Vortex Nation Podcast

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.
Tune in as they break down hunting riflescope magnification, low vs. high magnification, practical scope ranges, shot distances, field of view, and what magnification should top your hunting rifle. Whether you’re choosing a new hunting scope or wondering if you’re running too much or too little magnification, this episode has plenty of opinions to consider.
What’s the best hunting scope magnification? Hit play and decide for yourself.
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

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.
They break down the origin and history of the 6.5 Bitchcat, its latest developments, and what they learned from testing bullet velocities, paper targets, ballistics gel, and long-range performance.
From the custom rifle and handloads to velocity data and distance testing, this episode covers what makes the 6.5 Bitchcat / 6.5 BC such an interesting wildcat cartridge—and whether this latest iteration lives up to its big expectations.
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

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.
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

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.
Mike walks through the Tactical Urban Sustainment Course gear he brought, explaining the “why” behind each selection—including what worked, what didn’t, and what he would change next time.
TUSC is a serious training challenge, both mentally and physically. The program teaches small, cohesive groups how to secure, sustain, and operate effectively in urban environments. The right gear can make a demanding course more manageable, but preparation, grit, and mental toughness ultimately make the difference.
If you’re interested in TUSC training, urban survival, preparedness, tactical gear, survival gear, or building a practical course loadout, Mike’s experience can help you understand what gear matters—and what may not be worth carrying.
Watch the full TUSC gear breakdown to see what made Mike’s kit—and what didn’t.

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

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.

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