What is the best long range muzzleloader for you in 2024?

Muzzleloaders have come a long way from the more primitive flintlock and percussion cap traditional muzzleloaders carried by most hunters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Indeed, the most advanced long range muzzleloaders available today offer capability that rivals the performance delivered by traditional centerfire rifles.

However, the situation can be pretty confusing at times. The big manufacturers are constantly introducing new muzzleloading rifle models each year, but they’re not always legal to use where you plan on hunting. Additionally, it’s also sometimes really tough get past the hype and media promotion that surrounds all new products in the outdoor industry.

From one hunter to another, trust me when I say that I’ve experienced a lot of that same frustration myself.

While there are some outstanding long range muzzleloader choices these days, they’re not all the same and some are much better choices for certain hunters than others. At the same time, some are legal to use in certain states, but not others.

Things are constantly changing on that front. Additionally, as you’ll learn here soon, the big manufactures have specifically designed some of their long range muzzleloaders to be legal for use during the muzzleloader seasons in many states.

So with all that in mind, I’m sharing my picks of the best long range muzzleloaders for hunters in 2024 so you can make an informed decision and choose the best long range muzzleloader for you.

Remember: rules and regulations regarding hunting with a muzzleloader can vary quite a bit from state to state. Certain muzzleloaders may be legal to hunt with in one state, but illegal to use during muzzleloader season during a neighboring state. It’s up to you to check local regulations in order to verify that you’re using legal equipment.

Before we get started, here’s a disclaimer: some of the links below are affiliate links. This means I will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

This commission comes at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to create free content that’s useful to hunters like yourself. Thanks for your support.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get started.

CVA Accura LR-X

Basically, CVA designed the Accura LR-X muzzleloader to incorporate many of the great features of the CVA Paramount, but still use a standard 209 ignition with a regular magnum (instead of super magnum) powder charge.

So, the CVA Accura LR-X uses the new CVA X-Treme stock with an adjustable comb height to fit any shooter and optic selection. This is a great feature to help hunters obtain a proper cheek weld regardless of whether they’re using open sights or a scope. This is especially important for a long shot.

Like the Paramount line of long range muzzleloaders, the 30″ long barrel for the Accura LR-X is free-floated and has a threaded muzzle to accept the new Paramount Muzzle Brake. As you can imagine, these rifles have excellent accuracy potential and are great options for hunters who want great extended range performance without stepping up to the heavier and much more expensive CVA Paramount.

Additionally, the Accura LR-X is available in either .45 or .50 caliber. The .45 caliber version uses a fast 1:22″ rifling twist and the .50 caliber version uses a 1:28″ rifling twist. However, the really cool thing about these muzzleloaders is they can use the .45 or .50 caliber PowerBelt ELR bullets.

Especially with the .50 caliber LR-X, it’s important to use a full magnum charge (120gr of Blackhorn 209 or 3x 50gr 777 pellets) to get best accuracy with the PowerBelt ELR. That 1:28″ rifling twist will properly stabilize the longer PowerBelt ELR bullets and they’ll still reliably expand on impact, but only at higher velocities.

The upside is that these muzzleloaders will also shoot standard .45 or .50 caliber bullets (both full bore and saboted bullets) very well too.

In fact, CVA even offers a full money back guarantee for their Accura rifles if they aren’t the most accurate muzzleloaders you’ve ever shot.

Additionally, the CVA Accura LR-X comes with a Bergara barrel featuring a Nitride AND CeraKote finish on the exterior for even better corrosion resistance than a typical stainless steel barrel. Though it’s not totally corrosion proof, this Nitride and CeraKote finish is still extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, which is especially nice for hunters who live in wet climates.

The CVA Accura LR-X also has a lot of the same features of the standard CVA Wolf, Optima, Accura muzzleloaders like their Quick-Release Breech Plug, fully ambidextrous stock, and simple break open action.

Like I said, the CVA Accura LR-X is a less expensive and lighter alternative to the CVA Paramount that still has higher end features like a free floated barrel, adjustable stock, and the ability to use the more aerodynamic PowerBelt ELR bullets.

It uses a standard magnum powder charge, so muzzle velocities won’t be quite as high as with the Paramount, but the Accura won’t have quite as much recoil either. The Accura LR-X also uses 209 primers (instead of variflame ignition), but you can buy a conversion kit if you’d like.

All things considered, this is one of the best long range muzzleloaders CVA currently produces for those who want a little bit more reach without spending a lot of money, quite as much recoil, or as much weight. It’s also still a very flexible muzzleloader that will work really well with standard bullets at closer range if so desired.

For those reasons, this is a very flexible muzzleloader that will work great for deer hunting east of the Mississippi as well as game like mule deer, elk, and pronghorn out west where ranges can be a little longer.

• Overall Length: 45″
• Barrel Length: 30″
• Weight: 8.1lbs
• Sighting System: Iron Sights & Drilled/Tapped For Scope Mount or With Mounted Scope
• Caliber: .45 or .50 Caliber Magnum
• Ignition System: 209 Primers

BUY A CVA ACCURA LR-X HERE

Remington 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader

Since first hitting the market nearly a decade ago, the Remington 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader (UML) was the only real option for hunters wanting a good factory production long range muzzleloader (the Gunwerks muzzleloader and many of the various smokeless muzzleloaders are a custom job that’s significantly more expensive). Indeed, it was the best long-range muzzleloader in mass production for many years by the simple fact that it was the only real option for hunters who didn’t want a custom muzzleloader.

Remington has gone through a lot of turmoil in recent years, but they’re back in business now and producing the Remington 700 UML again (along with many of their other popular firearms).

Don’t let the fact that the Remington 700 UML is an older design (compared to the other muzzleloaders on this list) keep you from purchasing one either. It is still one of the best long range muzzleloaders money can buy.

What makes the Remington UML special?

Instead of a musket cap or a standard 209 primer, the Remington UML uses a special brass magnum rifle casing and a standard magnum rifle primer. This ignition system allows the muzzleloader to safely use up to 200 grains of black powder substitute, which is significantly more than most other muzzleloaders.

That’s even more propellant than the much newer CVA Paramount normally uses.

The Remington Model 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader was designed to use 250 grain Barnes Premier muzzleloader bullets that have a special sabot designed to handle those exceptionally large powder charges.

This bullet doesn’t have a very high BC like the PowerBelt ELR bullets used by the Paramount, but the Remington 700 UML can shoot those bullets at a very high velocity since it can use such a large powder charge.

While the Paramount might have an edge at longer range, the Remington 700 UML is no slouch either. Indeed, the Remington 700 is a very accurate muzzleloader, has a great barrel, uses the Remington adjustable X-Mark Pro trigger.

The fact that the Remington Ultimate muzzleloader is designed to use Barnes bullets is a definite plus for some hunters who like the terminal performance delivered by those bullets. The same goes for those hunters who want (or are required) to hunt with lead free bullets.

All things considered, it’s highly regarded among muzzleloader hunters and is still a very capable tool for hunting situations out to approximately 300 yards, maybe a little farther depending on conditions. For all those reasons, the Remington Model 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader is another good choice if you’re looking at long range muzzleloaders.

• Overall Length: 47″
• Barrel Length: 26″
• Weight: 8.5lbs
• Sighting System: Iron Sights & Drilled/Tapped For Scope Mount or With Mounted Leupold/Vortex Scope
• Caliber: .50 Caliber Magnum
• Ignition System: Remington UML Ignition

BUY A REMINGTON 700 ULTIMATE MUZZLELOADER HERE

Traditions Vortek Strikerfire VAPR LDR

Traditions decided to go a slightly different direction from most of the competition with their Strikerfire line of long range muzzleloaders. Instead of using a traditional external hammer for ignition, the Traditions Vortek Strikerfire LDR incorporates an internal striker for ignition.

Similar to the firing pin system used by many modern firearms, this Strikerfire ignition system results in noticeably faster lock times and also allows hunters to mount their scope closer to the bore.

Additionally, Traditions also recently introduced their new VAPR barrels with a faster rifling twist. Instead of the 1:28″ twist that’s common with typical modern inline muzzleloaders, the Traditions VAPR barrels use a faster 1:24″ rifling twist. This allows hunters to use heavier and more aerodynamic bullets like the .50 caliber PowerBelt ELR.

Don’t worry, the Traditions Vortek Strikerfire LDR VAPR will still work great with lighter bullets, especially at shorter range. However, this does give that added capability at greater distances for hunters who want and/or need it.

It’s not quite as good at longer ranges as the CVA Paramount and Remington 700 UML. However, Traditions Vortek Strikerfire VAPR LDR with its 30-inch barrel is still a capable long range muzzleloader that’s available at a much lower price than those other muzzleloaders.

Additionally, this muzzleloader has a great, adjustable two-stage trigger that comes from the factory set at two pounds. It also has a Cerakote finish for corrosion resistance. The whole rifle weighs in at 6.8 pounds, which makes it by far the lightest rifle on this list of long range muzzleloaders.

All things considered, these features make the Traditions Vortek Strikerfire LDR VAPR one of the best long range muzzleloaders for hunters on a more strict budget.

So, if you want something with a little bit more reach than a typical modern inline muzzleloader without making the jump all the way up to the Paramount or even the Accura LRX, then the Traditions Vortek Strikerfire LDR VAPR is the long range muzzleloader for you.

• Overall Length: 46″
• Barrel Length: 30″
• Weight: 6.8lbs
• Sighting System: Drilled/Tapped For Scope Mounts or With Mounted Leupold/Vortex Scope
• Caliber: .50 Caliber Magnum
• Ignition System: 209 Primers

BUY A TRADITIONS VORTEK STRIKERFIRE VAPR LDR HERE

Note: CVA temporarily suspended production of all Paramount models during 2024 due to an ongoing lack of components (Blackhorn 209 and large rifle primers) for the end user. These are fantastic long range muzzleloaders, but their utility is severely hampered by the lack of availability of primers and powder right now. Be certain you can source appropriate components before purchasing one!

