“.33 nosler”

If you’re attracted to .45-caliber cartridges for dangerous-game hunting, the .458 Lott is a serious contender for the top of the heap.

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.

The .22 Hornet was the first commercial high-velocity centerfire cartridge designed for varmints, predators and small-game animals, driving a 45-grain bullet to just about 2650 fps. And with a wide selection of factory ammunition, your rifle will remain well-fed.

The new Model 21 is packed with cutting-edge features, including a wire EDM machined receiver, nitride-coated, fluted bolt, TriggerTech trigger, Shilen match-grade stainless steel barrel, and a rugged, lightweight synthetic stock.

Those who venture into the backcountry—and especially those who hunt the mountains with all their gear on their back—appreciate a lightweight rifle. Here’s a look at seven top-notch options.

Introduced in 2008, the .416 Ruger is the only commercially produced cartridge in that .416-inch bore diameter designed to fit in a long-action receiver, making it an ideal choice for dangerous game.

Loosely based on a shortened .404 Jeffery case with the rim rebated to the .535-inch case head of the H&H family, the .270 WSM was the third commercial cartridge using the .277-inch bore diameter, and betters the velocity of the .270 Winchester by 200 to 250 fps.

If you’re in the market for a cartridge that will do double duty in both the hunting fields and on the target range, with a bit more horsepower than the Creedmoor provides, the 6.5 PRC is worth a hard look.

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.