Calibers

Volumes have been written about suitable calibers for big game hunting and Madison Avenue adds more pages every year. There is no MAGIC caliber that never fails when it comes to big game hunting. In fact, it is my opinion that testosterone-fueled magnum calibers may actually contribute to more wounded animals. WHY, you may be asking? It’s really simple when you think about it. Magnum calibers generate MORE recoil, and the average hunter develops quite a FLINCH from shooting such shoulder cannons. Magnum ammunition is more expensive, and this reduces the amount of practice ammo shot each year to remain proficient. A poorly placed shot results in a wounded or lost animal. One should shoot a caliber/cartridge that he or she can shoot well. Shot placement is the key to humane kills. If we destroy the heart/lung cavity the animal is ours. In postmortem interviews the animal seldom guesses the muzzle velocity within 200 fps anyway. Standard cartridges work fine over all ethical ranges. You need not feel under-gunned with a 7-08, 270, or 30-06 cartridge and good bullets. IF you can shoot a magnum caliber accurately under all field conditions, by all means step up to the plate. But having taught hundreds of shooters around the world, students consistently shoot lighter recoiling rifles better. Read more…