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Top 5 Handgun Hunting Cartridges

While there are many handgun hunting cartridges to choose from, these practical all-around choices rise to the top.

Behind the Bullet: 8mm Remington Magnum

Based on the full-length .375 H&H belted case, the 8mm Rem. Mag. was the first commercial 8mm magnum cartridge to be introduced by an American firm, using bullet weights between 125 and 220 grains.

Head to Head: .280 Ackley Improved vs. 7mm Rem. Mag.

Which of these cartridges represents the wisest choice for hunters, and why should you prefer one over the other? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.

Top 10 Elk Cartridges of All Time

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

An Ode to the .41 Remington Magnum

This classic cartridge is a perfect fit for most handgun hunters. Observant hunters will immediately recognize that the .41 Magnum offers notably better external and terminal ballistics than the .357, yet is slightly more shooter-friendly than the .44.

Behind the Bullet: .416 Remington Magnum

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.

Head to Head: .270 WSM vs. 7mm Rem. Mag.

The .270 WSM and 7mm Rem. Mag. are the most popular magnums among the .270 and 7mm cartridges, and with good reason; both offer sensible ballistics which can be managed by most shooters without being overly hard on your barrel. But which makes the better choice for hunters? Contributor Philip Massaro takes a closer look at the pros and cons of each.

Top 5 Mule Deer Cartridges

Any of these five cartridges will set you up for a successful mule deer hunt anywhere they reside.

Head to Head: 7mm Remington Magnum vs. 27 Nosler

Between the 7mm Remington Magnum and the 27 Nosler, which is the better choice for the hunter? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.

Top 5 All-Around North American Big-Game Cartridges

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

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