CVA Paramount

The Remington 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader (UML) was the best option for a long range muzzleloader for many years. However, that changed in 2019 with the introduction of the bolt-action CVA Paramount muzzleloader.

Not only did the Paramount likely dethrone the UML as the best long range muzzleloader, but the CVA Paramount was so successful that CVA introduced two new CVA Paramount models in recent years as well: the Paramount HTR and Paramount Pro.

We’ll talk about the CVA Paramount HTR and CVA Paramount Pro in more detail in a minute.

So, what makes the CVA Paramount line of long range muzzleloaders special?

CVA markets the Paramount line as capable of taking big game at ranges over 300 yards due to their outstanding accuracy, relatively flat trajectories, and really good resistance to wind drift.

The designers at CVA did this through a few important design principles.

First, the base model Paramount is a .45 caliber muzzleloader designed to use a “super magnum” charge of up to 160 grains of loose powder. This is significantly more than the 120 grain maximum charge of Blackhorn 209 other muzzleloaders typically use.

Second, the muzzleloader uses special adapters originally developed by Cecil Epps that permit the use of large rifle primers for hotter, more consistent, and faster ignition than with standard 209 primers.

Third, unlike most muzzleloaders, the CVA Paramount has a 26″ free-floating stainless steel Bergara barrel with a very fast rifling twist rate to stabilize the long, high BC bullets designed for use with these rifles. While most modern muzzleloaders have a 1:28″ twist rate, the Paramount has a 1:22″ twist rate.

Since the barrel is free-floated for better accuracy, the Paramount uses a collapsible ramrod that fits in an included pouch for use afield instead of storing the ramrod under the barrel.

Finally, CVA teamed up with PowerBelt to develop a line of new, extremely aerodynamic muzzleloader bullets specifically for the Paramount: the PowerBelt Extended Long Range (ELR). Each version of the PowerBelt ELR has a very high ballistic coefficient, so they retain energy and resist wind deflection exceptionally well.

The base model Paramount uses a .45 caliber 285gr PowerBelt ELR bullet.

Combined with the very high velocities that can be obtained by using super magnum charges of powder, this results in a very flat bullet trajectory for a muzzleloader that rivals the trajectory of some centerfire rifle cartridges.

The standard Paramount has a Bergara HMR stock that has adjustments for length of pull and cheek height and an internal aluminum chassis for rigidity. It also has an outstanding trigger and is just very easy to shoot accurately. Current production Paramounts also have a threaded muzzle and can use a muzzle brake to reduce felt recoil.

The end result is a long range muzzleloader that’s capable of incredible accuracy, has much less bullet drop at extended range than a typical muzzleloader load, and retains enough energy for impressive terminal performance on a wide range of game out past 300 yards.

CVA claims sub-MOA accuracy at 300 yards is very achievable with the Paramount and this has been my experience with this muzzleloader at the range.

All things considered, the CVA Paramount was a massive step forward in long range muzzleloader development and has been extremely well received by the hunting community. If you want an outstanding long range muzzleloader, then you really need to consider the CVA Paramount.

• Barrel Length: 26″
• Weight: 9.8lbs
• Sighting System: Accepts Remington 700 Pattern Scope Mount or With Mounted Leupold/Vortex Scope
• Caliber: .45 Caliber Magnum
• Ignition System: Vari-Flame Ignition

BUY A CVA PARAMOUNT HERE

CVA Paramount Pro

CVA introduced the Paramount Pro muzzleloader in 2020 as an upgrade to the original Paramount. While the CVA Paramount is an outstanding long range muzzleloader, the Paramount Pro is even better.

Here’s why.

Hunters had three primary complaints about the original CVA Paramount.

First, recoil is pretty stout, especially with maximum powder charges. Next, the original Paramount was pretty heavy. Finally, the .45 caliber Paramount was not legal to use for hunting all game in all states.

So, designers at CVA worked to address those issues with the CVA Paramount Pro.

Additionally, they also made a few other changes to improve the already impressive ballistic performance of the original CVA Paramount and make it an even better all-around long range muzzleloader.

First, the CVA Paramount Pro has an upgraded Greyboe Terrain Stock. This stock is quite a bit lighter than the original Paramount stock and is better for hunting applications, especially in rougher terrain.

Tipping the scales at 8.2 pounds, the CVA Paramount Pro weighs about a pound and a half less than the 9.8 pound CVA Paramount.

The stock isn’t adjustable like the original CVA Paramount stock (which is more akin to a stock for a target shooting rifle than a hunting rifle), but Paramount Pro models designed for use with a scope do have a raised cheek for proper alignment with an optic.

Next, the Paramount Pro was designed from the start with a threaded muzzle to accommodate a muzzle brake to reduce felt recoil. This has been a welcome feature for Paramount shooters and has been so well received that current production Paramount models also have a threaded muzzle.

With regards to ballistics and legality in certain states, the CVA Paramount Pro is available in .40 caliber, .45 caliber, and .50 caliber versions.

The .40 caliber version of the Paramount Pro fires the .40 caliber 225gr PowerBelt Extended Long Range (ELR) bullet, the .45 caliber version fires the same 285gr PowerBelt ELR as the regular Paramount, and the .50 caliber version fires a 330gr PowerBelt ELR.

Capable of firing up to a 150gr charge of Blackhorn 209, the .40 caliber Paramount Pro has the flattest trajectory of any mass produced muzzleloader available today.

Indeed, CVA advertises that maximum loads for the .40 caliber Paramount Pro are approaching .300 Win Mag trajectories inside 400 yards!

That is some incredible performance that surpasses the already impressive ballistics of the .45 caliber Paramount. This is because the .40 caliber has an even higher BC than the .45 caliber PowerBelt ELR and can be fired at a faster muzzle velocity.

For comparison, the .40 caliber ELR has a BC of .360 and the .45 caliber ELR has a BC of .333. A 150gr charge of Blackhorn 209 (by volume) will propel the .40 caliber ELR at 2,740fps and the .45 caliber ELR at 2,300fps.

This is incredible performance for a muzzleloader with both bullets, but especially so for the .40 caliber ELR and the Paramount Pro.

Unfortunately, some states require larger caliber muzzleloaders for certain types of hunting. At the same time, a few states also prohibit the use of telescopic sights during muzzleloader season.

In particular, Colorado is an especially popular state for muzzleloader hunters that has a .50 caliber minimum for elk hunting and also prohibits scopes during muzzleloader season.

Well, CVA designed versions of the Paramount Pro to address those issues as well.

The Pro version is available in .50 caliber (which is legal for hunting deer, pronghorn, bear, elk, and moose all over North America). While some models are drilled and tapped for a scope, the Paramount Pro is also available with the outstanding Williams Western Precision Sight Set, which is the best mass produced muzzleloader sight available these days.

In addition to all of that, the CVA Paramount Pro uses a fully adjustable Trigger Tech trigger. The trigger on the Paramount is very good, but it doesn’t get much better than a Trigger Tech trigger, which allows for rapid adjustments by ounce between 1.5 and 3.5 pounds.

The Paramount Pro also has a 26” Nitride treated Bergara barrel with a Flat Dark Earth CeraKote finish for corrosion resistance. The .40 caliber versions have a 1:20″ rifling twist while the .45 caliber and .50 caliber versions use a 1:22″ rifling twist rate.

Aside from those changes I just discussed, the CVA Paramount Pro still incorporates a lot of the same features and design principles as the original Paramount.

This includes a free floated barrel, the VariFlame ignition system, and the ability to use “super magnum” powder charges (though only 150gr instead of 160gr of Blackhorn 209 by volume with the original Paramount).

With all that in mind, the CVA Paramount Pro is certainly one of the best (if not the best) of the long range muzzleloaders currently available for hunters with a variety of needs and desires.

For instance, a hunter looking for the best long range muzzleloader for use in states like Colorado that require a .50 caliber muzzleloader for hunting certain animals and/or prohibit the use of a scope should buy a .50 caliber CVA Paramount Pro.

Likewise, a hunter that’s not restricted by a .45 or a .50 caliber minimum that wants the absolute best long range muzzleloader with the absolute flattest trajectory, then go with a .40 caliber CVA Paramount Pro.

Finally, the .45 caliber CVA Paramount Pro is a good choice for those who are required to use a .45 caliber muzzleloader at a minimum, but want a lighter and generally nicer muzzleloader than the original Paramount.

• Barrel Length: 26″
• Weight: 8.2lbs
• Sighting System: Williams Western Precision Sights, Accepts Remington 700 Pattern Scope Mount, or With Mounted Leupold/Vortex Scope
• Caliber: .40, .45, or .50 Caliber Magnum
• Ignition System: Vari-Flame Ignition

BUY A CVA PARAMOUNT PRO HERE

CVA Paramount HTR

Introduced in 2021, the CVA Paramount HTR is a new muzzleloader that’s the newest model of the Paramount and occupies something of a middle ground between the original Paramount and the Paramount Pro.

The most significant change with the Paramount HTR is that it’s equipped with a hunting (as opposed to a target) oriented adjustable stock with a Realtree Hillside camouflage pattern. It has the same 8.2 pound weight as the Paramount Pro, but that adjustable stock is a very nice feature.

Available in either .40 or .45 caliber, the Paramount HTR also uses a 26″ fluted and Nitride treated Bergara barrel that’s threaded for a muzzle brake and the same trigger as the original Paramount. It also uses the same .40 and .45 caliber PowerBelt ELR bullets as Paramount and Paramount Pro muzzleloaders of the same caliber.

Of course, it still has a trajectory approaching what can be obtained with many center-fire rifles, especially in .40 caliber.

Since it is the latest iteration of the Paramount series, the CVA Paramount HTR also has many of the same features as the other Paramount models like a free floated barrel, the VariFlame ignition system providing that more consistent large rifle primer ignition, the ability to use “super magnum” powder charges, and is threaded for a muzzle brake.

Not surprisingly, the CVA Paramount HTR is a little more expensive than the original CVA Paramount, but is less expensive than the CVA Paramount Pro.

