The Barnes Bullets Podcast

Barnes Bullets

Welcome to The Barnes Bullets Podcast, presented by the leaders in all-copper bullet design. This is the ultimate convergence of ballistic science, handloading precision, and authentic storytelling from the field. Go behind the scenes with the engineers, hunters, and industry professionals driving modern innovation in the outdoors. Tune into our full-length episodes for deep-dive technical discussions and grit-filled stories from the field, or catch a Ballistics Brief for a fast, hard-hitting data drop. No fluff—this is where heavy-hitting ballistic innovation meets the reality of the hunt.

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22 episodes
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Avg 43 min
English

Episodes 22

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Friday · 10 min
Is the 7mm-08 the BEST Short-Action Hunting Cartridge?
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 make the case for why the 7mm-08 might deserve the crown as the Short Action King.The 7mm-08 has been around for decades, but with today’s bullets and modern rifles, has this cartridge actually gotten better with age?
S1 · E41
September 23 · 1 hr 11 min
Inside 8.6 Blackout: Q, LLC & The Launch of Barnes Factory Ammunition
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 unveil the new line of Barnes Factory 8.6 BLK Ammunition.
S1 · E40
September 18 · 1 hr 2 min
The Ultimate Top 5 Elk Hunting Cartridges Debate
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-tested calibers or modern, fast-twist magnums, the guys break down the real-world terminal physics, bullet weight selection, and shot-placement realities required to bring down North America's toughest big game. In this episode, we cover: The Non-Negotiables: Minimum downrange energy thresholds, terminal expansion requirements, and sectional density for elk-sized game. The Top 5 Breakdown: The crew reveals their individual top cartridge selections and why they made the cut. Versatility vs. Magnum Punch: Balancing recoil management and shot placement against outright kinetic horsepower. Monolithic Performance: Why running solid copper projectiles (like the Barnes LRX and TTSX) changes the game for medium-and-large caliber elk setups. Distance & Velocity Realities: Knowing the true effective terminal range of your favorite load before heading into the backcountry. If you’re prepping for an upcoming western elk hunt or looking to fine-tune your rifle setup for this fall, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.
S2 · E10
September 3 · 13 min
Small Caliber Cartridges for Big Game: How Small Is Too Small?
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 horsepower.” In this episode of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes, Dale and Gregg jump directly into one of the hottest debates in modern hunting: small cartridges vs. big game animals. Can a .22-caliber hunting bullet kill a moose? Absolutely. But that isn’t really the question. The better question is: How much margin for error are you willing to give up—and what happens when the shot isn’t absolutely perfect? Gregg breaks down the ballistics behind using smaller cartridges on large animals and if you are going to intentionally give up bullet diameter and projectile weight, bullet construction becomes more important than ever.
S1 · E39
August 28 · 1 hr 34 min
Episode 39 - What’s in Our Packs for Western Big Game: 3 Hunters, 3 Systems
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 Backcountry Grind: Dale breaks down his 50lb+ pack built to sustain a hunter for 5-7 days off the grid—the exact system you need for deep-timber elk pursuits or demanding mountain terrain. The Luxury Camp: Mitchell brings a completely different perspective, explaining how utilizing pack goats completely changes your gear list, allowing you to carry heavier items and establish a comfortable luxury camp without breaking your back. The Mobile Day Hunter: Gregg strips things down to the absolute essentials, showcasing a lightweight day-pack system optimized for truck-based mountain hunts. We discuss the philosophy behind our choices, the luxury items we refuse to leave behind, and how to tailor your own pack to fit your specific hunting style.
S2 · E8
August 21 · 18 min
Ballistic Coefficient Explained: What BC Really Means for Hunters - #BallisticsBriefs
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. A high-BC bullet may retain velocity and resist wind more efficiently, but ballistic coefficient is only one part of total bullet performance. Accuracy in your individual rifle, impact velocity, expansion, penetration, construction and intended use still matter when selecting a hunting bullet.
S1 · E38
August 14 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 38 - The Flattest-Shooting Hunting Cartridges: Old Legends, Modern Speed
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, bullet construction, and whether the performance hunters see on paper actually creates a meaningful advantage in the field. It is a fun, in-depth conversation about speed, trajectory, and the cartridges that continue to earn their place in hunting rifles—whether they were introduced decades ago or are just beginning to gain steam.
S2 · E7
August 7 · 18 min
Best Hunting Ammo Nobody Talks About | Barnes Expert Picks - #BallisticsBriefs
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 right load, confirm it in your rifle, and stock up now before the season rush begins.
