14 Must-Have Hunting Cartridges That Will Elevate Your Skills

Picking the right hunting cartridge can mean the difference between a successful day in the field and going home empty-handed. Have you ever wondered if you’re using the best options for your next adventure?

Selecting the right ammunition is essential for any hunt, and trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. Knowing the energy needs for different game helps ensure you choose cartridges that deliver both power and precision when it matters most.

After evaluating over 90 rifle cartridges, I focused on those that offer true versatility in the field. The goal is to spotlight cartridges that adapt to various hunting scenarios, all while reminding you to consider personal preferences and local regulations.

1. .30-06 Springfield

• Overall versatility score: 4.9 out of 5
• Performance at 100 yds: 1,615-2,769 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds: 993-2,076 ft./lbs.; small game to the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds: 587-1,526 ft./lbs.; small to large game
• Number of bullet weights considered: 4; 125-180 grain

The .30-06 Springfield has been a favorite among North American big-game hunters for over a century. This cartridge is renowned for its ability to cleanly take down game ranging from deer to elk and moose within 200 yards, thanks to its versatile bullet energy delivery. At 100 yards, it can unleash a devastating 1,615 to 2,769 foot-pounds of energy, ensuring a humane kill across a wide range of game sizes. Its performance slightly diminishes at longer distances, yet it remains effective for smaller targets up to 300 yards and beyond with lighter 125-grain bullets. This cartridge’s historical significance is bolstered by its use in World War II, further cementing its place in American hunting and military history.

2. .270 Winchester

• Overall versatility score: 4.0 out of 5
• Performance at 100 yds: 1,605-2,604 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds: 1,113-1,986 ft./lbs.; medium game to the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds: 751-1,497 ft./lbs.; small to large game
• Number of bullet weights considered: 5; 120-150 grain

Introduced in the 1920s, the .270 Winchester cartridge has proven its worth through decades of reliable performance. Known for its flat trajectory up to 300 yards, it’s a top choice for hunting big game across North America. With bullet weights ranging from 120 to 150 grains, it provides flexibility for hunters targeting medium to large game, even at distances beyond 400 yards. The .270 Winchester’s adaptability and effectiveness make it a standout option for hunters seeking a cartridge capable of handling almost any game.

3. .308 Winchester

•  Overall versatility score: 3.9 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 1,584-2,455 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 971-1,821 ft./lbs.; small to large game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 573-1,364 ft./lbs.; small to medium game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 6; 125-178 grain

The .308 Winchester has remained a go-to choice for hunters and marksmen 70 years after its introduction. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its balance of power and versatility. Capable of delivering between 1,584 to 2,455 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, it can effectively take down the toughest game. Its versatility shines with 125-grain bullets for small games at long distances and heavier bullets for larger games. The .308’s lasting presence in the hunting community underscores its reliability and adaptability.

4. .375 H & H Magnum

•  Overall versatility score: 3.5 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 3,292-3,935 ft./lbs.; toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 1,875-2,699 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 1,050-1,793 ft./lbs.; medium to large game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 3; 250-300 grain

The .375 H & H Magnum, created by British gunmaker Holland & Holland in 1912, is synonymous with African big game hunting. Its impressive energy delivery—up to 3,935 foot-pounds at 100 yards—makes it suitable for the largest game. Despite its age, the .375 H & H maintains popularity due to its precision and power. It’s also versatile enough for North American games, offering effective performance with 300-grain bullets for large and medium-sized targets.

5. 7mm-08 Remington

•  Overall versatility score: 3.3 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 1,579-2,274 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 1,057-1,784 ft./lbs.; medium to large game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 685-1,381 ft./lbs.; small to medium game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 3; 120-150 grain

The 7mm-08 Remington, a .308 Winchester round modified to accept 7mm bullets, offers a lighter, lower recoil alternative without sacrificing capability. This cartridge is well-suited for a broad range of North American game, from moose and bear to deer and hogs. Its performance metrics, including delivering up to 2,274 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, ensure its place as a reliable choice for hunters targeting various game sizes. Its capacity to take down game on African plains further demonstrates its versatility and effectiveness in diverse hunting scenarios.

6. .300 Winchester Magnum

•  Overall versatility score: 2.6 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 2,973-3,297 ft./lbs.; toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 2,026-2,587 ft./lbs.; toughest game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 1,333-2,033 ft./lbs.; medium to large game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 5; 150-200 grain

The .300 Winchester Magnum enjoys widespread acclaim among North American hunters for its versatility and power. Despite its notable recoil, it’s equipped to deal with virtually any large game, including elk, moose, and bear. Ideal for longer-range engagements with larger games, we wouldn’t advise its use for smaller games due to its potent impact. If hunting smaller things than deer, go for a different caliber.

