“big game cartridges”

Here is a look at several of the mainstream predator-hunting cartridge options for the AR-15 platform.

Never heard of Tract Optics? We can fix that.

The .240 Weatherby Magnum is the fastest 6mm on the commercial market, exceeding the muzzle velocity of the .243 Win. and 6mm Rem. by 300 fps. If you’re the hunter who likes obscure cartridges, the .240 Wby. Mag. is a great choice for deer, pronghorn and similar-sized game.

Currently Nosler offers BT loads for a handful of popular hunting cartridges from .243 Win. to .30-06. Expect the company to add more loads, and expect them all to be perfectly tuned to put deer-size game down with authority. They’ll work just fine on blesbok, too, even a long, long ways out there.

With a sleek bullet, both cartridges maintain over 1,000 ft.-lbs. of energy out the 500-yard mark, and both offer a trajectory any hunter can quickly adapt to. What makes or breaks the deal in choosing one over the other? Contributor Philip Massaro takes closer a look at the pros and cons of each.

The Ruger SFAR is nearly identical in size to an AR-15-style rifle, yet it’s chambered in .308 Winchester, combining the ballistic advantages of the .308 with the size of a traditional MSR.

If you’re a velocity hound, the 30 Nosler is among the fastest .30-caliber cartridges housed in a long-action receiver.

Over the decades, several cartridges have proved themselves as worthy against charging bears in North America. Here’s a look at the best bear defense cartridges ever made.

Here’s a look at the top 10 elk cartridges ever made.