For predators up to deer I would have to also say the .243. I use 100 grain Remington CoreLokt on many deer and have never lost a one, a couple were more than 300 yard shots. I have used the 75 grain V-Max on predators with minimal damage. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the .243 was developed for just that reason, to be an all purpose rifle. Asa

12 gauge.

The old 30-30 has killed more whitetail than all the other rifle calabers hands down.

Not that anybody ever listen's to me anyway but I would have to go with a good ol' 25-06!!!!

ttt

30 caliber is hard to beat but the 7mm's are a little better

the 416 rigby, bound to be a good investment, solids are easy on the fur, deer should go down to them, and any chance of a big game hunt in the future is assured.

Denny, I tend to agree with you. I think at some future point a 7mm, maybe one we already have or maybe a new one will replace the .30-06 as the most universal caliber, but it ain't happened yet.
I have four '06s, and 2 .308s. I have a 7X57, a 7mm Rem Mag, and a 7mm STW. During a year the 7s will see use at least two to one over the .30 cals. I also have a custom built .300 H&H Mag that I really like a lot. It was built by the Marine Corp. marksmanship unit for one of the great Palmyra Shooters of all times.
Later,
45/70