The 5 Best Cartridges

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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.
Produced by: @red11media
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@lourensrudman4614]

The 3 best are 22LR, 308Win and 12GA, because that is what I have😜

[@fj400007]

Same here... 22lr, .223, 30-30win, 308win, a pump 12ga with extended tube that fits nine (9) 3'' shells and another semiautomatic 12ga... I will borrow, from a friend, a 300wsm once in awhile for moose... don't really need anything else but, would love to have a 6.5 , .270wsm or the new 6.8 western.

[@jhamelin119]

.22lr, .308/30-06 (i have both and they are both great), and a couple filthy old 12 gauges.

[@sog4646]

Disclaimer- i lost all of mine in the river. 😔

[@fj400007]

@@sog4646 mine are also in the river but, the good news is that they're waterproof and could be retrieved at any time 🤐

[@ChristopherKnN]

Those were the immediate 3 I thought of too. Others are personal decisions.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Always love your videos

[@octopussmasher2694]

Well hoi dur

[@jhamelin119]

You know what I like, the .308

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks who tee!

[@gregorysivits3605]

Good to see the young bucks still paying respects

[@nunyabussiness4054]

That was a really fun comment.

[@darrellmorse1894]

My list 22lr, 243 win, 870 12ga, 30-06, 375 h&h. Another thought provoking video, thanks!

[@mikelong9638]

You covered it nicely Ron. This question has been posted more times than I can remember and has helped pay the bills for gun writers for decades.

[@kermitthefrog5926]

It has been endlessly covered, because it is endlessly pleasurable to discuss. I love gun talk.

[@bdubs1010]

Thank the good Lord I was born and raised in a country I don’t have to limit myself to just 5 calibers. 😀

[@markmtbrider]

Amen , or 13fpe without acquiring special government approval and taxation, yet....

[@MrJonrocker]

Amen.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

I firmly believe in 7 mm magnuming things to death. 👍

[@JT--XL365]

.300 win mag ftw

[@sickdickop6118]

@@JT--XL365 not as flat shooting but I respect your opinion.

[@eddielombera5862]

@@sickdickop6118 the difference is so negligible, depending on the bullet weight one beats the other and vice versa…. A 7mm won’t beat a fully loaded 180gr at 3100fps in down range energy. That being said if I had to pick between the 2, when I first bought my hunting rifle, I’d pick the 7mm. I’ve now since moved up and shoot the .300 WBY, much better than both in all aspects.

[@adamjones7176]

best round ever created

[@rebelbaron7003]

You bet Michael.....7mm 'em.

[@josephrainbolt3849]

I just found your channel today and have been binge watching your videos. Keep up the good work. I love the honesty. Can never beat a 12 and a 22. I agree 100% essential for everyone.

[@bladesbarrelsandbags1047]

Ron's videos are so informative and well articulated. I love his enthusiasm.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you like them!

[@jeffreylocke8808]

Good video response. 12 gauge 3 inch is really the essential one of all 5. With brass slug bullets even dangerous game will buckle. Special purpose loads out of a 12 gauge steel pipe are like a virtual cannon. And in an over under the two choke option makes a 12 gauge over under the shotgun choice. Mine is a Browning Feather 12 gauge over under with a 26 inch barrel weighing just 6 pounds and 7 ounces. Thanks for posting.

[@youngin881]

I could roll with your picks Ron, especially the 7 rem mag!

[@SteveSansford]

Love these new Q&A videos! Thanks for all you do!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you like them!

[@lazytommy0]

Excellent picks. I love your delivery too, quite a speaker/story teller. Great video

[@scotthajney4127]

When I saw the title of this video I saw people losing their minds 😄

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

If they did they're not writing in to admit it. Or maybe they can't write with lost minds? So far, pretty polite comments. Life is good.

[@Drivapete]

I can hear the arguements around the campfire now. When we're allowed to have on again!

[@annotten7413]

JC Sherwood I’ve never been to keen on when some one says what is “allowed” by the government

[@jimbograves1576]

5 good choices sir. I like them all and probably wouldn't change any. The only consideration I would mention is the .243 over the 22-250ai. You got a lot of bullet weight variation with it as well.

[@matt5415]

I like the caveat that his choices can change tomorrow. I think that’s how we all end up with multiple guns. So many choices for so many applications.

[@jaarriaga1978]

I can´t believe I just now discovered your channel. Absolutely excellent material.

