Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!

Episodet

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  440: 243 Winchester vs 6mm Remington With Ron Spomer 10.09.2026 1h 12min

  John McAdams sits down with Ron Spomer to talk about the .243 Winchester and the 6mm Remington (originally the .244 Remington). Both are light recoiling, flat shooting 6mm cartridges introduced in the 1950s and have similar performance on paper at first glance. However, the 243 Winchester remains one of the most popular dual-purpose cartridges in America while the .244/6mm Remington never achieved widespread popularity and is slowly fading away, despite offering slightly better ballistics. Here's the story of what happened. If you like classic cartridge history, practical hunting ballistics, and straightforward comparisons, this episode is for you. Sponsor: Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts. Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources 5 Dying Rifle Cartridges the Industry Is Abandoning In 2026 (But Still Work) Pick up a copy of Ron's 7mm Cartridges From Around The World book here Check Out Ron Spomer's Podcast (on Apple or Spotify), Web Site, & YouTube Channel Ep 386: Brown & Grizzly Bear Hunting With Ron Spomer Ep 336: Best Cartridge For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Ron Spomer Ep 201: Bighorn Sheep Hunting With Ron Spomer Ep 145: Moose Hunting 101 With Ron Spomer
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  439: First Big Game-4 Young Hunters Share Their First Successful Hunts 03.09.2026 1h

  In this special episode, four young hunters sit down to share the stories of their first successful big game animals. My son James talks about preparing for and harvesting his first impala in Africa at age nine with a suppressed 25 Creedmoor. Heidi recounts the excitement (and nerves) of her first deer hunt where she took both a doe and a management buck with a Savage .243, Jake describes the long road that led to his first cow elk in Colorado, and William details the DIY Idaho bull elk he shot near home with a left-handed 7mm PRC. From range practice and gear choices to the emotional rollercoaster of the shot and recovery, these young hunters share their accounts of what it was like for them to take that first animal. Whether you're a parent introducing your kids to hunting or a hunter who still remembers their own first success, this episode is packed with memorable stories from the next generation. Sponsor: Support me on Patreon receive ad-free episodes of the podcast delivered a day early (Wednesday instead of Thursday). Plus, you'll start to receive the other bonuses I deliver to supporters there. Sign up at Patreon.com/biggamehunter. Protect your hearing at the range with AXIL MXII Pro electronic earmuffs. They cut harmful noise while still letting you hear what's going on around you, and they even have space to store AXIL X30i earplugs if you want to double up. Get a pair here: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/muffs Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources 172: Elk Hunting With A 6.5 Creedmoor & A 300 Win Mag With Mark Floyd 283: My 2023 New Mexico Mule Deer Hunt With My Son
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  438: 416 Rigby vs 375 H&H Big Bore Caliber Comparison 27.08.2026 1h 8min

  In this episode of the Big Game Hunting Podcast, I compare two legendary African dangerous game cartridges: the .375 H&H Magnum and the .416 Rigby. I cover the history and design of both rounds, real-world ballistics, recoil, penetration, rifle and ammunition availability, and how they stack up for buffalo, elephant, and general safari use. I also discuss some of the nuances involved in using the similar performing .375 Ruger, .416 Remington, .416 Hoffman, .416 Taylor, and .416 Ruger. You'll hear stories from Peter Flack, Harry Selby, Robert Ruark, John Taylor, Robin Hurt, and modern professional hunters, plus practical guidance on when the .375 is enough and when stepping up to a .416 makes sense. Whether you're choosing a first dangerous game rifle or deciding between these two classics, this episode on the 375 vs 416 will help you make a more informed decision. Sponsor: Support me on Patreon receive ad-free episodes of the podcast delivered a day early (Wednesday instead of Thursday). Plus, you'll start to receive the other bonuses I deliver to supporters there. Sign up at Patreon.com/biggamehunter. Protect your hearing at the range with AXIL MXII Pro electronic earmuffs. They cut harmful noise while still letting you hear what's going on around you, and they even have space to store AXIL X30i earplugs if you want to double up. Get a pair here: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/muffs Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more.  Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources 375 H&H Gel Test Results 458 Win Mag Gel Test Results 124: Cape Buffalo Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson 323: Rescured From An Ice Berg In The Arctic Ocean On A Polar Bear Hunt Gone Wrong 375: 375 H&H vs 9.3x62mm Comparison  414: Leopard Maulings to Sudan Bongo Hunts With Robin Hurt  416: 416 Caliber Cartridges With Terry Wieland 
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  437: Tiny Ten Hunting In Africa: Mike Arnold's Quest for Pygmy Antelope 20.08.2026 1h 29min

