All reloading and ballistics information are written for our specific firearms and specifications. This information will not necessarily apply to your equipment. As always, you should closely follow the specific manufacturers guidelines for your specific firearms.
Bullet Costs – Detailed Price Analysis
How Much Does Ammo Cost? Let’s face it: Recently, ammo has become much more expensive. In addition, the COVID pandemic’s impact on supply disruptions has forced us to deal with…
Mauser Identification Guide
How To Identify Mauser Rifles What’s so different about Mauser rifles compared to others? For a start, they were first designed and engineered by the German Mauser brothers Peter Paul…
How Far Does A 22 Bullet Travel?
Speed of.22 Bullet Although the 22 bullet is comparatively weak, it’s still one of the most popular rounds for training, hunting, and sport shooting. Nevertheless, your bullet can still travel…
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle
Blackstone Griddle Cleaning The Blackstone griddle is a multi-purpose cooking surface that can be used for both frying and grilling. It’s reasonably priced, and if properly maintained, it’s simple and…
Best Pistol Scope Reviews – Handgun Scopes
10 Best Handgun Scopes Review We are still advancing in technology, and the aiming scopes are not left behind. That is why, apart from rifle scopes, you can get one…
10 Best Scopes for 17 HMR
10 Best .17 HMR Scope Reviews The past decade has recorded a boom of new, cartridge-specific riflescopes boasting even reticles dedicated to load solely. The .17HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) cartridge…
MOA Range Estimation with your Riflescope
How to Range a target using MOA At the moment the bullet leaves the muzzle of a barrel, its trajectory (or path) is somewhat straight, but as it continues to…
Best Scope for the 300 win mag
Top 10 .300 Win Mag Scopes in Our List Since its introduction in 1963, the 300 win mag (aka 300 WM or 300 Winchester Magnum) has become one of the…
5 Best Thermal Scopes
What are the best thermal scopes for the money? When you search for the best thermal scopes for the money on the web, you’ll discover that websites have different choices….
10 Best Rifle Scopes
Rifle Scope Comparison If you’ve just bought an AR15 rifle, or are upgrading one you already have, you’ve probably wondered what are the best rifle scopes, and what contributes to…
Vortex Spitfire vs Burris 332
The Spitfire offers you durability when it comes to the design. You get the minimalism of a red/green dot with the separation of an engraved reticle. Furthermore, you get the…
Vortex Venom vs Viper
In this article, we are putting face to face the vortex venom vs viper, so you can pick the best of them. Both the products are amazing each with their…
The 10 Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
Top Long Range Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor It is very challenging to find out a correct scope for a rifle. A lot of features and specifications in a scope. that…
Review of the Best 10 Under Bed Gun Safes
Whether you own one gun or a few firearms, you understand the need to hide guns away from burglars and children. The easiest way to do that is to use…
Should I Buy A Gun Cleaning Kit?
A cleaning kit is always essential to keep you clean and sterile. This doesn’t only apply to living beings but also to the stuff we use. If you a big-time…
Buyer Guide To 0.224 Valkyrie Barrel
224 Valkyrie short barrel The main reason why so many shooters are moving to .224 Valkyrie barrels is that it improves the shooting game to a great extent. Not only…
History of the G3 Rifle
Introduction to the G3 Rifle While the HKG3 isn’t as widely known as the AK-47, it still holds a historical significance. It was used in the Second World War and…
22 Centerfires for Deer Hunting
It seems there has always been, and probably always will be, a debate as to whether or not 22 caliber center fire cartridges are adequate as “deer” rounds. With the…
Guns for Turkeys
The smell of spring is in the air, and this means Spring Turkey season! The sound of an old Tom gobbling from the roost just before day light can really…
Winchester’s Supreme Ammo for Handgun Hunters
Ask any self respecting handgun hunter about using factory ammunition and you’ll probably get one of those raised eyebrow “you’re not exactly right are you” sort of looks, and for…
The Perfect Hunting Rifle?