[@glenpick1]

Awesome video as always - appreciate your rationale on each chambering - I load for 12 different calibers here in Australia where smaller to medium game is more prevalent in the Southern states - my top 5 - 22lr, 12 Gauge, 218Bee, 257 Roberts, 44 Magnum if I lived in the northern States of Australia either the 45/70 or 9.3x74R would need to be squeezed in - all the best to you & your readers.

[@tophat7199]

257 is one of the best longer range varmit rounds ever

[@charlesperry1051]

Until I was in my 20s (in my 50s now) my Dad owned 2 firearms: a Remington 550 Speedmaster (.22 LR) and a Remington 870 (12 gauge). I agree, the first two have to be the .22LR and the 12 gauge.

[@simongloutnez589]

I also have a .22 and a 12 gauge 3.5 inches. I shoot a lot of paper with the .22 and primarly hunt with my 12g. When I started with big games I bought a rifled canon and well... my sxp has serves me well! But now that have a better cash influx I might just buy a 30-06, 308, or 270... idk yet. But im certainly going for something versatile.

[@zechnarwilliams8019]

I have been a subscriber for a while, you may know how long, I do not. You are my new favorite channel over the last several months. I look forward to everything you do Sir!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Wow, thank you!

[@ram_bam]

You're a practical man, Ron. I dig it.

[@BrianRRenfro]

As I just got back from FINALLY taking all my "tacticool" friends out shotgunning the 12 gauge is the still on my mind as my "If i had to grab one gun and use it for the rest of my life" choice. I explained to them that I could use it for defense and take out a whole team of bad guys (I mean, they were tacticool guys) but with some light 8's I could take small upland birds, heavy 8's for bigger birds, 6's for squirrels and rabbit, BB (or abouts) for waterfouling, slugs for deer, bear, woolly mammoth! And then shoot some clays in the afternoon for fun! Also of course you SHOULD clean your shotgun but if you have a break/pump/bolt action one you can just dump oil on the moving bits so they don't wear out and never clean it. You can put 100,000 rounds through and old H&R you bought at Walmart for $80 in 1998, never run a swab down it, just hose it down with oil, and it WILL fire (and probably still pattern) just fine.

[@cacinaz8802]

LOL, LOL. I can't get past the visual of you pumping slugs into a woolly mammoth with your H&R from Walmart. Hope you can run fast.

[@BrianRRenfro]

@@cacinaz8802 I ran so fast I ended up back in the ice ages.

[@michaelc4060]

Hey, look what Ash does to them Evil Dead with a coach gun.

[@thehammer3193]

I just found these videos and I love them. It's hard to argue with the .22 LR and the 12Ga shotgun. A must for anyone. My personal favorite hunting rounds are the .243 and the .300WMG I use the .243 for deer and pronghorn and the .300 for elk and I know that if I ever make it to Africa it's big enough for any of the plains animals there. No dangerous game of course. For that I would need to buy a new gun.

[@jamescooper2618]

There are so many great choices! These are 5 of the greats!

[@unbalancedredneck5778]

Very cool concept. I’d make a few changes just for my personal use. 22LR 12 ga shotgun 223/5.56 270 win 375 H&H Honorable mention to any lever gun in large enough caliber for a medium size game brush gun. Great video

[@WyoOutback]

All good choices. MY top 5 would be 12 ga. .22 lr, .243 Win, .270Win, & .375 H&H. I own all of them, used them and feel comfortable with them. If I had to get down to one rifle for the US I believe it would be the .270. One rifle for the world - .375 H&H.

[@robertfree1908]

Good choices imo. Well said about your 1-gun scenario. I concur

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

Hard to argue against your choices. Sadly I have every caliber you mentioned already. I "need" another, so convince me of another so I can buy more. oO

[@falba1492]

@@hillbillyscholar8126 - Great minds think alike. Here’s one in between the 270 Win and the 375 H&H, which I absolutely love. The 300 H&H. An African classic, and more efficient and versatile than a 300 Win.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You could easily talk me into that list.

[@williammcclelland6789]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors If you could only have two, that might very well be the best duo out there.

