Vortex Nation Podcast

What will deer rifles look like 10, 20, or even 50 years from now? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn look into their crystal ball to predict the future of the modern deer rifle. From drones to advanced optics, emerging technology, and the enduring bolt-action rifle, they explore how innovation—and tradition—could shape the way future generations hunt deer.

The guys rank their five favorite deer cartridges—or seven, depending on who’s counting—using external ballistics, terminal performance, recoil, and popularity among hunters as their criteria. Did each finalist earn its place? Were any cartridges overlooked? And does Mark’s or Ryan’s top pick match yours? Tune in to find out.

Zeroing your rifle can be accomplished in as few as two shots. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through a few of their favorite tips to make zeroing your rifle fast, efficient, and easy.

What if you could turn years of trail camera photos and deer data into a clearer plan for where and when to hunt? On this episode, Nate and Thomas Krick of Identical Draw join us to break down their new Deer ID app and how it can help hunters organize, catalog, and make sense of massive amounts of trail cam data.

Argali’s Brad Brooks takes us deep into the world of down insulation, explaining everything from fill power and feather-to-down ratios to water-resistant down, temperature ratings, baffle design, regional origin, and testing protocols.

Vortex’s resident cool-gun expert, Ian Klemm, is back with another deep dive into some seriously fascinating Swiss pistols. This time, he’s bringing out a selection of historic Swiss firearms known for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and some truly unique designs.

.30-06 performance out of a highly efficient short-action case wasn’t enough to slingshot the .30 TC into cartridge glory. It should have been. That said, the engineers at Hornady saw its promise, tweaked it, and created one of the most popular cartridges of all time — along with others that make the A-list for competition, hunting, and more. Tune in to hear about the high-performing, incredibly interesting, .30 TC and the inspiration it provided.

Heckler & Koch’s James Williamson and Tommy Brooker are back to chat about their incredible VP9 pistols, CC9 pistols, pairing them with Vortex Defender Red Dots, and the purpose-built pistol packages being offered. H&K has a reputation for doing things right. The products themselves and the shared product ethos of both companies made the collaboration match as good as the performance you get from these systems.

Exigent Defense suppressor manufacturer, lawyer, and Kentucky Gun Owners of America representative, Evan Wilson, stops in to talk through modern suppressor design and the current suppressor ownership landscape. The tax stamp going to $0, a lawsuit filed against the ATF, and a recent ruling have made suppressor ownership easier, but possibly more confusing than before. Different rules for different groups of people and interpretive ambiguity have left some folks scratching their heads.

H&K’s James Williamson and Tommy Booker join Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for an unforgettable range session featuring some of the coolest and most legendary firearms ever made by Heckler & Koch (H&K). From the HK MP7 and MP5SD to the legendary P7, MK8, and more, this episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast dives into the history, engineering, stories, and real-world performance behind these iconic H&K firearms.

How much riflescope magnification do you really need for hunting? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn get into a “healthy discussion” about the best hunting scope magnification and whether more power actually means better performance in the field. Is there one magnification range that can handle nearly every hunting situation? Kinda. Do Mark and Ryan agree on what that range is? Absolutely not.

The 6.5 Bitchcat (6.5 BC) is back—and this wildcat cartridge is getting a serious deep dive. In this episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn have put their new custom 6.5 Bitchcat rifle through its paces, testing three custom handloads across a range of real-world scenarios.

Want to fill your freezer more consistently? The moment of truth rarely offers a flat, stable setup. In this episode, Vortex’s Mike Tassoul and Jimmy Jordan break down how practical shooting sports translate directly to real-world big game hunting scenarios. Learn how competing under pressure trains you to manage gear, control your nerves, and make lethal shots when infinite variables are in play. Whether you are preparing for your first elk hunt or looking to tighten your groups under stress, this is your blueprint for better marksmanship.

What gear do you actually need for a Tactical Urban Sustainment Course (TUSC)? Vortex Edge® instructor, in-house prepper, and survival hobbyist Mike Griffin joins Mark Boardman to break down the TUSC loadout he selected for his recent course with the Direct Action Resource Center (DARC) in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Razor® HD Gen III 6-36x56 adds the new VMR-5 reticle to its lineup for shooters who prioritize a clean field of view. Less can be more for some shooters when it comes to reticles. Andrew Lunde from Vortex’s product development team walks us through the VMR-5.

