Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!

John McAdams
  • 4.9 (397)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Big Game Hunting Podcast where host John McAdams discusses subjects like caliber comparisons, Africa hunting, terminal ballistics, intense hunting stories, and more – featuring a wide variety of guests from industry experts to listeners of the show from all over the world. No fluff, no baloney, just one serious big game hunter doing his best to learn, grow, and have fun alongside his listeners. New episodes release every Thursday. Join us to learn more about subjects ranging from cape buffalo hunting in Africa to hunting deer, elk, bear, and antelope in North America from internationally recognized experts in their fields. Contact me with your questions or feedback via email at: john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com Or visit the searchable archive of all Big Game Hunting Podcast episodes published since 2019 at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/

  1. 403: Muzzleloader Elk In Arizona With Andrew Marlin

    2D AGO

    403: Muzzleloader Elk In Arizona With Andrew Marlin

    I got the chance to sit down with Andrew Marlin from The Dove Guy podcast in this episode and he shares the story of his successful, muzzleloader self-guided elk hunt in Arizona this year. Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Get in touch with Grant McCune of Zona Guides to book an elk, antelope, deer, or bear hunt in Arizona. zonaguides.az@gmail.com (928) 713-3412 Get in touch with Rob Massa at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. They can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more. Resources Follow Andrew on Instagram and check out The Dove Guy Podcast on Apple and Spotify

    56 min
  2. 402: Worst & Best Creedmoor-22 vs 6mm vs 25 vs 6.5 Creedmoor

    6D AGO

    402: Worst & Best Creedmoor-22 vs 6mm vs 25 vs 6.5 Creedmoor

    Here are my thoughts on the entire Creedmoor family: the 22 Creedmoor, the 6mm Creedmoor, the 25 Creedmoor and the 6.5 Creedmoor. We'll discuss how they stack up next to each other on paper, how they perform afield on game, and what the ideal use cases are for each one. I'll also share my picks for the "Best Creedmoor" and the "Worst Creedmoor". Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe to see the video of the hunt in Africa I referenced in this episode where a listener took 29 animals with the 6.5 Creedmoor. Supporters also will also have the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics and will receive access to all my other bonus material. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Ep 395: 22 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor Ep 390: 25 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor Ep 388: The 25 Creedmoor With Richard Mann Ep 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow

    57 min
  3. 401: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Richard Mann

    DEC 11

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

    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

    1h 18m
  4. 400: 40 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

    DEC 4

    400: 40 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

    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 strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I'll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well. Cartridges covered: 44-40 WCF, 45-70 Government, 577/450 Martini-Henry, 405 Winchester, 44 Remington Magnum, 444 Marlin, 450 Marlin, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend 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 Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics and also obtain access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Resources 44-40 Profile | Winchester 1873 44-40 Gel Test .577/450 Martini-Henry Rifle & Cartridge: History, Ballistics, Hunting & Gel Test Results African Rifles & Cartridges by John Taylor African Game Trails by Theodore Roosevelt To Ride, Shoot Straight, And Speak The Truth by Jeff Cooper Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 345: 7mm Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 345: The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges: 303 British, 7.x62x54R, etc. Episode 358: 35 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 398: 6.5mm Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 399: 8mm/32 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

    1h 12m
  5. Vote For Me For Podcast Of The Year!

    DEC 1 · BONUS

    Vote For Me For Podcast Of The Year!

    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 your votes again to win it. Cast your vote at TheGundies.com and help me take home the win! You can vote once each day from now until 15 December 2025. Thanks for your vote!

    1 min
  6. 399: 8mm & 32 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

    NOV 26

    399: 8mm & 32 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

    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, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I'll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well. Cartridges covered: 8x57mmI, 8x57mmIS, 8x57mmIR, 8x57mmIRS, 8x60mm S, 8x64mm S, 8x68mm S, 8mm-06, 7.92x33mm, 32 Winchester Self Loading, 32 Winchester Special, 32 Remington, 8mm Remington Magnum, 325 WSM 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 Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics and also obtain access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Resources Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 345: 7mm Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 345: The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges: 303 British, 7.x62x54R, etc. Episode 358: 35 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 398: 6.5mm Cartridge Roll-Up

    1h 7m
  7. 398: 6.5mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

    NOV 20

    398: 6.5mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide

    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 strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I'll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well. Cartridges covered: 6.5x52mm Carcano, 6.5×55 Swede, 6.5x57mm, 6.5x50mm Japanese, 6.5x54MS, 6.5-06, 264 Winchester Magnum, 6.5mm Remington Magnum, 260 Remington, 6.5-284 Norma, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 6.5-300 Weatherby, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Weatherby RPM Sponsor: Support me on Patreon to see the terminal ballistics analysis of the Kennedy assassination (which involved one of these rounds discussed in this episode) conducted by an experienced trauma surgeon. Supporters also receive access to my other bonus material. The Third Bullet by Stephen Hunter Rifle Cartridges For The Hunter by Richard Mann Resources Episode 172: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 Win Mag For Elk Hunting Episode 282: 6.5 Creedmoor For Grizzly Bear?! Episode 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 345: 7mm Cartridge Roll-Up Episode 345: The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges: 303 British, 7.x62x54R, etc. Episode 358: 35 Caliber Cartridge Roll Up

    1h 48m
  8. 397: An Elk Guide Shares His Favorite Elk Hunting Cartridges

    NOV 13

    397: An Elk Guide Shares His Favorite Elk Hunting Cartridges

    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 outfitting elk hunts in Wyoming. I first met Rob while attending an event at the Bergara long range shooting Academy in 2024 and I was incredibly impressed both with his knowledge of shooting and hunting as well with the professionalism he ran the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company with. With that in mind, I decided to bring him on the show to discuss some insights he has developed over the course of over 20 years in this business on effective elk hunting cartridges and bullets. Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more. Email me john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you're interested in joining me on the Big Game Hunting Podcast antelope hunt 9-14 October 2026 in Wyoming. In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with elk outfitter Rob Massa to discuss his favorite cartridges and bullets for hunting elk. Rob shares a few stories of effective terminal performance on elk, how tough elk are to kill, his favorite shot placement on elk, how things have changed with the most popular cartridges and bullets for elk hunting over the course of his career, and much more. His takeaway? There are lots of things that will work on elk, but certain cartridges and bullets tend to deliver a mix of performance that delivers the best overall performance. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast Ep 396: Wyoming Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast 7mm PRC Elk Hunt | R&K Hunting Company Wyoming Elk Hunt – YouTube video referenced in podcast Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

    1h 25m
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out of 5
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About

Welcome to The Big Game Hunting Podcast where host John McAdams discusses subjects like caliber comparisons, Africa hunting, terminal ballistics, intense hunting stories, and more – featuring a wide variety of guests from industry experts to listeners of the show from all over the world. No fluff, no baloney, just one serious big game hunter doing his best to learn, grow, and have fun alongside his listeners. New episodes release every Thursday. Join us to learn more about subjects ranging from cape buffalo hunting in Africa to hunting deer, elk, bear, and antelope in North America from internationally recognized experts in their fields. Contact me with your questions or feedback via email at: john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com Or visit the searchable archive of all Big Game Hunting Podcast episodes published since 2019 at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/

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