Ep. 199 – Rifle Setups to Cartridge Selection with Michael Waddell

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 more consistent than ever.

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.