What is your current go-to big game hunting firearm chambered in?

[Ardent]

7x64! - or maybe 9.3x74R. No wait, 9.3x62... aww it used to be the .308, might be again. But then my .375's need more field experience. And I've been really satisfied with my .35 Whelen. But when my 7x57R comes back from the smith that will definitely be a favourite. I don't even like the 30-06 much but I seem to use it an awful lot. Of course you can't properly hunt pronghorn and mule deer on the open plains without a .25-06. Um, What was the question again?

That’s too real.

 

[leeelmer]

375RUM
And 357mag
With those two i have it covered

 

[Huntsman]

I’m in the 1/4 bore club with my 25/06. Only deer so far with but it has come with me for elk and moose. The only other caliber I use as a go to is my Win 88/308

 

[periculumnexnecis]

444 marlin with a 300 gr hornady xtp pill.

Short, accurate and pack a lot of punch.

 

[Huntsman]

444 marlin with a 300 gr hornady xtp pill.

Short, accurate and pack a lot of punch.

Nice caliber you got there.

 

[sigarms226]

7x64! - or maybe 9.3x74R. No wait, 9.3x62... aww it used to be the .308, might be again. But then my .375's need more field experience. And I've been really satisfied with my .35 Whelen. But when my 7x57R comes back from the smith that will definitely be a favourite. I don't even like the 30-06 much but I seem to use it an awful lot. Of course you can't properly hunt pronghorn and mule deer on the open plains without a .25-06. Um, What was the question again?

Love it. I wanted to get my R8 in 7x64, no one seemed interested in ordering the barrel for me...

 

[9.3 Hunter]

everything I use is not in the poll lol.... and I use standard calibres, your groupings are off.

 

[w squared]

Depending on where and what, either .308 or .376 Steyr.

 

[Eagleye]

While the 30-06 will indeed suffice for all N. American big game, My go-to rifle is most often matched to the game I hunt.

Deer size big game will see a 6mm or 257 or maybe a 6.5mm
Caribou, Moose and Elk will warrant a little more "oomph", so 7mm, medium 30's, 8mm Mauser, etc

However, If I expect shots to be on the long side for Moose or Elk, or if I am hunting them where
a Grizzly Bear may pay a visit, then I pack more power: 325 WSM, 308 Norma Mag, 8mm Rem Mag [always with a dependable bullet]

But, of course, if I am specifically hunting deer or black bear, but might run into a legal Elk, I will opt for a bit more muscle than might
be suggested for the smaller animals. Dave.

 

[Nyksta]

Thanks for the votes guys, the results are interesting for sure.

 

[MRP]

While the 30-06 will indeed suffice for all N. American big game, My go-to rifle is most often matched to the game I hunt.

Deer size big game will see a 6mm or 257 or maybe a 6.5mm
Caribou, Moose and Elk will warrant a little more "oomph", so 7mm, medium 30's, 8mm Mauser, etc

However, If I expect shots to be on the long side for Moose or Elk, or if I am hunting them where
a Grizzly Bear may pay a visit, then I pack more power: 325 WSM, 308 Norma Mag, 8mm Rem Mag [always with a dependable bullet]

But, of course, if I am specifically hunting deer or black bear, but might run into a legal Elk, I will opt for a bit more muscle than might
be suggested for the smaller animals. Dave.

Dave. You are definitely a man of diversity, I wish I was. But I'm not, OCD is a overused term but somewhat describes me. I load for, shoot, tinker with the others in the safe. But when it comes time to head out I always take the same one. Good thing the others are not capable of getting jealous. At 165gr 3000fps its a fast 3006 or slow 300, but I just can't leave home without it.

 

[200250126]

.270 and soon to be 7x57

 

[NL-Hunter]

Wait a second! Hold on there! ..... I love coffee, and I love eggs... you might be on to something there... dark roast poached eggatte!

Too hard to sip. French Roast Coffe Toast would be numero uno. No sipping required.

 

[Nyksta]

Finally a 357 Mag / 44 Mag vote! Fun

 

[Nipigon Jack]

Model 7 in 7mm08 with a NF 2.5x10x32 compact has been getting the nod for the last few deer seasons
I bought that rifle on the EE back in 2015 from Drummerboy73.

 

[mimile]

6.5x55 and 270, sub-MOA handloads for both. Working on a Browning BAR in 30-06 too. Happy hunter.

 

[Nyksta]

It would be cool to hear people's reason for their cartridge choice. Specific favorite game you hunt, or experiences that directed your selection.

 

[emerson]

30-06 because it’s like an old girlfriend. We know each other well. It will be bumped by the 375, because preparing for what I want to do is better than dwelling on memories.

 

[northern skies]

....

 

[northern skies]

....