Best Joseph von Benedikt Podcasts (2025)

1
Best Bonded Bullets in the World 1:05:24

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1h ago1:05:24

1:05:24

If you had to pick just one type of lead-core bullet to hunt with for the rest of your days, for all big game species around the world, what would it be? Folks, in this episode we talk through what we consider the best bonded-core bullets made. Whether you're after big alpine-country mule deer, grizzly bear in Alaska, or kudu or cape buffalo in Afr…

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Pronghorn Antelope with a Flintlock Muzzleloader! 1:06:40

1h ago1:06:40

1:06:40

This episode brings you debatably the coolest pronghorn antelope hunt I've ever done... recorded in the field, while hunting solo on public land. I don't like the word "primitive" so I'll use the term "traditional" to describe my equipment: My rifle was a 1780s-style flintlock muzzleloader charged with blackpowder and a patched round ball. The star…

1
.280 Ackley Improved: All-Time Favorite Big Game Cartridge 1:05:31

6d ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Could the grand old .280 Ackley Improved cartridge still be one of the best all-purpose big game cartridges ever designed? We think so, and this podcast is dedicated to explaining why. We address: Broad-spectrum capablity from pronghorn to bisonMild recoil and easy accuracy Competitive modern ballistics Available rifles and ammo Favorite big game b…

1
Family, Hunting Heritage, & the World's Best Hunting Club with Rob McCanna 44:28

11d ago44:28

44:28

Safari hunting, conservation, and family hunting traditions from squirrels to elk are key topics of this wonderful interview with Dallas Safari Club CEO Rob McCanna. We recorded this live at the recent inaugural summer DSC convention, and it was one of the most enjoyable conversations I've ever had with a top-end industry leader. Rob is a down-to-e…

1
Origins of Spot & Stalk Hunting 1:28:23

18d ago1:28:23

1:28:23

Spot-and-stalk hunting—the lifeblood of open-country hunters around the world—may have it's roots in a very special place in the Scottish Highlands. This episode, we visit with Sam Thompson, Head Game Keeper of Kildermorie Estate, during a red stag hunt. Sam shares the story of Great Britain's movement from coursing big game with hounds to spotting…

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Long-Range Hunting, Small Calibers for Big Game, & the 7mm Backcountry, with Matt Bettersworth 1:38:59

25d ago1:38:59

1:38:59

Buckle up, folks! Our guest on this episode is not one to mince words—he has strong opinions forged from decades of experience building custom rifles and using them on hunts around the world. Meet Matt Bettersworth, co-owner of Hill Country Rifles. Matt breaks down what he believes it takes to cleanly kill a big game animal out at 1,000 yards, gets…

1
Best Deer Calibers: Whitetail vs. Mule Deer 1:20:18

1M ago1:20:18

1:20:18

If you got to pick just one ultimate cartridge for hunting deer, what would it be? Would it be the same for whitetails versus mule deer? Or would you choose a specialized cartridge for each? This episode we're joined by Colton Heward, managing editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, and Scott Ergas, digital editor of Petersen's Hunting and RifleShoo…

1
Preparing for an African Safari 1:06:32

1M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

You've dreamed the dream and made the plan. Now, you're about to depart for a big game safari in Africa! How do you prepare properly? This episode, we sit down with Tate Bradfield, who is about to leave for his first-ever safari—and he's after Cape Buffalo... the legendary Black Death. We talk through his choice of cartridge and rifle, how to shoot…

1
Cartridges, Bullets, & Shot Placement for Cape Buffalo 46:08

2M ago46:08

46:08

Africa's Cape Buffalo, known by those that hunt them as "Black Death," are the most achievable and at the same time most compelling of all dangerous game to pursue. Hunting Black Death must be done properly, with a good rifle, chambered for a potent cartridge, that's loaded with a premium bullet. This epside we sit down with Mark Haldane, owner and…

1
Tax-Free Silencers & the HPA Bill 48:33

2M ago48:33

48:33

Why did the Hearing Protection Act fail? Will it ever go through? Was the abolition of the $200 tax stamp on silencers a win for gun owners? Should potential buyers wait until the sunset of the NFA $200 tax occurs at the end of 2025? We answer all these questions and more on this episode of the Backcountry Hunting Podcast. ENJOY! FRIENDS! Please jo…

