Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Published by John McAdams
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Welcome to The Big Game Hunting Podcast where host John McAdams discusses subjects like caliber comparisons, Africa hunting, terminal ballistics, intense hunting stories, and more – featuring a wide variety of guests from industry experts to listeners of the show from all over the world. No fluff, no baloney, just one serious big game hunter doing his best to learn, grow, and have fun alongside his listeners. New episodes release every Thursday. Join us to learn more about subjects ranging from cape buffalo hunting in Africa to hunting deer, elk, bear, and antelope in North America from internationally recognized experts in their fields. Contact me with your questions or feedback via email at: john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com Or visit the searchable archive of all Big Game Hunting Podcast episodes published since 2019 at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/
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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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.
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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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
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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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
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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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
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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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
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 You T ube 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
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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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
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 .
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
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!
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
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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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
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
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
Long time listener Jim Myers joins me on the show today to talk about mountain lion hunting: cartridges, bullets, and his tactics that have resulted in him successfully harvesting a mountain lion in 4 out of the past 5 years despite living in a state where hunting mountain lion with hounds is illegal. 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!
Field & Stream shooting editor and 25 caliber aficionado Richard Mann joins me in this podcast episode to discuss the new, SAAMI standardized 257 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum. Richard discusses the origins of the 257 RPM, some of his experiences shooting and hunting with it, how it compares to the 25-06, 25 Creedmoor, and 257 Weatherby, and what the new Weatherby cartridge offers hunters. 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 Rifle Cartridges for the Hunter – Richard Mann's book referenced in this podcast Learn more about Richard by supporting him on Substack: Empty Cases Substack Other Episodes Referenced In The Podcast Ep 388: 25 Creedmoor-A Triple Threat Cartridge With Richard Mann Ep 401: Best Cartridge For Hunting Darn Neary Anything By Richard Mann
Tyler Freel had a brush with death on a recent hunt in Idaho and he joined me on the podcast to discuss the incident, his injuries, and what his recovery has been like. We also finish with an in-depth discussion on his recent work with the 22 ARC, 22 Creedmoor, and 220 Swift and how they all stack up next to each other. 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 Tyler's article on Outdoor Life about the 22 ARC & 22 Creedmoor here and watch the video on this subject on the Outdoor Life YouTube channel 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 316: Dall Sheep Hunting With Tyler Freel – Podcast referenced in episode Ep 344: Moose Hunting With 22 ARC – Podcast referenced in episode Ep 365: 338 Lapua Unleased With Tyler Freel – Podcast referenced in episode
Jeff Rann, one of Africa's most legendary professional hunters with nearly 50 years guiding dangerous game, joins me on the podcast to share his incredible stories of hunting elephant in Botswana. He takes us inside what it's really like to track big bulls, get in as close as 20–30 yards for precise brain shots, face down real charges, and judge trophy ivory on mature animals while navigating the country's massive and growing elephant population. We also finish with an in-depth discussion on the conservation realities in Botswana, why controlled hunting of bulls plays a vital role, and his favorite double rifles and cartridges—including why the .500 H&H and .577 Holland & Holland remain his go-to choices after decades in the African bush. 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 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 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. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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! Resources Learn more about the Dangerous Game Symposium with Mark Sullivan and Dave Fulson in Las Vegas on 16 May 2026 that I'm attending here . Subscribe to Jeff's YouTube channel here and his hunting operations in Africa here & at the 777 Ranch here . Recommended Episodes 414: Leopard Mauling To Sudan Bongo Hunts With Robin Hurt 177: Elephant Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson 176: Elephant Conservation With Kevin Robertson
Gunwriter Terry Wieland joins me on the show as we discuss his thoughts on the various .416 caliber cartridges: the 416 Rigby, the 416 Remington Magnum the 416 Weatherby Magnum, the 416 Ruger, and even the 416 Hoffman and the 416 Taylor. We talk about the pros and cons of those different rounds, which 416 he prefers over the others out of that bunch, how those 416s stack up against the various 375s and 458s for use on buffalo, why the 404 Jeffery was vastly more popular than the 416 Rigby for a long time, and why that eventually changed. We even discuss the development of the Ruger Safari Magnum rifle, the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw and several other things that massively changed the safari hunting industry during the 1980s and 1990s. 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 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! Get copies of Dangerous Game Rifles, Great Hunting Rifles, A View From a Tall Hill – Robert Ruark In Africa , or one of Terry's other books on Amazon here (affiliate link, commissions earned). Other Episodes Referenced In The Podcast Ep 381: A Cape Buffalo Hunt 30 Years In the Making With Jimmy Epperson Ep 385: North Fork Bullets: Africa's Premier Hunting Bullets? Ep 404: The 404 Jeffery With Phil Massaro Ep 414: Leopard Maulings & Hunting Bongo In Sudan With Robin Hurt
Today, I'm unveiling my definitive list of what I think are the 10 greatest African hunting books ever written. This list of African safari book recommendations includes works from people like Hemingway, Roosevelt, Ruark, Capstick, and other legendary writers. These Africa hunting books have everything you could ask for: heart-pounding adventures, adrenaline soaked drama, close calls that will make your knuckles turn white and even a few deliciously scandalous tales of betrayal, courage, cowardice, possible murder, more than one love triangle, one very good dog, and lots of talk about rifles, bullets, and cartridges. Links to where you can get all these Africa hunting safari books are below. 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. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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! The Man Eaters of Tsavo by John Henry Patterson African Game Trails by Theodore Roosevelt Out of Africa by Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen) Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway (including Snows of Kilimanjaro & The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber) Horn of the Hunter by Robert Ruark Death in the Long Grass by Peter Hathaway Capstick African Rifles & Cartridges by John Taylor Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter by W.D.M Bell The Perfect Shot II by Kevin Robertson Jock of the Bushveld by Percy Fitzpatrick
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