378: Hunting Africa With A Double Rifle-Pros & Cons With Julius Fortuna

378: Hunting Africa With A Double Rifle-Pros & Cons With Julius Fortuna

Author: John McAdams July 3, 2025 Duration: 1:23:54

Julius Fortuna of the Double Rifle Society discusses hunting Africa using a double rifle in this podcast interview, focusing on the pros and cons of double rifles for various situations, reasonable accuracy and effective range expectations, how to regulate a double rifle, popular cartridges for double rifles, the pros and cons of several modern production double rifles, and a few stories involving doubles (or hunters who WISHED they had a double).

Watch this interview on YouTube here (buffalo charge at 30:50, elephant charge at 1:12:48, 2nd buffalo charge at 1:18:00)

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 have space remaining for a Free State hunt in October 2025 and for Limpopo/Free State hunts in April, May, September, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. 

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Julius Fortuna of the Double Rifle Society.

They dive deep into double rifles and talk about things like double rifle regulation, common double rifle manufacturers and cartridges, situations where a double rifle excels over a bolt-action rifle, and discuss a few stories involving hunting with a double rifle.

Their takeaway? Double rifles are cool and certainly can be incredibly useful in certain situations, but are not without their downsides. However, their fast handling and fast shooting characteristics mean they almost cannot be beat in life or death encounters with thick-skinned big game at extremely close range.

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

Resources

Learn more about the Double Rifle Society on their web site


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
400: 40 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:41
I discuss all of the 40 caliber SAAMI standardized rifle cartridges (plus one other noteworthy CIP round) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their streng…
BONUS: Vote For Me For Podcast Of The Year! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16
I am honored to be among those nominated for the Podcast of The Year award at the 2026 Gundies. Thank you to all of you who nominated me for this award. Voting for the Gundies begins TODAY, 1 December 2025 and I need you…
399: 8mm & 32 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:49
I discuss all of the 8mm and 32 caliber 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, t…
398: 6.5mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:40
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 strength…
397: An Elk Guide Shares His Favorite Elk Hunting Cartridges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:18
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 outfitt…
396: 2025 Wyoming Elk Hunt Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:11
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, evaluation…
395: 22 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:21
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, per…
393: Best Deer Hunting Ammo For 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:04
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. J…
392: 6.5 PRC vs 270 Winchester Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:01
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 mode…