“8mm remington magnum”

Just about every case shape imaginable has been modified to hold both 7mm and .30-caliber bullets, but it was gunwriter Layne Simpson who saw a gap in the lineup: there was no 7mm cartridge based on a full-length .375 H&H case. In 1979, Simpson took the excellent 8mm Remington Magnum and necked it down to hold 7mm bullets, giving his wildcat the name “Shooting Times Westerner.”

Both cartridges are based on the H&H belted case, generate impressive velocities and have a wide range of bullet weights. Which is the better choice for the hunter? Contributor Philip Massaro takes a closer look at the pros and cons of each.

Introduced in 1989, the .416 Remington Magnum is fully capable of handling any and all game, including the heavyweights like elephant, hippo, buffalo and coastal brown bears. Its trajectory is flatter than most would think, and recoil isn’t much heavier than the .375 H&H, yet the terminal results are visibly greater.

Here are five cool wildcats that ammunition aficionado Philip Massaro has come across in his years as a gun writer.

Philip Massaro reveals just which rifle cartridges are among the most sought after in the industry.

Having a rifle chambered in one of the most popular calibers—even if not the coolest rifle in your collection—just makes sense. Here's why.

Hunters who enjoy using cartridges that aren’t among the most popular should consider a rifle chambered in .358 Norma Magnum. It’s a flat shooter—mimicking the trajectory of a .30-06 with heavier bullets—and is a fully capable all-around choice.

The cartridge’s sheer size, steep shoulder and Rigby name all add up to a century-plus-old classic that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The .30-30 Winchester remains a top-seller, and new rifles are continually produced for the veteran cartridge. Why? It’s a simple design, easy on the shoulder and wallet, and very effective inside of 200 yards.