What happens when precision rifle shooting meets real-world field scenarios? Mark Boardman sits down with Ken Wheeler, owner of the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), and Vortex’s Tucker Schmidt to explore Ken’s path into long-range shooting, and the story of how he came to purchase the Precision Rifle Series.

The Vortex Optics GeoBallistics® app just got better. In this video, we break down the latest GeoBallistics® updates, new features, technology, and functionality—including what’s changed and how these improvements can make your ballistic calculations and shooting experience more intuitive.

Bryan Broderick from Day Six Gear drops by Vortex to drop some serious arrow and broadhead knowledge. Bryan’s archery philosophies are backed by 10 lifetimes of practical field experience and are as sound as the products he’s developed. Tune in to hear about Day 6 Gear’s new products and get Bryan’s thoughts on the “WHY” behind what makes a great bowhunting arrow setup.

What does it really take to build a successful YouTube channel in the hunting and fishing world? Gone All Season’s Cole Booth and Brett Walker join Mark Boardman to share how they got started, what they’ve learned along the way, and their philosophy on creating content that connects with an audience. Young, hungry, and talented, they’ve built serious momentum in a short time. If you want to start making YouTube videos—or take your hunting and fishing channel to the next level—this conversation is for you.

Packing gear in and game out requires a quality backpack purpose-built for the job. Quick day hunt or a multi-day backcountry adventure, the right backpack can make all the difference. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down the hunting packs they've been using lately, what features stand out, how they've configured them, and why they continue to trust them in the field. If you're comparing packs or looking for your next hunting backpack, this conversation covers the features, accessories, and real-world considerations that matter most.

The next evolution of our flagship rangefinder is here. Built from real golfer feedback, the NEW Anarch+ is engineered to help you play with more confidence. Ultrafast distance readings and image stabilization to Pin-Spotter Mode and premium optics, every upgrade is designed to make finding your target faster and easier. In this episode, we break down what's new, and how the Anarch+ can help improve your game on the course.

The .308 SUPER is here—and it might be one of the most interesting new .30-caliber cartridge concepts we've tested. In this episode, we put the Barnes 212-grain LRX Bore Rider to work in a .308-based case and answer the questions everyone is asking. And the big question: Could the .308 SUPER outperform Ryan Muckenhirn and Mark Boardman's beloved .300 SUPER WSM? Long-range shooter, handloader, hunter, or cartridge nerd, this episode dives into the data, testing, and where the .308 SUPER could fit in the future of .30-caliber performance.

The perfect blend of velocity, recoil, bullet profile, bullet weight, wind deflection, splash, and versatility. And at press time, there’s not a commercial option. Long range competition to medium-size game, the 25 GT has a lot going for it. Does it make sense for you? Listen to find out!

The NEW podcast studio is in full effect. In this special listener Q&A, the Vortex Nation and CARE podcast teams join forces to answer your best hunting, shooting, CARE, and just-for-fun questions. A .308 SUPER update to the best beef jerky flavor and more, the guys tackle your hard-hitting questions and have fun doing it!

Rob Sexton, Senior Vice President of the Sportsmen's Alliance, joins Mark Boardman to explain Oregon Initiative Petition 28, also known as the PEACE Act (People for Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions). It seeks to eliminate long-standing legal exemptions that effectively eliminate hunting, fishing, trapping, livestock production, wildlife management, pest control, and other traditional practices. In this episode, Rob breaks down what the initiative proposes, who could be affected, and why sportsmen and other affected groups across the country are paying attention. If you care about hunting, conservation, fishing, ranching, or wildlife policy, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 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

Three-time Live World Goose Calling Champion and founder of Quill Creek Calls, Chance Wadsworth, drops into our podcast decoys to talk contest calling, waterfowl hunting tactics, what makes his calls so good, and his entrepreneurial journey. If you’re a waterfowl hunter, competition caller, or looking to get into either, this is the podcast for you!

The all-new Vortex Crossfire® II Dot Sight delivers fast target acquisition, rugged reliability, and upgraded performance for ARs, rifles, shotguns, and PCCs. In this episode, Vortex director of product development, Rob Morell, breaks down everything you need to know about the latest Crossfire® II lineup, including features, performance improvements, mounting options, and available configurations. Solar/battery-powered, battery-powered, red or green dot reticle, black and tan finishes, there's a Crossfire® II built for you. Learn what makes the new Crossfire® II one of the most versatile and dependable red dot sights for hunting, competition, home defense, and recreational shooting.