This makes sense because it has a few advantages over the original Paramount, but lacks a few features of the Paramount Pro.

With all that said, the CVA Paramount HTR is another outstanding long range muzzleloader. The .40 caliber version in particular is another great choice for a hunter wanting a really flat trajectory, while the .45 caliber version is excellent for hunters who want a lighter muzzleloader than the original Paramount that doesn’t cost as much as the Paramount Pro.

• Barrel Length: 26″
• Weight: 8.2lbs
• Sighting System: Accepts Remington 700 Pattern Scope Mount or With Mounted Leupold/Vortex Scope
• Caliber: .40 or .45 Caliber Magnum
• Ignition System: Vari-Flame Ignition

BUY A CVA PARAMOUNT HTR HERE

The CVA Paramount long range muzzleloaders also made cut for my holiday gift recommendations. To see what other stuff is on the list, check out the following article:

101 Best Gifts For Hunters

While this post covers the right long range muzzleloaders, that’s only a single part of the equation when hunting with a muzzleloader. For more detailed information on choosing the right primer, propellant, bullets, sights, and scopes, check out these other articles:

15 Of The Best Muzzleloader Primers For Igniting Your Powder

Blackhorn 209 vs 777 vs Goex Black Powder: Which One Should You Use In Your Muzzleloader?

These Are The Best Brands Of Black Powder and Black Powder Substitutes You Should Be Using In Your Muzzleloader

13 Of The Best Muzzleloader Bullets For Hunters

Best Muzzleloaders For Hunters In 2024

9 Best Muzzleloader Scopes For Hunters

These Are The Best 9 Best Muzzleloader Sights For Hunters

5 Best Traditional Muzzleloaders For Hunters

Essential Muzzleloader Supplies Every Hunter Needs

How To Hunt With A Muzzleloader

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NEXT: HOW 11 BEST HUNTING EAR PROTECTION OPTIONS FOR HUNTERS

Ron Jolly | Originally published in GameKeepers: Farming for Wildlife Magazine. To subscribe, click here.

I remember being cold! I remember the fog on the Tensas River in northeast Louisiana hung like a thick blanket in the air. The myriad of sound coming from the hardwood forest on the river’s bank was a bit confusing to my ears. The waves lapping on the side of an old Jon boat was another distraction. My Dad sat in the stern of the boat and I sat on the middle seat with his best friend Mr. Sonny Hudnall. I remember straining my ears to hear a sound they were hearing that I could not. Their mission was for me to hear my first wild turkey gobble. Again Mr. Sonny asked, “Did you hear that?” Sure, I thought. I hear water on the side of the boat, birds in the trees, water dripping off the trees into the river. “Did I hear what?” was my answer. “It will sound like oble, oble, oble,” said Mr. Sonny.

I strained to hear the sound and finally thought I did. “Was that him?” I asked. My Dad leaned close to my ear from behind and said, “Son, that was the turkey you just heard. He has gobbled six times since we have been here. He is about a quarter-mile away. You just have to learn to separate all the sounds from the sound you want to hear. Focus on that sound and you will hear it clearly. The secret to hearing is in the listening!”

That morning was the first time I heard a wild turkey gobble. There have been many lessons learned about wild turkeys since that morning over fifty years ago, but none as important as how to listen for, and hear turkeys. Here are some tips that will help you.

Know What You Are Listening For

Learning what to listen for is the first step to hearing more turkeys. The gobble of the wild turkey is one of the most unique sounds in nature. To the experienced turkey hunter there is no other sound that can be confused with a gobble. To the novice it is a sound that can be hard to discern, especially when it is far away. Even harder to detect are the more subtle sounds made by turkeys such as drumming, yelps, and scratching in leaves. All these sounds can tell you that turkeys are near.

There are three places turkeys make sounds—when they are in the tree, when they are flying into or out of the tree, and when they are on the ground. Turkeys gobble, yelp, cackle and drum in the tree and on the ground. Turkey hens often cackle when flying up to or down from the roost. The thump of wings is another distinct sound made by turkeys. In most cases a gobble in the tree has a different sound than a gobble made on the ground. It is clearer and less muffled.

As a general rule a gobble made in a tree can be heard twice as far as one made on the ground. That same “twice-as-far” rule applies to all other turkey sounds.

Judging distance and coursing sound are other factors in turkey hunting success. Hearing a turkey sound and identifying that sound is step one.

To successfully hunt that turkey you must know the direction the sound came from and how far away it was. The first step to hearing more turkeys is to know what turkeys sound like. Experience and exposure to turkeys can teach you what to listen for. A better way is to watch other hunters. Videos and DVD’s put you in the woods with experienced hunters.

Listen to the sounds on the DVDs and learn how turkeys sound in the wild from your living room. Some companies offer videos dealing with nothing but turkey sounds and identifying what each sound is and what it means.

Isolate and Concentrate

The second step to hearing more turkeys is to isolate yourself from any distracting noise. If you are listening with a hunting partner, distance yourself from your partner. This will eliminate any distracting sounds they make or the temptation to talk. It also helps to triangulate the sound’s direction.

Choose a listening place where you can stand or sit motionless and be comfortable. I like to rest my back against a tree or sit on a log. I do not shuffle my feet in the leaves and I do not tinker with gear. I focus on hearing turkeys. You probably think I am talking only about hearing a gobble, and that is true for the most part, but eliminating any distracting noise applies when you are listening for turkey sounds in general.

Sound Advice

Two-time World Turkey Calling Champion Larry Norton is an experienced turkey hunter who has spent years guiding clients at commercial hunting operations like Bent Creek Lodge in Alabama. Norton offers some good advice on hearing more turkeys. “I guide hunters who have hunted for years and hunters who are hunting turkeys for the first time. It is our job to get each hunter on a turkey and hopefully get that hunter a shot. That all starts with hearing, coursing and getting into position on a gobbler,” says Norton.

“I like to start on high ground. From there I can hear more country. Many of my clients like to stand close or talk while we are listening for a roosted gobbler. I simply tell them in order to start the hunt we have to first hear a gobble and I can do that best when there are no distractions. Most hunters understand this and give me space.”

“At this point we are listening at day break for sounds turkeys make in the tree. We are primarily listening for a gobble but other sounds can disclose where turkeys are. If I hear hens tree yelping, cutting or plain yelping I know where a flock is located. I hope to hear a gobble, but if I do not I still assume a gobbler is near. If I do not hear a gobble at another location I will go to the hens and hope a gobbler will fire up after the flock flies down. At least I know I have put my client near turkeys,” says Norton.

“There are times when you do not hear turkeys on the roost and this is when you have to change tactics. I go to an area where turkeys frequent and slow way down. I move a few yards and stop to listen. I like to slip to near the top of a ridge where I can hear into the next hollow. I use the ridge to keep turkeys from seeing my approach. Now I am listening for sounds other than gobbles. “I listen for the distinct swish, swish, swish of turkeys scratching in leaves or for drumming. Turkeys are constantly making soft purrs, whines and yelps. This helps keep the flock together and these sounds cannot be heard from very far away. Many times if you hear these sounds and listen really closely you will hear drumming. When you hear any of these sounds set up right there. The turkeys are close!”

Cheat Norton also uses a Walker Game Ear to enhance his hearing ability. He cautions that there is a learning curve associated with mechanical hearing devices. “You have to learn to course with the Game Ear,” says Norton. “You also have to realize that sounds you hear using a mechanical device are always further away than they seem. I use the Game Ear to get in the general area of a turkey then rely on my own ears to close the deal but I know people who use them the entire hunt. It depends on you.”

My wife, Tes, suffers from hearing loss and uses mechanical hearing devices made by E.A.R., Inc. “I put them in before I leave in the morning and take them out when my hunt is over,” said Tes. “I cannot do without them. It was frustrating at first because all sounds are magnified. The sound of your steps, the birds, the wind, traffic, everything! I really had to work at getting used to them, but it was worth the effort.”

“Coursing and judging distance were also challenging, but in time it all came together. It really helped to go with someone who could hear well and compare what I thought I was hearing to what that person was hearing. After only a few outings I gained confidence in my ability to hear, course, and judge the distance to that sound. I never go hunting without them,” said Tes.

There are other ways to enhance the ability to hear more turkeys. Cup your hands behind your ears to gather more sound into your ears. You will be able to hear better in the direction you are facing but not as well in other directions. Turn your body to listen in all directions. Open your mouth while listening. This opens the ear canal and allows more sound into the ear. Slow your breathing. Take shallow breaths with your mouth open. This reduces the sound of air moving in and out of your lungs and eliminates some of the noise that competes with your ability to hear. Close your eyes. This helps you concentrate on hearing and eliminates visual distractions going on around you.

Avoid direct contact with the wind if at all possible. On windy days listen from the down-wind side of a ridge or hill. Face into the wind and allow the wind to bring sound to you. I am blessed with good hearing ability but I carry a single over-the-ear device made by Woodland Whisper that I use when I cannot hear turkeys with my own hearing. Often that device allows me to hear a gobbler that I could not hear naturally. Problem is, that turkey is usually too far away to get to. If that turkey is on the property I can hunt I will be there to listen next time.

Common Sense

Never listen near running water, traffic, or construction. Avoid any foreign noise that competes with your ability to hear turkeys. Move as far away from distracting noise as possible. Be aware of the time of day. Turkeys generally fly up to roost near sundown. Turkeys generally fly down from their roost as soon as they can see the ground. It is important to know if a turkey is on the ground or in a tree because a gobble from roost can be heard farther than a gobble on the ground.

Hearing a turkey gobble in the rain is challenging at best. If you’re confident of the path that turkeys take on your hunting property, set up a ground blind. A ground blind is an excellent way to hunt turkey in the rain. Your gear and calls can stay dry while you wait on a gobbler to respond. Turkeys, in general, are not as vocal as usual when it’s raining, so they need to be close to respond to your call. You will want to call more than normal as the rain makes it hard for hunters and gobblers to hear.

