Ammunition
The Best All-Around Hunting Rifle Caliber
The title of this blog post makes a bold statement: within these paragraphs you will find the definitive answer to the best all-around hunting rifle cartridge. Oh, if only it were that simple.
The fact of the matter is that no one rifle cartridge can do everything. If that were true, then there wouldn't be the myriad cartridge options available today. Nonetheless, it's still possible to narrow down the list and come up with the most popular contenders for the title of "best all-around hunting rifle cartridge."
So, without further ado, let's get into the list!
Our Favorite All-Around Hunting Rifle Cartridges
As we mentioned, there's no definitive answer to this question, but like all rifle shooters, we've certainly got preferences. As a result, the following are our favorite picks for all-around hunting rifle cartridges.
.30-06 Springfield
It has been said that there's not a single big game animal in North America that cannot be felled by a .30-06 bullet, and that's no exaggeration. The .30-06 was the caliber of choice for hunters of all kinds for most of the 20th century. Even though newer calibers have come on the market, the .30-06 has remained a faithful standby that is certainly worthy of the "all-around" moniker.
6.5 Creedmoor
For hunters who want the utmost precision in their shot, it's hard to beat the 6.5 Creedmoor. Since it was designed for competition shooting, it's beyond capable of delivering an exacting blow to the vitals of an animal so long as the shooter behind the rifle is capable of making the shot. Another advantage for the 6.5 Creedmoor is its availability in a wide variety of firearms, including semi-auto, lever-action, bolt-action, single-shot, and more.
7mm Remington Magnum
Sometimes it all comes down to the proper bullet selection, and that couldn't be more true than with the reliable 7mm Remington Magnum. If you load a 7mm Rem Mag cartridge with a heavy bullet that is tough and designed to stay together, then it becomes a low-recoil caliber that is hard to beat when it comes to big game. Conversely, lighter bullets are well-suited to other hunting applications. This makes the 7mm Rem Mag a very versatile option.
.300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Winchester Magnum is something of a Goldilocks cartridge. Whether you choose from one of the many factory loads available or you handload your own, the .300 Win Mag has proven itself time and time again as a more-than-capable cartridge, even at long distances, with felt recoil that, while certainly noticeable, is more than manageable for most shooters.
.270 Winchester
The .270 Winchester meets the three A's: accurate, affordable, and available. Hunters have been using the well-rounded .270 Winchester to bring down all sorts of wild game for decades at a wide variety of distances both short and long. A .270 is right at home on most any hunt: elk, deer, hogs, sheep, and more.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Cartridge
There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing a hunting caliber, but let's take a look at three of the most important ones.
Availability
You can do all the research in the world and settle on a specific cartridge for your hunt, but if you can't find the ammo that you need, then it's all been for nothing. That becomes even more important if you fail to bring enough ammo with you on the hunt. The area where you're hunting may be remote and the likelihood of finding some cartridges may be slim if you need to restock.
Performance
Perhaps the most important part of choosing a hunting cartridge is evaluating its performance. You've got to be sure that the load you choose is going to be capable of taking down the type of game you're hunting in a quick and ethical manner.
Cost
That ammo prices have risen exponentially in recent years is an unpleasant yet cold, hard fact. Similar to our point on availability, you've got to be able to afford the ammo when you find it. Some cartridges are less expensive than others, but that doesn't mean that they're going to be any less effective at bringing down wild game.
Our Favorite All-Around Rifles
By now, you know the drill. There's no one right answer to this question, and there's not really a wrong one, either. So, here are our favorite all-around hunting rifles.
Nosler Model 21
Nosler's Model 21 is a feature-packed production firearm that has the feel and performance of a rifle that would come out of a custom shop. Featuring premium components and weighing roughly 7 pounds depending on the cartridge, the Model 21 rifle brings precision and reliability to any hunt.
Ruger American
Ruger's American rifle line offers a fantastic balance of performance and price. The American line is available in a wide variety of different configurations to fit an equally varied number of hunting situations, meaning that there's sure to be a Ruger American rifle to fit your needs.
Winchester Model 70
Winchester's Model 70 has been known as "The Rifleman's Rifle" for decades, and for good reason. It has a solid reputation of being a well-built rifle with an eye for quality and performance that excels in a wide variety of calibers.
Remington Model 700
Remington's Model 700 holds the distinction of being the most-sold bolt-action rifle of all time. Its out-of-the-box accuracy makes it a perfect choice for new and seasoned hunters alike. Pick your caliber, add your optic, and off you go.
Mossberg Patriot
Mossberg's Patriot rifles expertly pair modern innovation with traditional styling. Available in a variety of different configurations to fit hunting needs of all types, the Patriot is a value-rich rifle without the value-rich price tag.
Don't Settle for Good Enough - Enhance Your Hunting With a Suppressor!
Once you decide on a caliber and rifle, then you can start looking at suppressors. It's important to know what caliber you'll be shooting because different suppressors work with different calibers.
If you're unsure of where to start, don't worry! Silencer Central is the nation's largest silencer dealer, licensed to sell in all 42 states where silencers are legal. Our staff have helped thousands of new customers pick out the right suppressor for an upcoming hunt, and we'd love the opportunity to do the same for you.
The buying process couldn't be more simple when you buy from Silencer Central. We'll walk you through the entire process and then mail your suppressor right to your front door upon approval. It doesn't get any better or easier than that!
Be sure to contact us here at Silencer Central to get your order started today.
