The Nitro Express Podcast

Episode 53 is a special look at a hot topic. In this episode, Jon and Matthew sit down with Christo of Mabula Pro Safaris to share some real truth and experience with you from a lion breeder and safari operation. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and focus on facts, not opinion. This is a touchy subject, but it is one worth exploring and we hope you get some fresh perspective from a man...

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you. In this episode, we sit down with Keith from Jack Atcheson and Sons booking agency. Keith is who Jon has booked...

In episode 52, Jon and Matthew dive into the occult, mystical, and cryptic world of changing ammunition in double rifles. As you know, changing ammunition can cause extreme detrimental performance in the accuracy of your double rifle. However, in this episode, Matthew and Jon share the process of tailoring your hand loaded ammunition to get the most accuracy out of your double rifle. They break do...

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Land from Parkwest Arms. Parkwest is the re-birth of Don Allen's Dakot...

In episode 51, Jon and Matthew give an overview of the convention, folks they saw, new friends they met, and overall impressions of the show. It is an amazing opportunity to see some of the best in the industry in the same place at the same time. As mentioned, THANK YOU for listening, reaching out, and sharing us with friends. As always, feel free to email us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com. W...

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you. In this episode, we sit down with Phillip from Phillip Bronkhorst Safaris. Phillip is who Matthew's first safari...

Friends, in these new segments that will drop every Wednesday starting on February 25, 2026 we sit down with some of the best from the 2026 SCI National Convention in Nashville. Again, we are not in any way sponsored, we just wanted to share some of who we believe are the best with you. In this episode, we sit down with Ivan from Limcroma Safaris. Limcroma is who we will be hunting with in June 20...

Friends, we have some red hot awesome material coming out for you. In the series starting tomorrow, Feb 21, 2026 we interview some of our favorite people in our business. We are not sponsored by any of them, but wanted to share some of the best quality folks with you. Episodes will drop regularly on Wednesday starting on February 25th. If you're interested in getting ahold of them, check the e...

In episode 50, Jon and Matthew walk you through their 10 step process of load development to get the most performance out of your hunting rifle. This is a more technical deep dive, but is invaluable information if you want to get serious about performance and getting the absolute most out of your rifle. Thank you for listening and we look forward to hearing from you via email at thenitroexpresspod...

In episode 49, Jon and Matthew compare the common bigger bolt action cartridges: 416s and 458s. We delve into the history and ballistics of the 416 Remington Magnum, 416 Rigby, 458 Winchester Magnum, and the 458 Lott. Thank you for listening and feel free to correspond with us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 48, Jon and Matthew breakdown some of the general principles of kudu hunting. Discussed is rifle cartridges, bullet choice, and general habits and general species information on one of Africa's greatest trophies. Jon and Matthew both share some hunting stories as well. Thank you for listening! If you would like a copy of the brochure for Zander Lourens Safaris or to communicate in g...

In episode 47, Matthew and Jon share their thoughts on Matthew's new Bergara 17HMR and his Banish 22 suppressor. Topics covered include ammo prices, comparing 22LR, 22 Magnum, and 17HMR as well as some thoughts on suppressors and rimfire cartridges for small game. Matthew's Bergara shot a 3 shot group that measure .113 inches at 100 yards (cover photo). Thank you for listening and please s...

In episode 46, Matthew and Jon dive deeper into the rifles, cartridges, and sighting systems. Jon also shares two more lion hunting stories and Matthew shares some of the structure of the pride and gives a chronological look at the life of male lions. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoyed! As always, feel free to correspond with us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 45, Jon and Matthew dive into the hot topic of captive bred lion hunting and Jon shares two stories about hunting lions in South Africa. This is part one of a two part series. As always, the rifle, cartridge, and bullet are discussed as well as some thought on conservation and how sable became more prevalent in South Africa. Thank you for listening and we hope you have enjoyed it. As al...

In episode 44, Jon and Matthew share their plans to prepare for their upcoming hunt with Limcroma Safaris in June of 2026. More to follow on the process of regulating the ammunition of double rifles to match factory regulation. Thank you for listening and we'll see you on the next one. As always feel free to reach out to us at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In episode 43, Jon and Matthew cover the touchy, emotional aspect of hunting cow elephant. Jon shares his story as well as insight into the emotional aspect and technical information. The conservation aspect for both people and wildlife is thoroughly discussed as well. Thanks for listening and if you will be at the SCI Convention in February, send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com an...

In episode 42, Matthew and Jon discuss a touchy subject for many, elephant hunting. Your hosts share some insight and lay the groundwork for a new, science based conservation based approach to elephants. Jon shares the story of his first elephant, a personal and life changing experience. We also briefly cover some equipment used. Tune in for the next episode on tuskless cow hunting. Cover photo is...

In episode 41, Jon and Matthew tackle a tough question. If you could only have three guns to hunt North America, what would they be? If you feel we missed the obvious choice, send us an email or leave a comment letting us know. Thank you for listening, and as always ,feel free to send in your questions, concerns, and podcast ideas to thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Jon and Matthew give you some shopping ideas for the Outdoorsman in your life. We break down a plethora of options at a variety of price points from stocking stuffers to big ticket items. If you are interested in getting a signed copy of Jon's book The Adventures and Misadventures of Juan Loco, send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com and before December 10 and we...

In this episode, we'd like to share a few things we are thankful for thing year (2025 not 2026!). We thank you for taking time to listen to our ramblings. We hope you spend time with your family and do what you love this season. Cover photo is Matthew's buck from this year.

In episode 39, Matthew and Jon barely scratch the surface of the basics of reloading. They begin by understanding the anatomy of the cartridge, then cover chamber pressure. They conclude with the benefits of hand loading, the dangers, and basic equipment needed. If you would like to see a more detailed episode on how to hand load, leave us a comment or send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gm...

In this short, Jon and Matthew discuss the bare necessities of tools needed to work on your own firearms. This list will grow with your experience and specific collection. This is a great list of basic tools that you will use constantly. Thank you for listening!

In episode 38, Jon and Matthew list the top 5 hunts on their bucket lists. These are expensive, but would be beyond amazing. If you have a bucket list hunt and aren't sure where to begin, we encourage you to attend the Safari Club International convention in Nashville. See Pro Tips in Passing No. 17 for more information. Thank you for listening! Feel free to correspond with us at thenitroexpre...

In this short, Jon and Matthew shares the benefits of attending the SCI Convention in Nashville on February 18-21, 2026. For more show information, visit safari club.org Cover Photo is some of the taxidermy you can see at the show.

In episode 37, Jon shares of his elk hunt around Cranbrook, BC in the early 2000s. We hope you enjoy the story. This story, as well as others, are covered in his book The Adventures and Misadventures of Juan Loco . It is available on Amazon as well as from us if you would like a signed copy. To order from us, send us an email at thenitroexpresspodcast@gmail.com