One Gun, One Cartridge, One Bullet for the Rest of Your Life

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[@backfire]

Check out huusk.club/Backfire for 70% off knives from Huusk.

[@InWithBothFeet]

I like your videos, but you need to vet your sponsors a little better. Those are garbage knives and that price is the normal Amazon price.

[@YoureSoVane]

The only good thing about that sponsor is that they pay you. Their knives are absolute garbage and there's no reason to buy one.

[@joeblow-me6ub]

Huusk knives are garbage. Seriously you are the worst for vetting your sponsors. Why not sell more fake land plots in Scotland and be a lord. I can't stand watching your channel while you scam the viewers

[@bretnmannn]

7-33 nosler wildcat 4,300 fpe at muzzle and 1000 fpe at 1 mile!

[@tbone-ml4ex]

Wow. These knives are Chinese crap. Not just no but hell no.

[@youcanthandlethetruth6976]

THAT'S MY BOY!!! 30-06, BARNES TTSX, ONE RIFLE THAT DOES IT ALL, TAKE THAT TO THE BANK FELLAS! Got mine in a Sako AV wood stock, wouldn't pick any other rifle.

[@davidjones8942]

I'd prefer .270, but close enough!!! Oh, and LRX instead of TTSX bullets....

[@firstjohn3123]

Yeh. My 30/06 is in the Sako M995. I like the Accubond 180's....but started with 180gr Speer Grand Slam bullets. Cheap & reliable. Not as tough & open up a bit quicker. ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ Just works.

[@irajackson6423]

308 - I use my ar10 for 600-800 steel regularly - hog/deer/human dropper - suppresses well - reloading potential is huge, and there are so many quality off the shelf loads . King of the do all cartridges

[@louisvanstaden110]

FN FAL rifle

[@ZebraActual]

AR in .308 is the way to go..l

[@Helo-Driver]

@@louisvanstaden110I like the DSA58 para Congo medium contour

[@getinthespace7715]

If I was in a SHTF Survival situation I'd want 2 weapons. 1. A Good pellet Rifle with a good scope. Can harvest any birds, small game without drawing attention. Could have an unlimited supply of pellets that are cheap, don't take up much space, or ever go bad. 2. A 6.5 CM or 308 AR-10. Covers bigger game and self defense.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

AR-10 built on a Aero receiver set with an 18 inch Proof barrel, Sharpes improved BCG, in .308 Win, shooting 178 gr Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-Xs. Half MOA with this load, no game I have shot has taken a single step, it rings steel at 1000 if I do my part, in a short and light enough set up for me to do about anything with it. I have a Primary Arms GLx 2.5-10 with the Griffin Mil on it, which is super intuitive. This rifle and load is smooth, reliable, and accurate, and would be my choice for everything from big game, to home defense, to the Thunderdome.

[@M4c223c]

6.5 Grendel in an AR platform. You can hunt, target shoot and pop in a larger mag and lay waste if need be. I'd go with Barnes 115gr tac-tx. Covers all bases well enough.

[@merlinnorris714]

Love the little Grendel round just wish the ammunition was more plentiful have a Howa 1500 mini action 20in heavy barrel

[@jeremiahcoles2378]

If I could get ammo for it here in Canada it would be 6.8 western. Seeing how supply is a problem then 308 is the one.

[@eyeballtat]

7.62x51 first choice, 30-06 second. I don’t think anyone can debate the benefit of ammunition/component availability in those two cartridges.

[@aaronunterseher1627]

1 cartridge and 1 bullet... Verity isn't a thing

[@davidjones8942]

My thought is, if I only get one cartridge/bullet choice for life, I get enough to last a lifetime!!! So I'll take .270 with Barnes LRX. (I live in elk country)

[@davidjones8942]

@lurch789 the chinese won't come knocking on my door while I'm still alive..... They will have killed me in the pass after I took out a bunch of them first!

[@phil20_20]

You've only got - ONE ROUND! 😲

[@louisvanstaden110]

308 With FN FAL rifle. My choice

[@sturisa]

I would consider the survivability factor, so I would say a Ruger 10/22 Takedown version with CCI Stingers!

[@johnpoole8321]

Nice pick.

[@dennistate5953]

Guys i know said takedown accuracy & rezeroing issues led them to sell & buy another straight stocked.

[@fishlife1013]

Im not a fan of the receiver it has issues with the screws getting stripped

[@BeardRubEnjoyer]

Just came here to make sure the best caliber was represented.

[@randallwhite9015]

Stingers will ware out the action on a 10/22. Great rifle and cci-miny mag do great.

[@michaelcheney2347]

Ruger M77 in .270 with the Hornady Whitetail 130 grain. I can take an elk if I’m ever in the mountains and can get close enough, but it’s not overkill for hogs and deer that I normally hunt.

[@michaelnelson1911]

I have an Ruger m-77 in 270 and it served me well, but I don’t shoot it any more. Classic wood stock.

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

30-06 is as good as it gets. Guy Minor knows his stuff. If it’s hunting it’s a great choice.

[@zackzittel7683]

280AI does everything better. Better sectional density, light years faster better BC huge selection of weights. All in a necked down 30-06

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

@@zackzittel7683 If there is one cartridge that can do everything the 06 can I would agree that the 280 is it. It really should be more popular.

