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.

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. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus!

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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
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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…