Big Game Rifles and Cartridges

Elmer Keith

Jun 2025 · Bonhopai Books

Ebook

119

Pages

Eligible

About this ebook

Elmer Keith's Big Game Rifles and Cartridges is a foundational work in the field of hunting ballistics and firearm performance, written by one of the most influential figures in American shooting sports. Keith, a passionate outdoorsman and gunsmith, brings together years of personal experience in hunting the largest and most dangerous animals of North America and Africa, offering critical insights into rifle selection, cartridge design, terminal ballistics, and field performance. In this comprehensive manual, Keith evaluates dozens of rifles and loads, explaining their strengths, limitations, and ideal applications in real-world scenarios. He dissects the kinetic energy, penetration, bullet construction, and trajectory of popular cartridges like the .30-06, .375 H&H, .45-70, and many others, offering no-nonsense advice for hunters who demand reliability in extreme conditions. But Keith is not merely a technician—he is a storyteller. His accounts of grizzly bear charges, moose stalks, and African safaris are woven throughout the technical exposition, adding life, tension, and credibility to his recommendations. He champions heavy bullets, high velocity, and precise shot placement, making a compelling case for practicality over marketing hype. While some of the gear may be dated, the principles remain essential. This book continues to inform modern hunters and reloaders, offering timeless knowledge from a man who helped shape modern big game hunting standards.

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About the author

Elmer Keith (1899–1984) was an iconic figure in American gun culture—an author, rancher, outdoorsman, and firearms designer who played a key role in the development of modern magnum revolvers. Born in Montana and raised in Idaho, Keith became a cowboy, hunting guide, and ballistic experimenter. His innovations helped lead to the creation of the .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .41 Magnum cartridges. In his book Big Game Rifles and Cartridges, Keith offered practical advice on firearm selection, ballistics, and hunting technique based on a lifetime of experience in the American West. A prolific writer for gun magazines like Guns & Ammo and American Rifleman, Keith was a larger-than-life figure who championed powerful handguns and rugged individualism. He remains a legendary name in hunting and shooting sports, with a cult following among enthusiasts of traditional marksmanship and firearm innovation.

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