  John sits down with Mike Arnold (author of Bringing Back the Lions and Bringing Back the Wild, biologist, and host of the Bringing Back the Wild podcast) for a deep dive into one of the more specialized pursuits in African hunting: the Tiny Ten. Mike shares the full story of how his very first African animal — a Vaal Rhebok in the Great Karoo — launched a multi-country quest that eventually produced eleven of these pygmy antelope. He walks through the hunts for Vaal Rhebok, Bush Duiker, Klipspringer, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, Damara Dik-Dik, Blue Duiker, Red Duiker, Suni, Oribi, and Red-Flanked Duiker across South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, and Cameroon. They discuss the specialized habitats and tactics required, the surprisingly effective use of varmint calls on some species, the best cartridges for animals that can weigh under 20 pounds (from .22 Hornet to .375), the challenges of shot placement and taxidermy, SCI scoring realities, and why these little antelope are often more difficult and rewarding than many larger plains-game species. Mike also puts on his biologist hat to explain how so many tiny antelope have thrived in a predator-rich landscape, the heavy bushmeat pressure they face, and the conservation role of places like Zambezi Delta Safaris. Whether you've already taken a couple of the Tiny Ten or you're just curious about this specialized side of African hunting, this episode delivers both great stories and practical insight. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts. Pick up a copy of Mike's books Bringing Back The Lions & Bringing Back The Wild here Subscribe to Mike's show The Bringing Back The Wild Podcast Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get a signed copy of Mike's books via his web site: MikeArnoldOutdoors.com Ep 213: Africa's Most Dramatic Conservation Success Story – Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast Ep 253: Hunting In Cameroon With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast  Ep 330: Hunting In Nyala And Bushbuck With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast Ep 379: Croc & Spotted Hyena In Mozambique With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast
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  436: How to Prepare for an African Safari Hunt (Shooting, Fitness, & More) 13.08.2026 1h 45min

  Julius Fortuna returns to the podcast in this episode and we discuss how to properly prepare for an African safari hunt. We discuss range prep, boot break-in, physical fitness, gear recommendations, mental readiness, and much more. clothing, fitness, and mental readiness. This episode is packed with practical advice and hard earned lessons to help YOU avoid some of the mistakes Julius & I have each made over the years so your safari is as safe, fun, and successful as possible. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like the feedback from other supporters on lessons they learned from their first safari. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Affiliate links to where you can purchase some of the items Julius & I discussed are below. The Perfect Shot II by Kevin Robertson (and/or the mini-edition) Permetherin Clothes Treatment Picardin inscet repellant lotion Hunting Ear Protection Darn Tough Socks Wheeler Torque Wrench 378: Hunting Africa With Double Rifles-Pros And Cons With Julius Fortuna-Check out Julius' previous appearance on the show 264: The Logistics of Hunting Africa Part II (Taxidermy)-Recommended Episode 254: The Logistics of Hunting Africa Part I-Recommended Episode
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  435: 45-70 in Africa Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned 06.08.2026 53min

  My father and I took a father-son safari to Africa armed with classic lever-action rifles in .45-70 Government — my Marlin 1895 and his Winchester 1886. Despite being an uncommon choice on the Dark Continent, the old .45-70 delivered devastating close-range performance. Join me as I share the full story, the challenges we experienced with our set-up, and what we learned from running this American classic in Africa. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts. 45-70 Ballistic Gel Test Results Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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  434: The Spotted Chainsaw-Dave Fulson on Leopard Charges, Follow-Ups & Survival 30.07.2026 1h 41min

