Taurus 617 CCW
Member
I personally use a 30-06 and chose it mainly because of the availability of loaded ammunition, component availability, caliber versatility, and decent ballistic range. The 30-06 is not for everyone and those that are recoil sensitive may find it uncomfortable. A good recoil pad can good a long way. Short action calibers are usually easier on the shoulder (Super short magnums excluded).
My hunting buddy has used the .243 caliber for over 40 years and he gets his deer every season. He also hunts elk with it and they have not argued when shot. Bullet placement is more important than bullet diameter. I would recommend picking a caliber you can find on most ammo shelves unless you reload.
The calibers with a * next to them are very common on store shelves.
.243 Winchester (short action)*
25-06 Remington (long action)
.270 Winchester (long action)*
7mm Remington Magnum (magnum action)*
.280 Remington (long action)
.308 Winchester (short action)*
30-06 Springfield (long action)*
My hunting buddy has used the .243 caliber for over 40 years and he gets his deer every season. He also hunts elk with it and they have not argued when shot. Bullet placement is more important than bullet diameter. I would recommend picking a caliber you can find on most ammo shelves unless you reload.
The calibers with a * next to them are very common on store shelves.
.243 Winchester (short action)*
25-06 Remington (long action)
.270 Winchester (long action)*
7mm Remington Magnum (magnum action)*
.280 Remington (long action)
.308 Winchester (short action)*
30-06 Springfield (long action)*