Vortex Nation Podcast

Mark Boardman sits down with Troy Fowler (The Ranch Fairy) to make sense of broadheads, how they work, things to consider, how to tune your arrows to shoot with broadheads, and more. They navigate a windy conversational path to get your broadheads shooting straight…. And cutting deep! Tune in for the educational and always entertaining, Ranch Fairy.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

It’s time for another of Ryan Muckenhirn’s “Lead Balloon’s.” On paper the .338 Federal checks a lot of boxes hunters look for in a cartridge. Alas, it didn’t make a lot of paper for rifle and ammunition manufactures. As with many cartridges, success or failure can be difficult to make sense of. The .338 Federal certainly outperforms its popularity. Was it timing? Was it not different enough from established offerings? Was there not a need? Did the masses get it wrong by not bringing this cartridge into the fold of gun safes across the globe? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn pop this lead balloon and chat through its story, as well as its dismal acceptance by hunters and shooters.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Will the .308 do everything you need? Do you need the raw horsepower of a .300 Win Mag to get the job done? Or do you need both? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through their gel-shooting results, extract, examine, measure, and not only weigh the projectiles themselves, but where each cartridge makes the most sense.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Your style of hunting, terrain, hunt goals, the critters you chase, and more can affect your spotting scope selection. Size, weight, magnification, angled vs. straight configuration, optical quality — Mark Boardman and Paul Neess sit down to give you spot-on information on spotting scopes.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Barrel burnout is often a big consideration for folks when selecting a cartridge. But is it as big a deal as it’s made out to be? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn discuss barrel burnout, who should it matter to, how it occurs, and what you can do if it happens. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Razor® HD 13-39x56 spotting scope is the perfect example of, “Big things come in small packages.” It’s also Remi Warren’s favorite spotting scope. Listen to Mark Boardman and Remi talk about his extensive use of its predecessor, the incredible increase in performance of the new iteration, and what he loves about it. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Finding elk is the most critical component of the elk hunting equation. Nothing else really matters if you can’t locate these dang things. Renowned elk hunter, guide, content creator, and all-around great guy, Remi Warren, runs through his secret tips to finding where elk hide — so you can seek.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Modestly priced, the Ruger RPR’s performance is anything but. In fact, it’s a standout. There was a time at Vortex when it seemed a new RPR would show up daily. The accuracy, performance and price were simply too good not to own one. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through this anomaly in the firearm space and why it’s so dang good.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Life can be complex. Choosing a reticle shouldn’t be. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Nick Laufenberg dive into hunting reticles. From simple plex, to more detailed first focal plane reticles with mrad or moa hashmarks and a windage tree in the lower hemisphere – they cover the who, what, where, when, why to get you on target.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Spaghetti Shootout is back for season two and better than ever. With Jimmy Hamilton at the helm of this meatball-packed episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn debate audience submitted topics — most of which are frankly, a little weird. Can Mark break his losing streak? Tune in to find out. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Hunting Alaska is logistically complex. Its location, remoteness, varied terrain, modes of transportation and bears add extra layers to the hunt planning process. Mark Boardman, Erik Barber, and Sawer Briel from Vortex, along with Brad Brooks from Argali, use their Sitka blacktail hunt as the framework to cover valuable Alaska hunt planning tips. The goal? To help you line out your AK adventure. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Crazy terrain, giant bears, extreme weather, lots of shooting, big bucks, bonking out, and a little barf — this hunt had it all. Listen to the Vortex crew to get the behind-the-scenes story of their epic Kodiak Island Sitka blacktail hunt. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Federal funding for school-based archery and hunter education programs has been eliminated. Why? Good question. Mark grabs the Archery Trade Association’s Dan Forester to give us the backstory, along with steps you can take to help. These programs are profoundly important and enrich the lives of youths who participate. They build and promote life skills, friendships, self-esteem, firearm safety and more. Take action. You can make a difference.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