  Watch this full episode on YouTube to see video of the leopard charges, good/bad shots on leopard, etc. https://youtu.be/t8a3DOHP3nQ Dave Fulson from Safari Classics TV joins me in this episode to discuss leopard hunting. He shares his thoughts on why he thinks leopard hunting is uniquely demanding compared to any other animal in Africa: the endless waiting, the mental grind, the constant second-guessing, and the incredible emotional payoff when everything finally comes together. We also cover baiting versus hound hunting, why so many hunters miss what should be an easy shot, the realities of following up wounded leopards, and some intense stories of charges and close calls. Whether you've hunted leopard or just dream of doing so, this is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful conversation with one of the most experienced voices in African hunting. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Subscribe to the Safari Classics YouTube channel for tons of free clips, full hunts, and behind-the-scenes footage. Grab the Safari Classics TV app and get the complete library of over 300 full African safaris, the PH Perspective series, video podcasts, and new content added every week.
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  433: The Enduring Romance of the British Double Rifle + The 8-Bore Buffalo Hunt 23.07.2026 1h 27min

  John sits down with Graeme Wright, author of the definitive Shooting the British Double Rifle, to explore why double rifles continue to captivate hunters more than a century after their golden era. Graeme shares how his lifelong fascination began and eventually grew into owning and shooting over 100 double rifles. He explains the original purpose of the double rifle, breaks down key terms (side lock vs. box lock, ejectors vs. extractors, Black Powder Express vs. Nitro Express), and tells the story of how Australia became a major hub for these classic firearms. They also dive into the famous .450 ban and the cartridges created to work around it (.470 NE, .500/.465 NE, .476 NE), the enduring appeal of the .500 NE and .577 NE, and more. Graeme even shares field stories, including hunting buffalo with an 8-bore Paradox gun. Whether you already own a double rifle or are simply curious about these iconic firearms, this episode delivers both deep historical insight and practical knowledge from one of the world's leading authorities. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Ep 378: Hunting Africa With A Double Rifle Pros And Cons With Julius Fortuna  Pick up a copy of Shooting The British Double Rifle by Graeme Wright
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  432: The 6.5x55-The 130+ Year Old Round Delivering 6.5 PRC Performance 16.07.2026 1h

  Joseph von Benedict returns to the show for a deep dive into one of his favorite classic cartridges: the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser (aka the 6.5 Swede). Joseph shares a few hunting stories involving the cartridge from Mozambique, New Zealand, and even a giant roe deer in Spain. They break down the cartridge's rich history and Olympic pedigree, why it's still winning fans more than 126 years after its introduction, and how modern handloads and bullets can push the 6.5×55 to near 6.5 PRC performance. If you appreciate classic cartridges that still deliver serious performance with the right loads and shot placement, you'll love this conversation. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Recommended Episodes Ep 96: Elk Hunting Bullets With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 104: Elk Hunting Rifles With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 130: Caribou Hunting In Alaska With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 162: Moose Hunting 101 With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 174: Bighorn Sheep Hunting With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 315: Best Cartridge For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 368: 300 H&H: The Original .30 Caliber Magnum With JvB – Previous interview with Joseph 1) Joseph's Personal Instagram Page 2) Check Out The Backcountry Hunting Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & YouTube
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  431: True Cost of an Africa Hunt: Elk vs Plains Game Safari 09.07.2026 38min