1
THIS IS AFRICA, with Andy Buchanan 1:46:07

2M ago1:46:07

1:46:07

This awesome episode gets below the veneer that is luxurious Africa... Deep into the gritty stories that expose the warm, friendly, but sometimes violent heart of the Dark Continent. We talk favorite areas and species to hunt in Africa, best tools for the task (rifles, cartridges, and bullets), and how to bring an attitude geared for success on saf…

1
Best Western Hunting Rifles: Recommendations from a Professional Guide 1:28:18

2M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

Can the rifle you choose for western hunting make or break your hunting success? In this episode, we sit down for a fire-side chat with professional outfitter Tate Bradfield to get his take on top choices for western hunting rifles. We talk through several price tiers, including the $600 to $1,200 range; the $1,200 to $1,800 range; the $1,800 to $2…

1
Boat-Based DIY Bear Hunting in Alaska 1:07:51

3M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

This episode was recorded live and raw in Alaska, DIY hunting big black bears in southeast Alaska off the good boat Venturess. Long days, tons of fishing, and tracking wounded bears into thick, treacherous terrain made for an unforgettable adventure! ENJOY! We're publishing brief Q&A audio episodes twice weekly on www.patreon.com/backcountry now! J…

1
Gear List for DIY Elk Hunting 2:00:29

3M ago2:00:29

2:00:29

This episode takes a deep dive into the crucial gear you should have on a DIY elk hunt. Host Joseph and guest (outfitter Tate Bradfield) detail why each item is important, along with how to pick the right brand and model for your specific needs. This was recorded outside by an early morning campfire, so the audio isn't as good as our usually studio…

1
How To Set Up A Rifle For Western Hunting 56:32

3M ago56:32

56:32

From scope to scabbard, here's how to set up a rifle that's ideal for western hunting. This episode takes a deep dive into vital accessories and parts including: Scope quality, features, and types Scope mounting systems Bipod types, construction, and crucial characteristics Anti-cant scope levels RIfle slings and what doesn't work Ammo carriers and…

1
Picking the Ultimate Hunting Rifle 1:08:59

3M ago1:08:59

1:08:59

This episode takes a deep dive into how to select just the right hunting rifle. A tool that is ideal for your type of hunting, and is reliable, accurate, durable, and ergonomic. We talk through various action types, barrel types, stock types, and the crucial characteristics of each. And last but not least, we discuss the importance of finding a rif…

1
Greatest Cartridges of All Time 1:46:37

3M ago1:46:37

1:46:37

These five cartridges are proven around the world. They're known and used everywhere hunters gather. Several of them have taken every big game species on earth. Each is historically significant yet currently relevant. And all five are available in a wide selection of rifles and ammunition. In this episode, my son William—AKA the "Backcountry Appren…

1
Grateful For Fathers 8:23

4M ago8:23

8:23

Friends, I buried my father today. He passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning. Today as the morning light he loved fell across the desert, we laid him to rest. Forgive me for not having a full episode for you this week... I just didn't have it in me to create one. We'll have a good one ready to go next Friday! — Joseph…

1
Top 5 Elk Cartridges: Choices of a Professional Guide 1:01:26

4M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Ever wondered what the best elk cartridge is? This episode we're joined by Colton Heward, long-time professional elk guide and now Managing Editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine. Colton shares the characteristics he considers crucial in an elk cartridge, and details the three cartridges he considers most capable and practical for hunting elk. Plus,…

1
Ruined Hunts & Horrible Triggers 59:05

4M ago59:05

59:05

Ever had equipment failure ruin a hunt? These folks have. This episode, we share the gnarliest stories submitted by listeners for our Timney Trigger giveaway. William (the Backcountry Apprentice) and host Joseph read and address each story, and there's a lot of great inspiration within and lessons to be learned as well. This one was a ton of fun, f…

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.35 Whelen vs 9.3x62: Best "Little Big Gun," with John McAdams 1:20:39

5M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Mid-bore cartridges kill nearly as profoundly as true big-bores, but recoil little more than common magnums. Of the mild big-bores, the .35 Whelen and 9.3x62 Mauser dominate. But which is best? In this episode John McAdams, host of the Big Game Hunting Podcast and a lifelong fan of the 9x3x62, joins me to discuss and debate the merits of the two. W…

1
.25 CREEDMOOR: Best Quarter-Bore Cartridge of Them All? 1:00:33

5M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Big news, folks! Hornady just officially launched the .25 Creedmoor cartridge. And there's a good chance that the Quarter-Bore Creedmoor is the best Creedmoor of them all. This episode takes a deep dive into the tech specs of the .25 Creedmoor and how the cartridge was designed, and details new factory loads on the market. We discuss what long-rang…