[@zackzittel7683]

@@Off-target-xy6bx I agree

[@darrellmorse1894]

shelf ammo availability takes it off the chart.@@zackzittel7683

[@jamiehurtt3530]

​@@zackzittel7683 I'd still feel a little more secure against an alaskan coastal brown bear charge with 240 grain woodleigh or a 250 grain claw bullet in 06 personally But 280 Ackley is a great cartrige No doubt

[@TheLanden11]

I am going with Piet. 6.5 PRC is the only cartridge that I could enjoy my hobby of long range shooting with and still be comfortable with hunting elk size game. 6.5 creedmoor is great for long range target shooting and whitetail sized game but it could work for elk if it’s all you have but I would always feel like it was just not enough and I would be worried constantly about wounding game.

[@pnwdweler4100]

6.8 western is pretty good as well. Slightly outperforms the PRC round.

[@leifhoklin2681]

I'm a big .270 Win fan, but if I could only have one cartridge for the rest of my life, it would likely be a .30, probably the .30-06. Honestly for an all-rounder, many cartridges can flex into the roll, but few excel. I don't think that you begin to get into cartridges that truly excel as general purpose hunting cartridges until you get into the 7mm bores.

[@pestiferousvibe4925]

Elk will drop on the spot with 6.5, shot placement...

[@jayfxdx]

A-bolt Stainless Stalker in 7mm Rem Mag is suites all of my hunting needs up here in Saskatchewan. 165gr Nosler Partition is my current bullet of choice but I'm going to move off of it as I'm not hunting elk and moose as often as I used too. FYI not a hand loader or "shooter" really, just a hunter.

[@syrup8783]

AB3? I personally use the AB1 original made in 1986 (dad bought it when it came out and in 99 I got it)

[@jcarry5214]

I almost said 7 mag but I just can't think of a 1 bullet solution like I can in 30 cal. Maybe the 150 or 160 partition but I'd want better ballistics where I live now. Why put a 400 yard fence around an easy 800 yard gun? Not that I hunt that far, just philosophically and for targets.

[@lrac7751]

Bought the 6.5 creed about 6 years ago just to see what the fuss was about, for chasing coastal black tails around the mountains, the cheap, light, yet incredibly accurate savage axis is perfect for my specific needs. It loves the 125 grain winchester ballistic tips, even in dense forest I have watched every deer tip over within a few seconds

[@dennisgraham3087]

I have the same rifle, really like how accurate it is. I will have to try the 125gr at some point. Mine seems to like the S&B 140gr.

[@CiviTac]

@@dennisgraham3087I have one too and it likes the Barnes 127gr lrx. I’ve hit at 1400 yards with that cartridge many times. Just wish it wasn’t 2.50 per round

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

I shoot .308 SST's. They buckle deer.

[@dennisgraham3087]

@@CiviTac WOW that's quite a ways. I still need to run some tests with ammo to see how my Axis does with it.

[@CiviTac]

@@dennisgraham3087 if it’s in 6.5, groups close to a half inch then it can do it

[@RM-ub1xd]

I love 30-06 but the tikka t3x c19/Arctic bolt action chambered in .308. Robust platform and that rifle was made for the most extreme elements.

[@non-binaryjesus]

308 for sure. It's just a well rounded cartridge.

[@garygott2389]

it's proven and has excellent barrel life

[@usafret4709]

Same. So many bullet choices from varmint to elk. What rifle would you choose?

[@ChadCooper03]

Yep! Can be used in bolt gun or AR-10, plentiful ammo.

[@non-binaryjesus]

@@usafret4709 I would run an AR-10 platform with an 18in barrel. Get a little range out of it and still be able to use it.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

If I had the luxury of having unlimited ammo of my choice,I'd pick 3006 all day. If I was stuck w using whatever ammo is available I'd pick 308 for sure. Sheer ammo selection is top tier

[@guyminer3168]

Cool video. Standing with my 30-06 and 165 grain Noslers or Barnes. The 30-06 has given me elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear, grizzly and probably something else I'm forgetting. From up close to 400+ yards.

[@leewafer6583]

yep, I have y Grandads old 1953 Rem 760 gamemaster in 30.06 still shoots great. only thing I might get would be an old marlin in 30.30, or 35 Rem just for lever action. sold my pre 64 win 40 years ago big mistake.

[@timtorkelson7201]

Noslers for sure

[@8asw8]

Easy .30-06. Close second is a tie between .300WinMag and .300WSM because of more Oomph at a distance. Kills anything from a Fox to a Moose/Grizzly and I dont mind the recoil one bit. However as my collection can attest, I like specialised guns to do a job. On guns I choose either a Tikka T3x Lite or a Heym SR30 (honorable mention, since I own 3 of them: Krico 700). Bullet in .30-06 Lapua Mega or Sako Hammerhead in 200 grs

[@here_for_the]

I also like a .300 Win Mag. Do people ever reload load subsonic for fun shooting? I suspect not. Would only make sense if we could only truly own 1 firearm by gubermant restrictions.