For years there was one cartridge question a deer hunter had to ask themselves. .270 or 30-06? Both have strong merits. Is there a right answer? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sent rounds down range into gel to tackle this highly debated cartridge comparison. The results might surprise you. Frankly, neither of them like the outcome. And that’s where this podcast begins.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

There’s nothing worse than attempting to dial in your bow at the last minute. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Erik Barber tackle a pre-season checklist to help ensure you have stories about the one that didn’t get away.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Prepping for war on a budget. Is that even possible? Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton seek the answer to this question with the help of Vortex Edge® instructors, Justin Lipska and Mike Griffin. These guys have seen some things and run through a lot of gear in their day. Tune in to find out if you can thrift your way to becoming a battle-ready bad ass.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

A hunt-ready rifle ensures optimal performance and rock-solid confidence when the moment of truth arrives. There are several things you can check to make sure your prince of projectile precision is ready for the field this year. Some of which should happen before you even mount that new riflescope. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through a rifle-related checklist that can eliminate potential frustration, as well as promote the accuracy and consistency you demand.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The small versus large rifle primer experiment continues. Ammo was loaded, the weather machine engaged, and rounds sent down range. What did the boys see regarding accuracy, velocity, and reliability? Listen and watch to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

A curious observation leads to multiple hypotheses and an interesting discussion on small rifle primer use in intermediate cartridges like the .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. Could there be an advantage to bucking the trend and using small rifle primers? Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jimmy Hamilton pontificate primers and come up with a test for their hypothesis.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Some states protect albino deer, white deer, and in some instances partially white deer – prohibiting take during legal hunting seasons. Should that be the case? Most states treat white deer like any other deer. What makes white deer so special? Should we manage wildlife based on appearance or science? Jeffrey Pritzl and Kevin Wallenfang from the Wisconsin DNR (Wisconsin is a state that protects white deer) join Mark Boardman and Erik Barber to chat about what for hunters and non-hunters, can be a white-hot issue.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

“Team Tripod” is back. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Paul Neess talk tripods and what a person may want to consider when making their selection. They cover lever locks, twist locks, heads, height, shooting, personal preferences, and at-release of this podcast a new model, to give you a leg up when it’s time to get your first or next tripod.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

A forever ban on wolf hunting in Minnesota seems preposterous and counterintuitive to any semblance of sound wildlife management, but that’s exactly what was on the table for Minnesota residents. Lucky for all hunters, organizations like the Sportsmen’s Alliance stand guard to fend off anti-hunting groups who prey on the emotions and money of the uninformed, aiming to dismantle the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, our hunting traditions, and balanced ecosystems. Mark Boardman and Brian Lynn from the Sportsmen’s Alliance sit down to chat about what happened, how it happened, where the issue stands, and most importantly, the path forward – which looks solid, and shows promise. If you hunt, this issue affects you. Learn what to look out for and what you can do.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Chris Hodgdon from the Hodgdon Powder Company Joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to chat about the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) and the incredible impact it has on youths who participate. This organization develops character as much as it does shooting skills. And let’s not forget the scholarship opportunities for higher education. Parent or youth – listen to hear how you can get involved and possibly change the trajectory of your life.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The 30-06 Springfield and .308 Winchester — two cartridges that have been to war, go to war in this 30-Cal. competition for ages. Shots have been fired and results tallied. But does that tell the whole story? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn don’t think so. That’s why they’ve hit the podcast studio to extract projectiles and further evaluate these American favorites.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Happy Independence Day. In honor of this holiday, freedom, and the brave American’s who stood up against tyranny, we discuss the rifle they used to do it - the 1766 Charleville. This smoothbore flintlock was instrumental in gaining our independence. It’s as cool as it is historic. Listen in as Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn talk about the 1700’s version of the AR-15.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn and Taylor Meyers debate barrel length and its effect on the overall experience…the shooting experience. What do you truly gain or lose as you increase/decrease barrel length. From a 7.5-inch SBR to a 26-inch pipe built to maximize performance, they cover the long and short of this age-old question.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

