I discuss all of the 40 caliber SAAMI standardized rifle cartridges (plus one other noteworthy CIP round) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I'll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well.
Cartridges covered: 44-40 WCF, 45-70 Government, 577/450 Martini-Henry, 405 Winchester, 44 Remington Magnum, 444 Marlin, 450 Marlin, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend
Sponsor: I'm honored to be nominated for Podcast of the Year in the 2026 Gundies Awards! Voting is open from December 1–15. Cast your vote daily and help me take home the win at TheGundies.com
Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday.
Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to suggest future episode topics and also obtain access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter
Resources
44-40 Profile | Winchester 1873 44-40 Gel Test
.577/450 Martini-Henry Rifle & Cartridge: History, Ballistics, Hunting & Gel Test Results
African Rifles & Cartridges by John Taylor
African Game Trails by Theodore Roosevelt
To Ride, Shoot Straight, And Speak The Truth by Jeff Cooper
Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up
Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up
Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up
Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridge Roll-Up
Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up
Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson
Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up
Episode 345: 7mm Cartridge Roll-Up
Episode 345: The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges: 303 British, 7.x62x54R, etc.
Episode 358: 35 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up
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