[@jcarry5214]

@@here_for_the I bet someone has used trail boss to get subsonic winmag, you know it's out there somewhere. Good idea. I would go 30-06 or WSM too. Probbaly WSM if component supplies aren't in this puzzle.

[@AusKipper1]

I am going to cheat and say i'm allowed to have an air rifle for low cost plinking and fun, and in that case I will also go for .300 Win Mag in a Nemo Arms semi auto rifle. Now if it really is declared cheating to have an air rifle I would pick something smaller, probably a 22-250 or .243 so I can afford to shoot paper and practice here and there.

[@MrFelix002]

30-06 cause that’s what I grew up with, the next is 303 British, my 30-06 is pre64 custom, I’m a retired Canadian ranger and I was impressed with 303 British reliability and open sight accuracy

[@syrup8783]

30-06, Browning AB1 (1986 original) and custom loads. Has never failed me and ive taken it on over 400 hunting trips.

[@Dave-ck8cf]

223/6.56 is the best. Can hunting. Target 600 yards, most important defense my self and my family 😊

[@RockinRack]

Probably 7mm prc. Still waiting to see how things shake out with it but if it fits between the 6.5prc and the 300prc i think its going to be my new favorite all around caliber. Enough for anything in north America and great for long range plinking

[@darrelldowns7437]

I have that 1 gun that in my opinion is perfect for me! My Daniel Defense DD5V3 in 308 with a 16in barrel. Swampfox arrowhead 1-10. Shooting first federal terminal ascent 175 grn as first choice if that's not available I go hornady 165 cx superformance. If my house is burning down that's the first gun I grab after the kids.

[@wheelguns4wheelmen802]

That’s a very versatile gun; nice pick

[@user-my3cm7ru1d]

.308 due to cost,availability. M&P 10 (AR 10) suppressed w/leupold scope. This would work for hunting, SHTF, home defense, target, etc. 5round mags to 25 round mags. Go to round is 165 Nosler Partition over Varget in LC brass, but the M&P will feed and shoot accurately with any round.

[@shaynelhta]

Of course you're probably aware: "One Man, One land, One rifle." His was also a 30-06. Mine would be 308.

[@scottcrawford3745]

"Beware the man with only 1 gun; He likely knows how to use it well". (please forgive my paraphrasing of this old line, I've seen several variations on it, and many are close to this but don't encapsulate the intended meaning quite as well as this one of mine).

[@robdavidson4945]

This discussion topic probably goes back as far as the firearm. In the 60's and 70's there were many outdoor writers were in Johns camp because of the amount of ammo you could carry matched with a good rifle. To this day at 68 years old and having shot competition small bore .22 in the70's my favorite two rifles that I did the best shooting are a Browning lever action and a Winchester pump with octagonal barrel manufactured in the early 1900's. Dig up old books and magazines to read claims of the range of game sizes taken with the .22 rifle. Plus the good pistols in.22.

[@entropicdoom8018]

So many folks focused only on 4 legged critters. With >8billion 2 legged critters, I would want a setup that I could put food on the table but also carry in urban environments for personal defense. Since 6-7" barrel .44mag is not the easiest to conceal. For me, 10mm cartridge, Hornady 200g XTP bullet, FN510 Tactical comes with 15round & 22round mags, aimpoint acro enclosed emitter red dot, and surefire x400 ultra light.

[@concreteandgrading]

Great point, good thinking

[@notsofast60]

Great topic and quite a variety of opinions. For me, the Ruger american 22 mag carbine version is super versatile for almost anything. Thousands of poachers can't be wrong. Second choice savage 24v in 30-30/20 gauge for SHTF, with a few inserts like 22LR, 9mm. Conventional rifle? Browning a-bolt micro in 7-08 or 308.

[@Nerdslayer09527]

Yeah those small calibers still get good effect on target when you take headshots, my father used to poach moose and reindeer in the oI' days, his two favorite guns were a .22 WMR and a .22 Hornet. With that said, while I'm certainly a pretty good shot im not a champion like him so i'd be slightly less cocky and go for something slighly bigger like a .223 Rem or maybe even a 6,5x55mm Swedish or 7mm-08.

[@here_for_the]

I have the 24c in .22Lr/20ga. Luv it. & have a Marlin 30-30 lever. & yes, the 20ga/30-30 u suggest would be a great choice for a budget. Although they probably aren't cheap, or easy to find & purchase locally nowadays 🤷.

[@brushwolf]

6.5 Swede Mauser with a 160 grain round nose. Reloading is straightforward. Low powder volume. Components are common due to the Creedmoor craze. Commercial ammo is common. Small enough to not pulverize small game into ground meat but also well known to be a moose and bear stopper.

[@joecitizen6046]

This one is tough. I have a ton of cartridges to choose from. In the end, I believe I would choose the 22lr, Ruger RPR, and Lapua Center X. It just does the job on many levels. My grandfather used to hunt deer with a single shot 22 in Wisconsin on their land. One shot to the head, drop like a rock. In forested country like they owned, the shot wasn't even more than 20 yards. My other grandfather shot hogs with the 22lr; so it has potential to do a job of "all-around" duty. Its just too tempting to choose a centerfire cartridge, but the most fun that I have are with my 22lr's.

