ORIGINAL: toll_gate
What would you say would be a good all around caliber? ....I am going to start doing a few out of state trips. Texas, Alaska, Canada, Wyoming, ect. Is there a caliber that can cover the range from hog to elk without being to excessive on either end. Something with a good range of ammo? Thanks for your advice and opinions.
Welcome,
Ah, the "all-around" rifle - pursuit of the myth continues!
For the lower 48, including elk & moose, it would be hard to argue with the recommendations for a good 30-06. The 280 Rem., 308Win. could also handle the job,
as would the 7mm Rem.Mag.
But, now you go and throw in Alaska - home of some really big bears, and if irritated they might well reverse the role of hunter/hunted. Some would recommend cartridges such as the 300Win.Mag as it would not be too excessive in the lower 48, but, IMHO, it is
minimal for the big bears. If you're going to limit yourself to just one rifle to do it all I'd have to recommend at least the 338 Win.Mag. A 375H&H is not too much either. If you will be handloading then these can make a really good selection as you can always load
"light" for stuff like antelope, deer, and hogs.
My personal preference, to handle the range your considering, would be to have two rifles. I think I'd go with maybe a 270Win. or 280Rem., or a 30-06 if you want. The second rifle, for big stuff, would be a 375H&H.
For just one rifle there is only one cartridge that comes to mind to handle it all, and that's the 35Whelen. But, the ammo selection is limited. Again, if you handload this could be the answer for you. The 35Whelen is not one of the most popular cartridges going, but it's a "whopper"
- much underrated by many. It's currently available from Remington in their new CDL model. Throw on a Leupold 1.5 - 6x VXIII, and you're all set.