Keeping in mind muzzle blast, recoil, efficiency and that it will be a 200 yard gun at most (EDIT: let's settle on 100-125 yards), what big game caliber would you choose for a 16" barrel? E.G. would a .44 magnum be ideal? .45-70? .308? .243?
Marlin made a 45-70 Trapper rifle for a very short time, 16" barrel, 4 round magazine, there's not many around, though.
Check out Ruger's compacts. My 7-08 is excellent.
44mag or 45Colt are hardly 200yds cartridges. In 16" barrel one of the best choices would be 358Win, 35Rem, 356Win, 444Marlin, 45-70Gov, 375Win, 450Marlin, 9,3x57 and such.



