[@justinwilson2595]

Mr Ron I can not knock any of your choices. I'm glad your first 2 especially. 22lr and 12 gadgets work on almost anything you need and are found world wide easily. 22- 250 was a surprise. And I've never played with it so I can't say a word. The 7mm rem mag also surprised me I figured you'd go 300 win mag. Same time I love the 7mm and most times I will fight tooth and nail for it. Because she truly is an all around performer. And has served me well for almost 30 yrs now on everything. From 20yrds to a 1000 yrds on all kinds of game. Dangerous game I have nothing fore I have never been more than bear and Moose hunting and my 7mm does the job always for that. Thank you for your experience and knowledge live you and your wisdom!!!! Justin Wilson.

[@joelex7966]

Great video, personally I would have gone with the .375 H&H for the dangerous game choice but I completely agree with everything else.

[@jasonwatkins4277]

I guessed the .22LR, 12 gauge, and the 7mm. The other two were an interesting choice. I would take the .270 Win for deer size game and maybe the .300 Weatherby for elk, moose, and bear. Great video. Really enjoy your content.

[@christianbanick496]

Can use the 7mm for everything from coyote to moose. Only need 1 gun with that caliber. 110gr for varmint , 180gr for elk moose bear. The best mix for velocity and power is the 160gr.

[@MrTappers7]

I love your cartridge selections, great iconic choices Ron. Me personally I have a deep love for the 7mm-08 and the venerable 375 h&h. I've actually been wanting to pug load the 7mm-08 down to about 2700fps with a 140gr bullet just to get out and see how effective a facsimile of the british 280 high velocity would be. Great content once again sharing the love of appreciating and exploring the wonderful creation God gave us.

[@Kross8761]

If you want to see what the 280brit will do on game without fiddling with loading then take your shot from 50-75yds further away, by then it will be roughly where the 280brit would be as far as velocity. 2800~ish is nominal for 7-08 with a 140 and after 50-75 yds you've hit that, after that the ballistics are identical.

[@ericholbrook1733]

Hey, I really enjoy your videos. As far as this one, I mostly agree with you... I agree with the .22LR, and the 12GA. Instead of the 22-250 I would say 25-06 and instead of the 7mm Mag I would say .300WM. I also agree with the .416, but I would go with the Rigby, nostalgia... it's too bad that there's not room left for the .35 Rem. There is definitely a time and place for that one as well. Thank you for the videos and please keep them coming.

[@AnyDayNow360]

First time coming across your channel. Love the content and delivery. Subbed--looking forward to watching more videos. Thank you, and Happy New Year!

[@booperry1719]

Finally someone who has knowledge of what he is talking about its been a long time coming I appreciate you Sir

[@cekamsr]

I'd go .22lr, 12gauge, 5.56mm/.223, 30-06 & 45-70 (new lever-action pressures) as my picks. My rationale would be based on the availability of these cartridges. Even through the "pandemic", I was able to reliably find all these rounds (at an inflated price) but reliably nonetheless.

[@daviddawson1718]

Respect, I can't argue with that much. I choose. 22lr, 12 and 20 gauge, 30-30, and. 308. In my part of the world almost all of my shots are taken from under 100 yards (most between 40 and 75 yards)

[@daviddawson1718]

I am curious, why you put quotes around the word pandemic. Happy hunting good man.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@daviddawson1718 You could get a better rifle by swapping out the 308 barrel for a 6.5-248 Normal barrel . I did a AR 10 in 6.5-284 Normal so I can say that is such a killer on game !

[@snipz7929]

I personally have the same list. I haven't done african game hunting yet so I don't have any real experience in that field but from what I know I feel like this is a good list.

[@fireburst102]

I love the .30-06, but don’t currently have a gun chambered in that. But I DO have a .308, which has also been fairly easy to find during the pandemic as well. Both great choices.

[@scotthillman7588]

@Ron, great video! Can't disagree with your choices there. For a beginner who doesn't handload and may not have a huge gun-budget, I personally would swap out the more obscure/expensive 22-250 AI and the 416 Rem. I think the utility found in both the .223 rem and 375 H&H would be a great substitute for those two.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Well said!

[@tubbyshvfd9110]

Mr Spomer has always been a favorite….I like the way he explains things

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks tubby

[@jlunde35]

I totally agree with this list. Well done.

[@MikeSessler]

Interesting choices. I remember a cold, rainy Saturday back in the early '00s when I spent the day playing with a new ballistic calculator Remington put out. I spent all afternoon running trajectories and calculations on dozens of rifle cartridges. I came to the conclusion then that the 7mm Rem Mag was the most versatile in that class of cartridges. As you said, it can be scaled up and down to shoot coyotes one weekend and elk the next. I think it's still a great choice.

