This 1913 Cartridge Was WAY Ahead of Its Time! Eps. 483

Ron Spomer Outdoors1h 1mApril 1, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Ron Spomer Outdoors, host Ron Spomer dives into the history of the 1913 .256 Newton cartridge, a groundbreaking wildcat design that predated many modern cartridges like the .270 Winchester and .25-06 Remington. He highlights how Charles Newton creatively modified the .30-06 case to create a high-performance round with a 6.5mm bullet diameter, showcasing the long-standing innovation in cartridge development. The episode transitions into a deep discussion on long-range shooting ethics, recoil management, and the debate over whether long-range hunting is ethical or excessive. Ron emphasizes the importance of reducing variables like distance and wind when shooting big game, citing a personal experience with a wounded zebra. He also explores the broader question of wildlife habitat responsibility, arguing that the public should fund conservation through excise taxes, despite political resistance. Later segments cover practical hunting advice, including bullet selection for black bear, subsonic rifle options like the .300 Blackout, and the role of momentum in bullet performance. Ron concludes with a promotion for his books on 7mm cartridges and predator hunting strategies, reinforcing his mission to educate and engage his audience.

Key Takeaways
1

The .256 Newton cartridge (1913) was a pioneering wildcat design that anticipated modern high-BC cartridges like the .25-06 and 6.5-06.

2

Long-range hunting requires careful consideration of ethics, wind, distance, and shot placement to avoid wounding animals.

3

Habitat loss is a systemic issue; public funding through excise taxes (like Pittman-Robertson) should support wildlife conservation.

4

Bullet momentum matters for penetration, especially on larger game, even if not formally tracked in ballistics calculators.

5

Subsonic rifles like the .300 Blackout are viable for small to medium game when quiet shooting is needed.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Sponsor: FishingBooker.com

Promotion for FishingBooker.com, a platform that connects anglers with verified fishing captains worldwide, offering secure booking, customer reviews, and loyalty rewards.

5:00
5 min

The Forgotten 1913 .256 Newton Cartridge

This little guy right here... it's a 6.5, a .264 inch diameter bullet. And boy, there are a lot of folks who really appreciate what Charles Newton was able to do. He was an early innovator.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Long-Range Shooting Ethics and Practical Advice

The only big game animal I ever wounded and lost to the mountains, zebra in Namibia. It was also the longest shot I had ever attempted at a big game. The split second between squeezing that trigger and impact, the bullet took a step.

Highlight
20:00
15 min

Who Should Pay for Wildlife Habitat?

Every acre lost to man-made developments of any kind is one acre lost to wildlife. And that is the whole thing.

Highlight
35:00
13 min

Ballistics Deep Dive: BC vs. Velocity

Velocity did not make up the difference. Velocity does not beat BC every day on game. I'm sorry.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Every acre lost to man-made developments of any kind is one acre lost to wildlife. And that is the whole thing.
Ron Spomer19:54
Viral: 90.0
The only big game animal I ever wounded and lost to the mountains, zebra in Namibia. It was also the longest shot I had ever attempted at a big game. The split second between squeezing that trigger and impact, the bullet took a step.
John Thompson10:08
Viral: 88.0
The public at large should be paying for wildlife habitat protection and restoration, but they won't.
Ron Spomer20:59
Viral: 87.0
Speakers

Host

Ron Spomer
Topics Discussed
Cartridge History and Innovation95%Long-Range Hunting Ethics90%Wildlife Habitat Conservation88%Ballistics and Bullet Performance85%Hunting Equipment and Gear75%Momentum in Bullet Penetration70%Subsonic Rifles and Silencers65%Barrel Life and Rifle Maintenance60%
People & Brands

Ron Spomer

person

15xPositive

Betsy

person

10xPositive

.256 Newton

other

8xPositive

.30-06 Springfield

other

7xNeutral

Weatherby

organization

6xPositive

John Thompson

person

5xPositive

Ron Spomer Outdoors

media

5xPositive

7mm Remington Magnum

other

4xNeutral

Roger

person

3xPositive

American Hat Maker

organization

3xPositive

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