It was interesting you mentioned "Ellen" Ted Trueblood's wife. Ed Zern, from Exit Laughing, always said "Ted Trueblood" was a fictional character invented by F&S and no such real person exist. So "Ellen" is fictional as we know Ed Zern would never steer us wrong. However, as a fictional writer I always enjoyed Ted's articles. However, this brings me a terrible thought did F&S invent Dave Petzal? Is he a pen name for Jim Carmichael to write under? In this age you just never know, but I enjoy DEP's articles and I hope F&S keeps him going forever. Z41

As eloquently stated above, the .35 Whelen will hammer anything you hit with a 225 grain bullet. Trust me on that one.

I have a Ruger 77 in .257, purchased in 1974. I have collected several whitetails with Federal Premiums packing a 120 gr. Nosler Partition. All one shot. My teenaged son did so as well.

This gun has not posted tiny groups in limited bench sessions, but I have killed more crows with it and 100 gr.Winchester Silver Tips than with much better grouping rifles. To relieve the pain of writing/re-writing my Master's research, I taped a piece of plywood to a window behind my desk to make a "bench" and would whang away at them from 200 to 300 yards in our pasture. Once hit the fresh cow flop one was dining on, resulting in a cow pie explosion and a crow knocked silly for a couple of minutes. Wish I could have heard the story he told back at the roost.

Your photo of the old box of 300 Savage ammo brings back fond mule deer hunting memories. Had to sell mine to raise a little necessary cash for college during the mid 50's. Still have my 257 Roberts with which I took my best Rocky Mountain Big Horn a long time ago. Have told my Son my 470 Nitro is not for sale while I am alive even though I may not use it again...well maybe one more buffalo. Recently was notified I cannot get a U. S. rifle permit from Cameroon this trip, so will be borrowing a rifle there. Sure it will be an old timer in caliber like me. Received some sad news a couple days ago, the young professional hunter my wife insisted I pick up to baby sit me was tragically killed by a bull elephant in Namibia. He was a fine young man, just 27, had a bright future ahead of him, while old codgers like me are still limping along.

I had never heard of Alexander Lake prior to your comments today, just ordered Hunters Choice and Killers In Africa from Amazon.

I have an 1886 Winchester in .33 WCF which years ago killed a big black bear like a thunderbolt from Zeus.

Happy to see the 7.62 Russian getting an honorable mention. I still hold that a better deal cannot be had, then getting an old Mosin-Nagant in the 7.62X54. For a little over $100 you have a rugged, dependable gun that is in the power range of the .308. You can still get ammo reasonably cheap, too, which you can't say about the other .30 caliber rounds mentioned in this article. For the money, the gun simply can't be beat.

The 7.62x54 Russian belongs to that class of the 1880's-1890's cartridges adopted for military service by the European powers. They were, like the 1983 NFL quarterback draft, a great class of cartridges, born out of the minds of geniuses. Some adapted better for our modern tastes, but as a whole, they were all great.

The granddaddy of them all, the first smokeless powder round ever adopted by a country, was the 8mm Lebel, a rimmed, fat, severely tapered case that never gained popularity as a sporting round, but was a real breakthrough at the time.

The Germans countered with their own 8mm, although for them, it was really a 7.92 (7.92x57). This German cartridge, with its rimless design, relatively straight body and .473" base, would provide the foundation for several families of "modern" military and sporting cartridges, not only in its original 57mm length, but also in the short/.308 length, including the 250 and .300 Savage which preceded the .308, as well as the longer .30-06 length family. Although we call it the 8mm Mauser, it was really a German committee design, and Paul Mauser had nothing to do with it.

Then there's the trio of .30 Krag, .303 British and 7.62x54 Russian, all rimmed designs and offering more or less the same performance. Actually, all these rounds, including the 8x57, started more or less the same ballistically. .30 to .32 caliber, 210-230 grain bullets at around 1,900 to 2,100 fps.

The militaries decided that higher velocity was desirable for their purposes. Lighter bullets with better aerodynamics were in order. The French, as usual, led the way, starting the "spitzer" revolution in 1898, with their Balle D load which set a then unthinkable 2,400fps mark. As expected, the others followed. The German round proved modern indeed, capable of performing at an entirely new level. In 1905 the Germans came up with the "S" version of the 7.92, a .323" dia. 153 (or 154)-grain spitzer at 2,880fps. Due to their stronger rifles, both the .303 British and the 7.62x54 Russian were able to keep pace with the Lebel, by launching lighter bullets at 2,400fps+. The .30 Krag could approach this, but this stressed the relatively weak Krag-Jorgensen rifles, forcing the US to abandon the cartridge altogether and adopt a new one.

The Spaniards adopted the 7x57, a true Mauser design (although still based on the 7.92 case). It was adopted by several Latin American countries as well, but its true legacy would be as an all-time great hunting cartridge and as parent case for the .257 Roberts and 6mm Remington. Although it was the 173-grain military load that gained fame as an elephant-slayer in WDM Bell's hands, it was the faster 140-grain "Rigby" load that captured the hearts of British and American hunters.