How did the most powerful straight-wall cartridge of its time become nearly a thing of the past? Where the heck does the .444 designation even come from when there’s nothing .44 about it? Find out as we discuss this impressive and interesting cartridge.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Axis deer, pigs, and goats – oh my! Mark Boardman and Remi Warren, along with field producers Cooper Long and Mike Wozniak, recap a phenomenal hunting experience in the great state of Hawaii. Bows, rifles, rods, reels, and three-prong spears, the guys do their best to sample as much sporting adventure as possible in a few short days. Listen to hear the full rundown on this trip to hunting paradise. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

It’s time for a little anatomy class…The anatomy of a cartridge that is. From primer to bullet and everything between, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn dissect the components, that when compiled properly, become one of the most important tools we have as human beings – the cartridge.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Glock, truly revolutionary at its inception and iconic in the pistol space. The most widely used pistol by law enforcement professionals and often the choice of military professionals as well. Features questioned by some originally, are celebrated by users and emulated by the industry today. Is it the perfect pistol? Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn ask themselves this very question.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

G1 and G7 BC’s - what the heck are they and which number should I plug into my ballistics calculator to get the best drop and wind drift solutions? Mark Boardman grabs Reuben Aleckson and Ryan Muckenhirn to get the 411 on G1 and G7 BC’s. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

In the inaugural episode of Cartridge Talks, (a brand-new Vortex Nation™ YouTube series exploring life’s greatest cartridge-related questions) Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn fired multiple projectiles into ballistics gel comparing the 6.5 Creedmoor against the .308. The goal - to determine a “Winner”. Now, it’s time to grab the forceps and further dissect the results. The guys hit the podcast studio to dive deeper into the nuances of their findings. Is there a compelling winner in this battle of “The old bull versus the young calf?” Watch/listen to find out! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Making a quality binocular costing under $100 would be quite the Triumph. So that’s what we did and that’s what we called it. The Triumph® HD 10x42 binocular is the perfect optic for the budget-conscious outdoorsman who still needs a meaningful viewing experience. In this podcast, we grab optics expert, and admitted optics snob, Mike McDowell, to chat through the features and performance of this optically and economically impressive 10x42 binocular. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Vortex Edge® instructor, Mike Griffin, taps in for a more than interesting story about his paramedic/remote-field-medicine life journey. Along the way, he provides hard-earned incite and some great tips for self-sufficiency and medical care you will want to consider. What’s your plan? What knowledge do you have? What equipment do you need? What if?As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

“You should never use match ammo for hunting.” “Match ammo is fantastic for hunting.” The topic of match ammo for hunting may be one of the most polarizing. There are two camps with little in between. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn tackle this hornets’ nest of a subject, talking about the differences between “match” and “hunting” ammo, provide the theory they personally subscribe to, anecdotes of times they’ve used match ammo for hunting, and touch on regions of the world where using match ammo for hunting is more common than not.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Second Amendment is always under attack. For reference, the Second Amendment states: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Well, there’s a heck of a lot of infringing going on! Good thing we have folks like Adam Kraut from the Second Amendment Foundation working hard to keep it intact. We talk about Adam’s career path, the 2A itself, the playbook of those looking to dismantle it piece by piece, updates on the current landscape of 2A-related infringements we are facing, how the Second Amendment Foundation goes about fighting the good fight and what you can do. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Stability is key for precise shots on game. But who wants to attach a boat anchor to their rifle to get it? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat lightweight hunting bipods in this 10-Minute Talk on two-legged forend support, so you can better shoot 4-legged critters. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down to pit the prom queen 6.5 Creed against the more than iconic .308 Win. After chatting through the merits of both (which both have many), they decide more research needs to be done. Research that requires guns, ammunition, and ballistics gel. If you’re trying to decide between these cartridges, perk up your ears and give this episode a listen. If still undecided at the end, stay tuned.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