Not all tents are built for the same adventure. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down tents they've trusted over years of hunting, backpacking, camping, and backcountry travel. They cover different models, styles, material compositions, and best applications for each. Bombproof four-season freestanding tents to ultralight trekking-pole-erected single-wall shelters, get the info you need for your next stay in the great outdoors.

Mark Boardman puts Vortex hunters on the spot with one simple question: What's the one piece of hunting gear you never leave home without? From overlooked hunting essentials to game-changing gear that can save a hunt, you'll hear the items experienced hunters always pack—but most don't. This podcast could change your packing list for good.

After velocity and gel testing Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak loaded with 130 Grain Terminal Ascent bullets and comparing it to 6.5 PRC, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down everything they learned. Does Federal's innovative Peak Alloy high-pressure case deliver the velocity gains hunters have been waiting for? Does Peak Alloy Launch the 6.5 Creedmoor into an entirely new realm of performance? Is the 6.5 Creedmoor the only cartridge most folks need to handle all their big-game hunting applications? Is high pressure the future of cartridge design? Find out here!

Quality sleep can make or break a backcountry hunt. When you're covering miles, climbing elevation, and recovering for another full day in the field, your sleep system is one of the most important pieces of gear you carry. Sleeping bags, pads, pillows and cots — Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through their sleep systems and what works for them.

The crew from Kifaru steps away from spring turkey season to talk hunting packs, technical fabrics, backpack design, apparel, and the philosophy behind building some of the toughest backcountry gear in the industry. We also recap a memorable turkey hunt, discuss what makes a great hunting pack, share gear insights, and cover down on favorite post-hunt meals.

Weatherby enters the muzzleloader arena in a big way with the ultra-premier Model 307 MZY. Blending features of a high-end rifle with state-of-the-art ignition technology, the Model 307 MZY delivers impressive performance and accuracy. Adam Weatherby and Luke Thorkildsen give us a primer on the features, performance, and design philosophy behind the Model 307 MZY, explaining what sets Weatherby’s first muzzleloader apart from the competition.

Mark Boarmdan and Ryan Muckenhirn lace up for a podcast all about boots they’ve used, trust and would recommend. Mountain hunts to farmland whitetails, your footwear can make or break the entire experience. Tune in to get the rundown on boot models to consider for your upcoming season.

How do you properly fit a hunting pack? What's the best way to pack your backpack for the backcountry? And how did Exo Mtn Gear become one of the most respected names in hunting packs? Exo Mtn Gear founder and lead pack designer Steve Speck joins the podcast to break down pack fit, load distribution, backpack setup, backcountry hunting gear, and the story behind Exo. Whether you're preparing for your first western hunt or fine-tuning your system, this episode is packed with practical advice and proven tips.

Nick Hoffman, experienced international hunter and host of Nick's Wild Ride, shares expert advice on traveling internationally for hunting adventures, including firearm and ammunition regulations, customs paperwork, rifle permits, travel documentation, health precautions, food and drinking water safety, tipping etiquette, and what to expect when hunting in foreign countries. From avoiding common travel mistakes to navigating customs and nearly getting arrested, Nick reveals real-world lessons every hunter should know before heading abroad.

The 7.62x39 is one of the most recognizable and widely used rifle cartridges ever created. Paired with AK-pattern rifles, it has earned a reputation for reliability, effectiveness, and global popularity. But what turned this intermediate cartridge into a worldwide phenomenon?

Federal Ammunition’s Joshua Vickers and Brad Abramowski join Vortex to give us the gouge on their all-new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammo. In this episode, Federal explains the technology behind the latest addition to the Peak Alloy lineup, including velocity gains, recoil characteristics, barrel life, pressure management, projectile selection, and real-world hunting and shooting performance.

The most ridiculous concealed carry item you would still carry to finishing the lyrics of popular songs, the season finale of Spaghetti Shootout is sure to hit the spot. Who goes out on a high note? There’s only one way to find out. Grab your fork and dig in.

Hunter Constantine is a USPSA Grand Master, competitive shooter, professional firearms instructor, entrepreneur, successful YouTube host, inventor of the Constantine Carry Belt, and pro shooter for Team Smith & Wesson. To say he’s an expert is an understatement. We get his more than interesting story and walk through his process for drawing from concealed.

What hunting shelter should you buy? Argali founder Brad Brooks joins Mark Boardman to break down the pros and cons of hunting tents and backcountry shelters. Learn how tent size, weight, materials, weather protection, and intended use impact performance in the field. They also discuss the latest shelter innovations from Argali and help hunters determine which shelter best fits their needs. Whether you're planning a backcountry elk hunt, mule deer adventure, or extended wilderness trip, this episode will help you choose the right shelter with confidence.