S1 · E37
July 31 · 45 min
Episode 37 - The 6mm Caliber Debate: Did Modern 6mms Fix the .243 Win?
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 ubiquitous .243 Winchester, 6mm Remington, and 243 WSSM—to the fast-twist disruptors dominating modern shooting sports, including the 6mm Creedmoor, 6ARC, 6GT, and 6 Dasher. Whether you're holding onto your favorite wood-stocked rifle or running a custom chassis match gun, hit play for the ultimate 6mm masterclass!
S2 · E6
July 24 · 19 min
Hydrostatic Shock Explained: Temporary Cavities, Bullet Energy & Terminal Ballistics - #BallisticsBriefs
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 channelsand 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 of Ballistics Briefs by Barnes, Dale and Gregg break down what actually happens when a hunting bullet impacts an animal.
S1 · E36
July 17 · 46 min
Episode 36 - Hot Takes: The High-Pressure Ammo Wave
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 safety ceiling. We break down the technology behind the .277 SIG Fury, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak, and 7mm Backcountry to answer the hard questions every shooter is asking. We’re cutting through the marketing hype, weighing the genuine pros and cons, and looking into our crystal ball of what the next 5-10 years into the future of cartridge design looks like. Hit play and let's talk ballistics!
S2 · E5
July 8 · 15 min
Are You Using the Right Hunting Bullet? TSX vs TTSX vs LRX vs TAC-TX - #BallisticsBriefs
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, where it shines, and why bullet choice matters when it comes to accuracy, expansion, penetration, impact velocity, and real-world terminal performance.
S1 · E35
June 28 · 38 min
Episode 35 - Real Hunters, Real Systems: Our Go-To Rifle Setups
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, and confidence in the field. If you’re thinking through your own hunting rifle build, dialing in your ammo, choosing an optic, or trying to build more confidence before the season, this episode is packed with real-world insight from hunters who care about every piece of the setup.
S2 · E4
June 21 · 11 min
Why The .308 Win Might Be the Only Hunting Cartridge You Actually Need - #BallisticsBriefs
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 so many hunters may be overthinking cartridge selection when a proven, practical round like the .308 Win handles more than people want to admit.
S1 · E34
June 14 · 1 hr 25 min
Episode 34 - The Evolution of .22 Caliber Cartridges: Traditional Cartridges vs. Fast Twist Modernization
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 variable in your rifle system, how heavy-for-caliber projectiles change terminal performance, and why you should consider making the switch for your next hunt.
S2 · E3
June 5 · 18 min
Are Magnum Cartridges Overrated? The Truth About Recoil, Velocity & Performance - #BallisticsBriefs
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 recoil causes poor shot placement, if velocity exceeds your bullet’s ideal performance window, or if the rifle is harder to practice with, are you actually gaining anything? This episode breaks down the truth about magnum cartridges vs standard cartridges, including recoil, accuracy, velocity, bullet performance, terminal ballistics, and practical hunting performance.
S1 · E33
May 29 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 33 - Drew Miles of Tricer Gear | Alaska Brown Bear Prep, Bullet Selection & Building Better Gear
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 dive into rifle and ammo preparation, bullet selection, gear confidence, and the mindset required when heading into remote country for big, tough game. From building gear that solves real problems to preparing for one of North America’s most demanding hunts, this episode brings together the technical, personal, and purpose-driven sides of the hunting lifestyle.
S2 · E2
May 22 · 10 min
Does Muzzle Velocity Matter? Bullet Expansion & Function Windows Explained - #BallisticsBriefs
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 expansion, penetration, and terminal performance. Your bullet does not perform at the muzzle — it performs when it reaches the animal. By that point, distance, drag, ballistic coefficient, cartridge choice, barrel length, and bullet design all influence how fast that projectile is actually traveling. And if the bullet impacts outside of its intended function window, you may not get the expansion or performance you expected. This conversation explains why understanding impact velocity is critical for hunters choosing the right bullet, cartridge, and effective hunting distance.
S1 · E32
May 15 · 1 hr 22 min
Episode 32 - A Raw Conversation with our CEO
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 only way forward. Whether you're a hand-loader, a long-range competitor, or a backcountry hunter, this episode offers a rare look at the leadership strategy behind the most trusted name in all-copper projectiles.
S2 · E1
May 8 · 9 min
Why Copper Bullets Beat Lead—No BS, Just Facts #BallisticsBriefs
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 real-world hunting results—this is everything you need to know to make the right choice when it matters most. This is Ballistics Briefs—quick hits, deep dives, no wasted time.

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