Best North American hunting caliber?

Dang N.A. is a big place and I don't think it's even possible to pick one for the U.S. The .30-06 seems to be in the lead on this thread but you know what, it's one of the worst choices here in Iowa and many other states. The .270, .308, any of the magnums, etc are right up there on the bad choice category too for many of us. So much so that if you really want a do it all hunting rifle round it almost takes them off the list.

Let's face it, there just isn't any rifle cartridge that will do big bears, moose, etc yet still be a good round to use in many areas.

The OP asked for best not what's capable of taking every critter that walks this hemisphere and 99% of hunting is on game that doesn't come close to requiring a .308 or .30-06 let alone a cartridge that has big bear stopping power.

Truth be told the .22lr may indeed be used in the field more than any other cartridge. Best centerfires? Many of the more moderate 6mm's, .25's and 6.5's will do the job better than the big bores in most of N.A. Total up all the brown bear, moose and elk kills in N.A every year and they don't even make a pimple on the butt of all the other game killed and hunters hunting then don't even spend a fraction of the time in the woods compared to hunter pursuing other game. SO why in the heck would anything big be considered best?

CB
 
Originally Posted By: Chris_Brice

Let's face it, there just isn't any rifle SO why in the heck would anything big be considered best?

CB

Because thats what I like. My "best" ain't the same as your "best".
 
Originally Posted By: snowwhite204Wondering what everyone's thoughts were on what caliber would be the best for hunting all game in North America... Caliber, and why you think it is the best...

My vote goes to .308 win because of its reputation for accuracy across the board throughout time. Easy ammo to find, reload and it shoots bullets from 110 gr to 180 in factory loads. Enough punch for anything in the lower 48 inside of 300 yds.

~Next!

Like others said caliber or chambering ? I'll talk chambering.

Well I've got news for ya! North America is a whole lot more than "the lower 48" !The north country has some Big bears aswell as other Big critters. I don't believe there is a "best" do all for all of NA. I'd never be backed into a corner and have to pick just one, BUT if I had to. This..... Go big or stay home ; 300 WM at a min.
 
I went back and read the first post and the only gun that you could do this with is a shotgun. Now I love my rifles and I know a smoothbore smoke pole isn't very glamourous but it is practical. Keep in mind that North America's largest game animal was pushed to the brink by men firing black powder single shots and the most dangerous was killed by Fred Bear with a recurve bow. I think one of the modern super slugs would be up to the task. If you're a betting man I'll bet you lunch and I'll arrange the first hunt, you bring you favorite rifle and we'll go shoot some ducks. Then when you get out of jail you can pick and arrange the next hunt.
 
he said caliber, not gauge, and you dont HAVE to hunt ducks, you choose to
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Id Pick a 7mm mag... I dont shoot anything with it, but its paid for and from all Ive read a 7mm is no slouch. But for most animals that I'd actually think Im gonna shoot the .243 would hadle.
 
I'm going to say the 338 Win Mag. I used mine from whistlepigs to whitetails.Never had the chance to use it on anything bigger. I do have a deep respect for it's abilities. It has a solid place on my all time favorites list. If we were only concerned with the lower 48,I would vote for my trusty ottersix. I've had 4 different otters thus far,(currently a M70 Classic Stinless Featherweight)and plan to keep one on hand at all times. Now there is another rig in the safe that has a lot going for it. It gives up nothing to the 338 with the exception of bullet dia. It comes with a wide selection of bullet weights,it's fast,shoots flat,and brings 2 tons of muzzle energy with most hunting loads. It's my 300 Ultra Mag "Cruncher". But,if I could have only one it would still be the 338. There is a strange comfort in big heavy (250 to 300gr) slugs up close and personal with things that can kill you. Not to mention the 338 can be found on more ammo shelves across the country. Not so much so with the big .30. I could however load a couple hundred rounds of 338 in a weekend to last me quite a while. Not a big fan of factory fodder given a choice. You never know though. A feller could be caught without and have to go shopping. Well,there you have it. Just one man's opinion.
 
Originally Posted By: WolferC I went back and read the first post and the only gun that you could do this with is a shotgun. Now I love my rifles and I know a smoothbore smoke pole isn't very glamourous but it is practical. Keep in mind that North America's largest game animal was pushed to the brink by men firing black powder single shots and the most dangerous was killed by Fred Bear with a recurve bow. I think one of the modern super slugs would be up to the task. If you're a betting man I'll bet you lunch and I'll arrange the first hunt, you bring you favorite rifle and we'll go shoot some ducks. Then when you get out of jail you can pick and arrange the next hunt.

I think he is asking the best ,not if you can or not. BTW, Killing ducks with a rifle would not really be that hard. They don't fly all the time.
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Originally Posted By: Jack RobertsEasy to kill ducks with a rifle, but not legal!

Jack

Laffin ....

I wondered who would bite first .
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So what's your "best" pick Jack ?
 
The technical aspect of caliber vs chamber is getting blurred anymore as many gun makers are stamping the barrel with the chamber as caliber.
 
Well it;s a loaded question. Depending on area and style of hunting many cals can fit the bill. For me personally, for anything in NA except grizzly, my choice is 7mm rem mag. For a few reasons, there is plenty of available store bought ammo if needed,(I reload not an issue) its is capable of hitting hard out to the max distance I would consider taking game, the selection of good bullets with High B.C.'s and SD.'s in 284 cal is much better then most other cals. Recoil is not an issue, rifle configurations are plenty.

Now same ? but grizz is thrown in the mix, and 338 win pops into mind offly quick like. You defintly lose some of the attributes that is so appealing to the 7rm, but it has the punch needed for furry and angry carnivores.
 
Never hunted for or killed anything that a 25/06 would not do for. But, the OP said for NA and just maybe...someday...

So, gonna say .375 H&H. Besides, nobody said that yet.(lol)
 
I now the good old "06" has been around a couple years, but I am going to go with the newest of the cartridges I have. I will go with the 7x57 Mauser (1892). It has killed elephant in Africa (not just one, but hundreds), and it shoots those newfangled pointed bullets that the old 45/70 Gov (1873) didn't have. Oh and I carry a Bisley Blackhawk 45 colt (1872) also (not 45 lc, there is no such thing!).

Mike

P.S. I do have a few others, but these are my favorites!
 
People shouldn't ask nincompoop questions like this. . Ideally. A 375 Ruger. 270 gr TSX with a Mv of 2700-2800 fps. With a sabot shooting 6 mm bullets to a Max Mv of 3700 fps. . In a 20" barreled Ruger m 77 mk ll Alaskan.. Short of the sabot load everything will either make a gross mess of the deer size and smaller game..Or need threading the needle Perfectly on the the brown bears at 20 feet.. yes the 338 ,375+45/70 are good up close.
 
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