In this episode, I sit down with Jake from Unknown Munitions for a deep dive into the origins, growth, and ethos of one of the most respected names in precision ammunition. We explore Jake’s unexpected shift from a safe corporate job into launching a reloading empire, what it takes to build a scalable business without selling out, and the real-world implications of trying to balance quality, growth, and authenticity in the hunting and shooting space. We also get into the nuts and bolts of reloading, discuss rifle upgrades, and troubleshoot real-world load development issues. If you’re passionate about rifles, gear, and building something from the ground up—this one’s for you.

00:00 – How Unknown Munitions Came to Be

09:00 – Scope Trends, Maven RS.1.2, and Market Gaps

18:30 – Taking the Leap: Leaving the Corporate World

26:00 – Navigating Growth Without Sacrificing Quality

34:30 – Building Custom Ammunition: Customer Lifecycle

41:00 – The Hybrid Hunter and the Rise of DIY Precision

48:00 – How Not to Scale: Lessons from Sitka & First Lite

59:00 – Gear Talk: Barrel Coatings, Bottom Metal & Mags

1:13:00 – Reloading Deep Dive: Load Development and Data

1:31:00 – Cross-Border Gear, Legal Loopholes & Upcoming Events

Jake Mushaney / Unknown Munitions

https://www.unknownmunitions.com/

https://www.instagram.com/unknownmunitions/

Jay Nichol

jay@mindfulhunter.com

https://www.mindful-reviews.com/

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry

https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

Merch

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop

Newsletter

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact

IG

https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

Podcast

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Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Sale on hunts with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. Get up to $750 off per person. Email https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ and get automatically entered to win a Sig Oscar 6 Image-Stabilising Spotting Scope!

In this deep dive, we put the Kite Optics APC 60 through a rigorous field test to see if it lives up to the hype. With built-in image stabilization, compact form factor, and claims of premium optics, this scope targets serious backcountry hunters and wildlife spotters looking for performance without the bulk. But does it deliver?

We break down real-world performance across vibration control, handheld use, optical clarity, and mirage resistance—plus we’ve got TWO gear giveaways including a Swaro ATX and the Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x binoculars!

📌 Chapters 0:00 – Intro: What is the Kite APC 60 & why it matters 2:10 – Caveats: Honest thoughts before you buy 4:31 – Vibration Test: Does the stabilization actually work? 6:35 – Handheld Test: Can you glass steady without a tripod? 8:02 – Optical Quality Test: Contrast, color, edge-to-edge sharpness 8:58 – Mirage Test: Can the APC 60 cut through atmospheric distortion? 10:58 – Recap: What stood out and what didn’t 12:29 – Swaro ATX Giveaway: How to enter 13:16 – Conclusion & Recommendations: Who is this scope for? 14:59 – Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Binocular Giveaway: Second prize details

🔥 Whether you’re hunting high-alpine mule deer or scouting elk from windy ridgelines, this review will help you decide if the APC 60 belongs in your pack—or if you’re better off saving your cash.

📢 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more honest, no-BS reviews of the best optics and gear in the hunting world.

#KiteOptics #APC60 #SpottingScopeReview #BackcountryHunting #ImageStabilizedOptics #HuntingGearReview #LongRangeGlass #SwarovskiATX #SigSauerZulu #OpticsShootout #MindfulHunter

🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope.

0:00 – Intro 2:10 – Caveats 4:31 – Vibration Test 6:35 – Handheld Test 8:02 – Optical Quality Test 8:58 – Mirage Test 10:58 – Recap 12:29 – Swaro ATX Giveaway 13:16 – Conclusion & Recommendations 14:59 – Sig Sauer Zule 10 15x Binocular Giveaway

Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway💥 Plus, I’m giving away a Swarovski TAX 85mm! Stay tuned for details!

This week, I sit down with Chris Neville, one of the cofounders of Roughridge Stove Co. He is also a stud of an elk hunter.

Chris Neville

https://roughridgestove.com/

https://www.instagram.com/roughridgestove/

https://www.instagram.com/cjneville23/

Jay Nichol

jay@mindfulhunter.com

https://www.mindful-reviews.com/

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry

https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

Merch

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop

Newsletter

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact

IG

https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

Podcast

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools