With exceptions such as the Remington Ultra Mags, the new class of magnums doesn’t offer any significant gains in velocity over their counterparts.

Similarly, the Hornady-designed Ruger Compact Magnums and the .375 and .416 Ruger rounds--and the Marlin Express cartridges--are based on similar propellant technology. Handloaders will come close but cannot equal the performance of factory ammo.

So if you live in an area where sources of supply are limited, you may want to stick with tried-and-true (and popular) cartridges. Or make sure you plan ahead.

I have not embraced all of the new magnums. Come to think of it, I haven't embraced all the old magnums, either. There are just too darned many. And, of course, our long-established preferences still come into play.

Although I've used the 7mm Remington Magnum extensively, I'm not a huge fan of the fast 7mms and therefore have not embraced any of the new 7mm magnums.

Come to think of it, I haven't embraced any of the new production .30 caliber magnums, either. Again, I've used them all and they do what they're supposed to do, but I have rifles I trust in .300 Winchester, .300 Weatherby, .300 H&H and both short and long Lazzeroni magnums.

On the other hand, I have a long-loved .270 Winchester, but I now have two .270 WSMs. Left to my own devices, my choice for a tough sheep hunt would be my short, light .270 WSM.

I'm a .338 Winchester Magnum fan, but I'm enthralled by the .338 RCM--same performance in a shorter, handier package. And I've already told you how I feel about the .375 Ruger.

So while the new magnums cannot offer more velocity and may not offer more accuracy, it really does come down to packaging. If the packaging of the new magnums appeals to you, then rest assured they do everything they are supposed to do.