Can only pick one!

[wvmntnhick]

Things are slow and I've got a few minutes to burn. Seeing the coyote pic got me to thinking. If you could only pick one caliber to do it all, what would it be? Everything from varmints to whitetail/mule deer. Not throwing elk or larger into the mix because that starts a totally different debate. Personally, and understand I'm not a huge fan, I'd take a 243 (or 6mm variant like the 6x284) with a fast twist barrel that would stabilize the longer bullets offered in that caliber. They have a great BC and do well on paper at distance. It's plenty for deer with the proper bullet and before anyone asks, I'm not opposed to using the 85 grain bullets for everything mentioned above. The 100+ grain bullets are pretty amazing too. Just wanna see where this goes, if it gets legs at all that is.


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[davisd9]

270 win, can be loaded down for small game or with a good bullet I would have no issue to go after elk sized game.

[1iagobblergetter]

.243

[turkeymanjim]

243 Winchester

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[Jester87]

.270 win. Have taken bear and elk down to coyotes with it. Though I do love the .243 wssm for deer and antelope. 

[Rzrbac]

30 06, ammo is readily available in many options. It's not the most accurate caliber I've shot but it's what I own and would likely cover all the situations terrain/game I'm gonna encounter. I would also think .308 would be a good all around rifle.

[wvmntnhick]

For those that mentioned the 270, I'm with you. The 270 is still one of my favorite rounds for deer and black bears. Wouldn't be scared on elk either but that wasn't part of the original equation.

30-06 has absolutely been a cartridge I've given up on. I know it'll do everything and I think that's why I hate it so much. Not sure how many I've had over the years but I just can't seem to keep one in my possession. Now, the 308 mentioned, yup. Love that round. It's been very solid for me. Smoked more deer than I can count with the 308 and it's more than enough for coyotes.

Having said that, let's keep it going. Love the opinions so far.


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[Greg Massey]

6.5 creedmoor

[Spitten and drummen]

I would take a 6.5 creedmoor all day.

[crow]

One rifle to do it all------Marlin 336 30-30

reload it with a light load of Unique and cast bullet for small game, won't tear them up.

110 to 130 grain jacketed bullet loaded hot for varmints.

150 to 170grain for medium game
or Hornadys lever evolution if you want something a little flatter

Buffalo Bore's hard cast 190grain for elk, moose and bear,
or reloads with a heavy cast bullet

Handy rifle for the truck and other situations

fast reliable accurate

[Old Timer]

simply put: 6.5 creedmoor

[Southerngobbler]

I went to the 243 years ago for the smaller whitetails in Florida. All my other rifles have been in the gun safe ever sense.

[Sir-diealot]

.243 Winchester for sure. I would have to figure out a load that would not rip up the hides though. If I could pick second I would take .222 Winchester to limit hide damage.

[wvmntnhick]

.243 Winchester for sure. I would have to figure out a load that would not rip up the hides though. If I could pick second I would take .222 Winchester to limit hide damage.

Why not the triple deuce for everything?


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[wvmntnhick]

One rifle to do it all------Marlin 336 30-30

reload it with a light load of Unique and cast bullet for small game, won't tear them up.

110 to 130 grain jacketed bullet loaded hot for varmints.

150 to 170grain for medium game
or Hornadys lever evolution if you want something a little flatter

Buffalo Bore's hard cast 190grain for elk, moose and bear,
or reloads with a heavy cast bullet

Handy rifle for the truck and other situations

fast reliable accurate

Love your thinking.


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