  Is an African safari really as expensive as most hunters think? I break down the real, all-in costs of a guided plains game hunt in South Africa versus a guided rifle elk hunt in Wyoming — using hard numbers from actual hunts in this episode. I discuss everything: daily rates, trophy fees, licenses, tips, flights, taxidermy, meat processing, shipping trophies and meat home, and all the hidden extras that surprise most hunters. You'll see exactly what a quality 8-day plains game package (gemsbok, blue wildebeest, blesbok, and impala) costs compared to a 6-night elk hunt, including my personal numbers from a recent Wyoming elk hunt. If you've ever wondered whether Africa is out of reach financially, or how the costs truly stack up against a North American big game hunt, this episode delivers the transparent breakdown you've been looking for. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at [email protected] to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus! Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Recommended Episodes 254: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 1 264: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 2 (Taxidermy) 298: Non-Traditional Taxidermy & Taxidermy Alternatives
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  430: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Jim Harmer 02.07.2026 1h 31min

  Jim Harmer (aka Backfire on YouTube) is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list our favorite cartridge and bullet for hunting specific species of game ranging from coues whitetail all the way up to thick skinned species of African game like cape buffalo and elephant and almost everything in between like mule deer, elk, black bear, etc. The catch is we cannot reuse a cartridge for multiple species. Even so, our discussion provides an interesting glimpse into the thought process he and I each use for selecting cartridges and bullets for hunting different species of game. Email me at [email protected] with suggestions for other guests you'd like me to play this game with. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get a Backstop Recoil pad (among many other cool products they sell) at the BackFire Shop Subscribe to the Backfire YouTube channel here Ep 419: 25 Weatherby RPM With Richard Mann – Episode referenced in interview Ep 423: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Phil Massaro – Episode referenced in interview Ep 401: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Richard Mann – Episode referenced in interview Ep 387: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Larry Weishuhn – Episode referenced in interview Ep 372: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With WHO_TEE_WHO – Episode referenced in interview Ep 336: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Ron Spomer – Episode referenced in interview Ep 315: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Joseph von Benedikt – Episode referenced in interview
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  429: Is The New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak The End of the 6.5 PRC? 25.06.2026 1h 7min

  Federal has taken the high-pressure case technology first seen in the 7mm Backcountry and applied it to the 6.5 Creedmoor, creating the new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak. This new ammunition promises to deliver 6.5 PRC level performance out of a standard 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. In this episode, Outdoor Life shooting editor John Snow returns to the podcast to discuss his extensive pre-launch testing of this groundbreaking ammunition from Federal. We cover real-world performance with this ammunition in 20″ and 24″ barrels, how that performance compares to traditional 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC factory ammunition, what reliability was like, and the exciting news that these cases are reloadable. We also dive deep into Proof Research's revolutionary PXT radical gain-twist barrels and why they're a perfect match for higher-pressure loads, including major improvements in barrel life. We also discuss potential +P versions of other cartridges (like the .308 Winchester and 5.56 NATO, etc.), implications for suppressors and short-barreled rifles, military applications, and how this technology is resetting expectations for centerfire rifle performance. Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Read John's article on Outdoor Life about 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak here and watch his youtube video on the ammunition here. Follow John on Instagram @John_b_snow. Follow Outdoor Life on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Ep 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow – Episode referenced in interview Ep 353: Is Federal's New 7mm Backcountry A Gamechanger? – Episode referenced in interview
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  428: 5 Guns Every Hunter Should Own 18.06.2026 35min

  If you could only choose 5 guns to hunt with for the rest of your life, what would they be? Join me as I answer that very question as I lay out practical recommendations for a well-rounded five-gun battery that covers everything from small game, birds, and varmints to medium and dangerous big game. What's your ideal five-gun battery? Drop a comment on YouTube/Spotify or email John at [email protected] Sponsor: Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe on Patreon for first priority when I answer questions from listeners along with access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  If you enjoy the Big Game Hunting Podcast, be sure to subscribe to both of my YouTube channels for an even better experience. The Big Game Hunting Podcast channel features the full video version of every episode—including this one—with helpful visual aids that make the content come alive. My Big Game Hunting Blog channel is packed with bonus videos like ballistic gel tests, hunt footage, and in-depth cartridge discussions. Hit subscribe on both and turn on notifications so you never miss new hunting content! Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources The Only 3 Cartridges You Actually Need for Hunting 5 Forgotten Classic Cartridges Making A Comeback In 2026
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  427: Weatherby Rifles & Cartridges Explained With Tyler Grethen 11.06.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode, John McAdams sits down with Tyler Grethen, Marketing Director at Weatherby, for a comprehensive look at one of America's most storied firearm manufacturers. Tyler shares the fascinating history of Roy Weatherby — from door-to-door insurance salesman and garage tinkerer to creator of some of the fastest production cartridges ever made. They discuss the move from California to Wyoming, the legendary Mark V action (including the nine-lug, six-lug, and new short actions), the extremely popular Vanguard line, the innovative 307 series built on a Remington 700 footprint, as well as Weatherby's cartridge lineup and their loaded ammunition offerings. Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Check out the Weatherby web site, follow them on YouTube, and subscribe to their podcast.
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  426: The Savage Model 99-The Thinking Man's Deer Rifle with Bryce Towsley 04.06.2026 1h 25min