[@robertvasquez240]

I totally understand your choices. I would go with the .22 magnum for small game (including coyotes within 75 yards), the .270 WIN for medium game (including coyotes and deer at long ranges), the .338 WIN magnum for large North American game and even in Africa, and, yes, the 12 gauge shotgun for a variety of purposes, from waterfowl to home defense. That would limit me to four long guns.

[@sirrloin]

Born and raised Iowa kid here so all I've ever known are shotguns for deer hunting really. Starting to get into looking at a Western hunt and I've rolled through all the calibers, compared ballistics etc and I would say 7 mag is just a great choice. Accurate as a 6.5 PRC and hits a little harder. Can't argue with that.

[@jarrettdossey7300]

Very interesting. That’s a very tough question to answer considering all the variables world wide. The first two are undeniable no matter what and I love the 22-250AI. I shoot it more than anything else that I own.

[@rickycrazyhunter8530]

I'm surprised that you didn't put the 30-06 in the lineup. Just my opinion, but I think it fills a broad range of hunting scenarios. The late, great Bob Milek was a huge fan of the '06. He said he never felt undergunned with it and its versatility. Alas, we all have our favorites. Great video. Love watching. Keep em comin'.

[@Predalien195]

Real solid list. Can't argue against the reasoning behind any of them. I believe if I were to make a list of 5 for the same purposes I'd likely have .22 LR and 12 gauge both for the same reasons listed. Opposed to the .22-250 I'd go with .450 Bushmaster as for a medium range medium to large game getter, it's definitely got plenty of potential and has pretty versatile weight ranges too. From a reloading perspective it has plenty of options to choose from and can even get super light rounds as well. Instead of the 7mm Rem Mag I'd opt for the .30-06 instead. Maybe not as good in certain areas but as you had previously established in a previous video, it's one of the most versatile cartridges ever made and has a long track record for getting it done. Finally for the dangerous game my preferred round would be the .458 Win Mag. I've shot a few so I know how uncomfortable they can be, but I see quite a few rifles available in that caliber as well as ammunition relatively frequently. And I know it has a well proven reputation for success as well.

[@alexfachin5814]

HI Ron I would like to take this time to say that you and your videos have been a big influences to me when it comes to hunting and the outdoors, I always look forward to your videos which I have been watching ever since I as younger and i am now 18 years old. The 416 rigby video was the first i ever watched and since hen I have been hocked and i also look forward to when i get to read your books on white tell hunting and everything else even though i live in zambia and we don't have those animals here but I still enjoy you content and thank you for the knowledge, thank you Alex.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Many thanks and best wishes for your hunting and shooting career, Alex!

[@youcanthandlethetruth6976]

Very interesting picks. First two were probably going to be on most people's list, I really liked the last 3 picks, very thought provoking. Great video as always Mr. Spomer!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Robert.

[@catjackoff-road855]

I agree with you, but i always use my 22 magnum over the 22 lr

[@406MountainMan]

Great choices, Ron! 22lr, 12ga, 223rem, 7mmRemMag, and 458WinMag are my picks.

[@mariahpennell3628]

@James Lundy No way. The ballistics for the 7mm mag. win that one every time.

[@mattluszczak8095]

I love people's lists 🤠 Ronny. Hey it's fun to listen to people's thoughts

[@justadad5040]

Honestly, the best are what you have, and what you can shoot most effectively- 👌 Love your videos!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks just a dad.

[@easttexan2933]

No problem with your choices except the 22-250AI. I would opt for the .243. Other than that, great info video. And you right, those choices could change tomorrow. And I did exactly what you suggested about the 7mag. I shot Remington's Reduced Recoil ammo for couple years in mine before I sold it off. Same ballistics as the 7mm-08 which was great on the shoulder. Thanks for sharing, Ron.

[@omen7054]

12 ga,300 Win and 9.3x62 are pretty much all you need here in Europe. And if I could choose only one "best" cartridge,it would be a 9.3x62. It can be loaded with Norma's 225 gr bullets all the way up to 325 gr Oryx.

[@erikjensen6503]

Thanks for sharing! Agree with 22 and 12ga absolute staples!