1
Can You Skin A Bear, Pilgrim? 1:00:56

5M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Blood-trailing wounded bears, follow-up shots on bears, stopping charging bears, skinning bears properly, and eating bears... this awesome episode with Alaska Arms' veteran solo bear hunter Morris Melani covers it all! What a cool conversation we had... ENJOY! FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry…

1
Planning a DIY Hunt to New Zealand, with Rob Gearing 1:13:48

5M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

Ever wanted to hunt New Zealand? Better yet, hunt New Zealand DIY, on public land? It's an easy and affordable hunt to do. If Kiwi country calls to you, it's time to plan and make that hunt happen! This episode, we sit down with Spartan's Rob Gearing, one of the most experienced worldwide adventurers I know. Rob is extremely experienced at hunting …

1
Solo Bear Hunting, Application Strategies, and DIY Caribou Hunting, with Dylan Dowson 57:09

6M ago57:09

57:09

This episode we sit down with Dylan Dowson, western specialist with onX Hunt, and talk application strategies, solo black bear hunting, and DIY caribou adventures in Alaska. This one was a ton of fun to record and has some wonderful insights and information. ENJOY! FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backco…

1
6.8 Western vs. 7mm PRC: Which Is Best? 50:32

6M ago50:32

50:32

This episode digs deep into a comparison between the 6.8 Western and the 7mm PRC, focusing on three fundamental performance metrics: Which is the best designed cartridge? Which cartridge best lives up to its hype? Which cartridge is the most successful? We've used both cartridges, we love both, we own and will always own both... but if you had to p…

1
Preparing for a Cape Buffalo Hunt 1:10:09

6M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Hunting Africa's Cape Buffalo—known by hunters as "Black Death"—is one of the last great adventures readily available to hunters. Buffalo being legitimate dangerous game, it's crucial to have good gear, well sorted out, and to be prepared mentally and physically. This episode, we sit down with Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris and ask questions…

1
Best Varmint & Predator Cartridges 1:12:09

6M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

What's your favorite predator and varmint cartridge? Do you use one for both? Or specialize with a favorite predator rifle and a different one for varmints? In this episode, I sit down with two professional guides to discuss great predator and varminting cartridges. We talk through the differences between the two, and address the various challenges…

1
Lever-Action Hunting Stories & Trigger Work with Chris Ellis 56:11

7M ago56:11

56:11

Ever wanted a great trigger in your lever-action rifle? This episode we're joined by Chris Ellis, who has hunted from the mountains of West Virginia to the plains of South Africa with a lever-action rifle. Chris is a trigger man, and we talk through the crucial advantage that a crisp, reasonably light trigger provides in the field, along with the b…

1
USE ENOUGH GUN, with Kiwi Terminal Ballistics Specialist Nathan Foster 1:29:10

7M ago1:29:10

1:29:10

What does "Use Enough Gun" mean? Especially when hunting elk, moose, and bison or tough game such as Tahr or feral cattle in New Zealand and Sambar Stag in Australia? A phrase originally quoined by legendary author and hunter Robert Ruark, "Use Enough Gun" means what it says. This episode, we're joined by terminal ballistics specialist Nathan Foste…

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Ultimate Bear Gun Build, with Alaska Arms' Morris Melani 1:14:20

7M ago1:14:20

1:14:20

What is the ultimate all-around bear gun? Is there a gun and cartridge that will handle all bears, in all situations? Whether hunting cross-canyon blacks in Montana or baited bruisers in Alberta, or coastal brown bears or interior grizzlies in Alaska? How about personal protection while hiking or fishing in bear-infested country? We think there is …

8M ago47:06

47:06

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Best Iron Sights for Western Hunting, with Ron Spomer 47:39

9M ago47:39

47:39

Really good iron sights are surprisingly capable—and according to Utah's new restricted unit regulations, are required. Five historically great mule deer units are now iron-sights only, even for centerfire hunting rifles. So: What's the best iron-sight setup for hunting Western open country? In this episode, we're joined by legendary hunter, writer…

1
Bullets & Brass with Nosler's Chris Hoffstetter 1:13:25

9M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Ever wonder why you get unexplained fliers when shooting otherwise tiny groups with your ammo? You may be shocked at the common culprit discussed in this episide—as well as how easy it is to prevent. This episode we're joined by Chris Hoffstetter of Nosler, and we talk through the crucial aspects of ammo that provide accuracy and clean-killing effe…