If you know where a gobbler roosts at night, set up nearby the following morning. In the west, using binoculars or spotting scopes can help you track a turkey’s movements in the evening. If you are in an area where timber prevents you from using optics to track turkey, you can use a locator call to find them. A locator call like an owl call used in the evening can get a gobble response from a roosted tom. Once you get an answer, plan your morning sit accordingly. Knowing where a gobbler is roosted will help you hear him the next morning.

Before you can expect a gobbler to respond, you have to be proficient with your turkey calls. If what you are producing is not realistic, you may not get a response. Worse, you may scare the turkey away. Work with all your calls until you are proficient with the clucks, yelps, putts and purring that a hen might make.

The Secret to Hearing is in the Listening

It is my firm belief that the key to turkey hunting success is the ability to “hear turkeys.” When you hear and identify a turkey sound you can judge where the turkey is, how far away he is and the direction he is moving. This information tells you where you need to go. Very few turkey hunts end with a turkey in your vest that did not start by first hearing turkeys. Learn how turkeys sound. Put yourself in the best position to hear and concentrate. Do this and you will hear more turkeys!

Most Expensive Rifle: Meet the Barrett Model M82A1 – The Colt AR-15 remains in the cross-hairs of politicians including President Joe Biden, who has vowed to do everything in his power to ban the sale of the most popular firearm; as well as the entire category of modern sporting rifles. However, there is another rifle that has long been targeted by lawmakers and gun control advocates who apparently fear what they don’t understand.

That firearm is the Barrett Model 82A1, the first and only semi-automatic .50 caliber rifle produced to date. It is also the most expensive firearm currently in production – at least one that can (mostly) be owned by civilians.

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Spotlight on the Barrett

There have been big bore rifles since the First World War, but all were bolt action. However, in the early 1980s former professional photographer, Ronnie Barrett, became intrigued with the idea of developing a semi-automatic rifle that could fire the .50 BMG round. In 1982, he launched the Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms and set about creating such a weapon.

The result was the Barrett M82 sniper rifle, and it was as innovative as it was powerful – and arguably as expensive. Today, a Barrett M82A1 will cost upwards of $8,000.

The shoulder-fired, semi-automatic rifle was designed around the .50 BMG cartridge, and unique among firearms of the time the Barrett rifle’s barrel recoiled backward after firing. A rotating-lock breech block equipped with an accelerator arm used part of the recoil energy to push back the block on firing. This cycled the action, cocked the firing pin, and loaded a new round from a ten-round steel magazine.

The Barrett M82 offered a solution to a problem the military really didn’t know it had, which was how to use a rifle that could shoot nearly a thousand yards. In fact, the U.S. military didn’t immediately see any need for Barrett’s design. Fortunately, Barrett did convince the Swedish Army to adopt the weapon, and that was reportedly enough to keep the company afloat.

Then in 1990, the United States military became involved in Operation Desert Shield and while preparing for Operation Desert Storm, the liberation of Kuwait, and the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. Marine Corps acquired 125 of the rifles. Orders from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force soon followed. The M82 was adopted as the SASR – Special Applications and Scoped Rifle – and it proved its worth in Operation Desert Storm.

Official State Rifle of Tennessee

Since the founding of the United States, there had been a “long rifle” tradition in Kentucky and Pennsylvania of naming an official firearm of the state. Not wanting to be left out, in 2016, the Barrett M82 became Tennessee’s official state rifle. It joined a long list of other honorary state symbols, including the state flower, state tree, and even state rock.

Yet, not everyone was pleased that the rifle had gained such respect.

Gun control advocates expressed concerns that it would be used against light armor, helicopters, and even commercial aircraft. Some suggested it was the “perfect assassination weapon” or that it could be used by terrorists – even as the planes on 9/11 were taken over with little more than box cutters. Yet, the concern was so great that the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence called for a ban on civilian ownership of the Barrett rifle, while the New York State Senate even attempted to pass legislation to ban the sale and civilian ownership of the firearm in the Empire State.

Yet, to date, it hasn’t been employed in any nefarious ways by U.S. citizens – although there are reports that some M82s bought by the Mexican military have been used by the drug cartels, so too have weapons that no civilian can buy, including AT4s and Javelin anti-tank rocket launchers.

Moreover, despite its capabilities, the M82 still requires training to be able to hit anything at distance – not to mention it remains the most costly firearm on the market today. And then there is the fact that each round, which isn’t readily available at most gun shops, also costs upwards of $5 per shot!

A Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,000 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.

Walleye fishing is a popular sport among anglers and enthusiasts, and having the right equipment is essential for success. A good walleye rod and reel combo is a must-have, as it can make a significant difference in your fishing experience.

With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we have put together this guide to recommend the best walleye rod and reel combos available online.

We’ll also provide you with some tips on what to consider when selecting the perfect combo for your fishing style and preferences.

So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to get started, keep reading to discover the best walleye rod and reel combos that will help you land that prized catch.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Walleye Rod and Reel Combo

When choosing a walleye rod and reel combo, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best equipment for your fishing style and preferences. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Length and Power of the Rod: The length and power of the rod determine its sensitivity and strength. Longer rods provide greater casting distance and better line control, while shorter rods offer more precision and control. Power refers to the rod’s stiffness, with heavier power providing more strength and lighter power being more sensitive. Consider the type of water you’ll be fishing in and your preferred casting distance when choosing the length and power of the rod.
2. Type of Action: Rod action refers to how much the rod bends when pressure is applied to it. Fast-action rods bend only at the tip, while moderate-action rods bend more in the middle. Fast-action rods provide more power for hook sets and long casts, while moderate-action rods are better for casting accuracy and playing fish.
3. Reel Size and Gear Ratio: The size of the reel should match the size of the rod, with larger reels being better for longer casts and heavier lines. Gear ratio refers to the number of times the spool rotates with one turn of the handle. Higher gear ratios provide faster retrieval, while lower gear ratios offer more power. Consider the type of lure you’ll be using and the depth of the water when choosing the reel size and gear ratio.
4. Type of Line: The type of line you use depends on the water conditions and the size of the fish you’re targeting. Monofilament lines are versatile and work well for most situations, while braided lines provide greater strength and sensitivity for heavy cover and deep water.
5. Personal Preferences and Budget: Finally, consider your personal preferences and budget when choosing a walleye rod and reel combo. Some anglers prefer specific brands or styles of equipment, while others prioritize affordability. Determine what features are most important to you and how much you’re willing to spend before making your final decision.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a walleye rod and reel combo that matches your fishing style and preferences and helps you catch more walleye.

Penn Battle III Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Penn Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a top-rated choice for walleye fishing online. This combo features a high-quality spinning reel and a durable rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Penn Battle III Spinning Reel has a full-metal body and side plate that provides excellent durability and strength. It also has a CNC Gear technology system that ensures smooth and precise gear alignment, allowing for longer casts and more accurate retrieves. This reel also features a 5+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear on the internal components.

The rod included in this combo is made from graphite composite blanks that provide excellent sensitivity and strength. It has stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rod also features EVA handles that provide a comfortable grip even when wet.

The Penn Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is another excellent option for walleye fishing online. These combos offer high-quality spinning reels and rods that provide excellent sensitivity and strength.

The Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Reel has a lightweight graphite body and rotor that provides excellent balance and performance. It features an Everlast bail system that provides durability and a slow oscillation design that ensures even line lay. The reel also has a 7+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear.

The Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Reel is a step up from the Pro Max, providing even better performance and features. It has a lightweight aluminum body and rotor that provide excellent durability and balance. The reel features an AMGearing system that provides precision-machined gears for smooth and accurate operation. It also has a Rocket Line Management System that provides better line control and longer casting distances.

Both the Pro Max and Max Pro spinning reels are paired with high-quality fishing rods that provide excellent sensitivity and strength. The rods are made from 24-ton graphite blanks that provide excellent balance and sensitivity. They also feature stainless steel guides with Zirconium inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rods have EVA handles that provide a comfortable grip even when wet.

The Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combos come in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. These combos are also reasonably priced, making them an excellent value for their quality and performance.

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo is a great choice for walleye fishing online. This combo features a high-quality spinning reel and a durable rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is made from Ugly Tech™ graphite and fiberglass construction, providing excellent strength and sensitivity. It has stainless steel guides with Ugly Tuff™ one-piece stamped stainless steel guides that provide maximum durability and eliminate insert pop-outs. The rod also has Ugly Stik® Clear Tip® design that provides excellent sensitivity and strength, allowing you to detect even the slightest bite.

The spinning reel included in this combo is also of high quality, featuring a 4+1 ball bearing system that provides smooth operation and reduces wear and tear. It has a machined aluminum spool that provides excellent line management, allowing for longer casts and better line control. The reel also features a durable graphite body and rotor that provide excellent balance and performance.

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

Quantum Reliance Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Quantum Reliance Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a highly-rated option for walleye fishing online. This combo features a durable and high-performing spinning reel and rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Quantum Reliance Spinning Reel has a solid aluminum body and rotor that provides excellent durability and strength. It also features a ceramic carbon drag system that delivers smooth and consistent drag pressure, allowing you to fight and land bigger fish. The reel also has a 5+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear.

The rod included in this combo is made from a high-quality graphite blank that provides excellent sensitivity and strength. It has stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rod also features a split-grip cork handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.

The Quantum Reliance Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

Pflueger President Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

Lastly, the Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a top-rated choice for walleye fishing online. This combo features a high-quality spinning reel and a durable rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel has a lightweight graphite body and rotor that provide excellent balance and performance. It features a sealed drag system that delivers smooth and consistent drag pressure, allowing you to fight and land bigger fish. The reel also has a 10-bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear.

