“Tag: Behind the Bullet”

While there are many classic wheelgun calibers that date back to the late 19th century—the .44-40 and .45 Colt foremost among them—the relatively modern .44 Rem. Mag. has a well-deserved place among the most effective developments for a revolver, and will undoubtedly remain there for our lifetime and beyond.

The .470 Nitro Express has proven itself as a perfect choice for truly large game for more than a century now, and it won't be going away anytime soon.

Remington’s 7mm Mag. came on the scene and won the hearts of many hunters looking to use a bullet of less than .30 caliber, and quickly overtook the .264 Win. Mag., forcing it into near-obscurity. And, in spite of the myriad attempts to produce a 7mm Mag. that will better the performance of the Remington version, it still maintains its seat at the head of table.

Released in 2006, the .338 Federal may be one of the wisest choices the big-game hunter who likes a lightweight, sweet-shooting, short-action rifle could make.

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.

In the hands of a competent rifleman, the .260 Remington is just as effective as it was on the day it was released over two decades ago, and will continue to be for decades to come.

The .348 Winchester gives a good balance of striking energy and moderate recoil, and among the rimmed lever-gun cartridges, possesses impressive terminal ballistics.

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.