I discuss all of the 6.5mm SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy CIP rounds) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I'll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well.

Cartridges covered: 6.5x52mm Carcano, 6.5×55 Swede, 6.5x57mm, 6.5x50mm Japanese, 6.5x54MS, 6.5-06, 264 Winchester Magnum, 6.5mm Remington Magnum, 260 Remington, 6.5-284 Norma, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 6.5-300 Weatherby, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Weatherby RPM

Sponsor: Support me on Patreon to see the terminal ballistics analysis of the Kennedy assassination (which involved one of these rounds discussed in this episode) conducted by an experienced trauma surgeon. Supporters also receive access to my other bonus material.

The Third Bullet by Stephen Hunter

Rifle Cartridges For The Hunter by Richard Mann

Episode 172: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 Win Mag For Elk Hunting

Episode 282: 6.5 Creedmoor For Grizzly Bear?!

Episode 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow

Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson

Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 345: 7mm Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 345: The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges: 303 British, 7.x62x54R, etc.

Episode 358: 35 Caliber Cartridge Roll Up

Today, Rob Massa from the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company in Wyoming joins me on the show to discuss some observations he has made on what cartridges and bullets work and don't work from over 20 years outfitting elk hunts in Wyoming. I first met Rob while attending an event at the Bergara long range shooting Academy in 2024 and I was incredibly impressed both with his knowledge of shooting and hunting as well with the professionalism he ran the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company with. With that in mind, I decided to bring him on the show to discuss some insights he has developed over the course of over 20 years in this business on effective elk hunting cartridges and bullets.

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

Email me [email protected] if you're interested in joining me on the Big Game Hunting Podcast antelope hunt 9-14 October 2026 in Wyoming.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with elk outfitter Rob Massa to discuss his favorite cartridges and bullets for hunting elk.

Rob shares a few stories of effective terminal performance on elk, how tough elk are to kill, his favorite shot placement on elk, how things have changed with the most popular cartridges and bullets for elk hunting over the course of his career, and much more.

His takeaway? There are lots of things that will work on elk, but certain cartridges and bullets tend to deliver a mix of performance that delivers the best overall performance.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 396: Wyoming Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

7mm PRC Elk Hunt | R&K Hunting Company Wyoming Elk Hunt – YouTube video referenced in podcast

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

I just made it home from an outstanding elk hunt in Wyoming! Despite some unique struggles, I had an amazing trip and I successfully took a beautiful bull elk. Today's episode is a detailed recap of this hunt, evaluations of some gear I used, and some of the lessons we learned along the way. I also share two exciting announcements near the end.

Check out my video of the hunt here:

7mm PRC Elk Hunt | R&K Hunting Company Wyoming Elk Hunt

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses his recent elk hunt in Wyoming.

He shares the story of this exciting hunt, an analysis of the gear he used, and also has two special announcements at the end.

His takeaway? John hunted with an outstanding outfitter in Wyoming that surpassed all expectations. Despite some initial struggles, John ended up making an excellent shot and tagging a great bull to wrap up an fantastic hunt.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

See photos showing the terminal performance of those 175gr Speer Imapct bullets on this elk in my latest Patreon post.

Follow me on Instagram (@thebiggamehunter_) to see photos of this elk

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

Get a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Scope Here

Get an Ultimate Firearm Sling here

Ep 114: 2020 New Mexico Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 337: I just punched my moose tag! – Episode referenced in podcast

John McAdams shares insights on the 22 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor informed by real world data on obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifications, and pros and cons of each cartridge. Plus, he also shares some details on how different 6.5 Creedmoor and 22 Creedmoor factory loads have performed on game afield.

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.

Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics and also obtain access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter

North Fork's 120gr & 140gr Semi-Spitzer bullets are outstanding choices for the 6.5 Creedmoor that facilitate the best possible terminal performance for the cartridges on all manner of game at ranges inside 300 yards. You can purchase both bullets directly from the North Fork web site, from MidwayUSA, or from our network of other distributors all over the world.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the 6.5 Creedmoor vs 22 Creedmoor.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, shows how each cartridge was specifically designed to take advantage of modern bullets, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests.

