
June 25 · 1 hr 5 min
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 different.
June 18 · 1 hr 2 min
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 innovation in the shooting industry.
June 11 · 1 hr
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 suppressors or looking to optimize your setup, this episode has something for you.
June 4 · 53 min
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.
May 28 · 47 min
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 are added to see if the improvements make a difference.
May 21 · 1 hr
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.
May 14 · 43 min
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.
May 7 · 53 min
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.
April 30 · 53 min
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 matters most, and when it matters.
April 23 · 1 hr 2 min
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 practical conversation about what truly matters for consistency.
April 16 · 49 min
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.
April 9 · 48 min
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.
April 2 · 41 min
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 modern hunters are rethinking the way they approach shooting positions in challenging terrain. Whether you're chasing ounces in the backcountry or looking to tighten your groups at distance, this conversation highlights the critical role stability plays—and how the right equipment helps you execute when it matters most.
March 26 · 38 min
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.
March 19 · 54 min
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.

The Hornady Podcast

Ep. 246 - The BEST Do-all 6mm ARC Setup

Ep. 245 - Where Does the Wind Matter Most?

Ep. 244 - Performing Under Pressure with Doug Koenig

Ep. 243 - Is 6mm the BEST Caliber?

Ep. 242 - 250 Years of Bullets

Ep. 241 - Built Different | The Science Behind Foundation Stocks |

Ep. 240 - Untold Stories | INTERESTING Hornady Products

Ep. 239 – Suppressors | Mounts, Accuracy & Performance with Dead Air

Ep. 238 - Precision on a Bigger Budget - Part 2

Ep. 237 - Precision on a Budget - Part 1

Ep. 236 - The FUTURE of Rifle Barrels | Exponential Twist Rifling with PROOF

Ep. 235 - Seth's Wildcat 257 Roberts AI

Ep. 234 - Wolf Hunting Realities

Ep. 233 - The Truth About Accuracy | What Matters MOST

Ep. 232 - Is Your Powder TOO Sensitive - Or Are You?

Ep. 231 - Practical Precision: NRL Hunter

Ep. 230 – Engineering Accuracy: Inside Allterra Arms

Ep. 229 - Precision Starts With Stability with Spartan Precision

Ep. 228 - Hornady Rifle Builds | Joe's Ultralight 6.5 PRC |

Ep. 227 – A Hunter's Journey with Pedro Ampuero