The Hornady Podcast

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.

Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Tools General Manager Jason Slinkard and Project Engineers Ben Syring and Dylan Hood to take an in-depth look at Hornady's new reloading tools for 2026. From concept to completion, the team discusses the development, design, and features of the new Versa-Prime Bench Priming Tool and the Classic Pro Press—two innovations built to make precision reloading smoother and...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...