Craig Boddington on Great Rifles and Cartridges

by
posted on May 4, 2018
boddington_lead.jpg
American Hunter contributor, internationally known hunter, author of numerous books and Weatherby Award winner Craig Boddington today thrilled onlookers in person and fans who tuned in on Facebook live during a special session presented by American Hunter during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits: “Craig Boddington on Great Rifles and Cartridges.”

Every hunter and “gun crank” loves a campfire argument. “What rifle and cartridge is best” no doubt leads discussion in any hunting camp. That’s the ground Boddington covered in his 90-minute special session in Dallas. What’s so great about the 6.5 Creedmoor? What can it do today that the 6.5x55 couldn’t do in 1891? Why are general-purpose rifles and cartridges—the 6.5s, the .270 Winchester, the 7mms and the .30-calibers—so popular? Boddington also made sure to discuss, of course, special-purpose cartridges: classic varmint rounds like the .17-calibers, the .20s and .22s; the 6mms and .25s that combine the capability to hunt varmints and big game in one rifle; the 8mms, .33s and .35s used for elk, bear and moose; the .375s and 9.3mms, the ultimate versatility champs; and the big stuff like the .40-calibers and the .45s—like an old favorite, the .45-70 Gov’t.

All of these cartridges are used in every rifle design from the lever action to the bolt action to semi-auto platforms including the AR. It’s hard to believe any hunter’s favorite rifle/cartridge combination was omitted. It is, however, safe to assume everyone who attended or watched live via Facebook feed this special session presented by American Hunter did not agree with everything Boddington said. Campfire arguments, after all, are forever destined to only inspire further discussion.

Latest

Easton 5 LEDE
Easton 5 LEDE

New for 2025: Easton 5.0 Arrows

The 5.0 is a projectile-winner, a new speedy lightweight from Easton that offers multiple setup options.

New for 2025: The 5th-Generation Burris Fullfield Riflescope

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Burris Optics has unveiled the completely redesigned fifth-generation Fullfield riflescope.

New for 2025: Delta McKenzie X-Ray Series

See actual internal vitals from 360 degrees, including an elevated treestand view with Delta McKenzie's X-Ray Series.

New for 2025: Traditions NitroBolt Muzzleloader

Traditions introduces NitroBolt, first-ever bolt-action muzzleloader designed to use patented Federal Firestick.

Henry Introduces Its Special Products Division (SPD)

Henry Repeating Arms explodes into 2025 with the unveiling of the company’s Special Products Division (SPD) with a mission to create an all-new series of customized, purpose-built firearms. And the SPD’s first launch proves that Henry isn’t your grand pappy’s lever-action anymore.

New for 2025: Hevi-Shot Hevi-18 28-gauge Shotshells

Hevi Shot's Hevi-18 is now loaded in 28-gauge in a 3-inch shell, holding 1 ¼ ounces of No. 9 TSS shot, at a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.