349: The ugly truth about bullet failures

349: The ugly truth about bullet failures

Author: John McAdams December 12, 2024 Duration: 1:40:48

Today, we're going to talk about bullet failures. Bullet failures are a hot topic, especially when they involve certain, very polarizing bullets and/or cartridges. I absolutely believe they do occur, but I think they get blamed unfairly for a lot of wounded and lost game. I can't tell you how many people I've had tell me they made a perfect shot, but the bullet "blew up on the shoulder" and the animal ran off, never to be seen again. Like I said, bullet failures do occur though and I've compiled a giant list of those sorts of stories to share with you in this episode. 

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Watch the video of the Berger bullet gel test I described in this episode here.

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true at in South Africa's Limpopo Province where 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 have 4 openings remaining for September, October, and November 2025, plus most of 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or contact me directly at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. 

I'll be at the Dallas Safari Club convention in Atlanta 9-12 January 2025 with 2 of my African PHs (Johan and Kobus) and we'd love to meet you if you'll be attending the show. We're hosting a get together for podcast listeners and past/future clients at a conference room in the Hyatt House Atlanta/Downtown 6-10pm on Friday, 10 January 2025.    

Address is: 431 Marietta Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Pizza and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided.

Space is limited, so please RSVP by emailing me john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you plan on attending!

Giveaway: I'm giving away 2 boxes of Federal Fusion ammo for the 308 Winchester.

Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ammogiveaway to be entered in a random drawing for this ammo. Be sure to confirm your email address if you're asked to do so after you sign up. All citizens or legal permanent residents of the USA who are over the age of 21 and who are not otherwise prohibited form possessing a firearm, and who lives in a state I can ship to is eligible to enter.

You have until 11:59pm central time on 18 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions on 19 December to receive both boxes. 


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
331: A Hair Raising Leopard Hunt In Zimbabwe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:34
Joe Thompson is up next in my ongoing Africa hunting mini-series to talk about his hair raising leopard hunt in Zimbabwe last year. As you'll learn here shortly, there was a lot of drama associated with this hunt, especi…
330: Nyala & Bushbuck Hunting With Mike Arnold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:36
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329: .50, .60, & .70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:08
In this episode, Kevin Robertson and I cover the most popular really big bore safari cartridges .50 caliber and larger and discuss their history, legacy, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in deta…
328: .25 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:39
The "quarter bore" section of the ballistics world doesn't get a lot of love, certainly not when compared to the smaller 6mm, or larger 6.5mm, 270 cal, 7mm, or 30 cal bore diameters. Even so, the various 25 caliber cartr…
327: Taking the 7mm PRC Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:24
I just made it back home from a fantastic couple of days at the Bergara Academy at Queen Mountain Ranch near Evanston, Wyoming. This episode is a short "campfire style" discussion of the highlights of our time up there I…
326: An Introduction To Handloading With Zak May [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:28
Zak May from Reloading Quest is on the show with us today to talk about handloading. We talk about why people should handload, cartridges that are easy to reload for, cartridges that are difficult to reload for, common m…
325: Ozonics Hunting-Are They The Real Deal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:20
Cole Tanner from Ozonics Hunting joins me on the show today to talk about the ozone devices they manufacture and sell to hunters as a way to minimize the chances of game smelling them afield. I know, it sounds too good t…
324: 300 Blackout vs 7.62x39 Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:27
I have another cartridge comparison for you today where we discuss the 300 Blackout vs 7.62x39mm. These two cartridges are remarkably similar in performance at first glance, but if you dig deeper, you'll see there are so…

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