One might think the perfect hunting rifle (rifle/cartridge/scope combination) is one that a hunter can hunt any and all game with in all situations. Truth is this rifle does not…
Hunting Hog & Deer – Worlds Apart
The afternoon of Thanksgiving Day, was a perfect day for hunting. The temperature was in the upper forties with a light breeze blowing and overcast. I was hunting atop a…
Hunting Revolvers
Hunting big game with a handgun is a challenging and rewarding experience. Be it with a single-shot chambered in a bottlenecked cartridge capable of delivering long-range accuracy or a big-bore…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 454 Casull
Anyone who has ever fired a handgun chambered in the 454 Casull knows this a real powerhouse of a cartridge. Dick Casull wasn’t kidding around when he began to develop…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 Remington is a great cartridge for White-tailed deer and should handle any game up to, and including, Mule deer. Standardized by Remington in 1980. It’s based on the…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 45-70 Government
Some cartridges just seem to live forever. Thankfully the 45-70 Government is one of them. It began life in the days of black powder and has evolved over time into…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 44 Remington Magnum
This is one of the best cartridges out there for the handgun hunter. In a revolver with a 7 ½” to 10” barrel or a single-shot pistol with a 10”…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 375 Winchester
Winchester introduced the 375 Winchester in 1978 along with the Model 94 “Big-Bore” lever-action rifle. The “Big-bore” is simply a heavy- duty version of the standard 94. After the success…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 300 Winchester Magnum
The 300 Winchester Magnum is one very impressive rifle cartridge and the first high-powered rifle cartridge I have ever owned that I just fell in love with! Introduced by Winchester…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 30-06 Springfield
The 30-06 Springfield is almost 100 years old, it was developed in 1903 but the current dimensions weren’t standardized until 1906. It was originally called “ball cartridge, caliber .30, model…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 280 Remington
The 280 Remington is based on the 30-06 case necked down to accept 7mm bullets with the shoulder moved forward to prevent chambering in other 30-06 case based cartridges. Remington…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 270 Winchester
Winchester introduced the 270 Winchester in 1925 and 44 years later (1969) Remington introduced the 25-06 Remington. Not only is the 270 older its more popular than the 25-06, even…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 260 Remington
The 260 Remington is another one of those cartridges spawned off of the 308 Winchester case, simply necked down to 6.5mm (.264). The cartridge has been around for some time…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 22 Hornet
The 22 Hornet has the distinction of being the first cartridge ever designed and produced exclusively for hunting varmints, small predators, and small game. Springfield Armory developed it around 1920…
Hunting Bullet Guide – 220 Swift
The 220 Swift is one of the most awesome cartridges there is for hunting varmints and predators. Developed by Winchester in 1935 for their Model 54 bolt-action rifle. The 220…
Selecting a Scattergun That Meets Your Needs
How to Choose a Shotgun – Selecting the Action The first thing a hunter needs to determine when choosing a shotgun is what action is best. The following is an…
Acorns Preferred Food of Whitetail Deer
Mast Crops Attract Deer Deer hunters know that White Oak acorns attract foraging deer. Dr. Leonard Lee Rue III, in his book, The Deer of North America, (Lyons Press, 1999)…
How to Gauge Which Shotgun is Best
Determining the Best Bore for Your Hunting Matching the gauge to your hunting needs is perhaps the single most important decision when buying your first shotgun, but it really comes…
Choosing the Best Hunting Rifle
Determining the Right Caliber and Round When Buying a Rifle There are hundreds of models of rifle available to hunters. The key is finding the caliber and cartridge that work…
Selecting a Professional Taxidermist in Texas
Choosing the Right Taxidermist Vital to Trophy Quality Selecting a taxidermist to mount that big buck or stringer of lunkers is just as important as choosing the right hunting or…
How to Field Dress a Deer
Technique Fast and Efficient for Deer Hunters Field dressing skills are as important as shooting prowess in deer hunting. Handling the deer well results in better venison, beautiful trophies, and…
Buy the Right Knife for Hunting and Fishing
Knives Differ in Design for Different Uses Every serious outdoorsman or woman needs good knives. Excellent, affordable knives are available for every outdoor sport. Knives are the tools every hunter,…
How Well Do Deer Hear You?