Your ability to hike and hunt hard for multiple days is directly dependent on your fitness and mental toughness. If you do one thing to prepare for your hunt, rucking/pack training may just be your best bet. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn show their current systems and talk through how they weave rucking into their pre-season training regimen.

Vortex’s in-house firearm historian, collector, and extreme enthusiast, Ian Klemm, drops by the studio with two rare vintage Sako’s. Obscure chamberings. Classic Finnish craftsmanship. Ian Klemm breaks down the history behind an early L46 in .25-20 WCF and a unique L461 Vixen in 6x45mm.

Lever-action rifles may be a new category for Smith & Wesson, but the company’s connection to lever guns goes back to the very origins of the platform itself. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn explore the history behind the legendary action and take a closer look at the classic styling and modern performance of the Smith & Wesson 1854.

The international hunt of a lifetime may be way more within reach than you think. New Zealand to Scotland and much more, Nick Hoffman walks us through economical hunts around the globe. The flight might be long, but life is short. Book it!

Mark Boardman proved out his long-range Ruger 10/22 squirrel sniping setup. He and videographer Cole Booth talk through the rifle, suite of advanced kit used, and how it worked in the field.

Firing cup and core, bonded, and monolithic bullets into ordnance gel is cool. Documenting it with a high-speed camera to analyze terminal performance is cooler. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn unpack their findings after getting a unique look in slow motion.

The What3Words App may save your life. It helped do just that for Jared Leuzinger who suffered a freak broadhead-induced injury while hunting deer. Tune in to hear his story and learn what you may want to do to add an extra layer of safety to your outdoor adventures.

Unknown Suppressors is a fast-moving company making innovative suppressors. Unknown Munitions specialize in aftermarket Tikka components, custom Tikka rifles, ammunition and more. If you don’t know them, this podcast is your chance.

Sim-X Pistol ammunition bucks convention with its low mass/high velocity offerings for both target and defensive applications. Mark Boardman shoots some Sim-X 9mm at the range, compares it to standard loads, and he and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through this interesting ammo.

Vortex’s Travis Jones and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down with Mark Boardman to recount their one-of-a-kind west Texas aoudad hunt. A cull hunt moderated by biologists and orchestrated to put a dent in the burgeoning aoudad population, allowed the group to get a lifetime’s worth of reps and product testing in three days… including the inaugural fielding of Ryan’s .300 SUPER WSM.

Shooting bearded hens, name your opponent’s outdoor brand, a meatball in a bottle, and more. Tune in for a full scoop of Spaghetti Shootout!

Subsonic cartridges are fun, pleasant to shoot, practical and tactical. Specialized military applications, personal defense, hunting, discrete pest control, and more, subsonic cartridges serve multiple roles. Damon Zito from Vortex’s product development team joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for a fun discussion on subsonic cartridges, their versatility, and how they are using them.

Cody Osborn from Q sits down with Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for an in-depth discussion about Q, their ethos, and some very cool products. Known for their engineering, bucking the status quo, and personality, Q is a unique company doing impressive things in the firearms space.

Big medicine in a standard-length action pushing a heavy .366 diameter bullet, the 9.3x62 Mauser is legally accepted as a dangerous game option in parts of Africa with a .375 bullet diameter minimum. This cartridge has a storied history and reputation for getting the job done…Big jobs. Commonly referred to as the poor man’s .375 H&H, the 9.3x62 Mauser may just be the coolest cartridge you didn’t know about.

All your thermal scanning needs are met with the high-performing, feature-rich, easy-to-use, intuitive, Veil™ 400 Thermal Monocular. Joe Heltemes and Ben Farrell from Vortex’s product development team join Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to talk through its tech, features, and user-friendly functionality. Hog hunting, predator hunting, game recovery, and more, if you’ve been thinking about getting into the thermal game, the Veil 400™ is your ticket.

Vortex’s Reuben Aleckson talks through and demonstrates the ACE Virtual Shooting Simulator. This thing is cool, fun, and has legitimate training merit that will make you better.

Maine Moose Biologist, Lee Kantar, joins Mark Boardman to discuss “Winter Tick” and its impact on the region’s moose population. Winter Tick is literally sucking the life out of Maine’s moose until they succumb. Lee talks through the biology of the ticks themselves, research he’s been involved with, and what the future holds.