7. .45-70 Government

•  Overall versatility score: 2.1 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 895-2,158 ft./lbs.; small game to the toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 636-1,083 ft./lbs.; small to medium game
•  Performance at 500 yds: Not recommended
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 3; 250-410 grain

A veteran in the hunting world, the .45-70 Government has been a trusted choice since the 1800s. Its capability to fire heavy bullets up to 500 grains, though this analysis focuses on 250 to 410-grain options, allows it to deliver significant impact.

At 100 yards, a 325-grain bullet can take down tough game, while a 410-grain bullet extends its utility to smaller games at 200 and 300 yards. However, its suitability fades beyond these distances, reflecting its historical roots and specialized applications.

8. .25-06 Remington

•  Overall versatility score: 2.0 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 1,690-2,127 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 1,053-1,502 ft./lbs.; medium to large game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 623-1,031 ft./lbs.; small to medium game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 2; 90 & 117 grain

The .25-06 Remington balances versatility and manageability, offering a lighter recoil ideal for deer hunting. Effective for the toughest game at 100 yards with a 117-grain bullet, it also covers large and medium games at extended ranges.

While this analysis didn’t consider bullets lighter than 90 grains, the availability of 75-grain bullets expands their utility for smaller games, making the .25-06 a preferred choice for hunters seeking a wide-ranging, effective caliber.

9. 7mm Winchester Short Magnum

•  Overall versatility score: 2.0 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 2,489-2,918 ft./lbs.; toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 1,862-2,358 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 1,366-1,886 ft./lbs.; medium to large game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 2; 150 & 162 grain

Emerging in the early 2000s, the 7mm Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) brought a fresh perspective to hunting large and even the most challenging game. Its performance, delivering between 2,489 to 2,918 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, makes it a formidable choice for hunters worldwide.

Suitable for large game at 300 yards and medium to large game at 500 yards, the 7mm WSM’s adaptability across ranges is notable, especially with bullet weights of 150 and 162 grains. This caliber offers hunters a powerful option for a wide array of game.

10. .243 Winchester

•  Overall versatility score: 1.7 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 1,280-1,784 ft./lbs.; medium to large game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 897-1,219 ft./lbs.; small to medium game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 520-812 ft./lbs.; small to medium game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 6; 58-100 grain

The .243 Winchester is arguably one of the most versatile rifle calibers. With its capability to deliver 1,280 to 1,784 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, it’s suited for medium to large games, transitioning smoothly to small to medium games at longer distances.

The .243 is particularly valued for its low recoil and flat trajectory, making it a preferred choice for deer and varmint hunting. Considering six different bullet masses, from 58 to 100 grains, this caliber is great for hunters targeting games from less than 100 to over 1,500 pounds at close ranges.

11. 7mm Remington Magnum

•  Overall versatility score: 1.5 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 2,596-2,933 ft./lbs.; toughest game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 1,970-2,298 ft./lbs.; large to toughest game
•  Performance at 500 yds: 1,470-1,775 ft./lbs.; large game
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 3; 139-162 grain

The 7mm Remington Magnum is renowned for its big-game hunting prowess. With 2,596 to 2,933 foot-pound energy outputs at 100 yards, it can take down the largest North American game at 400 yards or beyond. Its versatility extends to lighter games when using lower-weight bullets, making it an option for varmints and predators despite better-suited calibers existing for such a game. The 7mm Rem. Mag. remains a go-to for hunters seeking reliability and power to pursue large game.

12. .450 Bushmaster

•  Overall versatility score: 1.5 out of 5
•  Performance at 100 yds: 837-1,868 ft./lbs.; small to large game
•  Performance at 300 yds: 662-874 ft./lbs.; small game
•  Performance at 500 yds: Not recommended
•  Number of bullet weights considered: 3; 245-395 grain

Since its introduction in 2007, the .450 Bushmaster has carved out its niche in the hunting community. Designed for semi-automatic rifles that can hunt larger games, its performance peaks at 100 yards with an energy delivery between 837 to 1,868-foot pounds. The .450 Bushmaster’s effectiveness for small game at 300 yards and its rapid energy drop-off at longer distances necessitates consideration for hunters calculating shots beyond 200 yards. With bullet weights ranging from 245 to 395 grains, it offers flexibility for taking down large games at close range and smaller games with heavier subsonic rounds, marking it as a unique, albeit specialized, choice for hunters.

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Best 25 Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years

Choosing the “best” hunting rifle is a pretty personal thing. We all have different opinions and preferences on what we like to hunt with. But still, over the last 50 years, there have been some remarkable weapons.

Over the past half-century, the evolution of hunting rifles has seen so many innovations, catering to a wide range of needs from the casual deer hunter to the adventurous big-game enthusiast. What’s your favorite hunting rifle? Which weapons deserve a spot on this list?

• Read More: Best 25 Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years