Hunters Must Have a Knowledge of Deer’s Auditory Range for Sucess. A successful hunter must have an understanding of a deer’s hearing range. The type of sounds you are making…
Essential Gear for Texas Deer Hunting
Guns and Gear Suggestions for Beginning Hunters A brief look at gear used for hunting deer. If you want to have a successful hunting season, you have to start with…
Quality Texas Deer Management
QDM Practices Yield Deer Hunting Success Landowners and whitetail deer hunters in Texas become game managers when they follow Quality Deer Management practices. According to the Quality Deer Management Association,…
Gun Safety
Proper Usage, Maintenance, and Storage Essential Responsible gun ownership begins with a commitment to safety. Excitement mounts as hunting season approach. However, strict attention to safety is vital as sportsmen…
Buying a Gun & Learning to Use It
Discover Recreational Shooting and Hunting Gun owners can become comfortable and proficient with firearms by regular shooting practice at a shooting range or hunt club. According to the Federal Bureau…
Hunting Early Season Whitetails
Proper Scouting and Stand Location Prior to the Season are Key Early season hunting can be highly productive with proper scouting and stand placement. Knowing where and when to place…
The Future of Hunting Rights
Organizations and Individuals Join in Efforts to Preserve Hunting While difficult decisions remain, there is reason to be encouraged about the future of public hunting opportunities in the U.S.A. Hunting…
Deer Hunting from a Tree Stand
Tips for Safe Deer Hunting Deer hunters who plan to hunt from tree stands should consider safety issues before climbing. Hunting deer from tree stands provides a great vantage point…
Hunting Deer by Moon Phases
Phases of the Moon and Deer Movement Some hunters swear by it, while others dismiss it. Does the moon dictate deer behavior? Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere is deer breeding…
How Scent Affects Deer Hunting
What Can Deer Smell? Deer have an excellent sense of smell, so it pays for hunters to think like deer when it comes to scent. Like most mammals, deer have…
Gun Care & Cleaning for New Owners
Keep Guns Clean for Top Shooting Performance A firearm is an investment. The owner has purchased an expensive piece of equipment that deserves proper care to keep it in top…
Suburban Deer Hunting in Texas
Deer Management in Populated Texas Areas The deer population in built-up areas is increasing. Is hunting the answer to controlling the animals? Suburbs are known for their large, attractively landscaped…
Texas Coyote Hunting
A Look at Varmint Hunting Open season on coyotes keeps these opportunistic predators in check. Hunters like going after coyotes. These wild canines are stealthy and clever, making it a…
How to Pick the Right Turkey Gun
Finding a Good Shotgun and Accessories for Hunting Wild Turkeys Choose the right turkey gun to fit the budget and experience of the hunter. Spring turkey hunts are a great…
Finding Wild Turkeys & Deciding Where to Hunt in Texas
Selecting the best site for turkey hunting means finding good terrain and then thinking like a turkey. Although public wildlife areas also offer good hunting, the type of terrain that…
How to Turkey Call
Wild Turkey Hunting and Calling Gobblers Spring turkey hunting requires calling in the gobblers. Practice before going on the hunt. Turkey hunters have to know how to turkey call. Wild…
Getting Ready for Turkey Season
Checklist for Spring Turkey Hunters As turkey season approaches, hunters get ready. The following checklist helps put preparations in order. Successful hunts begin long before the opening day of the…
Field Judge Score of Whitetail Deer
