The Hornady Podcast - podcast cover

The Hornady Podcast

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

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.

Jan 22, 202658 minSeason 5Ep. 4

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.

Jan 15, 20261 hr 15 minSeason 5Ep. 3

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.

Jan 08, 202652 minSeason 5Ep. 2

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.

Jan 01, 20261 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 1

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.

Dec 25, 202556 minSeason 4Ep. 54

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.

Dec 18, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 4Ep. 53

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.

Dec 12, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 52

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.

Dec 04, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 51

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.

Nov 27, 202552 minSeason 4Ep. 50

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.

Nov 20, 202557 minSeason 4Ep. 49

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.

Nov 13, 202548 minSeason 4Ep. 48

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.

Nov 06, 202541 minSeason 4Ep. 47

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.

Oct 30, 20251 hr 10 minSeason 4Ep. 46

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.

Oct 23, 202551 minSeason 4Ep. 45

Ep. 205 - 2026 NEW Reloading Products DEEP DIVE

This episode dives into Hornady's 2026 reloading innovations, highlighting the Lock-N-Load Classic Pro Press with its improved precision and ergonomics, and the groundbreaking Versa-Prime Bench Priming Tool, designed for speed, safety, and versatility. The team also provides an update on the popular 3-in-1 Case Trimmer's increased availability and details the comprehensive updates in the 12th Edition Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, emphasizing customer-driven development and scientific data collection.

Oct 15, 202554 minSeason 4Ep. 44

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.

Oct 15, 202554 minSeason 4Ep. 43

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.

Oct 15, 202557 minSeason 4Ep. 42

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.

Oct 09, 202546 minSeason 4Ep. 41

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.

Oct 02, 20251 hr 26 minSeason 4Ep. 40

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.

Sep 25, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 4Ep. 39

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.

Sep 18, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 4Ep. 38

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.

Sep 11, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 4Ep. 37

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.

Sep 04, 20251 hr 15 minSeason 4Ep. 36

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.

Aug 28, 202556 minSeason 4Ep. 35

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.

Aug 21, 202547 minSeason 4Ep. 34

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 the listen.

Aug 14, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 4Ep. 33

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.

Aug 07, 202546 minSeason 4Ep. 32

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 builds in the Hornady vault.

Jul 31, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 31

Ep. 191 - Earth's Curveball | The Truth About Coriolis

Hosts Seth Swerczek and Jaden Quinlan dive into the complex world of Earth-based ballistic effects, distinguishing between the often-romanticized Coriolis effect and the more impactful Eötvös effect. They explain how Earth's rotation and your shooting direction influence bullet trajectory, showing that while Coriolis is largely negligible for shoulder-fired rifles, the Eötvös effect significantly impacts east/west shots. The discussion also covers practical application within the Hornady Fordoff app, offering guidance on when and how to account for these subtle yet critical factors to improve long-range accuracy.

Jul 24, 202544 minSeason 4Ep. 30

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 enthusiasm, they share why this pairing—although not the design intention—can deliver impressive results....

Jul 17, 202551 minSeason 4Ep. 29
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