Top 5 favorite rifle cartridges

- .22LR - for reasons many have mentioned. Shy of fending off the hordes or "discretionary" deer and elk, this could be the "if I only could have one" on principle.
- 6.8 SPC - in Mini 14- ultimate round/platform for intermediate SD/HD/hordes autoloader carbine that can also do the hunting thing if called upon. Close 2nd, .30 Carbine, which may be the ultimate close-in HD carbine that can still outreach the "auto pistol" caliber carbines. The 6.8's ultimately more versatile from intermediate ranges on out--and equal or better in close--in this "5 only list." Viscerally I still like the handy M1 Carbine better!
Extra note: I grant that the x39 is much more available--and I really like the new Ruger Min 30 Tactical in it, just like the 6.8 better.
- .30-30 - Just because. Still the ultimate lever round for all'round handiness, versatility--and availability. Another for the "if I could only have one" short list. Like the .22, everyone should have one. Pre 64 Win 94's my choice, but a Marlin 336 is a damn fine one as well.
- .270 Win - Quintessential sheep and deer round. Can excel in the larger game role exending through elk--especially with modern day ammo as well, though on this list I'll leave that role to the next choice (.35W). The 7mm-08 is a close second here and has the short action thing going for it, but I'm only allowed five and the .270's extra reach wins here. Besides, this is a "favorites" list and not necessarily a "Top 5 Strategy" list. Still a very close call though given I can also have a
- .35 Whelen - My selection for elk specialist and can go "down" to mulies as well of course when called upon. Someone already stole my thunder on this one. Not a big bolt-magnum fan, and this can do most of that stuff--there's a technical term--on this continent anyway. Classic round.

Feel guilty about no
- .45-70 - Fabulous round and the guns that shoot it.
- 7mm-08 - Actually mentioned as an honorable mention, as maybe the ultimate "mountain rifle" round it's more veratile than its smaller brother .243, and deserves better on this list...and in a "strategic 5" list it'd definitely make it. I think a M1A/Socom would be fabulous in the 7 as well (just as it also is in its parent .308).
- .22-250 - Just because
- .44 Mag - The .30-30 just had to get the nod for the classic close-to-intermediate lever round, but sometimes 10 rounds of the big bore.44 in a handy 92 carbine just makes good sense for the up close or dense stuff. Would be my preferred choice for a "camp gun."

Later edit: Great thread btw, one of the best. One would be hard pressed not to find enough gems of wisdom in the responses to put together a very viable 5 to 10 gun battery if starting from scratch, or rethinking your current batch.

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.223 especially in the AR15 platform takes me back to my days in the Army.

.35 Remington 336 marlin was my first deer rifle.

.30-06 very versatile and in the M1 Garand who could not love it.

.260 my new favorite do it all caliber.

.30-30 in a pre 64 model 94 is the sweetest shooter I ever owned.
 
1) .22 lr for practice and basic small game hunting

2) .303 brit for softer recoil on game as large as moose in a pinch but I won't ever hunt moose on purpose

3) .30-30 win for general medium game and brush rifle

4) .260 for long range accuracy

5) 7.62x54r because I can and it's an excuse to get another mosin :cool:
 
1. 45/70 Govt. Good to kill basically any thing short of a cape buffalo.
2. 357 magnum. Great in a Marlin, I use it for Coyote and Hogs
3. 17HMR. Very accurate and great for varminting and plinking.
4. 50 BMG. Don't think I need to explain tis one.


I cant think of a 5th
 
.22 magnum - I kill everything from squirrels and coyotes to public land hogs with it.

30-30 - Just something fun about toting an old 94 through the swamps and thick cover.

.270 - In an old beat up Remington Sportsman. I've killed more deer with this round than I can remember, those old school 130 grain winchester silvertips are bad medicine.

.338 Fed. Have this in a Kimber and love it. Hogs, Bears (Black), Elk, Moose, and Deer it gives them all the deep sleep.

.470 Nitro. - Got to have the classic double for all those big uglies on the Dark Continent.
 
Now.

.308 Win - its what i shoot most of the time, i've come to love the round
.260 AI - i have a .260 also a joy to shoot
6mmXC - dying to build a rig chambered in this little round, low recoil and great ballistics
.223 - Have 2 ARs absolutely love shooting em, ammo is cheap and can still shoot med. range.
.22lr - grew up on the .22lr like most also extremely fun
 
22lr cheap, fun, teaching caliber, small game

.223/5.56 HD/SD Plinking, Varmint,

.243 win varmint, deer, antelope, plinking far stuff

.338win mag deer, elk, things that charge and bite

45/70 Deer and bigger, bear/cat SD, gongs, rocks, jugs of water, fun....

all these seem to me to be readily available whenever im looking in stores.
 
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My favorites:

1. .22 LR ---- cheap, fun, and doesn't kick like a mule.

2. .30-06 ---- handle just about any game in North America. Easily found. Some historical value (model 1903).

3. 7mm Rem Mag --- Don't own one, but I like what the ballistic charts say about it (keeps energy a long ways out, shoots straight, travels fast). Ammunition is readily available.

4. 30-30 --- because I'm from Colorado. It's just not right to be in the west without a lever action rifle.

5. .308 --- because it's one of the more common cartridge for the Browning BLR. (I like the rifle more than the cartridge)
 
.22LR cheap to shoot and just plain fun
.223 Rem Because my Mini-14 is a blast to plink with
6.5x55mm Swede Because mine puts Whitetails down like Thor's hammer. 140gr Sierra Gameking SPBT are my preferrence.
.280 Rem have a custom built Mauser benchrest gun that is an absolute tack driver.
30-06 only because I have to own a Garand at some point. I have my CMP paperwork all filled out and sitting on my desk waiting. I can't wait.

Stu
 
Not in any particular order.
.22 lr
.22 wmr
.44 remington magnum
.30 wcf (.30-30)
and a toss up between .30-06 springfield and the 7mm remington magnum
These are the cartridges I seem to stick with over the years even when I may change guns. The .22 lr is a great plinker and pest control cartridge. The .22 wmr is so much fun and a good small game getter. The .44 mag is an outstanding close to medium range woods and brush hunter. The .30-30 is a great goto cartridge for general purpose. I've always used a 7mm rem mag or .30-06 for my long rang hunting rifle.
 
.308
22-250
25.06
.223
22lr.


All calibers are accurate and fun to shoot. Absolute favorite is a toss up between .308 and 22-250. Probably a slight edge to .308. . .well maybe 22-250. . .on second thought .308. . .maybe the 22-250.:o

And so it goes. I shoot a lot of both calibers.


Geetarman:D
 
Just 5 favorites that's tough? From the calibers I own

Top choice
Remington 7mm rem mag. I have hunted with this cartridge 20 years now and love it! Making kills from 30 yards out past 500 yards my go to cartridge.

.308 AR10 fun to shoot fun to take whitetailin'

223 Colt AR15's just plain fun

6mm rem fast and flat no recoil

22-250 rem fast and flat need for speed

22lr always
 
I only have 3....

1-.22LR....So much fun, inexpensive, accurate and versatile.

2-.357 Magnum....Great in a lever and will probably be just as great or better in Ruger's 77/357 (if and when it ever comes out).

3-.223....Really useful, versatile and affordable.
 
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In no particular order...

.22 LR

6mm Rem

260 Rem

8x57 Mauser (or 8mm-06 AI...can't decide which, as I like them both. Definitely a tie here...)

45-70

With honorable mentions going to 30-30 WCF, 325 WSM, 35 Rem, 30-40 Krag, and 38-40 WCF...the other 5 favorites :D
 
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