425: 425 Westley Richards: History, Ballistics & Dangerous Game Performance

425: 425 Westley Richards: History, Ballistics & Dangerous Game Performance

Author: John McAdams May 28, 2026 Duration: 57:47

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

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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: 50

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
430: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Jim Harmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:51
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…
429: Is The New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak The End of the 6.5 PRC? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:02
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 perfo…
428: 5 Guns Every Hunter Should Own [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:53
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 ev…
427: Weatherby Rifles & Cartridges Explained With Tyler Grethen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:40
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 We…
424: 300 HAM'R: Bill Wilson's 3,300+ Hogs, Zebra, Wildebeest, & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:24
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-ran…
423: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Phil Massaro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:47
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…