Single All Around Cartridge?

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I'd go for .243win. Loaded heavy for deer, light for varmints, there's not much I can't do with it. But I'm not going for elk or moose around here, whitetail deer would be the biggest, and the .243 is plenty for that.

Second choice would be .308, and it's a very close second, but that's a bit much for groundhogs.
 
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The .30-06 is fine as far as it goes. But there are other's I'd pick over it for your definition of all around:

1) 7x57
2) 6.5x55

Either of these, for example, can be loaded appropriate to any game in North America. If you're going to need more on the varmint end then

3) .257 Roberts

would be a great choice that can still be used for big game as well.

I personally went with 7x57 as my all around. In a strong 98 mauser or single shot action, it'll do anything you want it to.
 
kcshooter said:
I'd go for .243win. Loaded heavy for deer, light for varmints, There's not much I can't do with it. But I'm not going for elk or moose around here, whitetail deer would be the biggest, and the .243 is plenty for that.

Second choice would be .308, and it's a very close second, but that's a bit much for groundhogs.
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I was surprised someone didn't mention .243 earlier, My other All Around would be a 30-30
you would have to let some of the more dangerous critter get awfully close maybe too close for comfort but it will drop just about anything it shoots
 
In Ohio where I live deer are our only big game and center fire rifles are not a legal method of hunting. For what I can use a rifle for the .223/5.56 is the most versitle choice. If that situation were to change, so would my choice of cartridge.
 
I'm going to go against the grain and nominate the 25-06 since It's suitable for everything from varmints to elk.
 
Just to clarify, he meant for hunting deer. No centerfire rifle for deer in OH. Now a .50 cal sabot fired from a 12 gauge? Totally legal. But a .243? Heavens no. *shrug*
 
Probably depends on where you are. Africa, .375 H&H. NYC? mmm... yeah, .223 might work. Northern US? .30-06, for sure, though I'm surprised noone from North Dakota or somewhere has said .45-70. I hear it's murder on jackrabbits, at least under 25 yds.
Here? .30-30 would do anything I'd be fool enough to attempt.
 
Some states have decided that centerfire rifle bullets travel too far to be allowed: too little control, they say, over where the bullet goes if it misses the intended target. Shotgun slugs, OTOH, drop so quickly that they're deemed safe.
 
If your asking this question your prob. not shooting past 200 yrds.(hopefully)
rounds you will find in any store that sells bullets
deer and smaller 243 will do it fine.
270 winchester will give you some room for error (more kick)
308 & 30-06 elk and things with fangs (just need to know the distance) a little closer. They kick more and drop faster MORE or LESS.
 
I could use a 30-30 as my all around. I have never been a long range guy. I typically only shoot out to 125 yards.
 
Like I said, .30-30 will do anything I'm fool enough to try... i won't try 300 yd shots w/it; i won't try to kill large predators with it. I something 300 lbs with teeth and claws needs stopping, something has already gone wrong... and it would prob have started with my decision to go looking for something 300lb-ish w/ teeth & claws... :uhoh:
 
Like I said, .30-30 will do anything I'm fool enough to try... i won't try 300 yd shots w/it; i won't try to kill large predators with it. I something 300 lbs with teeth and claws needs stopping, something has already gone wrong... and it would prob have started with my decision to go looking for something 300lb-ish w/ teeth & claws...
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Not that I totally disagree, but the first time you get chased around a tree by a ticked off Cow Moose because you are between her and her 200# "Baby", you may change your tune...

Just sayin'...

:D
 
The .30-06 is a great all purpose round, but today .308 ammo is a little cheaper, has nearly the same performance, and you'll find a much larger selection of firearms in .308.
 
If you can't kill a moose at twenty yards or less with a 30-30, then you need target practice, not a bigger rifle.
 
If you can't kill a moose at twenty yards or less with a 30-30, then you need target practice, not a bigger rifle.
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What he said!!

Nothing you can shoot from the shoulder will stop a charging moose at 20 yards unless you hit it where it has to be hit.
Right between and below the eyes, or under the chin, breaking the spine.

If you do that, a 30-30 will stop it in it's tracks, as soon as it stops sliding on it's nose making a track.

rc
 
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