The rod included in this combo is made from a high-quality graphite blank that provides excellent sensitivity and strength. It has stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rod also features a cork handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

The Benefits Of Buying A Walleye Rod And Reel Combo

Buying a rod and reel combo is an excellent option for anglers who want to save time and money while ensuring that their equipment is well-matched and ready to use. Here are some benefits of buying a rod and reel combo:

1. Convenience: Buying a rod and reel combo saves you the time and effort of having to search for and buy separate rod and reel components. With a combo, you get everything you need in one purchase, saving you time and hassle.
2. Cost-Effective: Buying a combo is often more cost-effective than buying a rod and reel separately. Combos typically offer a discount over buying the components separately, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality.
3. Well-Matched Components: Rod and reel combos are designed to be well-matched, ensuring that the rod and reel are compatible in terms of length, power, and other specifications. This ensures that you get the best performance out of your equipment and allows you to focus on catching fish instead of worrying about whether your equipment is compatible.
4. Improved Performance: With a well-matched combo, you can expect improved performance and ease of use. Combos are designed to work together, ensuring that you get the best possible performance out of your equipment.
5. Variety: Rod and reel combos come in a variety of lengths, powers, and styles, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your fishing needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there is a combo available that will work for you.

Overall, buying a rod and reel combo is a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient way to ensure that your equipment is well-matched and ready to use. With a well-matched combo, you can expect improved performance and ease of use, allowing you to focus on catching more fish.

Guided Walleye Fishing With Captain Lonney

For 25 years Green Bay Trophy Fishing has guided and provided helpful information to anglers in and around Door County. We are some of the most experienced fishing guides in Green Bay and pride ourselves on being experts on everything related to fishing in the area.

If you are interested in booking a walleye fishing charter, you can view our rates or contact us here.

Trail cameras are great tools for wildlife observers, photographers, and hunters. It allows you to view animals in their natural habitat and from a safe distance. Unfortunately, trail cameras are often an easy target for thieves. How to keep your trail camera from being stolen?

To prevent theft of your trail camera: Place it in a high and obscure location, around foilage, and out of direct sunlight. You should also consider a trail camera cable lock so a thief won’t be able to steal it. Also, avoid visible flashes and use a decoy camera to prevent theft.

There is a possibility that someone will steal your trail camera.

Here are 9 ways to keep your trail camera from being stolen. Learn how to prevent trail camera theft.

How to Keep Your Trail Camera from Being Stolen

Here are a set of tips and tricks to prevent theft of your wildlife camera.

While each tip is good, consider using many of them together for the best results.

Let’s get started!

1. Hiding Your Trail Camera

Disguising your trail camera can go a long way. It isn’t a waste of time or money. And you’ll retain your footage.

There are multiple ways you can do this action, including camouflaging it within the foliage of its surroundings. The use of branches and leaves makes your camera harder to see. You might also buy fake foliage since real leaves will die over time.

You could hide your trail camera in a tree stump or a nesting box to make it seem natural. Get creative so you can discover multiple ways of hiding your trail camera. You can also hide your device with the following methods.

Keep Camera Out of Direct Sunlight: This goes a long way in keeping your camera hidden. Compare the following photo with the feature photo of this article.

The first one glows and can’t be missed. And the following photo keeps the camera in the shade and much less visible.

2. Place in Low-Traffic Areas

Placing your trail camera in low-traffic areas is another useful tip when hiding the device.

Putting it in a remote area, choosing sections of woods where people do not typically go.

Easily accessible trails are the last place you want to place your camera, so find a spot difficult to access. The trail less traveled will be suitable in this instance.

3. Mount Your Camera Out of Reach

Mounting your trail camera in a place that is hard to reach is a great way to prevent theft.

Most thefts are crimes of convenience. Mounting it out of reach (especially with a ladder) means it will be hard for a thief to grab and go with your camera.

And a high vantage point means thieves could potentially harm themselves when climbing up a sketchy tree. It is also less likely to be seen by walkers.

Spotting a camera in a high place would take some effort, making this step one of the most ideal methods. It might be a hassle to mount your wildlife cam out of reach, but might be worth the effort.

4. Do Not Use Cameras That Flash

We recommend that you use cameras that do not flash during the nighttime. Cameras flash at night to get a better picture, but the light is a dead giveaway for a thief.

Even if you hid your camera nicely, the flash will reveal its placement and entice a thief to do what thieves do.

Your camera might be safe throughout the day, but once the night comes it’ll be like a lighthouse – visible from all around. The passerby could either steal your camera or break it, which is why a camera that does not flash is great.

Look for trail cameras with night vision and passive infrared (PIR).

5. Set Up a Decoy Camera

Another method of preventing your trail camera from being stolen or broken is by setting up a decoy camera. Place a camera that does not work in a spot that someone can easily notice.

The fake device can draw would-be thieves from noticing the real camera hidden away.

You can even place the decoy in the view of the real camera to catch the thief. This clever action will kill two birds with one stone, revealing the thief’s identity and spotting animals in their natural habitat.

6. Use Cellular Cameras as Surveillance

A cellular camera is perfect for surveillance. Linking it to your mobile will constantly send trail camera images to your phone. So, you wildlife observers can enjoy the beauty of nature in all its gloriousness in real time.

You could also catch the thief in the act if you decide to use a cellular camera.

Keep in mind that these cameras cost more to purchase. And because your phone is steadily receiving images, you will have data costs.

7. Label Your Trail Camera

Adding identification is an obvious thing to do, but labeling your camera can be helpful when on the look for it. Simply marking your name and contact information on your trail camera will prove helpful if it gets lost or stolen.

After stealing a camera, the thief’s first stop might be a pawnshop. But with your name etched into the trail camera, the buyer could realize the seller stole it. They will then contact you and return it, saving you from purchasing another trail camera.

8. Use Social Media for Help

If your trail camera has been stolen, you can use social media. Social media can be helpful when tracking things down. Labeling your trail camera, as previously stated, would make it easier to track down.

The hunter community can help you with this process. You might post images of the thief (taken with steps 5 and 6) and see if it might be tracked down. You could also make a deal for the thief to return your trail camera. And you can share these photos and video clips with police to report the theft.

9. Cable Locks

Trail camera cable locks are a great way to keep your camera secured. You should still use the other steps in this guide – especially hiding your trail camera. But trail camera cable locks can help ensure that it doesn’t get stolen if spotted.

Cable locks have a locking mechanism that will secure positions that are up to six feet.

Your camera will remain secure, even if someone spots it along their walk. The only way to unlock the cable lock is with a key, so the security should leave you relieved when you set it up.

Check out the lock systems below to see where to start.

Here’s how to use a trail camera for security.

More reading: Do trail cameras scare deer?

3 Trail Camera Cable Lock

The following systems will ensure your trail camera remains secure from thieves.

1. Master Lock Python

The Master Lock Python is available in up to twenty-four packs, and each is keyed the same. A thief will not be able to easily cut the camouflaged cable since it is cut-resistant.

The cable lock will survive harsh weather with its strong aluminum alloy lock, cylinder shutter, and vinyl-coated cable.

These features, along with the remaining cable locks, are excellent solutions to keep your valuables safe.

2. Browning Trail Camera Security Box

The Trail Camera Security Box is the next best thing to having a secure trail camera. The 16 gauge steel will protect your camera from damage and theft.

With its powder coating, you will not have to worry about it rotting.

The Browning has two locking channels for python cables and will accommodate a padlock up to 3/8″ in diameter.

3. Cam Guardian Tree Mount Holder

This trail camera attachment is another option for solving your problem. The Cam Guardian will not only mount your trail camera in a high spot but will also keep it locked, in case it becomes discovered.

You will no longer have to worry about damaged or frozen keys. Cam Guardian is also the most useful lock mechanism out of the bunch.

Looking for the best options? Here are the 13 Best Trail Cameras for Wildlife Photography.

Game cameras are popular among game photographers and hunters. They allow you to see what the animals are doing without having to be there in person.

The motion detection shoots only when there is wildlife. PIR delay on game cameras is an important feature.

More reading: How to Hide a Trail Camera from Humans

Your Turn

What tips are you going to use to keep your trail camera from being stolen? Let me know below!

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2024-2024 seasons along with regulation changes for the 2024-2024 deer-hunting season.

The regulation changes include a new firearms early antlerless portion, a new firearms CWD portion and changes to firearms antlerless permit numbers in most counties. The hunting dates and regulation changes were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its Dec. 2 open meeting in Jefferson City.

“The changes to deer hunting regulations for the 2024-2024 deer season were motivated by increasing deer numbers throughout much of Missouri and in response to changes in the distribution of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle. “With a growing deer population in most Missouri counties, we’re increasing opportunities for hunters to harvest deer both within and outside of the CWD Management Zone next year.”

“With deer populations being at desired levels in most counties but continuing to increase, additional antlerless harvest is needed to stabilize deer numbers,” said Isabelle. “The creation of an early antlerless portion of firearms deer season and increasing the availability of antlerless permits in most counties will provide hunters with more opportunities to harvest antlerless deer and help meet our deer-management goals.”

According to MDC, firearms antlerless seasons that occur prior to the primary firearms season are not uncommon and several Midwestern states have established similar season portions.

“The early antlerless portion will help to increase antlerless deer harvest prior to the November portion of firearms season when the focus of many hunters is on harvesting a buck,” said Isabelle. “The timing of the early antlerless portion was designed to occur when weather conditions are generally comfortable and during a time that will minimize conflict with archery hunters, who spend the most time hunting during late October and early November as the rut approaches.”

CHANGES TO FIREARMS ANTLERLESS PERMIT NUMBERS

MDC has also increased the number of firearms antlerless permits hunters can fill in most counties, including allowing hunters to fill a firearms antlerless permit in Butler, Carter, Scott, and Wayne counties. MDC has also increased the number of firearms antlerless permits from two to four in 82 counties.

“Prior to 2014, firearms antlerless permit numbers were unlimited in 74 counties,” said Isabelle. “However, following the severe hemorrhagic disease outbreak that occurred throughout much of the state in 2012, we became much more conservative with firearms antlerless permit numbers to allow the deer population to rebound.”

He noted the deer population has steadily increased during the last decade, necessitating the liberalization of antlerless harvest opportunities to slow population growth and keep the deer population at desired levels.