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk forced reset triggers and super-safeties. Once installed, these things still require a single trigger pull per round sent downrange — but do it fast. With no firsthand experience, they chat through their functionality, merit, place in the shooting world and debate if they should give them a shot — more accurately, lots of shots.

The video is a wrap, but the discussion isn’t over. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn are back in the podcast studio breaking down their slow-motion copper bullet comparison. Listen as they deep-dive the results, provide opinions, and give final conclusions.

OnX Map’s Dylan Dowson navigates his way over to highlight new and useful features to make your hunt more successful start-to-finish. Pre-hunt scouting to in-field execution, OnX is an invaluable tool. Tune in for tips to amplify its capabilities.

Hunting legend and Knight & Hale’s very own, Harold Knight, is in the studio. We get the incredible history of this iconic brand, some great stories, and an inside look from the man himself. One of the first content-marketers in the hunting space, his passion for calling critters and the outdoors is palpable.

Joel Webster from the TRCP is back on for a quick chat covering current conservation-related issues, what we should be keeping our eyes out for, and how you can make a difference.

When it comes to hunting, Remi Warren is as good as it gets! Mark Boardman sits down with him to find out what a person can be doing in the off-season to make their archery hunts a success. Tune your bow and tune in for great archery tips you can take to the field.

Incredible performance, optics, versatility, durability, and new tech make the Strike Eagle® 1-10x24 FFP an absolute contender for any firearm built for speed and quick target acquisition with the need to engage targets at distance. Rob Morell from our product development team drops in to tell us about this awesome addition to the Strike Eagle® lineup.

Matt Pederson from Pederson Precision drops by to put his spin on rifling. We cover the different types, their processes, and pros/cons of each. Will the newest method be the future? Only time will tell.

This unique wildcat comes at us from listener Chasen Wolfford with a detailed letter, dimensional drawing, and a whole lot of “cool factor.” Listen as we cover the why behind his creation and what we think it’s capable of.

Garret Caldwell and Tim Farrell from Mack Brothers drop by the studio to chat everything Mack Brothers — including sneak peeks at new products. Suppressors, actions, complete guns, history and more, this is a fun, in-depth interview with a couple great guys who know what they are talking about.

Get the rundown on the Vortex Dream Build Experience. One person will be selected to work with Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn on their perfect build followed by a day of instruction with them and the Vortex Edge® crew. Find out how to get your name in the hat. Will it be you? There’s only one way to find out.

Huntin’ Fool’s Austin Atkinson joins Mark Boardman to chat western tag draw strategies. Shotgun approaches of the past aren’t your best bet. The game has changed. You need to match your personal goals with a targeted multiyear plan that gets you in the field. Just starting out or point-rich, Austin tells us how.

Episode 32 of Spaghetti Shootout is one spicy meatball! Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn bring the banter, the jabs, and debate questions so philosophically sophisticated even Socrates would be impressed. With Jimmy as the judge, anything can happen. Watch to find out who takes the win.

Is your action bedded? Should you bed your action? What does bedding even do? Tune in as the guys put all your bedding questions to bed.

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn take the show on the road as they traverse the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in search of cool products. They go booth to booth, grabbing folks to chat about gear and equipment that caught their eye.

U.S. Rifle Team Shooter Ian Klemm joins the guys to chat long-range shooting past and present. Tune in for a highly educational, insightful, and interesting conversation with one of the world’s best shooters.

Adam Weatherby, Weatherby CEO, and Luke Thorkildsen, Weatherby COO, drop by Vortex for an awesome conversation that traverses the company’s history, ethos, new for 2026 products, and more. Tune in for a fun and informative podcast that may have you buying a new ultralight rifle.

The base of a bullet and its design dictate a good portion of how it behaves down range. Tune in as the guys talk through the most common types, what they offer, and where they shine.

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn engage in an electric conversation about the revolutionary, cutting edge (at the time), and very short lived, Remington 700 ExtronX rifle. The world wasn’t ready for this tech and its execution. It still isn’t. But that’s what makes it so fun to talk about. Tune in. We’ll be shocked if this isn’t one you enjoy.

The modern cartridge landscape hasn’t forgotten about the crafty coyote. Daytime or night, bolt gun or AR, there are cartridges optimized for the task of putting fur on the ground. Tune in as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn cover a few of our newer standouts.

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn highlight new-for-2026 SHOT Show product releases based solely on a single criteria — they thought the items were cool. Tune in for a rundown on some great gear you may want to add to your kit.