[@here_for_the]

Absolutely. Who as a firearms enthusiast doesn't own 1 or more .22Lr guns?

[@JSJTOUTDOORS]

While I have set my 308 aside the last couple years for the 6.5 Creedmoor i would 100% take the 308 as my one and only.

[@choomanfoo157]

Another great video! Love hearing all the different choices people prefer, I like the 6.5 creed and the sig cross combo too, although I would love to try MTN Reaper.

[@garyglenn5233]

Although I've always been a 270 Winchester man,I've have to go with a 30-06 with a 165 gr Remington CoreLokt in a Savage 110 bolt action. The Savage is affordable, accurate and rugged and a 165 gr in 30-06 will take everything from chipmunks to moose and even the big bears if you're careful with your range and shot placement.

[@vexrich]

I'd like to see the results of chipmunk hunting with a 30-06

[@zackzittel7683]

I hate corelokt ammo. Bottom of the barrel. I’ve had them detonate like a varmint round on two muleys. And it was 165gr 280 rem so sectional density for days and not nearly as fast as it could be. ThT being said……. Check out the 280AI…… a necked down 30-06 and does everything a 30-06 does but better. I’ve got a few 165gr loads that reach 3,150 FPS

[@Odoh88]

I use a savage 110 30-06. Great rifle it would be my choice for one gun for the rest of my life.

[@TACx3]

Arguments for many, but my personal pick “is” a Tikka T3X, 7mm-08, 150 gr ELD-X….a great shooter that I will never part from. Considering an MDT chassis. 👌🏽

[@thehimself4056]

I bought that Tikka T3 in 7mm .08. For my son. It’s a great elk gun.

[@Saa45MIV]

Great choice.. I would personally choose the 150 grain Barnes ttsx over the Eldx but can’t go wrong with either

[@brettstewart8765]

My Sako 75 in 7-08 has been a great gun it will go to my grandson when I'm done hunting and those barns 150g ttsx are just perfect

[@kiwihunter2011]

7mm08 is a great cartridge. I use the 162 eldm's in a tikka custom but will probably go with the 150 eldx in the future. 162's work great though hmmm choices 😂

[@redmorse4321]

Id skip the chassis, just bed the action into the stock its a lot easier than it looks. You can buy a kit from wheeler that has everything you need for under 50 bucks. Ive done 4 or 5 in my kitchen with little effort and im not gunsmith. The tikka factory stock is excellent for a factory unit. Actually, literally everything about the tikka is excellent and its very hard to appreciably improve them. A triad stock pack, lighter trigger spring and more ammo is about the best you can spend your money on with the t3. I've got almost everything 'done' on my t3x and it still shoots the same as it did day 1. It does however look totally badass.

[@The340king]

This is a great question. When faced with the possible reality of a societal breakdown, my buddy and I came to the conclusion that 22LR was the one to stock up on. There are many reasons why. The first is cost. You can afford to stock up on them. Then there’s weight. You can haul a gob of them. We also considered noise. You wouldn’t want to draw attention to yourself when hunting. The lone drawback to the round is standoff distance in a defensive scenario. There, I would probably go with the 6 ARC. It has the same trajectory as the 6.5 Creedmoor, but less terminal energy. It’s a lighter gun to carry. I am a gas gun guy so the weight can become an issue for carrying long distances. A good self-defense shotgun would be a must for close in protection. It certainly makes one think.

[@astang1072]

9mm and 556 first choise for sure, but theres no excuse to not have a couple 22’s and 10k rds stored away.

[@The340king]

@astang1072 The thought was that in our bugout location, we would be hunting for food regularly. The noise of most center fire weapons would draw attention to the shooter that you don't want. Then, there's the attrition of ammunition over time. I would hate to expend my self-defense ammunition hunting for food. It's good to strategize.

[@michaelestrada2772]

I’m surprised there weren’t more handguns! My one gun was my Dan Wesson 15-2 in 357 mag. I have the pistol pack with the four barrels, giving me the 8in for hunting, 6in for woods defense, 4in for edc, and 2.5in for deep concealment. I’d probably choose the 158gr JHP for its decent sectional density without being too heavy to cause over penetration. It’s also a decent bullet for a wide range of powder charges. Second choice would be my Tanfoglio Witness in 10mm for similar reasons, but the Dan Wesson’s just more modular.

[@kmafdlmagotg8328]

308. Access to different ammunition. Caliber covers all the bases (hunting, recreational shooting, SHTF). One must not forget about barrel life.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

Yeap. Wide bullet weight range. 20" barrels... Only a little less energy than 30-06. It's gotta be the best do all.

[@reloadrefine]

The 6arc definitely grows on a guy. Low recoil and checks all the boxes. 22-250 great classic round and versatile as well.

[@10thclimbtovictorystevens65]

Stupid choice

[@BrianPatterson-ev6cz]

expensive rounds

[@nickw3463]

How's the recoil compared to 6.5 grendel or 5.56?

[@andrewhenley2161]

That is such an odd line up. The only thing for the rest of your life? Aside from the first guy, these were just their current pet load. One gun for the rest of your life has to be something PRACTICAL and VERSATILE. This was a real head scratcher for me. Especially the guy pushing an off the wall 9mm competition gun.

