The Barnes Bullets Podcast

Is the 7mm-08 quietly the best-performing short-action hunting cartridge available? The .308 Winchester gets the reputation. The 6.5 Creedmoor gets the hype. But sitting right between them is a cartridge that combines excellent velocity, efficient 7mm bullets, manageable recoil, and proven big-game performance—the 7mm-08 Remington. In this episode of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes, Dale and Gregg mak...

The team from Q, LLC joins the podcast at our Mona, Utah facility for a deep dive into 8.6 Blackout. We break down the radical engineering behind 1:3 and 1:6 fast-twist rates, the rotational physics that turn subsonics into lethal energy, and the push to get 8.6 BLK SAAMI standardized. Plus, we explore why solid copper monolithic bullets are custom-built for high-RPM stability and officially unvei...

In this episode of the Barnes Bullets podcast, Dale sits down with Gregg and Mitchell for an unfiltered breakdown of their Top 5 Elk Hunting Cartridges. With decades of western hunting experience between them, the crew steps away from keyboard-warrior theories to discuss what actually works when heavy bone, thick muscle, and extended distances are on the line. Whether you lean toward classic, time...

How small is too small for big game? The trend is everywhere right now—hunters taking increasingly smaller cartridges after increasingly larger animals. .22 Creedmoor for moose. .22 ARC and other small-caliber cartridges for elk, bears, and big game. And depending on who you ask, the answer is either: “Shot placement is everything.” …or… “There’s no replacement for bullet weight, diameter, and hor...

Are you packing too heavy, or leaving crucial gear behind? In this gear-focused episode of the Barnes Bullets Podcast, Dale is joined by Gregg & Mitchell, to dump their packs on the table to break down exactly what they carry into the woods for the upcoming hunting season. Because no two western big game hunts are the same, we’re showcasing three completely distinct pack systems: The Backcount...

In this episode of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes , Dale puts Mitchell on the clock to break down one of the most misunderstood measurements in shooting and hunting. They explain how ballistic coefficient relates to aerodynamic drag, retained velocity, wind drift and bullet drop—and why chasing the highest BC number can lead shooters toward the wrong projectile for their rifle or hunting application....

What really makes a hunting cartridge shoot flat—and does that advantage still matter in the age of rangefinders and ballistic apps? Dale, Gregg, and Mitchell break down some of the fastest, flattest-shooting cartridges available, mixing legendary speed cartridges with newer options gaining momentum. Beyond muzzle velocity, the guys discuss ballistic coefficient, wind drift, recoil, barrel life, b...

Some of the best ammo options are the ones hunters overlook. In this episode of Ballistics Briefs , Dale is joined by Gregg, as he breaks down his top sleeper picks from across the Barnes ammunition lineup—what makes each load stand out, where it shines, and why it deserves more attention. Quick, practical insight to help you become a more informed shooter before hunting season arrives. Find the r...

The 6mm caliber family is in the middle of a massive resurgence—from classic deer rifles to match-winning competition rigs, the rules of the game have completely changed. In this episode of the Barnes Bullets Podcast, we take a deep dive into the evolution of the 6mm / .243 caliber class . We trace the full timeline from the traditional legacy classics that defined generations of hunting—like the...

Is hydrostatic shock real—or is it one of the most misunderstood myths in hunting ballistics? Hunters constantly talk about hydrostatic shock, knockdown power, energy transfer, shock waves, wound channels and animals “dropping in their tracks.” But are all those terms describing the same thing—or are we giving hydrostatic shock credit for something else happening inside the animal? In this episode...

Are we on the edge of a ballistics revolution, or are we just burning out barrels? In this episode of the Barnes Bullets podcast, Dale, Gregg, and Mitchell tackle the massive industry shift toward high-pressure ammunition. Fueled by new steel-hybrid and alloy casing advancements, factory loads are suddenly pushing a mind-blowing 80,000 PSI —completely smashing the traditional 62,000 PSI brass safe...

Are you using the right Barnes bullet for your hunt? In this episode of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes, we break down the differences between four of the most popular Barnes bullet designs: TSX, TTSX, LRX, and TAC-TX. They’re all copper. They’re all built with Barnes’ proven monolithic bullet technology. But they are not all designed to do the exact same job. We dive into how each bullet is designed,...

