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

John McAdams shares insights on the 6.5 vs 7mm PRC 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 PRC and 7mm PRC factory loads have performed on game afield.

Sponsor: 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

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 discusses the 6.5 PRC vs 7mm PRC.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, tackles complaints about the 7mm PRC falling short of advertised velocities, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests. John also shares a few hunting stories illustrating the terminal performance of various 6.5 and 7 PRC factory loads.

John's takeaway? The 6.5 PRC offers some important benefits over the 7mm PRC and is a worthy consideration for those wanting a high performance short action hunting cartridge or even an all-around hunting cartridge.

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Resources

Actual 7mm PRC Velocity Exposed! - Episode referenced regarding 7mm PRC muzzle velocities

Best 7mm PRC Ammo For Hunting – Factory ammo recommendations for the 7mm PRC

Best 6.5 PRC Ammo For Hunting – Factory ammo recommendations for the 6.5 PRC

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting – Rifle scope recommendations

Best Hunting Rifle Slings – Rifle sling recommendations

John McAdams shares insights on the 7mm PRC vs 7mm Remington Magnum informed by real world data on obtained at the range and field 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 7mm PRC factory loads have performed on game afield.

Sponsor: 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

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 discusses the 7mm PRC vs 7mm Rem Mag.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, tackles complaints about the 7mm PRC falling short of advertised velocities, and even shares how hit probabilities at extended range change when switching between different loads for these cartridges. John also shares a few hunting stories accumulated in his quest to take game with as many 7mm PRC factory loads as possible.

John's takeaway? The 7mm PRC is a refinement of the 7mm magnum concept that offers undeniable advantages over the 7mm Remington Magnum. However, the older 7mm Rem Mag is still a solid performer and holds its own surprisingly well against the newcomer.

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

Resources

Episode 345: 7mm Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast

Actual 7mm PRC Velocity Exposed! - Episode referenced regarding 7mm PRC muzzle velocities

Best 7mm PRC Ammo For Hunting – Factory ammo recommendations for the 7mm PRC

Best 7mm Rem Mag Ammo For Hunting – Factory ammo recommendations for the 7mm Remington Magnum

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting – Rifle scope recommendations

Best Hunting Rifle Slings – Rifle sling recommendations

Joseph von Benedikt shares some insights on the 300 Holland & Holland Magnum in this podcast interview, focusing on the history of the cartridge, its performance specifications, and some fascinating stories involving hunters using the cartridge on game ranging from deer up to Alaska brown bear.

Sponsor: Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast Patreon community 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

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 Joseph von Benedikt.

Unlike past discussions with Joseph focusing on hunting specific animal species, this interview dives into the legendary 300 Holland & Holland Magnum. Joseph recalls how he fell in love with the cartridge, drawn by its pedigree, rich history, and association with sharp looking vintage rifles. He details a few instances of taking deer, African plains game, and elk with various .30 caliber bullets from the cartridge, to include one shocking instance of a bullet failure.

Joseph's takeaway? The 300 H&H certainly isn't for everyone, but despite its age, the cartridge remains a solid performer for use on a wide spectrum of big game. Plus, it's the perfect round for those who appreciate vintage cartridges and rifles!

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

Resources

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

1) Joseph's Personal Instagram Page

2) Check Out The Backcountry Hunting Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & YouTube

Phil Massaro shares insights on hunting aoudad out in west Texas in this podcast interview, focusing on the story of the hunt, bullet terminal performance on auodad, general tips, and equipment recommendations.

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 Phil Massaro. Unlike past discussions with Phil about hunting Africa, they discuss Phil's recent west Texas aoudad hunt. Phil recounts the story of this hunt, the gear he used, shares a few fascinating tidbits about things that have happened on this hunt and a previous hunt, and a few tips for those considering making the journey out to the desert to hunt these creatures.

The big takeaway? Aoudad hunts are a fun, and cost effective way to hunt a mountain species, but they can be physically challenging and appropriate gear and preparation beforehand are essential.

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

Resources

Follow Phil on Instagram @philmassaro.

Ep 218: Layton Norwood on Aoudad Hunting – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 331: A Hair Raising Leopard Hunt In Zimbabwe – One of Phil's previous appearances on the show

John Snow of Outdoor Life shares insights on modern cartridge design in this podcast interview, explaining why rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor have a crucial edge.

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 welcomes John Snow, Outdoor Life's shooting editor, for his first appearance on the show. They discuss modern cartridge design and focus on how the polarizing 6.5 Creedmoor embodies many of these design principles and how those characteristics distinguish the 6.5 Creedmoor from similarly performing cartridges like the 260 Remington and 6.5x55 Swede. They also discuss John Snow's experiences with the cutting edge 7mm Backcountry and some of the pitfalls and potential game changing benefits of that brand new design.

