IMO 30 caliber is the best. Reasons: 1.Large selection of cartridges. 2.Large selection of bullets and weights. 3.Low recoil and high recoil cartridges available. 4.Capable of taking just about any game from varmint to medium bears. I would only feel under gunned with the largest bears. 5.In the more popular cartridges-like the 30-06, you can buy inexpensive ammo, and that will allow you to shoot alot. 308 is also a good cartridge choice. There is alot of 308 ammo available at a good price.

Alot of the other cartridges people recommended are OK. I just think 30 caliber is superior in each and every category. If you are recoil sensitive, buy a 300 Savage caliber. Or even a 30-30. But If I were you I would get a 308 or a 30-06. They will do anything the other recommedations will do, only better. Tom.