[@bruceholinight7978]

My favorites , 22mag. , 243 Ackley , 300 wsm , Savage camper's companion 22 over 20 gauge , all have served me well !

[@delbutler885]

I just subbed in the 243 instead of the 22-250 and my 300 win for the 7mm mag. My favorite 270. Had to stay home

[@MrJtin69]

I did same with my 257 weatherby magnum and 300 weatherby magnum

[@bensears7499]

If you reload then all of them. Otherwise, a tool is a tool.

[@kentgoldings]

I was thinking the 223 Remington for that slot. But, the 243 has more legs.

[@jaysontretner3145]

buy your ammo and guns online at 🇺🇸 Riveraammunition.com they are certified FFL dealers, they sell all possible ammunitions and guns available...shipping is done all over the USA and worldwide (fast delivery services) so on. contact us Riveraammunition.com

[@jaysontretner3145]

@@MrJtin69 buy your ammo and guns online at 🇺🇸 Riveraammunition.com they are certified FFL dealers, they sell all possible ammunitions and guns available...shipping is done all over the USA and worldwide (fast delivery services) so on. contact us Riveraammunition.com

[@MisterBrewer]

Interesting picks and that you stuck with your recommendation of the 7mm Remington Mag from a previous video. 😁

[@johnkaraphillis754]

Really enjoy this type of videos. Sure will stir up some heated debate. I love the 22-250 AI selection. Great video Ron!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@300blk8]

Nice bought first SKS for clearing out cornrows and 6.5 x55 Mauser for my long-distance . back in the early 90s I'm around five hundred and some confirmed deer kills it all depended on what crop damage was sometimes we get to shoot up to 25 deer season

[@DrBreezeAir]

.223 Rem and .338 Win Mag cover all my needs. I’m thinking of a .22 LR for barrel longevity and affordable ammo. Forgot to mention the 12 ga. because it's obvious and kind of a given.

[@ethimself5064]

I found that I liked the 22 Mag better than LR etc. Surprisingly a while ago I found a Remington 22 Mag round that had super expansion and 100% weight retention in ballistic gel. Actually blew me away

[@coady-wp3xf]

Why 223. Are you using a AR platform ? If it's a bolt why not the 22-250. Just curious as I think the 22-250 at longer ranges is better but if you shooting under 300 they seam to be very close.

[@DrBreezeAir]

@@coady-wp3xf You nailed it there. I shoot 55 gr cheap from an AR and 77 gr from a bolt action. Sadly, I rarely extend over 300.

[@DrBreezeAir]

@@ethimself5064 I'd love to, I hear nothing but great things about it, and I love the concept. Unfortunately, the .22 Mag is significantly more expensive where I live.

[@ethimself5064]

@@DrBreezeAir Way more expensive here also. Wanna see the ballistic gel vid I mentioned? It is a sight to behold.

[@blythkd9017]

Another great video, thank you. We were thinking about alike. I was thinking: 17 HMR (really torn here not going with the .22LR) 12 gauge .22-250 (sticking with off the shelf ammo) .270 Win 375 H&H (I have no experience hunting with this caliber, just going by its reputation and I had to pick one) My honorable mentions: .22LR of course .25-06 300 Weatherby, there just wasn't room for it in a list of 5 but it fits very nicely between the .27 caliber and the large dangerous game category I think we'd get along. Thanks again.

[@gragrn]

You're right about the first two Ron, every farmer has a shotgun and a .22, for the very reasons you mentioned. My other three would be a .222 or .223, a .243 and a .270 but again like you said, that is sure to change tomorrow.

[@MichaelSmith-js5wq]

@Ron Spomer Outdoors Great video Ron, its nice to get your thoughts on such a contentious subject. There are a lot of guys out there, that wouldn't even attempt to answer this kind of question, but I think experts such as yourself don't need to worry about it, because your respected and recognized as a legitimate source of knowledge by those of us with enough G2 to understand where you are coming from. This is why we appreciate your opinion and insight. Thanks!! On that note, I'd also be curious how you feel about the old 16 Gauge? I've seen a slight up-tick in ammo availability in recent years, and I guess I'm a little bias because of my age, but I still feel its a great cartridge.

[@ikesquirrel]

Glad to see the 22-250 on there WITH the recommendation for deer. It does more than people expect.

[@todsimpkins8908]

too bad it's illegal for deer in most states. makes it irrelevant for deer.