Then there were the 6.5's, all firing those long 160-grain cigar-like bullets that penetrated till Sunday. The 6.5x54 Mannlincher-Schonauer was most celebrated in Africa, especially when it was housed in those incredibly handy and lightweight Mannlincher carbines. In proper hands, it could and had taken elephant. If 7x57 ammunition hadn't proven more reliable, WDM Bell might have stayed with the 6.5 Mannlincher.

Of the rimmed designs, the 8mm Lebel and .30 Krag were replaced by rimless rounds, although the Lebel served until the late 1920's, and even beyond in the Foreign Legion. The British stuck with their .303 until the 1950's, but eventually replaced it with the 7.62 NATO. The Russians are still using the 7.62x54 in their Dragunov SVD sniper rifle and PK machinegun, and they have upgraded its performance to where it now matches the .308 Winchester. When you consider that it started its life as a black-powder round barely touching 2,000fps in 1891, that's a major upgrade. It's now the last rimmed cartridge standing, and has now served as a combat round for 122 years.

After several years in the wilderness, in which it had several cartridges in service (.30 Krag, .45-70 and 6mm Lee-Navy), the US finally decided to adopt a new, standard cartridge and a new rifle to house it, the 1903 (.30-03), and later 1906 (.30-06) Springfield, essentially, the 8mm Mauser with a longer case and different shoulder angle. Just to prove that those Germans really did know what they were doing, the 1903 Springfield rifle was also an 1898 Mauser derivative. Mauser sued, and the US government paid up. Of course, both the 1903 rifle and the .30-06 round would become all-time greats in their own right, and the .30-06 would sire its own family of cartridges, including the wonderful .270 Winchester, the .25-06 and .280 Remingtons, and the great although perpetually star-crossed .35 Whelen. Shortened, the .30-06 case would give birth the .300 and .250 Savage, and the .22-250 Remington. The .300 Savage, modified slightly, would become the .308, starting yet another family. Dang, those Germans were really good.

The various factories are loading the Krag and .303 British approximating the "spitzer bullet" military specification (180 grains at 2,400fps), but it is the original roundnose loads (215-220 grains at 2,000-2,150fps) that are better for hunting. Even plain vanilla bullets perform well at this velocity without breaking up, and with bullet weight and sectional density both high, penetration is assured. Many British colonial settlers used their .303 Lee rifles to bash anything from hyenas to tigers to crop raiding elephants. It wasn't always ideal, but it did the job.

The .35 Whelen deserves a permanent factory platform.

It warms my heart to see these grand old cartridges being extolled again. They 25s-30s DEP lists were -- and are -- easy on the shoulder and ears and potent on the other end. They also cost far less to shoot than the various magnums and produce their listed ballistics in hunting-length barrels.
My first deer/big game rifle was a 7X57, 1908 Brazilian Oberndorf Mauser which produced as many one-shot kills, if not more, than any other rifle I have subsequently used. I still have it, still use it occasionally, and it still produces the same mild recoil and report and quickly dead mammals as it ever did. I believe one reason the 7X57 has such a good reputation for fast kills is that it a pleasant cartridge to shoot and enables more hunters to place bullets precisely.
I've always wanted a .257 Roberts and if I ever have enough loose shekels I will be looking to add a Winchester Model 70 Classic or Featherweight in that caliber to my collection. There is nothing a 6mm or .243 will do that a .257 Roberts will not do as well or better, and I own a .243.
I also indulged myself a few months back and picked up an old Savage made, WWII-era, sporterized Lee Enfield in .303 British, as much for the romance of it as anything else. In addition to Lake, the .303 was also a favorite of W.D.M. Bell and was the caliber Col. Patterson used to kill the Tsavo lions. I spent quite a few weeks cleaning it up and refinishing the stock, adding a red recoil pad, etc., and was surprised by how well it handles and how slickly it operates. There aren't too many elephants or lions wandering around the S. Texas brush country where I live, but I can't imagine a better round for feral hogs.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane Dave, and for introducing some younger guys to the virtues of these old warhorses.

The 45-70 and 35 Whelan are enjoying somewhat of a comeback in Mississippi & Louisiana with new regs on "primitive" weapons for whitetail hunting.
They have become so popular that they can be hard to find during the new hunting seasons.
I recently obtained my first 35 Whelan in a T/C Encore and have already become a fan of the cartridge. I can hardly wait to try it out on some nuisance hogs.

To deadeyedick: As nearly as I can tell, it's panic buying. People who normally get a box buy a brick. People who buy a brick get a case. When you increase the demand for anything by 100 percent to 1,000 percent, you get shortages.

Does anyone ever hunt with 8mm Mauser? I have always been curious about the performance of that caliber for hunting.

As long as the sportsmen and shooters keep swooping the ammo shelves like hungry buzzards, the shortages will persist.

Nah, the .35 Whelen is better 'cause it's the biggest bullet, right? LOL

I was going to thank you Dave for the stroll down memory lane but it should be called the Cartridge Hall of Fame. I shoot my 250 Savage a little more than my 7x57. For variety, I throw in a few rounds from my 22 Hornet.

