What all-purpose hunting caliber?

[streetstang67]

I currently have a Rem 7400 in .30-06, since I want something more accurate, I'll be getting rid of the rifle for another. I'm looking for a rifle chambered in a caliber versatile enough to take pretty much any north american game. That is why I originally chose the .30-06 (I'm wondering if a new caliber had been developed since 1906 that is better suited). I'm considering all other calibers including .308, 7mm and anything else. Which caliber will suit my needs for hunting game of varying sizes and at varying distances?

I'll mainly use this weapon for deer hunting, but if the day comes up when I'm able to travel to hunt elk, caribou, bear, or any other game, I'd like to be able to use the same gun.

 

[Tom C.]

The .30-06 is still considered the premere caliber for NA hunting. Choose your loads wisely. If you are unsatisfied with your current rifle, condider a suitable bolt gun in .30-06. If you insist in more power, a .300 Win Mag should be more than sufficient.

 

[roscoe]

.30-06 is definitely more versatile than .308. Also, I have never fired a 7400, but they seem to have a so-so reputation. Maybe just get another .30-06 in a nice bolt action, or BAR if you are wedded to semi..

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think a quality bolt gun in 30-06 will fit the bill very well.

Also, you won't have to buy more ammo to feed it.

 

[Legionnaire]

My answer to the same question was .308. The .30-06 might be more versatile, especially if you reload, but the .308 would be sufficient for the game you mention ... unless you're talking about grizzly bear, in which case I'd want something bigger than a .30 caliber.

I prefer the .308 over the .30-06 because of its shorter cartridge, which allows for a short action. My favorite deer hunting rifle is a Remington Model Seven in .308. It's a great package.

 

[Lou629]

I think the '06 has been as popular as it has for the last hundred years or so because it works. Most of the new calibers that come out from time to time are just like a "new & improved" brand of anything else. The marketing gurus have to think of some way to get us to buy more of their products. Stick with the one that has the BTDT 100-year label of approval on it.

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

I've got it!

The best caliber for what you describe...... 30-06.

 

[BCHunter]

Hard to beat the '06

Ditto, you already have a versatile accurate cartridge capable of comfortably handling anything in North America with proper bullet selection. A quality bolt action rifle, and many manufactures guarantee sub MOA accuracy, will improve greatly on the Remington 7400, but how much do you need? How much can you use?

 

[streetstang67]

well, sounds like the .30-06 is the best choice, thanks yall

 

[gbran]

Ya gotta get a new 30'06 WSSM to really be cool.

 

[rangerruck]

if we are not including bears, then i would say that anything between 6.5 cal and 7.62. With the 270 , 7mm ,6.5 swede , 25.06, 6.5 .06 being the fastest and flatest.
that being said, its tough to beat an '06 for the sheer variety of bullet weight and design that is out there. If you really wanna reach out, get something in weatherby mag, the 257 is the fastest, flatest shooting cartridge ever made, that has decent size and weight to take anything in N. America, except bears.
My personal faves are the old 6mm remmy and the 6.5 swede.