[@CiviTac]

He’s sponsored by kanik

[@GetJesse]

Agreed 100%

[@mrskelington]

My thoughts also. Its seems abit like some of these choices just happened to be their flavour of the month, rather than a well thought 'rest-of-your-life' choice. Head scratcher indeed! Always an interesting topic.. but it needed a little more thought and discussion about why they made these choices.

[@steveh4962]

Yes, definitely out of place!

[@MrKevinpsweeney]

I love my Ruger Americans Magpul hunter in 6.5 creedmore $600 bucks $300 Arken scope this rifle was like a Lazer right out of the box! Budget precision hunting rifle!

[@jarredlkling]

After thinking, I would do a Sig 320 X10 with an SBR stamp. The way the 320 chassis is you could configure the firearm as a rifle with one of the aftermarket stocks or use it as a pistol. Chambered In 10mm with a longer barrel you could hunt most game with it and be good for home defense as a pistol. You can skirt the rules of the game by only owing one gun but being able to configure it into different setups so I think it would be ideal for a one and only. For ammo I would go with the Underwood SKU that's loaded with the extreme hunter 150gn from Leigh

[@SW737Flyer]

I watch all these guys videos as well and I love seeing you guys all together on gun stuff. Really enjoyable watch.

[@johnmurphy6475]

243 has never let me down will take a pre 64 model 70

[@Me2Lancer]

Great question. I have to go with Who Tee Who and the 22-250 for a hard hitting, flat shooting versatile cartridge.

[@Drgunzo616]

I think he made the best choice as well. Let's you take small game to deer and everything in between. Not going rabbit hunting with a 30-06.

[@Big_Mike_1116]

my favorites: Shotgun 12 gauge, rimfire 22LR, Revolver and Lever Gun 44 mag and 327 mag, short action 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, and 308, long action 6.5x55, 270, and 30-06, semiauto handgun and PCC 9mm, straight wall 350 legend, and 45-70 heavy subsonic suppressed.

[@CatDaddySteve]

When the SHTF You can get 30cal- 06 or 308 anywhere in any bullet / brand

[@bryanowen2881]

In the hunting world I put cartridge selection in the same category as trucks. Most people buy something way bigger than what they actually need. Compensation for poorly placed shots, shots that probably shouldn’t be taken, and possibly something else😂. There are guys shooting elk with hand made bow and arrows. Get closer and be responsible.

[@twointhebush6611]

Can't go wrong with .308, but the 6.5prc, the Properly Redesigned Creedmoor, would be an awesome choice with 120-140gr Barnes LRX, Speer gold dot, or Horndaddy ELD-X bullets. 6 ARC in a small frame gas gun would be great unless you're after larger game or live in bear country.

[@Buck-kf6xq]

6 Arc will drop anything that walks the earth with proper bullets and shot placement.

[@MrRourk]

The 6 .5 PRC loves the big Lapua 156gr

[@Shaggy_Rogers0001]

It's pronounced *Hornady*

[@MrRourk]

@@Shaggy_Rogers0001 no it's pronounced Ornery as in they are mean nasty killer bullets

[@cottleful]

6.5 prc has a worse barrel life than .300 WM and 7mm mag. No thanks

[@stan2489]

I've hunted with a bunch of them, but what I seem to grab the most is a Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker, 300 WSM, 180 gr Federal Trophy Bonded Tip.

[@I_ESREVER_I]

Last year I would have said 6.5 PRC, but if you can go custom, I think now I lean toward 6mm Creedmoor. The custom part would be the barrel. I’d get a 1-7.5 twist barrel fitted for the Ruger SFAR 20”

[@thehimself4056]

30-06. Does everything a .308 can do but better at big game.

[@jameswozny2701]

308 can take a water buffalo (In Australia, illegally don't ask me how I know) so it's more than enough for big game anywhere in the world.

[@simonenew1]

Backfire with another awesome video! Thanks for making the input of so many great shooters available. To play along with the rifle theme, my choice is the Tikka T3X CTR in .308 shooting Nosler’s 165gr AccuBond. On that note, if I am truly limited to one gun, I would choose a pump action 12 gauge shotgun. I hunted my first few deer seasons - and subsequently killed my first few deer - with a 12 gauge Browning BPS shooting 1oz Remington Buckhammer slugs. I have never used a shotgun to hunt animals larger than whitetail but would venture to say that a 12 gauge slug would fill just about any tag. Now, I am fortunate enough to have other firearms to fill the niche of big game hunting. That said, for all other types of hunting: upland, waterfowl, small game, turkey, etc., my hands still reach for the 12 gauge (although now I have a few more to choose from). Hunting aside, everyone knows the value of 12 gauge in tactical applications and there is a plethora of shotgun competition to keep the weekends of the loan shotgunner action packed.

[@scottcrawford3745]

Ah, yes... but the hard part : Only 1 cartridge load. So... Slugs, Sabot or Foster or Benneke; Buckshot: 00, #1, #4 ? or Birdshot: say BB or #2's ? ( No Steel. Let's keep it simple and say Lead is fine.)