In this episode of the Barnes Bullets Podcast, Dale is joined by Gregg and Mitchell for a full breakdown of their personal hunting rifle systems. From actions and barrels to optics, ammo, bullet selection, and the reasoning behind each choice, this episode dives into what it really means to build a complete hunting system. Each setup is built around real hunting scenarios, personal shooting style,...

Is the .308 Winchester the most versatile hunting cartridge ever developed? In this episode of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes, we make the case for why the .308 Winchester may be the best all-around hunting cartridge ever made. We break down why the .308 Winchester continues to perform on deer, elk, black bear, hogs, antelope, and other big game when paired with the right bullet. We also look at why...

Is your current .22 caliber setup holding you back? In Episode 34 of the Barnes Bullets Podcast, we’re diving deep into the massive shift in .22 caliber performance—the move from legacy platforms to fast-twist, high-BC efficiency. We compare the "traditional" workhorses (.223 Rem and .22-250) against the new-age disruptors (22 ARC and 22 Creedmoor). We discuss why twist rate is the most critical v...

Are magnum cartridges actually overrated? Hunters love speed, energy, range, and horsepower — and magnum cartridges look incredible on paper. But in the real world, more power does not always mean better performance. In this episode of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes, we dive into one of the biggest debates in hunting: magnum cartridges vs standard cartridges. Magnums have a place. No question. But if...

In Episode 32, Drew Miles of Tricer Gear joins the Barnes Bullets Podcast for a conversation that covers the story behind Tricer, his family’s work in foster care ministry, and the preparation going into an upcoming Alaska brown bear and black bear hunt. The guys discuss how Tricer Gear started, what drives product development in the hunting industry, and why real-world testing matters. They also...

Does muzzle velocity really matter? Hunters and shooters love talking about speed. More feet per second. Flatter trajectory. Bigger numbers on the ammo box. But when it comes to real-world bullet performance, muzzle velocity only tells part of the story. In this episode of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes , we break down why impact velocity may matter more than muzzle velocity when it comes to bullet e...

In Episode 32, we’re breaking the "CEO wall." For the first time on the Barnes Bullets Podcast, our President and CEO, Jim Bruno joins us for a raw, unfiltered look at the future of the brand. From his roots as a hunter, 30 years in the industry, to the high-stakes world of ammunition innovation, this is a deep dive into where we are, where we’re going, and why the "human-first" approach is the on...

When it comes to hunting bullets, the debate never ends—copper vs. lead. In this first edition of Ballistics Briefs, Dale puts Gregg on the clock with one simple challenge: Explain why copper bullets outperform lead—in just 10 minutes. No fluff. No filler. Just straight, hard-hitting insight from decades of experience. From terminal performance and weight retention to penetration, expansion, and r...

In Episode 31 of the Barnes Bullets Podcast , Dale Evans is joined by Gregg and Alan to discuss reloading tips, common customer questions, and practical advice for loading component bullets. With more than 50 years of combined reloading experience, the conversation covers troubleshooting, load development, consistency, and lessons learned from decades at the bench. Along the way, the episode branc...

On this episode of the Podcast, we're doing a Live Event down in Houston, Texas at Gordy & Son's Outfitters. This event is during the week of NRA Show in Houston, where we were invited in to have a reception to interact with local customers.

In Episode 30 of the Barnes Bullets Podcast , Dale Evans and the team introduce the 2026 Harvest Collection line extensions , including the all-new Straightwall Series and Big Woods Bucks Edition . With nine new additions to the lineup, this episode breaks down the thinking behind the expansion, how these offerings build on the success of the original Harvest Collection, and where they fit across...

In Episode 29, Dale sits down with SilencerCo to discuss suppressor design, evolving industry trends, and key differences in modern suppressor systems. Plus, a look at subsonic ammunition and the Barnes Suppressor Series.

We’re diving deep with the ballistics team to explain the physics behind and technical specs of the 400-350 UpWall. From the self-annealing brass cases to the 72,000 PSI interference seal, this isn't just a new caliber—it’s a new category of internal ballistics. Listen in as we discuss the data following our testing; as this is preliminary and subject to SAAMI certification. - If you tried to swag...