What is the ideal all-around hunting rifle battery?

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cjanak

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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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