[@johnpoole8321]

@@scottcrawford3745 Great point. My thought is he's on the right track. I would probably buy boxes of 2's or BB and then you could cheat the loads from there with enough powder. Enter ball bearings, home made slugs and such.

[@scottcrawford3745]

@@johnpoole8321 Heh.. De-headed Ardox nails ??

[@steveelder5306]

cut the shell almost thru just behind the wad. instant pre fragmented slug. I'd use a high base #6 shot for small game and home defense thank you.@@scottcrawford3745

[@mjoelnir1899]

A Drilling, 2 x 12/76 + 1 x 7 x 65R, with a 7 x 65 R insertion barrel. 7 mm 175 gr copper bullet.

[@droppinbrass5240]

7 prc or 7 rem mag. The weatherby alpine. You can hunt anything or take it to a mile.

[@Saa45MIV]

All these choices are so strange to me lol. I would pick a tikka T3x in either 300 win or 7 rem mag. Barnes ttsx bullet. It’s light, powerful, accurate durable and reliable. What more do you need?

[@catlin-vn1sh]

That’s exactly what I have t3x 7mag was shooting the Barnes 160s took a moose with it. Can’t find any more up here where I live. Using some Berger’s for now.

[@Saa45MIV]

@@catlin-vn1shI was laughing at the guy who chose a 6 GT in a 20 pound rifle.. he said “the only cartridge and rifle you can ever own” hopefully you don’t have to go hunting or use your 20 pound single shot target rifle for self defence lol 😂

[@catlin-vn1sh]

@@Saa45MIV haha yea I didn’t get that one either. Some people like to be different I guess, I had mine on a moose hunt here 2 years ago took a bull at 250 yards with the Barnes it worked perfect. I don’t think he will be shoot to many moose with that lol

[@TyroneNorthcutt]

Have you checked 7mm-08 loads using Win Staball 6.5 yet? Increased velocity with same pressures. Interesting looking at 140, 150, 154, and 162 weights. Pushing 150 ELD-X at 2950fps in short action, low recoil, great accuracy.

[@evanwindom]

Winchester Model 70, .30-06, 180 Nosler Trophy Grade in either the partition or bonded. Not the sexiest or most high tech, but it just works. You can get either factory ammo or reloading supplies just about anywhere, and there are so many reloading recipes. And I really appreciate the reliability of the controlled round feed on the Winchester, especially if you need to make a follow-up shot.

[@user-gk2ir4ml3t]

At my age( 66) I have tried or witnessed most since the 1970's. I have yet to find anything that works better than my 270's. wcf's In the old days we relied on the Nosler Partitions. These days , we are in the golden age of components... the wcf is even better. I still default with 150 NP , pushed by reloder 26.. Sheep & Elk hunter here

[@InkwellFoto]

Perfect timing, building my first bolt action and need to pick a cartridge. I'm thinking 308

[@tonyenglish5153]

For me its the .257 Weatherby mag or 270 with 7mm 08 also in the mix. Great video and views!

[@mariosola1]

I've thought about this question before and for me it would be my 16 inch IWI zion with 5.56 and a 1-8 LPVO. It's just a really good all around weapon, doesn't do anything the best, but if you don't know what situations you are going to be in I'd rather stick with something versatile.

[@liftheavyhunthard09]

That's such a hard question... best I can do is give my best all around for 4 categories. 22lr in a ruger 10 22, 12 Guage remington wingmaster, Winchester model 70 chambered in 30 06, and glock 19 in 9mm... they are super generic, easily accessible not pretty, but accurately put lead down range every time.

[@blackie1of4]

For non reloaders.. the best choice would be the 308 Winchester..hands down! I personally would pick the 30-06 Springfield and not look back! That's the only cartridge my late father carried his entire life. It was a Winchester model 70 chambered in 30-06 Springfield. He always.. scoffed at me when I'd buy a new firearm. His generation didn't like to spend needless money on ammo scopes bullets and gadgets. Nowadays.. we have game specific firearms :) Plus always looking for the next wiz bang.. shhhh.. don't tell my wife :)

[@yotasavage]

Dang a 22-250 pick in the list! Love it. It’s a great round!

[@LDR1100RS]

Great video. I would have said 6.5 Grendel in an AR with Lilja AR740 20" barrel and the 123 ELDM...and then John said .22LR. That would be the smart choice. A custom 10/22 and CCI 40 grain Mini Mag.

[@whiskeytango9769]

I have a Tikka T3x Compact Tactical. It is chambered in 6.5 PRC, and I have developed a load using the Hornady 140 grain SST that I use is awesome, 2960 fps MV, very accurate.

[@geraldblackburn4883]

7mm PRC ! I know it is hard to come by, but it has GREAT ballistics and I really wanted the 7 rem mag, but I am a .300 guy, but Ron Spomer is pulling me away !

[@jcarry5214]

I'm a 7 saum guy so I totally get the PRC draw, it really ticks ALL the boxes. But if I had to go 1 gun/1 bullet it'd be 30 cal all the way. I just don't think there's a 1 bullet solution in .284, not one that uses all the range and ballistics of the 7mm.

