Best Cartridges For Each Big Game Animal: The Pros Debate

Published on February 1, 2025
Duration: 16:45

This guide synthesizes expert recommendations from the Backfire channel's panel of hunting professionals for selecting the best cartridges for various big game animals. It covers specific recommendations for Elk, Whitetail, Mule Deer, Bears, Hogs, Caribou, Antelope, African Plains Game, Grizzly, Moose, and Bison, emphasizing factors like animal size, range, and desired terminal performance. The discussion highlights the importance of accuracy and provides versatile options for different hunting scenarios, including a 'one-gun' choice.

Quick Summary

Expert hunting guides recommend specific cartridges for various big game animals, balancing power, accuracy, and recoil. For Elk, .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, and 7 PRC are top choices. For Mule Deer, 7mm Rem Mag, 7 PRC, and 6.5 PRC are favored. Versatile options like .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, and .300 Win Mag are recommended for all-around use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Expert Panel
  2. 00:30Elk Cartridge Recommendations
  3. 01:06Whitetail Deer (Short Range)
  4. 01:47Western Mule Deer
  5. 02:35Varmints and Coyotes
  6. 03:24Black Bear Hunting
  7. 05:15Hog Hunting Cartridges
  8. 06:05Caribou and Antelope
  9. 08:10Aoudad and Africa Plains Game
  10. 09:47Grizzly Bear and Moose
  11. 12:10Bison and 'One Gun' Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cartridges for Elk hunting?

For Elk, experienced hunters recommend cartridges like the .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, and 7 PRC. The 6.5 PRC is also noted as effective for achieving quick kills when placed accurately, offering a balance of power and manageable recoil for this large game.

Which rifle calibers are recommended for Mule Deer?

For Mule Deer, the panel suggests cartridges such as the 7mm Rem Mag, 7 PRC, and 6.5 PRC. The emphasis is placed on selecting cartridges that allow for better accuracy, with lower recoil options like the 6.5 PRC being particularly favored by some experts.

What are the top cartridge choices for Hog hunting?

Hog hunting recommendations include versatile options like the 6.5 Creedmoor, 8.6 Blackout, and .300 Blackout. The panel also notes the utility of subsonic ammunition for situations where multiple targets might be present.

If you could only choose one rifle cartridge for all big game, what would it be?

If limited to a single cartridge for all big game scenarios, the expert panel leans towards proven, versatile options. The .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Rem Mag, or .300 Win Mag are consistently recommended for their broad effectiveness across various species and ranges.

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