What's the ".357 Magnum" of rifle calibers?

[Nom de Forum]

The cartridge that made the U.S. realize that the .30/40 krag wouldn't cut it. The 8x57.

More precisely it was the 7X57 in Spanish Mausers during the Spanish-American War that demonstrated that the .30-40 Krag wouldn't cut it.

 

[The Big D]

In terms of ubiquitous general purpose centerfire rifle cartridges, it pretty much comes down to four: .308, .30-06, .270, and 7mm Remington mag. As with anything rifle-related, there are of course a million nearly interchangeable options, but those are the popular ones. They all have basically the same capabilities - taking all NA game except for bison and the great bears out to about 300-400y. Of course any of them is more than sufficient for humans. There are some minor differences - the .270 shoots flat, but is most challenged on bigger game like elk and moose. The .308 is the most challenged at range. The 30-06 and 7mm mag recoil harder. The 7mm mag has the longest reach.

 

[Don357]

IMHO, for paper punching and even small to medium sized game hunting, a .38/.357mag rifle or carbine (which are available in lever, bolt, pump, and semi-auto (if you're lucky enough to find a Ruger )) would be the ideal candidate for your purpose.

 

[Missouri Farmer]

Like a lot of people are saying I think it's the 30-06.

 

[AKMtnRunner]

Got to thinking . . .

32 acp ~ 223 rem
9mm ~ 6.8 spc
357 mag ~ 7mm rem mag
40 S&W ~ 308 win
10 mm ~ 30-06 Spfd
41 mag ~ 8mm rem mag
44 mag ~ 338 win mag
45 acp ~ 358 win
45 colt ~ 375 H&H
454 casull ~ 375 Weatherby
460 S&W ~ 378 Weatherby
475 Linebaugh ~ 416 Rigby
480 Ruger ~ 416 Rem Mag
500 S&W ~ 460 Weatherby