[@rick9811]

I'm right there with Guy, same across the board. 30.06, the Lords' caliber.

[@DRHODES1979]

I'm the same as Piet. 6.5 PRC. 156 Berger EOL. Lone Peak action, Proof barrel, in an XLR Element 4.0 Magnesium chassis. I can weigh the chassis down for PRS or NRL Hunter matches and then run it ultralight for hunting.

[@chadh7005]

Definitely 308 rem 700 and 168gr a-max it's already my go to for everything when I need something on the ground.

[@garydaviddepriest7839]

Mine is the CZ 550 American in .270 win. Beautiful rifle, more accurate than I am and the rifle/cartridge combination has never let me down! Granted I'm mostly hunting whitetails but a 130gr ballistic tip is an absolute deer destroyer!

[@lohikarhu734]

.270 is a great all-rounder, and, with some of the longer, better BC bullets, can do long range like crazy.

[@bizzzzzzle]

I have a 700 and my Dad an A-Bolt in .270 and love it

[@gradyhernandez4699]

​@@lohikarhu734how about a 260

[@lavanice]

With over dozen rifle - 6.8 western and 9.3x62. Love to see so many superheros in same episode . Miss few though

[@ddums89]

Well for me, .22lr, with myTX22, bulk ammo. Other than hunting good deals with coupons at the local grocer when I need meat, I also hunt steel targets.

[@longbellycaster]

Back when I just mainly ran one cartridge it was a 260 with 130 otm or 140 hybrid Berger on my ARC nucleus build.

[@WilliamKister]

I like to hunt. If I could only pick one it would be a .30-06. What's funny is I don't own one at the moment. For deer sized game I have been using .257 Weatherby. I own a ton of different rifles with cartridges from .20 cal up to .45. For elk I like a big .30 or .338 caliber rifle. In all reality bullet choice is more important than cartridge choice within reason and shot placement is king. This was a great video. Liked this one. The question was so broad that depending on what activities people partake in is what generates the answer. You were able to see who the hunters were, the defensive people, and the plinkers.

[@robertagusti3712]

Love your answer,everything includs hunting but not a 1000 yards,so bolt action CRF 7MM08.

[@benjaminhamm3957]

If I had pick 1 rifle from my safe it would be my Tikka T3X 30-06.

[@Barrett_Fodder]

My preference for a 1 cartridge only would be .338 Federal. No doubt .30-06 is a great choice and a readily available supply of rifles and ammo in a SHTF scenario. If I were to pick just one of the ones I have on the shelf I would pick the .338 Federal because of the 20-40% heavier bullet with a larger cross section than the .308 family of calibers and velocities that fall between the .308 and .30-06 with the same weight of bullets. I've taken everything in NA except the large bears (haven't had the chance) with it and trust the round and rifle to do the job.

[@ikedaniel91]

I have a tikka 338 federal and love it

[@63DW89A]

5.5-inch barrel Single Action revolver in 45 Colt, hands down. Smokeless hand-loaded to original 1873-era 40 grain black powder charge specs of a 255 gr bullet at 1000 fps from a 5.5" revolver. Can be easily concealed, because the mechanically simple, stout, Single Action frame is relatively compact for a 6-shot large caliber handgun. Low pressure round that can be fired indoors without rupturing your eardrums. The 255gr bullet at 1000 fps MV, shoots flat enough to stay on a 9-inch paper plate to 120+ yards and will kill anything in front of it. Would choose a 12 gauge pump, except it ain't concealable like the 5.5-inch Single Action!

[@GammaRayTrae]

6.8x51 love the numbers and the fact that it even in a short barrel it gives great performance. So of course that makes my gun the Spear

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

Sig cross will also do pretty nicely.

[@davejones3923]

Interesting video Jim I would hate to have that choice but I guess I would keep my Browning X Bolt in 308 with Hornady 165 gr interlocks but would sure hate to give up my 22"s

[@michaelnelson1911]

Great video as always, but I have a comment that I think needs mentioning. I have looked for that one gun that does it all like I know many of you have too. I don’t think there is a one gun that can do it all. That is like asking a builder to only pick one carpenter tool. Or a mechanic to pick a one tool that does it all. I think you asked the question a little different, so I will jump in and give my two cents. Right now, the gun I use the most is a x-bolt chambered to n 270. This gun loves shooting a Nosler ballistic tip 140 grain. I used in on elk last fall and at 350 yard and it was one shot, and we were done. But if I had to pick only one for the rest of my life, I would go with a 6.8 Western and get the benefits of a faster twist and heavier bullets. I think you could get 120 gr. up to 175 gr. and I think you could take an animal in North America. Hopefully I would be able to get ammo for the rest of my life. Thanks for sharing.

[@concreteandgrading]

Any animal in North America huh? Even Alaska?

[@drdes9609]

AR 15 6.5 grendel 99g hammer hunter bullets. Hunting, self protection and suppresses pretty well.

