The Hornady Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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 that ultimately means for terminal performance. Let's find out!

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.