433: The Enduring Romance of the British Double Rifle + The 8-Bore Buffalo Hunt

433: The Enduring Romance of the British Double Rifle + The 8-Bore Buffalo Hunt

Author: John McAdams July 23, 2026 Duration: 1:27:40

John sits down with Graeme Wright, author of the definitive Shooting the British Double Rifle, to explore why double rifles continue to captivate hunters more than a century after their golden era. Graeme shares how his lifelong fascination began and eventually grew into owning and shooting over 100 double rifles. He explains the original purpose of the double rifle, breaks down key terms (side lock vs. box lock, ejectors vs. extractors, Black Powder Express vs. Nitro Express), and tells the story of how Australia became a major hub for these classic firearms. They also dive into the famous .450 ban and the cartridges created to work around it (.470 NE, .500/.465 NE, .476 NE), the enduring appeal of the .500 NE and .577 NE, and more. Graeme even shares field stories, including hunting buffalo with an 8-bore Paradox gun. Whether you already own a double rifle or are simply curious about these iconic firearms, this episode delivers both deep historical insight and practical knowledge from one of the world's leading authorities.

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Resources

Ep 378: Hunting Africa With A Double Rifle Pros And Cons With Julius Fortuna 

Pick up a copy of Shooting The British Double Rifle by Graeme Wright


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
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…