  Bryce M. Towsley joins John McAdams for a comprehensive look at the Savage Model 99 rifle. From its origins with Arthur Savage and the early 1899/99 models to its innovative internal hammer, rotary magazine with cartridge counter, and ability to handle modern smokeless cartridges with pointed bullets, we cover what made this lever action truly different from the Winchesters and Marlins of its era. Bryce shares his personal experiences hunting with the 300 Savage, the evolution of cartridges available in the Model 99 (303 Savage, 22 Savage Hi-Power, 250 Savage, 300 Savage, 308 Winchester, 358 Winchester, 284 Winchester, and more), why the rifle was so popular in the northeast big woods, realisticaccuracy expectations, and the reasons Model 99 production eventually ended. This episode is a must-listen for lever-action fans, Savage collectors, and anyone who appreciates thoughtful firearm design and hunting history. Sponsor: Make sure you're signed up for my email list by going to Biggamehuntingpodcast.com/ebook. You'll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you'll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you'll love those emails.  Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get copies of Bryce's books on Amazon here or on his web site here Ep 368: 300 H&H With Joseph von Benedikt – Episode referenced in interview Ep 404: 404 Jeffery With Phil Massaro – Episode referenced in interview Ep 425: 425 Westley Richards – Episode referenced in interview
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  425: 425 Westley Richards: History, Ballistics & Dangerous Game Performance 28.05.2026 57min

  L.D. McCaa of Westley Richards dives deep into the history and performance of the .425 Westley Richards — one of the most unique and effective British dangerous game cartridges of the early 20th century. In this episode you'll learn: F.C. Selous story and how he tested his new .425 rifle, why Westley Richards created the first rebated-rim short magnum on a standard Mauser action, design details of those new rifles (drop-box magazines, stripper clip loading, feed clips, etc.), ballistics and real-world performance on buffalo, elephant, and Indian game, comparison to the .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby, use by game departments in Uganda and Rhodesia, and current availability of brass, bullets (including Hammer), and new rifles If you love vintage British cartridges, dangerous game rifles, African hunting history, or classic bolt actions, this conversation is packed with rare insights and technical details you won't find anywhere else. Learn more about once forgotten classic rifle cartridges that are now making a big comeback here Sponsor: Make sure you're signed up for my email list by going to Biggamehuntingpodcast.com/ebook. You'll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you'll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you'll love those emails.  Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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  424: 300 HAM'R: Bill Wilson's 3,300+ Hogs, Zebra, Wildebeest, & More 21.05.2026 1h 11min

