Best and worst cartridges for hunting elk (Cartridge Wars Round 1)

This video provides an expert-level ranking of precise hunting calibers for 2026, drawing on data from match shooters and long-range hunters. It details the performance characteristics, historical context, and practical applications of calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, .280 Ackley Improved, 7mm Remington Magnum, and .243 Winchester. The analysis emphasizes factors contributing to accuracy, such as bullet design, case efficiency, and ballistic coefficients, offering valuable insights for hunters and precision shooters seeking optimal performance.

This video showcases the 7mm Backcountry cartridge in a real-world elk hunt scenario. It highlights the cartridge's design for hunters using shorter, suppressed barrels, emphasizing its ability to maintain velocity and deliver significant energy at distance. The demonstration confirms its effectiveness on large game.

Geoff Nemnich discusses his choice of the .22 ARC cartridge for coyote hunting as an upgrade from the .223 Remington. He highlights the .22 ARC's superior ballistics, increased muzzle velocity, and enhanced downrange performance. Nemnich also praises the terminal performance of Hornady's ELD-VT ammunition, noting its impressive expansion and devastating effect on coyotes, even at extended ranges.

This video, presented by Ted from Line45, details the shift in hunting ammunition preferences away from traditional soft points towards modern bonded and tipped loads. It highlights specific ammunition lines like Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X, Federal Premium Terminal Ascent, Barnes Vor-TX TTSX, Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond, Hornady American Whitetail InterLock, and Federal Fusion, explaining their advantages in terminal ballistics, expansion consistency, and penetration across various hunting scenarios and distances. The presenter emphasizes that these modern options offer greater confidence and reliability for today's hunters facing longer shots and varied game.

This episode features Jim Banano's extensive big game hunting journey, focusing on his pursuit of the North American Grand Slam of Sheep. He shares detailed accounts of his hunts for Stone Sheep in British Columbia, Desert Bighorn Sheep in Mexico, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Alberta, highlighting the challenges, successes, and lessons learned. The discussion also touches upon long-range shooting techniques, rifle confidence, and the mental fortitude required for demanding hunts.

This guide outlines the steps for engaging a coyote at an extended range of 800 yards, emphasizing precision aiming and shot execution. The video demonstrates the challenge of such a shot, suggesting the use of a .50 caliber rifle for effectiveness. The speaker, exhibiting experienced authority, highlights the importance of accurate marksmanship for ethical hunting at distance.

This guide details how to significantly reduce the noise signature of a .22 LR pistol using a suppressor and subsonic ammunition. The presenter, demonstrating high authority, explains the physics behind suppressor function and the importance of ammunition choice for optimal quietness. The video culminates in a direct comparison showing the suppressed pistol is quieter than a compound bow.

This video debunks a politician's claim about the weight and caliber of an AR-15. The speaker, demonstrating expert authority, clarifies that an AR-15 typically weighs around 6.5 lbs, not the equivalent of 10 moving boxes. It also explains that while some rare AR-15 variants can chamber .50 Beowulf, the common calibers are much smaller, like .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO, and not the .50 BMG.

This video provides an expert-level analysis of 12-gauge shotgun ballistics, featuring insights from Jim Harmer. It details the destructive potential of a 12-gauge load in ballistics gel, highlighting the wide wound channel created by numerous pellets. The content includes a breakdown of shotgun shell components and emphasizes safety warnings for viewers.

This video from Backfire offers an expert assessment of a pre-owned Browning X-Bolt Pro Featherlight in 300 RUM, highlighting its resale value and the significant recoil associated with the caliber in a lightweight platform. The instructor emphasizes understanding why high-end firearms might be resold, particularly due to chambering and its impact on shootability.