I-d would go with the .338-06 or the .350 Rem Mag. With 250gr premium bullets, they'll both drop anything that walks out to 200 yards or so, and that load would be devastating in close. You can load lighter bullets for deer and such, and both are surprisingly flat-shooting when doing so. They don't kick nearly as hard as some of the big mags, therefore they are easier to master and easier to practice with.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Haven't posted here for some time, but this is a subject near and dear to my heart. My favorite rifle I presently own is the 375hnh model 70. Probably one of the most versatile calibers in existence. Especially if you hand load.

DGK

hard to pick between my 300win mag or 300 RUM but only 1 so guess my 300 RUM

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if i could only have 1 rifle to do all the tasks you mentioned i would feel very comfortable with a custom built 338 lapua magnum. there isn't anything i would be afraid of here or anywhere else in the world with a 338LM.

cheers

If it was my choice, I would take out the good old .30-06. In my opinion, a .30-06 IS strong enough to kill brown bears. However, this doesn't seem like a bad situation for the 300 Mags or even a 375 H&H Mag or a .338 Win Mag. Good luck with the hunting.

Walk softly and carry a big gun...or just make accurate shots.

I would use my new 7mm ultra mag with 160 grain nosler partitions

I loves thee ol' '06, but fer fanged game I'd step'er up a notch. 375HH gives a warm feelin' to them's that shoots it!

Another vote for the 7mm Ultra Mag with 160gr Nosler Partition...

Of course, it depends on your definition of "big game" and "fangs" and "location" and "how close" you might find yourself to those "fangs" (by accident or by design). Also depends on whether you are answering as the "best gun in your rack" or "best gun on balance if you had your choice". With that said, sometimes issues like this are sharpened a bit with a VISUAL AID, .... go look at this thread, in this section........

"It was suppose to be a relaxing deer hunt, BUT..." Check out page 1 for the pictures and page 6 for the thoughts of the man on the ground.

Assuming we're talking NA I'd feel more comfy with a 375HH (rack) or a 416 (wish list) [or please excuse my dry wit - a 30-30 which I'm told by those who know - kills all!]

EKM

Good judgment comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!