[@lankyjeep8432]

It’s hard to beat 30-06, either in a Ruger Hawkeye Model 70 M1903, or even an M1 Garand any of these would be extremely viable as hunting rifles with the last two being extremely enjoyable at the range aswell

[@danielboggan2479]

The Ruger Hawkeye is the 77. Winchester makes the model 70

[@lankyjeep8432]

@@danielboggan2479 i know, i didnt put commas, didnt put one between model 70 and 1903 either

[@brazzy1467]

308 all day long!!!!

[@heinrichstoltz1356]

Sauer 202 in .375H&H and Barnes TTSX at 2,880ft/sec.

[@thevoyageur2152]

North america - 338 win mag in a mauser, In the world - 375 h&h same gun, all nosler partitions heavy for caliber.

[@danielrobey1759]

To quote Townsend Whelen, “the 30/06 is never a mistake”

[@XX-zj3dl]

I think the correct answer is - a .308 is never a mistake. Yes, I know a 30/06 is more powerful but it's also bigger, heavier and less common. If you were scrounging through some leave-behinds it's more likely to find .308 than anything else except .22

[@eriklambert3809]

That's hard. The hardest animal to take here is a hog. A 77gr 5.56 can do the job. Definitely a 18" gun. But if i lived somewhere with larger animals a .308 would be better. I have an older Colt le901 that can actually take 5.56 uppers too. I'd stick with it. Pistol- I'd take a G19 in 9mm. Parts and ammo availability are better than any other pistol.

[@Cloudstrife112233]

Gun: pre-64 Winchester Model 70. Cartridge: .280 AI Bullet: 165gr Sierra Game King or Nosler Partition.... maybe the Barnes TTSX.

[@richardloo1523]

For me 308 = 7.62X51 military cartridge , available almost anywhere in the world. Sako TRG 21 rifle , first choice. Remington 700 sps or VTR second choice..

[@milo555100]

Great video. Love the short interview format. Great question also. Because Im not “ready” to commit to one…. .308 bolt w threaded 18” barrel. Ammo 168gr AMAX. Submitting my comment before I change my mind.

[@michaelbarlow6062]

Any .30 caliber bolt action

[@TheWarriorsMind]

Well , I commented a couple of months ago that I would take a 270 win hands down. But, I have been thinking on it for a while. I have like a dozen or more different calibers. If it came down to one round it would truly be hard to pick After great thought on reloading, recoil, energy, etc., I would say the 22 creedmoor. With a 24" barrel shooting a hornady 88 eld-m @ 3290 fpe. 😅At 600 yds, it still has 1000 fpe, -51 drop (200 zero), and 20 drift (10 mph ). I have a custom rem 700 with a 18 " barrel which shoots about 150 fps less at the muzzle which produces 900 fpe at 600yds. It is about perfect.

[@danielmaine45]

30-06 for me....if I had to chose one bullet it would be a Nosler partition 168 grain likely.

[@littleofeveything]

I'd vote for 243 Win. in model 70 rifle. Never seen a rifle cartridge cover such a wide spectrum plus great availability. If one gun means one firearm to do all things forever though, 12 guage remington 870 is my answer

[@andrewhenley2161]

I live in TN where short range deer is most common. I’m going with Winchester 94 in 30/30. Perfect for the hunting I do, also serves well for defensive purposes in my rural area. I prefer not to shoot game at half mile away. I believe part of hunting is getting close to your quarry.

[@jcarry5214]

For discussion, not insult: I think the 30-30 is an anemic killer even at close range and it's poorly suited to large northern deer and abysmal for anything larger. MV and bullet selection have let many animals run off maimed. Sure it's killed a lot of game, but it's got real shortcomings. Growing up in the northeast I heard tons of stories about guys who somehow missed or lost big bucks up close. Some of those were misses, but some were certainly cartridge failures. Buckshot was even worse than 30-30 where I grew up in new england. "I don't know how I missed". You didn't, he made it miles and is dying in agony or will live in immense pain. 200 yards is "close" in a lot of units in the country, and using a 30-30 at that distance is just vile. I'd prefer someone carried a 20 gauge with slugs so their accuracy would go long before the killing power. I know people here in the west who will lie right to your face and say they've never seen a lost elk from a 30-30, .243, 350 grain arrow, etc, while every year people gut elk that have been wounded before with too little gun. I just think we can do better in the modern era unless you're unbelievably disciplined, even on little southeastern whitetails. No insult intended, just my take. I love the 94 design and they handle like a wet dream but I'll never hunt with a 30-30 again.

[@jcarry5214]

@@JD.307 that little grendel is interesting, you get the right bullet combo matches to the body density and you’ve got some nasty terminal ballistics on medium sized animals.

[@kevinclause4p55p5]

223 wylde UDR-15, so i can launch m855 62gr green tips. ...on second thought, if pistols are allowed, i choose 40 s&w Glock g22 any grain. If you told me, at some point in the future my life will depend on shooting beyond 400 yards im choosing 6.5 creedmoor ruger precision rifle 129 grain.

[@addisonmohler3664]

.30-06 AI, Berger 180 grain elite hunter, Rem700. Top end custom precision handloads but can still shoot factory ammo.

[@IDGAF56852]

Gota be .308 hands down. Availability, reliability, price,and all round effectiveness.

[@Logan2070]

One gun...that's just perverse.

[@curteaton]

Tikka stainless, .30-06 too.