Many times, a hunter must make a decision to shoot or not in a matter of seconds. It is impossible to get a deer to hold still while you break…
How to Officially Measure a Deer Rack
Use the Right Tools To Measure Official scorers use a 1/4 inch wide steel tape measure to make most measurements. A steel cable and alligator clip may also be used…
Cartridges for Texas Game
| Game | Short Action Rifle | Long Action Rifle | Short Actio Magnum Rifle | Long Action Magnum Rifle | Brush Country | Handgun (Revolver) | Handgun (Single-Shot) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer or Similar Game | 260 Remington | 25-06 Remington | 270 WSM | 264 Win Mag | 30-30 Winchester | 41 Rem Mag | 260 Remington |
| Including Wild Hogs up to 250 lbs | 7mm-08 Remington | 270 Winchester | 7mm WSM | 7mm Rem Mag | 35 Remington | 44 Rem Mag | 7mm-08 Remington |
| 308 Winchester | 280 Remington | 7mm Rem SUM | 7mm Weatherby Mag | 375 Winchester | 45 Colt * | 30-30 Winchester | |
| 30-06 Springfield | 300 WSM | 7mm STW | 41 Rem Mag | 454 Casull | 308 Winchester | ||
| 300 Rem SUM | 7mm Rem Ultra-Mag | 44 Rem Mag | 480 Ruger | 270 Winchester | |||
| 350 Rem Mag | 300 Win Mag | 444 Marlin | 280 Remington | ||||
| 300 Weatherby Mag | 45 Colt* | 30-06 Springfield | |||||
| 300 Rem Ultra-Mag | 45-70 Government | 35 Remington | |||||
| 450 Marlin | 375 Winchester | ||||||
| 350 Rem Mag | 444 Marlin | ||||||
| 45-70 Government | |||||||
| 450 Marlin | |||||||
| Wild Hogs over 250 lbs and | 308 Winchester | 270 Winchester | 270 WSM | 264 Win Mag | 35 Remington | 41 Rem Mag | 308 Winchester |
| Other similar heavy game | 280 Remington | 7mm WSM | 7mm Rem Mag | 375 Winchester | 44 Rem Mag | 270 Winchester | |
| 30-06 Springfield | 7mm Rem SUM | 7mm Weatherby Mag | 41 Rem Mag | 45 Colt * | 280 Remington | ||
| 300 WSM | 7mm STW | 44 Rem Mag | 454 Casull | 30-06 Springfield | |||
| 300 Rem SUM | 7mm Rem Ultra-Mag | 444 Marlin | 480 Ruger | 35 Remington | |||
| 350 Rem Mag | 300 Win Mag | 45 Colt* | 375 Winchester | ||||
| 300 Weatherby Mag | 45-70 Government | 444 Marlin | |||||
| 300 Rem Ultra-Mag | 450 Marlin | 45-70 Government | |||||
| 350 Rem Mag | 450 Marlin | ||||||
| Varmints and Predators | 22 Long Rifle | 22 Long Rifle | 22 Long Rifle | ||||
| Small Varmints | 17 HMR | 17 HMR | 17 HMR | ||||
| (Rabbits, Skunks, ect.) | 22 WRM | 22 WRM | 22 WRM | ||||
| Medium Predators | 17 Remington | 357 Mag** | 17 Remington | ||||
| (Fox) | 22 Hornet | 41 Mag | 22 Hornet | ||||
| 221 Fireball | 44 Rem Mag | 221 Fireball | |||||
| 222 Remington | 45 Colt * | 222 Remington | |||||
| Larger Predators | 17 Remington | 25-05 Remington | 223 WSSM | 357 Mag** | 17 Remington | ||
| (Coyote) | 22 Hornet | 243 WSSM | 41 Mag | 22 Hornet | |||
| 221 Fireball | 44 Rem Mag | 221 Fireball | |||||
| 222 Remington | 45 Colt * | 222 Remington | |||||
| 223 Remington | 223 Remington | ||||||
| 22-250 Remington | 22-250 Remington | ||||||
| 220 Swift | |||||||
| 243 Winchester |
The cartridges shown in BOLD are the ones I have first hand experience with and highly recommend in that category. In order to keep the list at a manageable size I only included factory offered rounds. There are numerous wildcats available and it’s unrealistic to try and include that information in this list.
bullet 45 Colt* – Factory ammunition is not suitable as a serious hunting round. The 45 Colt requires the use of heavy loads and these loads must be fired in a strong gun like a Ruger Revolver, Freedom Arms Revolver or a T/C Single Shot.
bullet 357 Magnum** – I do not recommend the 357 Magnum as a deer or heavy game cartridge. Although deer a taken with this round each year, it lacks frontal diameter and bullet weight to be a reliable performer on large game animals.