Ep. 184 - So You Think You Know Powder?

This guide details how to estimate muzzle velocity without a chronograph, a crucial step for accurate long-range shooting. It leverages factory ammo data and barrel length adjustments as a starting point, then refines the estimate through 'truing your dope' with a ballistics app and live fire. The Precision Rifle Network hosts provide practical, expert advice for shooters seeking to optimize their ballistic solutions.

This video tests the viability of 21-year-old Pyrodex Select powder in an 1860 Army revolver. The experiment demonstrates that while the powder can still ignite after two decades, it exhibits significant hangfires, indicating a degradation in performance. The instructor advises against storing and using such old powder, emphasizing that its efficacy diminishes over time.

Hornady Manufacturing introduces several new ammunition lines and calibers for 2026, focusing on expanding hunting and precision shooting options. Key introductions include the American Whitetail Tipped line featuring SST bullets, expanded 22 Creedmoor offerings with CX and ELD-VT bullets, new 25 Creedmoor ammunition, and additions to the 338 AR-C, 300 PRC, 6.5 PRC, 224 Valkyrie, 400 Legend, 6mm ARC, and Frontier lines. The company highlights advancements in bullet technology, terminal performance, and accuracy across these new products.

The 22 Creedmoor cartridge, developed by Hornady, offers a compelling combination of speed, flat trajectory, and low recoil, making it highly effective for various shooting applications. It excels in maximizing aerodynamic performance with modern bullets, delivering minimal wind deflection and exceptional long-range capabilities. The cartridge is presented as a superior alternative to established .22 caliber rounds like the .22-250, .220 Swift, and .222 Remington.

The 22 Creedmoor cartridge, developed by Hornady, offers a compelling blend of speed, flat trajectory, and low recoil, making it highly effective for various shooting applications. It excels in maximizing aerodynamic performance with modern bullets, providing superior long-range capabilities compared to similar cartridges like the .22-250 or .220 Swift. Hornady offers the 22 Creedmoor in several ammunition lines, including V-Match, Precision Hunter, Match, and Superformance, with specific bullet weights and types tailored for different uses, from varmint and predator hunting to small and medium game.

This episode of the Hornady podcast delves into the history and performance of iconic rifle cartridges, focusing on the .308 Winchester family and its derivatives. The discussion highlights the versatility and enduring legacy of cartridges like the .308, .243 Winchester, and .358 Winchester, exploring their development, ballistic characteristics, and suitability for various hunting and shooting applications. The hosts, including firearms experts, provide insights into their personal experiences and the technical aspects that make these cartridges relevant today.