The big takeaway? There's a reason why cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor are so popular and effective and it's not limited just to Hornady's aggressive and effective marketing (though that certainly plays a part too).

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 Modern Cartridge Design here.

Follow John on Instagram @John_b_snow.

Tyler Freel shares insights on hunting big game with the 338 Lapua Magnum in this podcast interview, focusing on terminal performance, favorite loads, and recoil management.

Sponsor: Go to https://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 Tyler Freel to explore the 338 Lapua Magnum—a cartridge renowned for its power and extended range performance. Unlike past discussions with Tyler on smaller rounds, this interview dives into the mighty 338 Lapua Magnum's big game hunting potential. Tyler recounts how he first got hooked on the 338 Lapua, drawn by its long-range ballistics and ability to anchor massive animals like moose. He details a few instances of taking moose with a 285gr Hornady ELD Match (SD: 0.356) performed on moose at ranges from 200-550 yards.

Tyler compares the 338 Lapua to the 338 Win Mag and 300 PRC, noting its edge in energy retention, but also in recoil. On reloading, Tyler favors slow-burning powders like Retumbo, H1000, and RL-26 to achieve ~2,700 fps of muzzle velocity with 285-grain Hornady ELD Match bullets that slip gracefully through the air, but still perform incredibly well on even the biggest moose.

Tyler's takeaway? The 338 Lapua isn't for everyone, but it's a solid performer for use on really big game at extended range. Plus, it's tough to beat the cool factor that comes with this round!

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

Resources

Read Tyler's article on Outdoor Life about the 338 Lapua here.

Subscribe to Tyler's Tundra Talk Podcast here.

Follow Tyler on Instagram @thetylerfreel.

Ep 282: Grizzly Bear Hunting With A 6.5 Creedmoor?!? – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 344: Moose Hunting With 22 ARC – Podcast referenced in episode

300 Win Mag vs 338 Lapua vs 338 Win Mag – Article related to episode

300 PRC vs 338 Lapua – Article related to episode

I have Gregg Ritz on the show with me again today to talk about the latest updates from Thompson/Center. T/C is literally shipping guns out the door right now and Gregg and I discuss the stuff that's currently available, what other products will be shipping later this year, what other products are coming soon from the company, and what the future holds for Thompson/Center in 2026 and 2027.

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.

Check out the Thompson/Center web site, subscribe to their YouTube channel, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

How would you like it if you could find a hunting rifle that shoots accurately without an extensive barrel break-in, is lightweight and easy to carry, contains a bunch of premium features, and comes in at under $2,000? Well, the Bergara B-14 Squared Crest Carbon might just fit the bill in all of those areas. In this episode, I conduct a detailed analysis of the Bergara Crest Carbon where I tell you all about this rifle so you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not it fits your needs as a hunter.

Sign up here to receive a 10% off promo code for all products Bergara sells directly from their web site (to include, but not limited to, the Bergara Crest Carbon).

Take the Big Game Hunting Podcast Listener Survey here (everyone who completes the survey by 23 March 2025 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 Cabela's gift card)

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

Today we're going to talk about two completely different rounds: the 45-70 Government and the 308 Winchester. Comparing these two cartridges is a great example of how a person who doesn't know any better can get a wildly distorted view of how two cartridges compare to each other by simply looking at their performance on paper. We'll discuss the overall design characteristics and performance specs of each round then compare how they stack up next to each other. I'll also cover how they each perform in some ballistic gel tests and discuss the situations where each one excels.

Take the Big Game Hunting Podcast Listener Survey here (everyone who completes the survey by 23 March 2025 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 Cabela's gift card)

Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/Ebook and sign up to receive 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.

45-70 vs 308: Comparing Oranges To Pineapples – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - Rifle scope recommendations

Best Hunting Rifle Slings - Rifle sling recommendations

Best 308 Hunting Ammo - 308 Winchester ammo recommendations

Best 45-70 Ammo For Hunting - 45-70 ammo recommendations

I got the chance to sit down with Hunter McWaters from The Hunter's Quest in this episode. We discussed how he got interested in western hunting along with the story of a cool, horseback elk hunt he went on in Wyoming during 2024. Hunter lives in Virginia, so his tale may seem familiar to those of you who from that part of the country who are interested in breaking into the western hunting world.

Take the Big Game Hunting Podcast Listener Survey here (everyone who completes the survey will be entered in a drawing for a $50 Cabela's gift card)

Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/Ebook and sign up to receive 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.

Follow Hunter McWaters on Instagram

Subscribe to Hunter's YouTube channel and check out the video of his New Mexico muzzleloader elk hunt

Episodes referenced:

Episode 162: Moose Hunting 101 With Joseph von Benedikt

Episode 130: Solo Caribou Hunting In Alaska With Joseph von Benedikt