I shot, handloaded, and hunted with a 257 Roberts, a 35 Whelen, and a 7mm Mauser for years. Fiddled with a 22 Hornet for two seasons on gophers. Loved and love them all.

BTW is it my imagination or is there little killing power difference between the 35 Whelen and 338-06 and 338 Mag vs. the 30-06 with 200-220 grain bullets?

Buckhunter,
Yes, a sad tragic event. Forgot you had met him. I believe he was Peters bow hunting specialist, so probably would have been your PH. So much enthusiasm, and looked like a choir boy. I was looking forward to spending a couple weeks with him. Several folks jokingly indicated he was so nice perhaps I would feel guilty and behave myself on this trip. He is one of several Professional Hunters, now gone, I have been lucky to have as comrades. Kindest Regards

Post Scrip
Sent condolences and flowers to his parents, but have not pressed for details, other than seeing what has been in press. Will keep you posted.

David,
How long has it been since you read Alexander Lake's books? If I had read them fifty years ago am sure I would have been less skeptical of some opinions and events. However, today, must confess am one of the amateur foreign hunters who's opinions amused and at times concerned him.
He certainly spent many years in Africa successfully working at all kinds of occupations using his faithful 303. His adventures make interesting, entertaining reading. However, this old, jaded African hunter found some of his geography puzzling, and his biology startling. A few of his shooting techniques would not work for me, but what the heck.
Hasten to add, still recommend them as a good read. Keep the suggestions coming. Kindest Regards

I have an 1886 Winchester in .33 WCF which years ago killed a big black bear like a thunderbolt from Zeus.

Dave,

Shouldn't the 250 Savage be included in this category?

DEP, you hit the nail on the head (as usual) with the .257 Rbts. and the .300 Savage. I have a Ruger 77 Ultralite, my daughter a Savage 110 in Rbts. Handloaded with now-discontinued (thank you so much, Big Green) Remington 120 grain corelokts, they are lethal on deer. I also have my dad's 99 in .300 Savage, another solid meat hammer. Good hunting to ya.

old rifle cartridges never die. some of them are put out to pasture, like old gun writers. but both are sad days when that happens. some realistically feeble cartridges are still with us to this day, resurrected by the phenomenon of cowboy action shooting. for the life of me, i can not imagine what appeal the 25-20 has in real life. other than breaking bottles. but it is as cute of a cartridge as you will ever find. the 303 British is an awesome deer killer. while some may argue that, i have seen a few deer that never moved after receiving one of its high speed pocket rockets. and i would not hesitate to use it on much larger game. maybe not dangerous game, but bigger no trouble.

sorry for multiple posts, computer did not give me indication that initial post was already successful.

.303, 6.5x55, 9.3x62, 7x57 (I still want to get an old mauser, get some bottom metal for AI magazines, and modify a few magazines for the old man in either 9.3 or 7x57 mauser), .45-70, and more than a few others always warm the cockles of my young, massive heart :)

Since I do not have the cash to go hunting all over the globe or buy a .398 thunder*&$#*er I,ll stick with what I have. Most of my hunting for deer and such critters is mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and west Virginia. The guns I use most are a .300 savage made in 1951, a model 94 win in 32 special made in in 1952, and a model 700 rem in .270 I got from my wife in 1984. Every once in a blue moon I scrape together enough money to go hunt elk and that .270 has yet to fail me. I'm getting a little along in age myself but like my guns, I can still cut the mustard when the need arises.

I don't know how to get a message to Happy Myles. My son is moving to Cameroon and I would like to converse about the area. My e-mail is brucespurgeon@comcast.net

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of leading a 14-year-old boy on an elk hunt. He shot his first elk with his grandpa's Savage 99 in 300 Savage. One shot, instant kill. I don't think he'll sell you that rifle, DEP. Some things you can't hang a price tag on.

Nice article Dave. I have taken possession of my Mom's model 99 in .300 Savage. She took 20 deer, three antelope and one elk with it. I have killed four deer with it and have regretted the times I haven't had it with me. I also own a 7x57 that began life as a German built 1908 for the Argentine Army. It has the DMw stamp on the receiver which along with the bolt are the only original pieces left. I had Sam May of Apex Rifle in Flagstaff, AZ put a new barrel on it and turn the bolt down. I later put a Timiney trigger in and glass-bedded the rig into a Fajen stock. It shoots 2 inch groups at 500 meters. Not bad for a reworked old classic. I am taking possession of Dad's Savage 99 in .308 later this year since he says his shooting days are over. I've had a number of .308's over the years and the only real difference between a .308 Win and a .300 Sav that I can see is that the .308 is more handloader friendly because of the longer neck. The difference in performance is less than the differential between the .308 and the Grand Old Cannon (30-06). I have two of those that my Grandfather bought between the wars and had sporterized. One is a 1917 Eddystone Enfield pattern and the other is a classic Springfield Armory model. The only other rifles I have carried for a big game hunt are a .270 Win. and two different .243 Win.