John's takeaway? Both cartridges overlap in their performance in certain areas, but the 22 Creedmoor is best used for predators and medium game while the 6.5 Creedmoor is ideal for medium and big game. As you'll learn, most hunters will be served well by either one though.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

Ep 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide - Episode referenced about all the various 30 caliber cartridges (to include the 30 T/C)

Ep 351: 22 Creedmoor With Derrick Ratliff- Episode referenced comparing the 22-250 to the 22 Creedmoor

Ep 360: 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 Remington- Episode referenced comparing the 22-250 to the 22 Creedmoor

Ep 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow - Episode referenced where John Snow and I discuss Modern Cartridge Design principles

308 Winchester vs 6.5 Creedmoor - Episode referenced regarding how the 6.5 Creedmoor stacks up against the 308 Winchester

Brad Watts, the director of marketing for CVA, joins me on the show to talk about the diverse array of muzzleloaders and rifles CVA produces. Of note, CVA currently produces a number of rifles in more esoteric cartridges like 35 Whelen, 444 Marlin, and 400 Legend. Not only that, but they also produce other rifles and muzzleloaders that are in compliance with very specific hunting regulations in states like Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and Oregon. And finally, they also produce plenty of more conventional rifles and muzzleloaders as well. We discuss this in more detail during this interview along with the specifics of their current production rifles and muzzleloader and what sets the company apart from competitors in the industry.

Sponsor: Sign up here to receive a 10% off promo code for all products CVA sells directly from their web site (including their rifles, muzzleloaders, and accessories).

Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all my bonus material (including a larger 15% off CVA discount code I provide to Patrons at the highest level of support) at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with CVA director of marketing Brad Watts to discuss CVA muzzleloaders and rifles in detail.

They dive deep into the various hunting rifle and muzzleloader models the company makes, what sets them apart from the competition, and how they offer firearms for hunters in states with very specific regulations (like Idaho and Illinois).

Their takeaway? CVA produces rifles and muzzleloaders that offer an exceptional value to their customers and are suitable for many different situations.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Check out the CVA web site & follow them on Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube

John McAdams shares three different recommendations for ammunition and bullets for deer hunters to use in 2025 informed by real world data on obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifications, and pros and cons of each offerings. Plus, he also shares some details on how those different bullets have performed on game afield.

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.

Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics and also obtain access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter

Get Nosler Whitetail Country Ammo Here

Get Barnes Harvest Collection Ammo Here

Get North Fork Semi-Spitzer bonded soft point bullets here

Get North Fork Flat Point bonded soft point bullets here

Get North Fork .348 cal bonded soft point bullets here

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses a few recommendations for ammunition and bullets for deer hunters.

John conducts a deep dive on two new factory offerings from Barnes and Nosler that are optimized for good performance on deer sized game that are also available at a more economical price point. He also discusses why deer hunters should consider hunting with North Fork bullets. In each case, he discusses the pros and cons of each choice, compares how these different loads perform in ballistic gel tests, and shares some stories of how they perform on game afield.

John's takeaway? Things are much better on the ammunition front in terms of availability and pricing than was the case just a few years ago. Hunters can now take advantage of discounted pricing on several different loads that offer ideal performance on deer sized game at typical ranges.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

The legendary 270 Winchester celebrates its 100th birthday this year in 2025. So, in honor of that impressive milestone, I conduct a deep dive comparing the venerable 270 Winchester to a much newer round with a more modern design that, as you'll learn here shortly, has shockingly similar performance: the 6.5 PRC.

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.

Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics (I chose this specific episode in response to Patreon suggestions) and also obtain access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter

North Fork's 130gr, 140gr, 150gr Semi-Spitzer bullets are outstanding choices for the 6.5 PRC and 270 Winchester respectively that facilitate the best possible terminal performance for both cartridges. Both projectiles are absolutely outstanding on all manner of game at ranges inside 300 yards. You can purchase both bullets directly from the North Fork web site, from MidwayUSA, or from our network of other distributors all over the world.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the 6.5 PRC vs 270 Winchester.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, shows how modern bullets have dramatically improved the performance of the 270 Winchester at extended range, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests.

John's takeaway? Both cartridges are capable of almost shockingly similar performance, but the 270 Winchester and 6.5 PRC are each ideally suited for specific niches and interests. As you'll learn, most hunters will be served well by either one though.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

Ep 116: 6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor - Episode comparing the 6.5 PRC to 6.5 Creedmoor

Ep 328: 25 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide - Episode referenced about all the other 25 caliber SAAMI standardized rounds.

