I think the best big game caliber is the caliber you can shoot well! If the recoils to much for you in the large mag calibers, they aren't the best gun for you. Everyone talks about you have to have a mag to hunt big game, I have a mag and I have killed more elk with my 30.06 over my 300 RUM.

IMHO, there is no such thing as a "best" big game caliber or cartridge --- depends on too many variables to name just one.

Also, IMHO, the 300 RUM is not a particularly "big magnum". Nice cartridge, frisky, flat shooting, hard hitting small bore, one I'd consider buying, but is not a "big magnum".

Just my $.02,
EKM

I would say it is larger than the 300 Win mag, the 7MM rem. mag Its large than any new short mags. The ballistics are better than any 338 Win mag. Its not a 338 RUM or 375 but its not the smallest eather!

Of course there will always be individuals with individual preferences but if you define the best all around as the best cartridge to fit the masses, the 7mm Rem mag gets my vote.

Sorry I guess you said caliber not cartridge. Disregard the above. I the best all around caliber would be the .30's. But my favorite cartridge is still the 7mm mag.

I also think the 300 RUM is an outstanding cartridge. Though I don't think anything less then a .375 counts as "big" it sure outperforms most "magnums" on paper.

Good ol' 30-06

.300 Wby. Mag. Good luck.