All gas no brakes, the high-stepping .240 Weatherby Mag. is classic Roy. This 6mm speedster has a lot to offer. But its performance comes at a cost. Do the negatives outweigh the positives? How does it compare to modern 6mm cartridges? Why isn’t it more popular? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn take the 240 Weatherby Mag. head on in this cartridge talk all about the last cartridge designed by Roy Weatherby himself.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The .22 LR - a right of hunting and shooting passage. But like all guns, fitment is a big consideration. For some youths, it can affect comfort, shooting fundamentals, accuracy, frustration, muscle fatigue, and even safety. Basically, the entire shooting experience. What makes a good youth .22? What things should a person think about when selecting a rifle for this application? What are some models that are available? Find out as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn tackle the topic of youth .22’s.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Famed guide and hunter, Remi Warren, drops by Vortex® to drop knowledge on his favorite hunting cartridge of all time. He makes some strong points with this one and Mark Boardman agrees with everything he has to say. Listen in on this short, but impactful, cartridge-related podcast.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Lots of folks are heading afield in grizzly country packing 10mm pistols these days. But is that the best option? There are certainly handguns with more oomph. What about handguns with less oomph? What attributes should a person prioritize? Velocity? Foot pounds of energy? Bullet diameter? Bullet weight? Bullet construction? Shootability? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn bear down on this topic from a position of having never been there. Luckily most of us haven’t, but it is something to think about if likely finding yourself in bear country.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Apparently, there’s a lot to know about “apparent field of view.” Good thing we have optics guru Mike McDowell to explain it to us! As per usual, Mike dazzles us with information that’s fun, interesting, and useful. Tune in to get tuned up on an often-overlooked optic feature/calculation.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The .325 WSM is 25 more than the .300 WSM, so it’s 25 better, right? Interest and overall acceptance may say otherwise, but there are those who love this cartridge and will defend its honor till their death. Is the .325 designation even accurate? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat about this interesting cartridge that some say is good for everything yet deemed good for nothing by many. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Slingin’ Rik is back on the podcast, and he’s brought his beloved, hunt-worn, Remington 870. If he cut a notch in the stock of this thing every time he killed a turkey, you’d be left with a mighty fine toothpick. It’s the only shotgun he’s owned for most of his life. Listen for the nostalgic backstory of his most cherished firearm. Do you have a gun like this?As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The AR-15 is the most versatile firearm platform in existence. One application where it shines is home defense. Particularly if you outfit it with a light – which you should. Chris Urrutia from Vortex Edge® joins Mark Boardman and Jim Hamilton to chat all about outfitting your AR for home defense.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

You need a rangefinder, but what style is right for you? Bowhunters, rifle hunters, guides, recreational shooters, and competitive shooters have similar, but different needs. Mark Boardman, Paul Neess, and Mike Tassoul chat through the advantages of each and where they shine. They also cover the new Razor® HD 4000 GB laser rangefinder, its onboard ballistics software, atmospherics sensors, and more. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

He doesn’t plan, he doesn’t stockpile copious amounts of ammo, but he’s one of the most prepared people in the world. When you work daily on and develop primitive skills like Clay Hayes, you’re always prepared. This guy won season 8 of the Alone TV competition, and I’m sure would win the game of life if everything we know about society changed in an instant. Tune in to get Clay’s take on preparedness.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

If you know Ryan Muckenhirn, you know he fancies Tikka rifles and their actions. But why? What makes them so great? Mark Boardman and Ryan run the bolt on this topic, covering the glass-smooth, economical, high-performing actions found on Tikka rifles and a fair bit more.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Prepare for dynamic conversation where Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn dive down the prepping rabbit hole. This is a philosophical discussion that explores their personal thoughts, potential strategies, things they consider and more. The unknown is the unknown, so how do you prepare? Good question. We are still sorting it out ourselves – and may continue to with future podcasts. Are you prepared?As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast