401: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Richard Mann

401: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Richard Mann

Author: John McAdams December 11, 2025 Duration: 1:17:41

Richard Mann 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're play little game where Richard 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.

Sponsor: I'm honored to be nominated for Podcast of the Year in the 2026 Gundies Awards! Voting is open from December 1–15. Cast your vote daily and help me take home the win at TheGundies.com

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

Ep 388: 25 Creedmoor-A Triple Threat Cartridge 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


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
360: 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
Today we're going to talk about two high octane 22 caliber centerfire cartridges: the 22-250 Remington and the 22 Creedmoor. We'll discuss the overall design characteristics and performance specs of each round, then comp…
Bonus 18: Upcoming Veteran Safari Hunt Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:41
I have a few announcements to share with you on this unusual mid-week episode regarding our upcoming hunt for the military veteran we're conducting in June of 2025 and a special request for all listeners regarding future…
359: Bullet Selection 101 with Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:25
I got the chance to sit down with Aaron Davidson from Gunwerks at the DSC convention in Atlanta and we discussed the ins and outs of bullet selection, external ballistics, and terminal performance. I felt like I was drin…
358: 35 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:51
I discuss all of the 35 Caliber SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy rounds) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengt…
Bonus 17: Reforming The NRA With Buz Mills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
Today Buz Mills from the National Rifle Association joins me on the show to talk about the upcoming election for the NRA board of directors. In any case, I'm a life member of the NRA and I'm saddened and disappointed wit…
357: Kevin Robertson's Two Near Death Experiences From Sable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:53
Kevin Robertson is back again today to talk about sable hunting. Just like we've done on the past we dive right into the details of sable: how big they get, where they live, why they're different from other species of pl…
355: Bongo At 5 Yards In The Rainforest With Hancke Hudson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:55
My ongoing Africa hunting mini-series continues this week with another special guest: Hancke Hudson. Hancke is a South African Professional Hunter who has spent the past 30 years hunting in the rainforests of Central Afr…
354: Hunting Leopard Up Close & At Night With Tanya Blake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:05
This is the first episode in my winter 2025 Africa hunting mini-series and I have a special guest on the show with me today: Tanya Blake. Depending on how long you've been listening to the show, you may recognize that na…
353: Is Federal's New 7mm Backcountry A True Game Changer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:03
I have Eric Miller on the show with me today to talk about Federal's brand new 7mm Backcountry rifle cartridge. As you'll learn here shortly, the 7 Backcountry utilizes an innovative design that produces some impressive…