I currently own a .308 that I use for large game in Texas, but I an thinking about getting a couple of different caliber rifles that would each serve more specific functions. I want a flat shooting long didtance varmit rifle, and also a large caliber rifle that could be used for larger game like elk, nilgai, bear, assorted african game, etc. I am thinking that since I have the .308 that is a good all around weapon, I would get a .204 CZ and something like a .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, .375 H&H, .375 Ruger, or .416 Rigby. If you could only own 3 rifles, what would you want? Disregard "assault rifles" like AR-15's or AK's for this scenario.

If I could only have three....-.223 (though I do like my .22-250), I'm partial to my .308, and for me I'd like a Marlin .45-70 for my heavy gun. I used a loaner back when I guided some, and it worked beyond my wildest imagination. I'm not likely to get out of North America, so I'd be happy with that set.

7mm Mag Remmington BDL, with a Leupold 3.5 Vari-X III Gold Ring 50mm ojective.

Depending on stock type, used to be able to finish this rig out for right at a thousand.

I have one with the European finish, black tips with white dividers in the "oil only" finish. It will flat out shoot, with factory rounds. Using the old Remmington 165gr boat tails with a core lokt bullet it shot tight groups with devistaing results. Unfortunately that round is no longer available. However I am experimenting with newer versions that hold great promise.

Anyway it is a great gun with ammo available readily in case of emergency.

I will save my "IF" for later. Right now my four (rather than three) guns are a modified 10/22 for hunting rabbits/squirrels. A 22-250 for varmint hunting. A 250 savage (my grandfather's gun and best rifle ever) for hunting whitetail/hogs less than 150 yards and for long range/larger game I have a .300 weatherby mag that has plenty of knock down power.

My dad and I have a collection of 9 rifles and my favorite is the old Winchester 270 from 1970something

For larger game I would go with the 338 Win Mag. You can find a lot of very affordable and well made rifles in that caliber, ammo is everywhere and more reasonably priced than other large calibers. The only time you will need something bigger than a 338 is if you go to Africa.

Medium sized game, I love my 270, end of story.

If I only get 3 guns, I would choose a 243 for the varmint rifle. There are 55 and 58 grain loads in 243 that approach 4000fps while you can move up to the 100grain cartridge for deer hunting. Very versatile rifle.

.22-250 or .243 for long range varminting.

.270, 30-06, .308, or 7mm Mag for anything in North America short of grizzly. With modern bullet design, bullet construction matters more than caliber (within reason).

.375H&H if African game is on the table. I think it's the smallest caliber that's legal for the big 5 in some places.

[This message has been edited by Vagabond (edited 4/11/2009 5:17p).]

.240 Weatherby or .243 Winchester and a .375 H&H.

If you are not going to Africa, then sub one of the .338's for the 375; but my 375 is one of my favorite all around rifles...flies like a 30-06, recoils about like one and kills anything it touches.

6.5X55 or .260 are pretty versatile, as is .243 as mentioned before. .375 H&H is probably more versatile on the african game end; I think you MIGHT find a use for it in North America from time to time (moose, grizzly bear). .416 no way.

Since you already have a .308 I'd say .243 Win & .375 H&H.

I don't know why the love for the 7mm mag. Chrono it and a .270 and tell me there's a true difference. The 7mm mag carries more energy out to 400+ yds, but who of us on this forum needs to be shooting that far anyways.

Take the .223 for your small rifle. The .308 has you covered for mid-sized game. No need to overlap it on the low end with a .243/6mm. The .223 is a laser and true varmint caliber.

On the big end, a .375 H&H or .338 Win Mag are both good. I'd go with the .338 Win Mag since you'll likely take many, many fewer trips to Africa than to Colorado or the Canadian Rockies. The .338 has more abundant ammo selections readily available and has the ability to step down to bullets in the <200 grain range for elk, moose, and black bear. In the .375, you're stuck with >250 grain (most likely ~300 grain) bullets. That's overkill for much of what you'll find in North America.

Everyone has an opinion.

Edit: The 7mm mag blurb spilled over from another forum with a similar thread.

[This message has been edited by dodger02 (edited 4/12/2009 10:49a).]

I generally concur with most. A .308 is a great rifle to center a 3 gun vault around. You can then go with true varminters like 22-250,.223, 222 remington, 22 hornet and others on the low end. Some people would do the .243 just because it is based on the parent .308 case.

On the high end, the 308 in the middle lets you step up to true big bore stuff like the 338's, 340 Weatherby and the 375 H&H with the 375 H&H being the "classic' African safari gun.

I saw a gentleman shoot a 416 Rigby over spring break at the range. He hadn't shot it since killing a Buffalo two years ago in Africa. The first shot knocked him over backwards off his range bench onto his back on the ground. His response was "You would think I would remember how bad this thing recoils...even after 2 years". Most people consider the 375 to have "less recoil than it should" and that probably explains its popularity for that size caliber.

22-250,308, 338 win mag, or 375 H&H

25-06 for coyotes, hogs, deer

300 win mag for long range shooting, elk and moose

375 h&h for african game, maybe brown bears.

My old .280 Remington for anything in Texas, kinda partial to this one since my Papaw's old partner gave it to me b/4 he passed away.

My Grandpa's old 30-30 for pigs and coyotes.

When I get to go elk or Mulie hunting, I have a 30-06 that drives tacks at 200 yds.