If you're service bound, 30-06. Ammo available anywhere, will work on just about anything you want to hunt. Myself, I use a .35 Whelen. As I reload, I can load them hot, or I can load down to same as .35 Remington. 7mm-08 is a good choice, good knockdown with Nbst. mild recoil. Lots of choices out there.

Go with the 30-06. Many ammo choices, and it will work on most any animal there is short of a cape buffalo. I would advise you to get a 7mm-08 since they can also handle most game (atleast here in North America) but the ammo is sometimes hard to find. Also, where does everyone in Georgia hunt and live? I live in Cherokee but hunt in Warren.

-Timba

Being in the service you will get to hunt in many different countries. If you go with either the 270 or 7mm you will be able to get ammo just about anywhere. A 243 has its place but, and I'm sure this will get some shooters in a tiff, and that is not my intent, it is a deer crippler. If you meet the height and weight requirements to get on active duty you will be able to handle the 270 or the 7mm just fine. If this offends anyone sorry. Just my experience and opinion.

Capt Ray,
This is kind of an old topic. I've picked out the particular gun I want and the only thing I need to do is pay for it and bring it home. It sits in the clear case at walmart in the sporting goods section. A remington 700 adl with a laminated stock and blued barrel in 30-06. I figure the old 06 is good for about anything. There ain't much it can't do with a good shooter.

I only asked about the 243 because my buddy uses one exclusivly and everything we have here in georgia. Hogs,coyote,deer and bear, he's taken it with a 243.

"Hey ya'll, watch this"

I might be wrong, But I though you could only use shotguns on Military bases. Or are you hunting off base?