  Bill Wilson, founder of Wilson Combat, shares the story behind the 300 HAM'R — the AR-15 cartridge he designed to outperform the 300 Blackout and match the legendary 30-30 Winchester out of a 16″ barrel. In this wide-ranging conversation, Bill dives deep into why he moved away from high weight retention bullets, the devastating performance of Lehigh Controlled Chaos bullets, real-world results on 3,300+ feral hogs and African game (zebra, kudu, wildebeest, etc.), terminal performance testing, why faster twist rates matter more than most realize, and stories from multiple African safaris (including a wild 1979 hunt Rhodesia during the Bush War). Whether you're a hog hunter, AR enthusiast, handloader, or someone who wants to understand what makes a bullet truly effective, this episode delivers practical, no baloney insights from one of the most experienced voices in the firearms industry. Sponsor: Make sure you're signed up for my email list by going to Biggamehuntingpodcast.com/ebook. You'll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you'll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you'll love those emails.  Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get a copy of Bill's book Guns, Shooting, & Hunting: What I've Learned In 60 Years here
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  423: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Phil Massaro 14.05.2026 49min

  Phil Massaro is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list our favorite cartridge and bullet for hunting specific species of game ranging from coues whitetail all the way up to thick skinned species of African game like cape buffalo and elephant and almost everything in between like mule deer, elk, black bear, etc. The catch is we cannot reuse a cartridge for multiple species. Even so, our discussion provides an interesting glimpse into the thought process he and I each use for selecting cartridges and bullets for hunting different species of game. Email me at [email protected] with suggestions for other guests you'd like me to play this game with. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources The Only 3 Cartridges You Actually Need for Hunting The Ballistics Handbook – Phil Massaro's book referenced in this podcast Ep 404: 404 Jeffery With Phil Massaro – Episode referenced in interview Ep 401: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Richard Mann – Episode referenced in interview Ep 387: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Larry Weishuhn – Episode referenced in interview Ep 372: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With WHO_TEE_WHO – Episode referenced in interview Ep 336: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Ron Spomer – Episode referenced in interview Ep 315: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Joseph von Benedikt – Episode referenced in interview
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  422: Best Rangefinding Binoculars? Leupold BX-6 Range HD + New VX-4HD & VX-5HD Gen 2 Scope 07.05.2026 1h

  In this episode, John sits down with the Leupold team to explore their exciting 2026 hunting optics lineup, headlined by the all-new BX-6 Range HD 10×42 rangefinding binoculars. This flagship optic delivers best-in-class glass, industry-leading Hornady 4DOF ballistics with real-time environmental sensors, precise GPS pinning to OnX and other mapping apps, and ranging out to 6,000 yards. The conversation also covers the updated VX-5HD Gen 2 riflescopes featuring tool-free SpeedSet dials, increased elevation travel, and competition-grade adjustments, plus the brand-new VX-4HD series that fills the gap with versatile 4:1 zoom ratios. Sponsor: Make sure you're signed up for my email list by going to Biggamehuntingpodcast.com/ebook. You'll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you'll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you'll love those emails.  Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Ep 256: Tim Lesser From Leupold Optics Talks Leupold Binoculars and Rifle Scopes – Episode referenced in podcast Ep 313: Leupold's New Gamechanging Rangefinder – Episode referenced in podcast Get a BX-6 Range HD Here Get a Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 scope here Get a Leupold VX-4HD scope here
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  421: AR-15s, AR-10s, and NULAs: What Hunters Need from Wilson Combat's Lineup 30.04.2026 1h 1min

  John McAdams sits down with Sebastian Mann of Wilson Combat to explore the company's rich history, innovative rifle lineup, and commitment to building firearms that hunters actually use in the field. Sebastian shares a memorable childhood story of receiving a custom lightweight 1911 from Bill Wilson himself, then dives into Wilson Combat's evolution from 1911 pistols to modern AR-15s, AR-10s, and the ultra-light NULA rifles. The episode highlights models like the Tactical Hunter and Tactical Ultralight ARs, the performance-driven 300 HAM'R cartridge optimized for hog hunting, and the devastating Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos ammunition. Sebastian also discusses the acquisition and revival of New Ultralight Arms (NULA), the benefits of vertical integration in gun and ammo production, and real-world hunting applications from Texas hogs to African safaris. Whether you're interested in lightweight mountain rifles, suppressor-ready AR platforms, or bullets that deliver "hunting insurance," this episode is packed with practical insights from one of America's most respected firearms manufacturers. Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Check out the Wilson Combat web site & follow them on Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube