Today, Rob Massa from the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company in Wyoming joins me on the show to discuss some observations he has made on what cartridges and bullets work and don't work from over 20 years outfitting elk hunts in Wyoming. I first met Rob while attending an event at the Bergara long range shooting Academy in 2024 and I was incredibly impressed both with his knowledge of shooting and hunting as well with the professionalism he ran the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company with. With that in mind, I decided to bring him on the show to discuss some insights he has developed over the course of over 20 years in this business on effective elk hunting cartridges and bullets.

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

Email me john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you're interested in joining me on the Big Game Hunting Podcast antelope hunt 9-14 October 2026 in Wyoming.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with elk outfitter Rob Massa to discuss his favorite cartridges and bullets for hunting elk.

Rob shares a few stories of effective terminal performance on elk, how tough elk are to kill, his favorite shot placement on elk, how things have changed with the most popular cartridges and bullets for elk hunting over the course of his career, and much more.

His takeaway? There are lots of things that will work on elk, but certain cartridges and bullets tend to deliver a mix of performance that delivers the best overall performance.

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Resources

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 396: Wyoming Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

7mm PRC Elk Hunt | R&K Hunting Company Wyoming Elk Hunt – YouTube video referenced in podcast

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

I just made it home from an outstanding elk hunt in Wyoming! Despite some unique struggles, I had an amazing trip and I successfully took a beautiful bull elk. Today's episode is a detailed recap of this hunt, evaluations of some gear I used, and some of the lessons we learned along the way. I also share two exciting announcements near the end.

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses his recent elk hunt in Wyoming.

He shares the story of this exciting hunt, an analysis of the gear he used, and also has two special announcements at the end.

His takeaway? John hunted with an outstanding outfitter in Wyoming that surpassed all expectations. Despite some initial struggles, John ended up making an excellent shot and tagging a great bull to wrap up an fantastic hunt.

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Resources

See photos showing the terminal performance of those 175gr Speer Imapct bullets on this elk in my latest Patreon post.

Follow me on Instagram (@thebiggamehunter_) to see photos of this elk

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

Get a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Scope Here

Get an Ultimate Firearm Sling here

Ep 114: 2020 New Mexico Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 337: I just punched my moose tag! – Episode referenced in podcast

John McAdams shares insights on the 22 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor informed by real world data on obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifications, and pros and cons of each cartridge. Plus, he also shares some details on how different 6.5 Creedmoor and 22 Creedmoor factory loads have performed on game afield.

Sponsor: 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

North Fork's 120gr & 140gr Semi-Spitzer bullets are outstanding choices for the 6.5 Creedmoor that facilitate the best possible terminal performance for the cartridges on all manner of game at ranges inside 300 yards. You can purchase both bullets directly from the North Fork web site, from MidwayUSA, or from our network of other distributors all over the world.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the 6.5 Creedmoor vs 22 Creedmoor.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, shows how each cartridge was specifically designed to take advantage of modern bullets, and compares how both rounds perform in several ballistic gel tests.

John's takeaway? Both cartridges overlap in their performance in certain areas, but the 22 Creedmoor is best used for predators and medium game while the 6.5 Creedmoor is ideal for medium and big game. As you'll learn, most hunters will be served well by either one though.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

Ep 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-The Complete Guide - Episode referenced about all the various 30 caliber cartridges (to include the 30 T/C)

Ep 351: 22 Creedmoor With Derrick Ratliff- Episode referenced comparing the 22-250 to the 22 Creedmoor

Ep 360: 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 Remington- Episode referenced comparing the 22-250 to the 22 Creedmoor

Ep 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow - Episode referenced where John Snow and I discuss Modern Cartridge Design principles

308 Winchester vs 6.5 Creedmoor - Episode referenced regarding how the 6.5 Creedmoor stacks up against the 308 Winchester