[seeker_two]

Since the question about "hunting" rifles has been asked, I'd like to see what THR'ers would choose if they couldn't have the "traditional military" calibers (i.e. .223, .308, .30-06, 7.62x39, 8mm, 7.62x54R, etc.)--in a strictly theoretical excercise.

What would YOU choose?

Remember, "hunting" calibers only....

[Navy joe]

.30-30. Adequate ballistics, near universal availability on this continent.

.22LR, another possible contender, used as a DIY own a .308 kit.

[Redlg155]

.243 Winchester.

This little caliber has a lot of potential as an all purpose rifle. I've been toying with the idea of a FAL in this caliber.

Good Shooting
Red

[Roadrunner]

I would pick a caliber that is very common and readily available anywhere in the country. For me, the 30-06.

[Kcustom45]

I already have a couple rifles in .308, but if I couldn't have that I guess I would go with a .270. I'm not really sure why but that would be my choice.

[WonderNine]

30-30

It's the only round I can think of that's as commonly available as military calibers.

[Mike Irwin]

Hum...

I'd probably grab first for either my Savage 99 or my Remington 722, both in .300 Savage.

[Snaps]

maybe a .45. Like a HK USC or something along those lines.

[DAL]

Even though I don't own a rifle chambered for it (although I may, someday), nor have I ever fired the round, I'd probably pick the 7-08. There's something very appealing to me about that round.
DAL

[David4516]

Another vote for .30-30

In a SHTF situation where a semi-auto isn't at hand, I'd like to have one of my Winchester 94s (I've had one for years and got a second one a couple days ago:) ). If you don't count automatics, the lever action is the fastest action type, IMHO. Also the tube mag has higher capicity than most other action types, the only downside being slower reloads.

[ojibweindian]

What would I choose? Easy, either a .30-30 or a .22WMR.

I already have a Marlin 25MN, but would love to get my hands on a Winchester '94. And I will, too, before the end of the year.

[Art Eatman]

I'd probably pick and choose through .243, 7mm08, .30-40 Krag, .30-30, .22 Swift, .22-250...Oughta be something in the safe that's useful...

:), Art

[seeker_two]

Sounds good, Art...

...but .30-40 Krag is a military caliber, too. :D

(Nice collection...:D :D )

[tex_n_cal]

Hmmm....

a 9mm carbine

a 30-30

a .303 British, though yes I know it's technically a military caliber.

the .300 savage can be easily made from .308 brass, by the way.

[six 4 sure]

I'd pick either my .243, 30-30, .270 wsm, or most likely my .357 lever gun and my S&W 28 for a good rifle pistol combo.

six

[David4516]

.30-40 Krag should count since the millitary stopped using it 100 years ago. Besides, its a really cool caliber, one of my favs... I wish they still made Krag rifles...

[Mannlicher]

If it were really shtf time, I guess I would have to go with the Mannlicher-Schoenauer in .270 Winchester. Main reason? I have about 900 rounds of Federal ammo for it. Bought it on sale when KMart went out of the gun biz, for a buck a box of 20.

[Bostonterrier97]

257 Roberts
(a lot of my hunting rifles are in 30-06 and other military calibers....)

308 Norma Magnum
(Factory loaded ammo is expenisive..I always just load my own..err..am not above loading pulled 165 grain Blacktip AP ammo..I get about 3200 fps)

[Sir Galahad]

.45/70