The gang is back throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Best cartridge for coyotes, the change they’d make to predator hunting regulations, technology impacting the spirit of the hunt, and the Mandela effect are all on the dinner table. Heck, did this episode of Spaghetti Shootout even really happen? Watch to find out.

GeoBallsitcs® is a robust and comprehensive ballistic solver that integrates with select Vortex products —and it just got better! Tune in as the guys run through its incredible features and capabilities. Get the PRO version free with purchase of any GeoBallistcs® equipped product. Download the free version to check it out!

The holy grail of binoculars, the holy grail of weather meters, and the ability for the units to talk to one another via the Relay™ Network gives hunters and shooters a new level of capability. Tune in to get the scoop on these new products, the new tech that makes them tick, and more.

Ian Klemm is back with a collection of straight pull rifles of different designs and eras. Tune in as he details the intricacies of each, gives us some history, and is his eternally interesting self.

A new tier of optic is born. The Vortex AMG® 1-10x24 is the most-advanced, highest performing, feature rich, optically superior, LPVO we’ve ever built. Astonishingly lightweight and compact, it is a true engineering marvel. Tune in and listen to AMG team members Andy Haffemann and Connor McDermot talk through its pedigree, features, and capabilities.

Avid shooters from Vortex get together to share information on new products they used, liked, and made a difference. Tune in to get the scoop on gear you may need too!

2025 is in the books — along with every hunt the guys could fit in. Listen and watch as they highlight gear they used for the first time, liked, and would recommend.

High pressure cases appear to be the next evolution of cartridge performance. Shell Schock Technologies and their NAS3 cases are at the forefront of the trend. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through their experiences with Blackarc Munitions ammo loaded using NAS3 cases. Tune in for their thoughts on the technology itself and what they saw.

Rob Morrel from Vortex’s New Product Development team drops by the studio to chat suppressors, manufacturing processes, material composition, trends, and what he’s personally excited about. Don’t suppress your urge to tune in. This is a good one.

Introduced in 1895 for the Winchester 1894, the .25-35 Winchester was fast for its time, flat shooting, and optimized for the lever gun. This cartridge had and still has a lot to offer. Saddle up for an informative discussion focused on this classic cartridge.

The 7mm SAUM has everything a long-range hunter or shooter is looking for — today. This cartridge was ahead of its time. Those who understood its capabilities have kept it alive in custom rifles to this day. Tune in as Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jimmy Hamilton cover this cool cartridge that should have been a household name.

Lightning fast, low recoil, mild report, and perfect for varmints — what’s not to like about the .17 Remington Fireball? Apparently, a lot. This cartridge and rifles chambered in it weren’t long for this world. Tune is as the gang chats through this ultra-cool cartridge that never got traction.

Short, slow, and fat. No, this isn’t Mark’s high school football scouting report. It describes the positive attributes of the .338 ARC. This is a cool cartridge doing cool stuff in a standard AR frame. Tune in to hear all about it.

Introduced in 1904, the .405 Winchester is one of the most powerful lever-action cartridges ever created. Teddy Roosevelt had a particular fondness for it. Ryan Muckenhirn brings in a rifle chambered for this classic cartridge and the guys talk all about its venerable performance.

A model of efficiency, long-range precision, and barrel life, the 6mm GT may just be the Goldilocks of 6mm cartridges. Does it sit at the top of the 6mm cartridge pile? Tune in as the guys dissect this more than intelligent cartridge.

Things get saucy as Mark and Ryan debate why their opponent is on the naughty list, the hunt they’d take Santa on, the cartridge they’d hunt Iowa deer with and more. Are Mark’s answers and Christmas gift for Jim good enough or does Ryan come between him and the threepeat? Tune in to find out!

Mark quietly did his research. In silence and unbeknownst to the guys, he finally pulled the trigger. It took everything he had to suppress his secret until the big podcast reveal. Disguised as a revisit to Jimmy’s pizza oven culinary exploits, he surprises them with the big news. Can they believe it? Which one did he pick?

When we asked for questions, you guys delivered! Tune in as the guys tackle cartridges they don’t own but want, tire chains, dream hunts, the high-pressure cartridge they wish existed, and a heck of a lot more.

Will a heart-felt letter and listener-submitted specialty coffee finally get Jimmy to see the coffee light? Tune in as the guys “pour over” this fun topic aimed at getting Jimmy’s life on the right track.

Arrows flung and bullets sent, a crew of Vortex folks pack the podcast studio for a deer-season recap. Big bucks, medium bucks, young bucks, and doe’s — ­nothing was safe. Tune in to hear the stories behind the venison.