Discover
The Hornady Podcast
229 Episodes
Reverse
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.
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.
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.
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 ranging, and unmatched features and glass quality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.













Minnesota is the Midwest haha