• You are using the old Black Responsive theme. We have installed a new dark theme for you, called UI.X. This will work better with the new upgrade of our software. You can select it at the bottom of any page.

What is the ideal all-around hunting rifle battery?

Status
Not open for further replies.

cjanak

Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2008
Messages
64
Location
Seattle, WA
What is the ideal all-around hunting rifle battery?

Rules:
-Limit of 5 calibers/rifles
-Must be capable of taking game from varmints up to big, dangerous game.

Definitions:
Varmints and Small Game – prairie dogs, rabbits, coyotes, etc.
Medium Game –Antelope, deer, goats etc.
Large Game – Elk, Moose, etc.
Very Large/Dangerous Game – Buffalo, Rhino, etc.

I think I’d go with the following:

.22LR - varmints and small game
.220 Swift - varmints, small and medium sized game
6.5x55 Swede – medium and large sized game
.338 Winchester Magnum – large and certain very large sized game
.416 Remington – very large and dangerous game

Were I to factor in availability of rifles, factory ammo and cost I’d probably swap the Swede for a .308 and the .220 Swift for a .223.

Honorable Mention: Had there been room for a sixth, I’d probably go with the 7MM Remington Magnum or perhaps a .30-30, the former fitting nicely between the Swede and the .338 with the later performing well as an all purpose mountain rifle.
 
Last edited:
AR with 223 upper and 308 upper.
12 ga 870.
Bolt action 375 H&H.
Double rifle in 416 Rigby (or whatever comparable cartridge).
 
I love shotguns, but my question was about the ideal rifle battery. Though I guess a shotgun with a rifled bore technically meets my definition, doesn't it? :D
 
.22LR Winchester 9422
.243 bolt action
.30-06 bolt action
.50 Barrett M82--it should handle any dangerous critter you care to shoot at, and do so at a safe distance :)

EDIT: And a M1 for rifle #5, since everyone should have one.
 
Last edited:
Marlin 39A .22LR

BLR81 in either 22-250 or .243 for coyotes, ground hogs etc.

Marlin 336 in 30-30 for hog/deer in the close brush

BLR 81 in .308 For Deer/Elk and more long distance

Marlin .450 MXLR for stuff with big pointy teeth!
 
As Harv said, an ACCURATE
.22LR
,223
.308/'06
.375 H&H
12 gauge pump (some areas are shotgun-only & I like birds on the grill & threats emphatically neutralized.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top