Originally Posted by
ahamburg
I’m going to purchase a rifle, and I know how cliche this may sound, but I want one that can do it all. I want to be able to hunt anything from a hog up to a bear. From what I’ve seen, a .308 can do this, but any other suggestions? Also, I do know, any bullet will really do the trick as long as you place it in the right spot.
"HOG TO A BEAR" This qualifies your question and defines your needs. You are not hunting big game like Elk, Moose, Grizzly, etc And you are hunting North America with no trips to Africa. No long range hunting as we do out west (400 yds +).
Given those parameters . . . A nice Marlin 30-30 would be my choice. I specify Marlin because it has a side eject port and you can put a scope on it to aid in a 200 - 300 yard capability. 30-30 ammo is affordable, store bought ammo in 140 - 170 grain or the more popular Hornady 160 grain LERVERevolution, and it is fun to shoot at the range. Won't kill your shoulder. 30-30's have probably killed more game than any other caliber over the years.