This 1913 Cartridge Was WAY Ahead of Its Time! Eps. 483
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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.
The .256 Newton cartridge (1913) was a pioneering wildcat design that anticipated modern high-BC cartridges like the .25-06 and 6.5-06.
Long-range hunting requires careful consideration of ethics, wind, distance, and shot placement to avoid wounding animals.
Habitat loss is a systemic issue; public funding through excise taxes (like Pittman-Robertson) should support wildlife conservation.
Bullet momentum matters for penetration, especially on larger game, even if not formally tracked in ballistics calculators.
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
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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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
“Every acre lost to man-made developments of any kind is one acre lost to wildlife. And that is the whole thing.”
“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.”
“The public at large should be paying for wildlife habitat protection and restoration, but they won't.”
Host
Ron Spomer
person
Betsy
person
.256 Newton
other
.30-06 Springfield
other
Weatherby
organization
John Thompson
person
Ron Spomer Outdoors
media
7mm Remington Magnum
other
Roger
person
American Hat Maker
organization
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