Get regulation details and a list and map of allowed antlerless permit numbers by county from the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/regulation-changes-2024-24-deer-season

Detailed information on the new firearms early antlerless portion, the new firearms CWD portion, and changes to firearms antlerless permit numbers by county will also be included in the MDC 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available starting in July where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Imagine an underwater Colosseum, where the ocean’s most formidable creatures go fin-to-fin in a showdown for the ages. In today’s matchup, we have the fierce predator, the Great White Shark, squaring off against the speed demon of the sea, the Bluefin Tuna. Let’s dive into this saltwater clash of the titans!

Key Differences between Great White Shark and Bluefin Tuna

The Great White Shark, known for its size and sharp teeth, is the ocean’s top predator. It’s built like a torpedo – perfect for fast, ambush attacks. The Bluefin Tuna, however, is no ordinary fish either. Recognized for its incredible speed and endurance, this fish is like the Formula 1 car of the sea. Unlike the solitary hunting shark, Bluefin Tunas often travel in schools, using their collective power and speed to evade predators.

Statistical Comparison of Great White Shark vs. Bluefin Tuna

Which Is Faster?

In a burst of speed, the Bluefin Tuna takes this round! With a recorded speed of over 43 mph, they’re the ocean’s version of sprinters. While the Great White is no slouch in the speed department, it just can’t match the breakneck pace of its shiny competitor. It’s like comparing a supercar with a freight train!

Which Is Bigger?

Without a doubt, the Great White Shark dwarfs the Bluefin Tuna, growing more than twice its length and weighing more than double. In a sheer size comparison, our shark friend is like a marine monster truck next to a compact, speedy coupe.

Which Is Tougher?

When it comes to toughness, the Great White Shark’s natural aggression, formidable jaws, and teeth designed for shearing flesh make it a terrifying force of brute strength. The Bluefin Tuna, while athletic and highly muscular, doesn’t have the same built-in weaponry. In a tussle of toughness, the shark chomps down on the victory.

Which Is Meaner?

The Great White Shark is the definitive bad boy of the ocean. With a reputation that precedes it, thanks to Hollywood movies and sensationalized media, it’s considered one of the meanest predators in the sea. Bluefin Tuna, on the other hand, are more the ‘keep to themselves’ types, more worried about being someone else’s dinner rather than picking fights. In the mean stakes, it’s the shark with a scary smile that wins!

Who Would Win This Fight

In the ultimate showdown between these two sea giants, it’s a game of speed vs. power. While the Bluefin Tuna boasts impressive speed, in a direct clash, the sheer size, aggression, and killer instinct of the Great White Shark would likely prevail. The shark’s built for hunting and overpowering its prey, and in this theoretical marine match, it would probably prove to be too much for the swift, but less equipped, Bluefin Tuna.

So, there you have it, folks! In this aquatic battle, while each contender shines in their own right, we’d place our bets on the Great White Shark coming out on top. But remember, the ocean’s a wild place and anything’s possible in the deep blue!

• Category: Versus
• Tag: Bluefin Tuna, Great White Shark

Although not as instantaneously synonymous with American culture as Coca-Cola, but the .22 Long Rifle is up there and is an even older symbol of this great country.

From teaching kids how to shoot to clearing the forest of small game, and to ringing steel targets at 200+ yards, we now live in a golden age for the often-overlooked .22 LR cartridge. No matter what your goal or budget, we have the best of the best here for you to choose your next best .22 LR rifles.

The .22 LR Caliber

Starting in 1884, the .22 LR cartridge began as a black powder cartridge designed for basically the same thing we use it for today. Training, plinking, and small game.

With dozens of manufacturers making hundreds of types of .22 LR there is a round that can do it all. From rat shot to solid copper slugs, there is a .22 LR for it. The far most common is a simple lead bullet that is a tiny 40-grains heavy.

Basically, rimfire cartridges are ones that are struck on the rim of the casing to activate the primer compound that is in the base of the casing.

Unlike centerfire cartridges that use a primer as a separate part, rimfire cartridges keep everything contained in one case. Sometimes the bullet will be washed in copper, sometimes it will be smaller to boost muzzle velocity, there are just so many options when it comes to what .22 LR you feed your rifle.

With modern manufacturers and huge growth in .22 LR competition sports in the last 10 years, there have never been more accurate, more reliable, or more expensive .22 LR options on the market.

And yet, you can still get a bucket of bullets for next to nothing.

Best .22 LR Rifles: Practical Applications

Teaching New Shooters

Because of the ultra-low recoil, quiet nature, and zero muzzle flash — .22 LR makes for a great cartridge to help new shooters learn about firearms and the fundaments that go along with them.

Safety, handling, basic marksmanship, all these are so much easier to teach someone when they don’t need to be worried about the sound and “scariness” of what they are shooting. Be they adults or kids, .22 LR is the most common caliber to start with as a new shooter.

Training

Some .22 LR ammo is crazy cheap, and some of it isn’t. Either way, though, it’s almost always cheaper than whatever centerfire caliber you’re also shooting. For long-range shooters, pistol shooters, or tactical AR shooters, .22 LR is cheaper and more accessible than anything else.

Spending less on your ammo means getting to shoot more and shooting more makes you better at it.

It isn’t a cure-all that will solve your problems, but .22 LR is a great way to test new gear, train transitions, and weapons handling, and have a great time doing it.

Small Game

Rabbits, squirrels, rats, and more — .22 LR is a humane and ethical cartridge for anything on the extra small side. While perfectly deadly to large animals (including you) .22 LR is really suited for the small stuff and at fairly close ranges. If you have pests or want to try some fried squirrel leg, .22 LR can get it done.

Competition

We’ve seen a huge growth in .22 LR competitions at a national and local level — so it’s a great time to be in the shooting sports.

Two major ones are Steel Challenge and NRL22. Steel Challenge is an excellent starter competition game that puts the shooter in a fixed static area and tasks you with shooting a set of steel targets as fast as possible. If you’ve never shot in front of people at a competition before, this is a no-stress way of getting a toe wet.

At the same time, it has lots of room for growth since it isn’t just shot with .22 LR but with other pistol calibers also.

NRL22 is the art of shooting small targets at long distances in the least-worst optimal shooting position possible. If you’re familiar with PRS, it’s that — but with .22 LR. Weird barricades, from the prone, bracing yourself on a rooftop with bags while shooting five known distances — these are everyday things you can expect at an NRL22 match. And it’s crazy good fun.

What is the Effective Range of a .22 Rifle?

Although effective at ranges of up to 150 yards (140 meters), the. 22 LR’s effective range is typically much less. If you fire a high-velocity 22-caliber rifle at 100 yards, the bullet will fall 5-6 inches below your line of sight on average. At 150 yards, it’s 20″. After 150 yards, it’s impossible to compensate for the round’s considerable “drop.”

Maximum effective range for squirrels and rabbits is 75 to 100 yards, with a more realistic range of 25–50 yards depending on the rifle and shooter. Bullet drop is negligible at such range.

The Best .22 LR Rifles

Ruger 10/22

The classic, the OG, the GOAT — the Ruger 10/22. Since 1964, the Ruger 10/22 hit the market, and over 6 million have been sold. And that doesn’t count all of the clones that have been made and sold also.

Coming in a dozen or so different flavors, the 10/22 is one gun everyone should own at least once in their lifetimes. It’s inexpensive, a simple blow-back rifle that runs and runs. Great for teaching kids, small game hunting, or just putting holes in soda cans — the 10/22 is an old faithful that will never let you down.

A huge plus to you is that because the Ruger 10/22 has been around forever and with so many units sold, there is a massive aftermarket for it. Stocks, chassis, barrels, bolts, triggers — if you want to change it or upgrade it, you can.

Personally, I like the 10/22 Takedown model the best. Able to break in half with just the pull of a lug, this is the ultimate in quick and easy.

2. CZ 457

Like the 10/22, CZ’s line of rimfire rifles is a super classic option that comes in a huge range of flavors and models.

From beautiful wooden stocks to competition-ready chassis, there is a CZ 457 for you. Something you can always count on is that the CZ 457 will be reliable, have great shooting, and have smooth action. It might not be the fanciest design, but it has iteratively improved every time CZ comes out with new versions.

Expansive aftermarket support guarantees you have room to upgrade anything you want, but even a base-level CZ 457 is a great rifle out of the box. If you want a true classic — the CZ 457 American is my recommendation. My favorite though is the CZ 457 Varmint MTR. With a big, bold wooden stock and a flat forend perfectly styled for long-range shooting — the Varmint MTR is one badass rifle.

3. Bergara BXR

Bergara isn’t very well known for the BXR, and I think it’s a shame because it’s a great rifle that really flies under the radar.

Coming standard with a 30 MOA 1913 rail for mounting a scope and a super crisp 3.5-pound trigger, this little semi-auto shooter is built for small groups at long ranges. But with the standard model weighing only 5.2-pounds and the carbon fiber model weighing in at 4.2-pounds, this is a rifle that can stay with you in the field all day.

And thankfully, Bergara didn’t reinvent the wheel regarding the magazines — standard Ruger 10/22 mags work with the BXR. You might look at this as a modernized and very high-quality 10/22. And basically, it is. But for the price point and the features Bergara gives you, this is a very compelling option.

4. Bergara B-14r

Another rifle that I’ve used in competition to great effect — I flat out love my Bergara. Period.

Bergara is a major supporter of the NRL22 sport and their B-14r rifle is a great option for anyone wanting to shoot open class with an R700 footprint rifle.

Coming standard in a Bergara HMR stock/chassis this is a great start for anyone needing an upper-class .22 LR. The HMR B-14 in centerfire cartridges is one of the best factory rifles on the market and Bergara has done a great job bringing that quality and design to the rimfire rifle.

An adjustable trigger and an outstanding barrel combine to make this simply a great rifle. And, if you want to shave some pounds off of it, you can get the B-14r in a carbon fiber wrapped option that feels wonderful in your hands.

It’s also an amazing option for anyone of smaller stature. Taking a couple of pounds off of the B-14r turns it into a super lightweight and well-balanced rifle for hunting or shooting off barricades.