1
56 Bison Hunts—and the Cartridges That Worked Best 1:26:09

9M ago1:26:09

1:26:09

Outfitter Tate Bradfield and his crew took 56 American Buffalo with clients in 2024. This episode, we sit down and discuss the cartridges, bullets, and shot placement that kills Bison most effectively and efficiently. Tate tells tall tales (say that three times fast) of Buffalo getting shot with everything from .243 Winchester to .45-70 Gov't—and h…

1
Why Small Calibers Are NOT Good for Big Game 1:40:44

10M ago1:40:44

1:40:44

When killing is crucial, not just convenient... Choose the right tool for the task. Folks, I resisted addressing this trendy topic of using small calibers on big game for a long time. But I've had so many requests to do so, I can no longer take the easy road. Here's my blunt, fact- and science-based opinion on the practice of using small calibers l…

1
CARNIVORE! Plus favorite Weatherby cartridges & rifles 1:11:23

10M ago1:11:23

1:11:23

This episode, Weatherby's COO Luke Thorkildsen joins us to talk about backcountry fitness and how the Carnivore diet has revolutionized his backcountry hunting capability. We discuss how to successfully combat middle-age "spare tire" weight gain and increase focus and energy. Plus, of course, we take a dive into Luke's personal favorite Weatherby c…

1
Back To Kodiak, DIY-Style 2:38:49

10M ago2:38:49

2:38:49

This episode takes us back to Kodiak Island, Alaska, where Austin Brown and several of his friends hunt Sitka Blacktail deer, predators, and sea ducks. It's all DIY, and it's the first time in Alaska for several of these hunters. Host and transporter is our long-time favorite: Alaska Premier Sportfishing's good boat Venturess and her captain Travis…

1
How Suppressor Tech & Transfers Has Evolved 57:13

10M ago57:13

57:13

This episode we talk through several new suppressor models and the innovative manufacturing techniques that make them special. We also discuss various materials such as Inconel and Titanium, outlining their pros and cons. And how about the speed of the current e-form process? Suppressor dealers are even seeing same-day approvals in some cases, and …

1
Hunting Q&A: .308 vs. 6.5 RPM for elk, short-barreled 7mm PRCs, precision vs. power, and more. 1:08:04

11M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Gnarly questions make us dig deep for good answers... In this episode, we unpack a bunch of awesome questions and stories from listeners, including the following: .308 Win. vs. 6.5 RPM for elk .475 Turnbull and 9.3x62 for Cape Buffalo 6mm ARC as a deer cartridge Short vs. long barrels on .308 Handloads for 20" 7mm PRC barrels Is .280 Rem. to .280 A…

1
Does Installing a Suppressor Affect Accuracy? 44:01

11M ago44:01

44:01

How does putting a suppressor on your hunting rifle affect accuracy? Good? Bad? Ugly? This episode details what normally happens—which is an increase in precision and a decrease in recoil. We give several real-life examples and explore why accuracy increases. Plus we detail several of our favorite suppressor makes and models that nearly always prov…

1
Shooting Big Game with .22 ARC and .22 Creedmoor 1:02:54

11M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Are hotrod .22 centerfire cartridges adequate for hunting big game? In this episode Seth Swerczek from Hornady joins us to discuss the small-caliber for big-game trend. Recently returned from a safari in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Seth details what worked—and what didn't—while using the .22 ARC and .22 Creedmoor on African game ranging from …

1
Bridge Goblins & Gollywhoppers 37:01

11M ago37:01

37:01

What's it like to hunt along ancient hedgerows and stone fences older than America? This episode fellow writer Phil Massaro and I share stories about hunting wild, free-range Fallow deer, Roe Deer, and Muntjac through medieval forests in England. In the UK on assignment with Savage Arms, we had the opportunity to hunt with and share meals with lege…

1
How To Make Your Rifle Accurate 59:14

11M ago59:14

59:14

This episide we sit down with custom gunsmith Justin Linenbach, of Kinport Peak Rifles. Justin outlines what he consideres the three most important elements to achieving accuracy: Barrel quality Chamber quality Action bedding We take a deep dive into each of those characteristics, and then discuss the cartridges that Justin recommends for three cat…

Joseph Von Benedikt Podcasts