Ep 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow - Episode referenced where John Snow and I discuss Modern Cartridge Design principles

375 H&H Ballistic Gel Test - Episode referenced in episode

Matty Nelson, the director of business management for Seekins Precision, joins me on the show to talk about his company their hunting rifles. Of note, Seekins Precision was one of the first companies to pick up both of the SAAMI standardized high pressure cartridges we have right now in the 277 Sig Fury and the new 7mm Backcountry. Not only that, but all the rifles they're producing today are forwards compatible with that same technology and, with just a simple barrel change (which you'll be able to purchase from Seekins Precision), can easily be adopted to shoot new cartridges like a hypothetical 6.5 or 30 backcountry cartridge we might see in the future. We discuss this in more detail during this interview along with the specifics of their current production rifles, what sets the company apart from competitors in the industry, etc.

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.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Seekins Precision director of business development Matty Nelson to discuss Seekins Precision rifles in detail.

They dive deep into the various hunting rifle models the company makes, what sets them apart from the competition, how they are specifically designed for forwards compatibility with future high pressure rounds along the lines of the 7mm Backcountry, and discuss a few stories involving hunting with some of their products.

Their takeaway? Seekins Precision produces rifles in the United States and offers customers a high quality rifle they can depend on when the chips are down. Plus, they are well suited for those who want to use cartridges on the absolute cutting edge.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Check out the Seekins Precision web site & follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Ep 353: Is Federal's New 7mm Backcountry Round A Gamechanger? – Learn more about the 7mm Backcountry

John McAdams shares insights on the 25 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor informed by real world data on obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifications, and pros and cons of each cartridge. Plus, he also shares some details on how different 6.5 Creedmoor and 25 Creedmoor factory loads have performed on game afield.

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.

North Fork's 120gr and 140gr Semi-Spitzer bullets are outstanding choices for the 25 Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor respectively that facilitate the best possible terminal performance for both cartridges. Both projectiles are absolutely outstanding on all manner of game at ranges inside 300 yards. You can purchase both bullets directly from the North Fork web site, from MidwayUSA, or from our network of other distributors all over the world.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the 6.5 Creedmoor vs 25 Creedmoor.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, tackles complaints about poor terminal performance some have reported with the 6.5 Creedmoor on game, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests. John also shares a few hunting stories illustrating the terminal performance of various 25 Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor factory loads.

John's takeaway? The 25 Creedmoor offers some benefits over the 6..5 Creedmoor, but he's not sure if it is a big enough improvement to really make a difference in the long run.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

Ep 203: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.8 Western vs 270 WSM – Episode referenced regarding my last 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge comparison

Ep 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide – Episode referenced about all the various 30 caliber cartridges (to include the 30 T/C)

Ep 328: 25 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide – Episode referenced about all the other 25 caliber SAAMI standardized rounds.

Ep 388: Richard Mann on the 25 Creedmoor – Episode referenced where Richard Mann discusses the origins of the 25 Creedmoor in detail

308 Winchester vs 6.5 Creedmoor – Episode referenced regarding how the 6.5 Creedmoor stacks up against the 308 Winchester

Caleb Giddings, the marketing general manager for Taurus holdings, joins me on the show to talk about Taurus and Rossi firearms. We discuss the history of Taurus and Rossi, the details on some of the hunting handguns and rifles they each offer, and a few hunting stories involving those guns afield hunting in Africa.

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.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Taurus holdings marketing general manager Caleb Giddings to discuss Taurus & Rossi firearms in detail.

They dive deep into the various handgun and rifle models each company makes for hunters, the best use cases for each model, what makes their firearms unique, and discuss a few stories involving hunting with several of their products.

Their takeaway? Taurus & Rossi offer a number of unique handguns, rifles, and shotguns for hunters. This is especially true for those who enjoy hunting with a handgun.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Check out the Taurus & Rossi web sites.

Give Caleb a follow on Instagram: @Radicaleb

Ep 321: Handgun Hunting With Ryan Hoover – Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 387: Best Cartridge For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Larry Weishun – Episode referenced in podcast