5. Tikka T1x

My first upper-tier .22 LR rifle, I love my Tikka T1x. Designed on the T3x footprint the T1x will fit most stocks and chassis that the T3x fits. It also takes the same triggers, so that’s extra nice. Coming standard with an adjustable 2-stage Tikka trigger the T1x is a great little rifle for all sorts of things.

Personally, I used it as my competition rifle for a while before I upgrade. Now I keep my Tikka in the factory stock as my squirrel rifle. It’s lightweight, handy, and deadly accurate. I shot my Tikka in NRL22X matches out to 400 yards — that’s crazy far for .22 LR.

At 100 yards I found a number of ammo types that were well within sub-MOA groupings. If you want a simple small bore hunting rifle, Tikka T1x is there for you. If you want to get started in NRL22, Tikka is there for you.

Really — you won’t be disappointed no matter what you get your Tikka for!

6. Zermatt Arms RimX

I’ll admit I’m biased, I love to shoot NRL22 competitions and a Zermatt Arms RimX is my current open match rifle.

While I could write half a book on why I love this rifle, I’ll try to just give you the highlight reel. If you want a rifle that is treated with the same respect and care that a master gunsmith puts into a centerfire match rifle — Zermatt Arms RimX is for you.

Zermatt Arms has been making outstanding centerfire rifles for years and the RimX is their venture into the rimfire world. Build for people wanting a top-tier training rifle or shooting in rimfire competitions, the RimX is excellent. From the all-metal magazines with adjustable seating to the wide range of bolt handles to pick from, the RimX is as customizable as it gets.

And of course, it’s build using the Remington 700 footprint so there is a huge aftermarket selection of stocks and chassis to choose from. Right now you can only find the RimX as a bare action directly from Zermatt Arms, but some gunsmiths and retailers are offering custom rifles using the RimX action. If you’re ready to build yourself a baller NRL22 or .22 LR training rifle, I highly recommend the RimX.

7. Vudoo Gun Works V-22

One of the absolute top dogs in the high-end .22 LR game, Vudoo Gun Works is the standard that others are judged against. Always at the forefront of .22 LR bolt rifle technology, these are rifles that win national championships regularly.

Built using the Remington 700 footprint, the V-22 fits any stock and chassis that the R700 does. Frankly, you just can’t go wrong with a V-22. But you’ll have to break a piggy bank or two to cover the payments, perfection doesn’t come cheap.

While most people will think it’s madness to spend this kind of money on “just a .22 LR rifle” keep in mind that these are really designed and marketed for the competition world. If that isn’t you, there’s nothing wrong with that!

8. Smith & Wesson M&P MP 15-22

An AR-15 format that is designed and chambered to shoot .22 LR — awesome.

Using a real .22 LR barrel and a system that is actually built for .22 LR, this is the best AR-15 platform .22 LR you can get off the shelf. And it doesn’t cost too much either.

Great as a training rifle, small game rifle, or as a stepping stone before getting into the AR-15 platform completely — the MP 15-22 is a great rifle in every respect. However, while the MP 15-22 is a solid enough rifle, it does have two major weak points.

First, the lower is made of polymer instead of metal like on a real AR-15. This is fine for .22 LR, but don’t go door-kicking with it. Second, the lower is designed to not fit other AR-15 uppers. So if you have a dream of getting this cheap and throwing on a 5.56 NATO upper, you can’t.

Wrapping Up

From popping pop cans to bringing home the squirrels for the squirrel stew to slapping steel at long distances, these .22 LR rifles can do it all. It’s just a matter of finding the perfect one for you.

I have my favorites, and I’m sure you have yours, so tell me about them down in the comments. If you’d like to see more .22 LR content, let us know.

For now, take a look at these great articles:

• Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes
• Best .22 LR Handguns
• The 4 Best .22 LR Rifle Scopes
• Best Budget Hunting Rifles

Many people use the flat shooting and hard hitting .300 Win Mag for hunting elk, deer and many other species of big game with excellent results. Here are a few great brands of .300 Win Mag ammo that will probably serve you very well next time you’re afield.

The .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge exploded onto the scene in the 1960s and quickly surpassed older .30 caliber magnum rifle cartridges like the .300 Weatherby Magnum and .308 Norma Magnum in popularity. It has also displayed a lot of staying power and remains a favorite among hunters all over the world to this day. For that reason, just about every big manufacturer like Barnes, Black Hills, Federal Premium, Fiocchi, Hornady, Norma, Prvi Partizan (PPU), Sellier & Bellot, Sig Sauer, Remington, and Winchester produces several different variants of .300 Win Mag ammo for hunting elk, deer, moose, bear, and many other big game animals.

Known for being really accurate, having a flat trajectory, and for retaining lots of kinetic energy at extended range, versatility is the name of the game with the .300 Win Mag and it’s well suited for hunting a wide range of big game at short, medium, and even long range. However, different situations (like deer or pronghorn at long range vs moose at short range) necessitate the use of different kinds of .300 Win Mag ammo for best results.

While they are very accurate and are certainly capable of killing big game animals, I don’t recommend using bullets designed for target shooting like the Hornady ELD Match and Sierra MatchKing hollow point boat tail (HPBT) for hunting because they usually aren’t designed for optimum terminal performance on big game animals. The same goes for open tip match (OTM) or boat tail hollow point (BTHP) bullets.

Instead, it’s best to stick with .300 Winchester Magnum ammo specifically designed for hunting that uses soft point, jacketed hollow point, or similar bullets.

Fortunately, the .300 Winchester Magnum is one of the most popular hunting cartridges in North America and there are a wide variety of .300 Win Mag factory loads specifically designed for just about every conceivable big game hunting situation. So, regardless of whether you’re using a bolt action Winchester Model 70, a Remington Model 700, a Ruger Hawkeye, a Savage 110, a Mauser M18, a Weatherby Vanguard, or some other hunting rifle, there is pretty much guaranteed to be something for everyone on the list below of the best .300 Win Mag ammunition for hunting.

In today’s post, I’m going to show you the best .300 Win Mag ammo for hunting elk, deer, feral hogs, black bear, and all sorts of other big game and go over the pros and cons of each individual load.

Note: some of the links below are affiliate links. This means I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase of rifle, handgun, rimfire, or shotgun ammunition through those links. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to create free content that’s useful to hunters like yourself. Thanks for your support.

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent

Federal’s Terminal Ascent line is an excellent option of .300 Win Mag hunting ammo for hunters looking for really good extended range performance on medium and large game. This ammunition uses the new Terminal Ascent Bullet, which is also extremely aerodynamic and accurate. It has a very high BC (higher than the 200gr Hornady ELD-X) and is also much more robustly constructed.

With those things in mind, I personally tend to lean more towards the Terminal Ascent over the ELD-X for hunting bigger game like elk with the .300 Win Mag. This ammo is another great option for hunters going after game out west like mule deer or pronghorn who need excellent .300 Win Mag ammo for a long range hunting situation.

Don’t misunderstand me though: it will also work great on all manner of game at shorter ranges too. I’ve had a number of clients in Africa use this 300 Win Mag ammo with outstanding results on plains game ranging in size from impala (about the size of deer) all the way up to zebra, gemsbok, and kudu (about the size of elk) at ranges from 50-200 yards.

If this ammunition shoots accurately in your rifle, this is one of my to recommended loads (right there with the Nosler Partition) for hunters who need good .300 Win Mag ammo for elk or moose hunting. Terminal Ascent ammo has better long range performance than the Nosler Partition, so this is definitely the stuff you should use if a shot past 250 yards is likely on an upcoming elk hunt.

• Bullet Type: Terminal Ascent
• Bullet Weight: 200 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .608
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,810 feet per second

GET TERMINAL ASCENT 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Cabela’s, Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, and Sportsman’s Warehouse

Barnes VOR-TX

If you’re a hunter who loves Barnes bullets, then you’re in luck because Barnes produces some great .300 Win Mag ammo as part of their VOR-TX line. Featuring their legendary copper Tipped Triple Shock X (TTSX) bullet, this ammunition is designed for rapid expansion, high weight retention, and deep penetration. Available using 150 grain, 165 grain, or 180 grain .30 caliber bullets, Barnes offers three outstanding choices for hunters regardless of what they’re after.

The 180 grain load is quite possibly the best .300 Win Mag ammo for elk, bear, and moose hunting. The 165 grain load will also work for larger game like elk, but it’s perfect for bigger deer and bear. That high velocity 150 grain load is great .300 Win Mag ammo for deer and pronghorn hunting, especially for hunters who want a couple hundred extra fps and a really flat trajectory to minimize their holdover for a longer shot. All that being said, there’s certainly a lot of overlap on the acceptable hunting uses for those three bullet weights as well.

All three loads are also 100% copper, which makes them an ideal choice of .300 Win Mag hunting ammunition for use in states like California that that don’t permit the use of lead bullets.

Though I’ve since switched over to Federal Premium Trophy Copper ammo (next on this list), the Barnes VOR-TX line is still great ammunition and was my personal favorite .300 Win Mag ammo for a long time. I used that 165 grain load with a lot of success on both deer and pronghorn over the past few years and this ammo is also a favorite among many North America, New Zealand, and Africa hunting outfitters.

• Bullet Type: TTSX Boat Tail
• Bullet Weight: 150 grains, 165 grains, or 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .420 (150 gr), .442 (165 gr), .484 (180 gr)
• Muzzle Velocity: 3,285 feet per second, 3,120 feet per second, or 2,960 feet per second

GET BARNES 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Cabela’s, Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, & Sportsman’s Warehouse

Hornady Outfitter

Hornady recently introduced their new Outfitter line of ammunition. Though it will also work quite well on a whitetail deer hunt in the back 40, the company markets this .300 Win Mag ammo for use on guided hunts in really tough environments like a moose hunt in Canada or a kudu hunt in South Africa.

