Vortex Nation Launches "Cartridge Talks" Video and Podcast Series

Have you ever wondered which would be the best round to purchase for a given application? Well, you’re not alone. Firearm purchases are a big expense that requires research to make sure you are getting the right firearm for you. This includes making sure you purchase the proper chambering for your intended use. Well, Vortex Optics (via Vortex Nation) is about to make your research easier with its new Cartridge Talks video and podcast series.

**Vortex Nation Starts New Cartridge Talks Video and Podcast Series**

In the new Vortex Nation Cartridge Talks series, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn answer life’s greatest cartridge-related questions. Coming from a set with a warm hunting aesthetic that any shooter would want for a personal den, they do it via head-to-head comparisons. Likewise, testing is done in a controlled indoor range, so all factors remain equal throughout the testing process.

To ensure a true head-to-head matchup, the hosts set specific ground rules for testing and evaluation. Specifically, they test each round using similar platforms as well as the same shooting rests, ballistic gel, and rifle weights. In addition, tabulations for drop and drift are based on box-posted figures for muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, and grain weight.

For example, in the first video, the pair pit the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester against each other. Keeping all things equal, they use similar rifle platforms—the Tikka T3 (6.5 Creedmoor) and Kimber MTN Ascent (.308). Correspondingly, a base weight of 8 pounds for each rifle is established to ensure a direct comparison of shootability.

As the pair discusses each aspect of the process, infographics appear at key moments. This allows shooters of any skill level to follow along without feeling lost. Likewise, while going over the comparisons in each category, graphs, and other graphics appear on the screen. These graphics provide a helpful visual representation of the results of each test.

The ranking categories they use to determine the winner of each episode are:

Shootability
Accessibility
Versatility
Drop and Drift
Terminal Performance

Whichever round receives the most wins out of the five categories is hailed the champion.

Digging Deeper

Although this is the first episode, it lasts just over 13 minutes. I don’t know if this will be the standard, but for busy people like me, it is the perfect length. However, for those who want more, there is a follow-up video and audio podcast.

In the podcast, Mark and Ryan dive deeper into the nuances of the results from their testing. So, for those who like a little more in-depth analysis and have the extra time (roughly an hour), the podcast is a great follow-up. You can find both the Cartridge Talks and podcast on the Vortex Nation YouTube channel.

But, to make things easier, you can also watch the episode above and then watch the corresponding podcast below.