Written by Ashley Burgess Gall, Laura Burgess Marketing, on behalf of Big Horn Armory
In recent years, a noticeable shift has been taking place across the hunting and backcountry communities—one that’s hard to ignore. More and more hunters are trading in their light, flat-shooting cartridges for something bigger, bolder, and undeniably more powerful. Big-bore hunting is on the rise.
But this isn’t just about chasing more recoil or bragging rights at deer camp. The growing interest in big-bore calibers is rooted in practical needs, real-world performance, and a changing perspective on what’s truly necessary when venturing into the wild.
Big-Bore for the Big Game—and Bigger Consequences
Hunters across North America are facing environments that demand more from both the hunter and the rifle. Whether you’re trekking deep into grizzly country, calling elk in the timber, or protecting yourself from the unexpected, big-bore calibers offer something that lighter rounds simply can’t: immediate and unmistakable authority.
Calibers like the .500 S&W Magnum, .460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, .475 Linebaugh, and .500 Linebaugh were once seen as specialty rounds, often relegated to revolvers or niche firearms. But in recent years, their utility in rifles has gained serious traction—and for good reasons. These heavy-hitting cartridges deliver tremendous energy on target, making them ideal for hunting large or dangerous game in dense cover where follow-up shots need to count.
Learn Why More Hunters are Choosing Larger Calibers
About Big Horn Armory:
Big Horn Armory was founded in 2008 with the expressed intention of designing a Browning-type lever-action gun chambered in 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. The Big Horn Armory Model 89, made in America, closely follows the work of John Browning with refinements courtesy of modern metallurgy and machining capabilities. The first rifles began shipping in September of 2012 and since then, BHA has added to their big bore lineup with a Model 90 Carbine in 460 S&W, the Model 90A in 454 Casull, the Model 90B in .45 Colt, the Model 89A in 500 Linebaugh and the Model 89B in .475 Linebaugh. In 2017, Big Horn Armory took a departure from its lever-action series and developed the AR500 Auto Max, the most powerful short-range, semi-auto based on an AR .308 platform.
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