This ammunition is loaded with an extremely tough 180 grain CX bullet that’s designed for controlled expansion, high weight retention, and deep penetration on large, heavy boned animals like elk, bear, and moose. This ammunition also uses nickel-plated case for reliable feeding and corrosion resistance under the most demanding conditions

With all those things in mind, it’s easy to see why Hornady advertises their Outfitter .300 Win Mag ammo for use on a big hunt that’s the culmination of years of saving and planning. After all, when the chips are down on the hunt of a lifetime, the absolute last thing you need is for your ammo to fail at the moment of truth.

The CX bullet used in Hornady Outfitter ammunition is lead free, which makes this ammo another good choice for use in states like California. Note: the CX bullet replaced the older GMX bullet from Hornady and is a tiny bit more aerodynamic, but retains the great terminal performance of the GMX.

• Bullet Type: CX
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .469
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,960 feet per second

GET HORNADY OUTFITTER 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Cabela’s, Lucky Gunner, & MidwayUSA

Hornady Precision Hunter

The .300 Winchester Magnum is an excellent long range cartridge and Hornady’s Precision Hunter line contains an outstanding .300 Win Mag ammo option for hunters looking to squeeze every bit of long range performance out of the cartridge. Loaded with the extremely aerodynamic Extremely Low Drag eXpanding (ELD-X) bullet, this ammo is perfect for western hunters going after game like elk, mule deer, or pronghorn who need the very best .300 Win Mag ammo for a long range hunting situation.

Hornady advertises that the ELD-X bullet has the best-in-class ballistic coefficients over their entire trajectory and that their Precision Hunter ammunition also offers match grade accuracy (usually sub-MOA).

Though the ELD-X does not have a bonded core like the Hornady InterBond, the ELD-X does feature a thicker jacket and an InterLock ring to help control expansion, increase weight retention, and minimize the chances of core-jacket separation. For this reason, the ELD-X is still devastating on deer and pronghorn sized game, but it’s also a much better choice than their SST bullet used in the Hornady Superformance line for use on larger game.

Add it up and you have some .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition that’s capable of delivering great terminal performance on a wide range of big game for shots at 400+ yards.

• Bullet Type: Hornady Extremely Low Drag eXpanding
• Bullet Weight: 200 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .597
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,850 feet per second

GET PRECISION HUNTER 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Brownells

Remington Core Lokt

If you’re a “meat and potatoes” kind of hunter who wants some reasonably priced and dependable 300 Win Mag ammo for hunting deer, elk, feral hogs, and black bear, then the Remington’s 180 grain Core Lokt soft point will probably work really well for you (it’s also available as a 150 grain soft point load which is good for deer hunting).

It’s not the latest and greatest stuff by any means, but this .300 Win Mag ammunition has been around for a long time and countless hunters have successfully used Core Lokt ammo to take just about every species of big game in North America. The same goes for hunts overseas in places like New Zealand or Africa: one of those bullets through the vitals of a red stag, kudu, eland, or wildebeest will make for a very short tracking job.

Finally, this ammunition is very reasonably priced and has one of the lowest costs per round out of all the .300 Win Mag ammo on this list.

• Bullet Type: Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point (PSP)
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .383
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,960 feet per second

GET CORE LOKT 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Brownells, Cabela’s, Lucky Gunner, & MidwayUSA

Nosler Trophy Grade

The Nosler Trophy Grade line of ammo will very likely fit the bill for those looking for some seriously heavy hitting .300 Win Mag ammo for elk, moose, or bear hunting. Loaded with a 180 grain or a 200 grain Nosler Partition bullet, this load is perfect for hunting really big game where it’s really important to use a heavy, well constructed bullet. With that in mind, this is also perfect .300 Win Mag ammunition for an African safari for really large or tough game like kudu, blue wildebeest, or eland.

This ammunition is not limited to use on bigger and tougher animals either and will also work extremely well on game like deer. Indeed, a heavier 180gr or 200gr bullet like those used in this loading will also probably cause less meat damage on deer-sized game than lighter and faster 150gr and 165gr bullets.

Though it doesn’t have the flattest trajectory out there, this load retains energy very well, so this is still excellent .300 Win Mag ammo for hunting at a reasonable range. The Nosler Partition is a very old bullet design, but it remains one of the best hunting bullets around and has a proven track record over the course of many decades and won’t let you down at the moment of truth. Nosler also produces a similar load in their Trophy Grade line featuring the newer Nosler Accubond bullet.

• Bullet Type: Nosler Partition
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains or 200 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .361 (180gr) or .481 (200gr)
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,950 feet per second (180gr) or 2,750 feet per second (200gr)

GET NOSLER PARTITION 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Brownells and Lucky Gunner

Federal Premium Trophy Copper

Hunters in search of a high quality alternative to Barnes bullets should definitely check out Federal Premium’s new Trophy Copper line of ammunition. Like the Barnes TTSX, the Trophy Copper provides a devastating mix of high weight retention, rapid, yet controlled controlled expansion (to approximately twice the original diameter), and deep straight-line penetration. This ammunition is available using either a 165 grain or 180 grain .30 caliber bullet and the whole line has been endorsed by the MeatEater crew.

The 180 grain load is an outstanding choice of .300 Win Mag ammo for elk, moose, or bear hunting while the the lighter 165 grain load is perfect for deer, pronghorn, and bear. Both of those loads use a slightly more aerodynamic bullet than the comparable factory loads in the Barnes VOR-TX line. Especially with regards to the 180 grain Trophy Copper, the result is some .300 Win Mag ammo with a flatter trajectory, more retained energy at long range, and more resistance to wind drift than comparable Barnes ammo.

Federal Premium Trophy Copper ammunition is also a tiny bit more accurate in my rifle. While Barnes VOR-TX ammo is great and has served me well for many years, the improved accuracy combined with the slightly better ballistics of the Federal ammunition were enough for me to make the switch from Barnes to Federal Premium in 2020.

With those things in mind (and after seeing the performance of this ammo in the field), the Federal Premium Trophy Copper line is my new personal favorite .300 Win Mag ammo for all my hunting. I could not have asked for better performance on elk than what I received using that 180 grain load. Regardless of whether you’re hunting deer, elk, and bear in North America or one of the big species of African antelope, this ammo will serve you well and get the job done if you do your part as a shooter.

Both Federal Premium Trophy Copper loads are also lead free, which makes them an ideal choice of .300 Win Mag hunting ammunition for use in states like California that that don’t permit the use of lead bullets.

• Bullet Type: Trophy Copper
• Bullet Weight: 165 grains or 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .503 (165 gr) or .523 (180 gr)
• Muzzle Velocity: 3,050 feet per second or 2,960 feet per second

GET TROPHY COPPER 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Sportsman’s Warehouse and Optics Planet

Winchester Deer Season XP

Winchester’s Deer Season XP line of ammunition is a really good choice choice if you’re planning on taking your .300 Win Mag deer hunting. The Extreme Point bullet this rifle ammo uses is similar to Winchester’s Power Point bullet (same goes for the Ballistic Tip and Ballistic Silvertip), but the Extreme Point has a large diameter polymer tip that’s specifically designed to produce a gigantic wound channel along with massive impact trauma. This normally results in a very short tracking job and a very easy to follow blood trail. Even so, it’s designed specifically to compete with popular whitetail deer hunting ammo like the Federal Fusion, Federal Power-Shok, Hornady American Whitetail, Remington Core-Lokt, and Winchester Super-X in terms of accuracy and reliability.

The Winchester Deer Season XP line is also competitively priced and has one of the lowest costs per round out of all the .300 Win Mag ammo on this list.

So, not only is this some very reasonably priced .300 Win Mag ammo, but it also has a very good reputation for producing a giant wound channel and minimizing the distance deer run after being hit. In fact, this Winchester ammo is one of my top recommended brands of 300 Win Mag ammo for whitetail deer hunting. That being said, I would NOT recommend using it for bigger game like elk or moose.

Finally, Winchester does manufacture a lead-free version of their Deer Season XP ammo loaded with their Copper Impact bullet in 300 Win Mag for use with hunters who are prefer (or are required to) use lead-free ammunition.

• Bullet Type: Extreme Point
• Bullet Weight: 150 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .392
• Muzzle Velocity: 3,260 feet per second

GET DEER SEASON XP 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

GET COPPER IMPACT 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available At: Brownell’s, Cabela’s and Lucky Gunner

Federal Fusion

It’s far from the latest and greatest stuff, but this Federal Fusion loading with either a 150gr or a 180gr bullet is really good 300 Win Mag ammo for deer hunting. In addition to being very effective, this ammunition is also somewhat reasonably priced and has been one of the easier to find 300 Win Mag ammo options during the past few years.

Additionally, Fusion bullets have a bonded lead core to help with weight retention. Combined with a skived tip to help initiate expansion, Federal Fusion 300 Win Mag ammo delivers a really good balance of controlled expansion, high weight retention, and deep penetration. Federal Fusion ammunition also has a good reputation for accuracy.

While I think Fusion 300 Win Mag ammo is better for elk hunting than some of the other loads out there, this is ideal ammo for feral hog and deer hunting. You could also include game like pronghorn and maybe black bear in there as well.

It will definitely work on bigger like elk or moose in a pinch, but I do not recommend using Federal Fusion 300 Win Mag ammo for hunting really big game like that unless you can’t find anything better. Instead, use one of the other loads I recommend later in this article like the Barnes TTSX, Federal Terminal Ascent, or Nosler Partition.

Like I said though, this is outstanding on deer sized game though and it’s to go wrong with Federal Fusion 300 Win Mag ammo for deer hunting.

• Bullet Type: Fusion Soft Point
• Bullet Weight: 150 grains or 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .410 (150gr) or .485 (180gr)
• Muzzle Velocity: 3,200 (150gr) or 2,960 feet per second (180gr)

GET FEDERAL FUSION 300 WIN MAG AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Natchez Shooter Supplies and Optics Planet

NEXT: BEST 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO FOR HUNTING ELK, DEER, & OTHER BIG GAME

NEXT: 223 REM vs 5.56 NATO: WHICH SHOULD YOU USE IN YOUR AR-15 CARBINE?

NEXT: 6.8 SPC vs 6.5 GRENDEL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NEXT: 101 BEST GIFTS FOR HUNTERS

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