The topic is hunting the world with only three cartridges. So, initially one might think .30-06 Springfield and what other two? Simply because .30-06 is so versatile. But, realistically, although superior to the .270, by how much? But I digress.
But, once you break this down to only THREE rounds and wish to cover the WORLD with the most versatility, one HAS to be 12 gauge. For fowl and for small game like squirrel. Then you need to have adequate stopping power for dangerous African game. Probably even .416 Rigby isn’t adequate, perhaps .577 Nitro. And then, in the middle can be .30-06 Springfield.
If one wants to include .22LR then the .30-06, seemingly the obvious first choice, would have to be eliminated. As it’s all about projectile placement, carefully place your .577 Nitro round when hunting whitetail deer so your game isn’t pulverized.
With regards to projectile placement, wasn’t the Boone & Crockett record deer taken with a .25-20? And I’m sure somewhere a bull elephant has been taken with a properly placed .22LR round.
As for myself, I’ve never hunted outside of the States and have taken more deer with a Winchester 1886 rifle in .33 WCF than any other round.
If this question was limited to only THREE rounds for taking North American game, inevitably .30-06 Springfield would make the list of about 90% of those questioned, but if the .33 WCF was regularly chambered in modern scoped rifles, maybe it would be a good all around choice. If not eclipsed by its big brother, .45-70 Government.
