“ballistic tip”

While there are many great predator cartridges to choose from, these practical choices rise to the top.

Relatively unknown outside of true metallic cartridge aficionados, the .250-3000 Savage Improved strikes the ideal balance between downrange performance and perceived recoil. That’s only the beginning, too.

Introduced in the mid-1940s, the 7mm Weatherby Magnum case has minimal taper, maximizing powder capacity, and the correlative muzzle velocities show Roy Weatherby’s penchant for speed. Anything the popular 7mm Rem. Mag. will do, the 7mm Weatherby will do just a bit faster.

What happens after you pull the trigger depends on your bullet choice. Choose wisely.

In addition to its excellent fit, function and accuracy, the Momentum Elite Varmint sports a rugged, synthetic stock engineered specifically for varmint hunting and is outfitted with a removable cheek rest, checkered-polymer grip and versatile camo.

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.

By today’s standards, the external ballistics of the 7.62x39mm Soviet are insipid. And yet, the cartridge remains an excellent choice for hunting common big-game species at practical ranges.

With respect to overall performance and ammunition availability, here are the five best all-around cartridges for North American big-game species.

Despite an array of competitors being introduced since its 1944 debut, Weatherby’s original .30-caliber magnum cartridge is arguably still the best in class.