What caliber to the "only one rifle" big game hunting in Ontario?

[Claybuster]

And, last but not least is the topic burner...the .270. Remember that the .270 is a necked down .308.

Not quite. The .270 Winchester is a necked down .30-06.

 

[blasted_saber]

The 270 rule effects a very small part of the province. And, if im not mistaken, deer is the only big game in those areas, and they are only huntable with shotgun/muzzleloader/bow in those areas.

So real your rifle choice for big game is wide open.

 

[C Broad Arrow]

It also depends the type of terrain and cover you will be hunting.

I use to use a Remington Model 700 - 7mm RM...

If I had a stand where distance was an issue it was great.

In heavy bush the longer barrel was a problem.

This year I switched to a Model 7 Mountain rifle in 308... and it was the best decision for me given the tight bush.

It had sufficient knock-down power and the shorter barrel made it easier to carry.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[canadaman30]

I have 2 rifles I use to hunt with every year 308 Win. and a 450 Marlin. I love both

 

[Boomer]

While the issue hasn't come up unless I missed it, Uncle Den hasn't said whether or not he is a handloader. Another good reason to stay with .270, .30/06, .308 type cartridges is that factory ammo is easily available.

 

[The Cold Lake Kid]

.30-06, the poor man's magnum.
You can walk into almost any store and find a wide variety of ammo for it as well.

 

[AWOL]

.270 guy here...

 

[stuckon308]

.308 is the stuff. 30-06 if I couldn't do .308. They'll both take down anything you will want.

 

[Tehoke01]

Hi everyone,

been a totaly new in hunting, I was wondering if hunting proffecionals can
sugest something.

Data: 1) due to "budgeting" It can be one and only one rifle.
2) used for a big game in Ontario, with no preference given to any particular game type.

it's not a question of which rifle, what make or action ,however...

Question is: which caliber that one and only rifle should be?

Thank you.

Den.

Big game in Ontario (All of Canada and/or NA for that matter)...

...One rifle ONLY. Simple answer...

....308.

 

[buckshot1987]

308,303 or 30-06 does the trick very nicely.

 

[Eagle160]

I have owned 11 different big game calibres and have always had a soft spot for .308 winchesters. Recently picked up a .270 WSM (Win Short Mag). Necked own 300 Win mag cartridge with lots of juice and only a small margin of recoil over my .308's. Ammo is a bit more cost wise but I am running Winchester Supreme ballistic tips anyway so there isn't much price variation in calibre selection. Found my 30-06's and 300 Win mags recoil a bit too snappy on the stock end.