[@milkrvr4088]

@@todsimpkins8908 maybe your state is just irrelevant. Some states are straight wall cases only so does that make every bottle neck cartridge irrelevant? No it does not sir

[@mytech6779]

@@milkrvr4088 Its the caliber, many states have laws that specify a minimum barrel diameter, nothing to do with the case, as a very crude proxy for energy passed with good intention as they want clean kills not a bunch of wounded animals(and there is a large fraction of hunters that are drunken slack jawed ingoramouses) combined with the legal need to be both enforceable and not excessively difficult to write or follow while abiding by all of the other constitutional and common-law restrictions. (I mean barrel diameter is easy to measure in the field, the chamber is not, the actual powder load even less so. And are they going to separately approve every different and new caliber? I think it could be written better sure but where do they find the time between debates about bathrooms and ethanol subsidies)

[@milkrvr4088]

@@mytech6779 looks like over half of states don’t care and the other half cares who’s right who knows ive killed every deer but 3 with a 22-250 or a bow. Big guns don’t make much bigger holes. Alabama- centerfire Alaska- centerfire Alberta- .23 and up centerfire Arizona- centerfire Arkansas- .22 and up centerfire California- centerfire Colorado- .24 and up, 70grn or larger bullet/ minimum of 1000ft/lbs at 100 yards Connecticut- .243 and up if legal in your area Delaware- shotgun/muzzle loader Florida- centerfire Georgia- .22 and up centerfire Hawaii- Any rifle with at least 1200 ft/lbs of ME. This would start at around .223 I think Idaho- Centerfire (cannot weigh more than 16 lbs?) Illinois- Shotgun/ML/Pistol onlyIndiana- Rifles with pistol calibers/shotgun/ML/Pistols Iowa- .24 or larger centerfire only for antlerless season in part of the state. Kansas- .23 or larger centerfire (actually says larger than .23 so maybe .24 is the mininum) Kentucky- centerfire Louisiana- .22 and up centerfire Maine- .22 magnum rimfire and up! Manitoba- Centerfire, but it says .23 and below not recommended. Does not say illegal though. Maryland- ME of at least 1200 ft/lbs Mass- Shotgun/ML Michigan- centerfire in certain areas Minnesota- .24 and up centerfire Mississippi- No restrictions that I could find Missouri- centerfire Montana- No restrictions. (Best state for everything) Nebraska- Rifles with 900 ft/lbs or more at 100 yards Nevada- .22 centerfire and up New Hampshire- centerfire New Jersey- shotgun only New Mexico- centerfire New York- centerfire North Carolina- No restrictions North Dakota- .22-.49 centerfire Nova Scotia- .23 and up Ohio- Shotgun/ML Oklahoma- centerfire with 55 grn or heavier bullet Ontario- centerfire Oregon- .22 centerfire and up Pennsylvania- centerfire Quebec- 6mm/.243 and up Rhode Island- shotgun/ML* Saskatchewan- .24 and up South Carolina- centerfire South Dakota- rifles with 1,000 ft/lbs or more ME Tennessee- centerfire Texas- centerfire Utah- centerfire Vermont- No restriction Virginia- .23 centerfire and up Washington- .24 centerfire and up West Virginia- .25 rimfire and up and all centerfire Wisconsin- .22 centerfire and up Wyoming- .23 centerfire and up

[@mytech6779]

@@milkrvr4088 Who's right is the game warden handing out tickets. From that list many states don't allow under .23 in any form for deer. Which is the basic point of this set of comments. Only a handful mention minimum energy and even that is really only a suggestion and honor system because it's totally unenforceable. (Without reading the detailed laws of each state. I mean maybe they require something like commercial loads with the packaging intact but even there you could just carry an old box.)

[@chrisowen5497]

Awesome choices! I agree with the 22LR, and 12 gauge shotgun, but my choices include 357mag (for handgun and rifle), and 30-06. I’ve never been dangerous game hunting, but I have a Winchester Safari Express on my wish list. It’s available in 375 H&H, 416 Rem, and 458 Win, but I’m kinda leaning towards the 416.

[@tim7052]

Good choice! I've used my 458 Win Mag on DG and it works a treat, but it's too heavy, and lacks range for anything beyond 100yds. The 375HH is regarded as a "client rifle" in Africa - but it's not a charge stopper" - and as such needs a PH with a charge stopping calibre to back you if things go awry. But the 416 is the ideal "in-between" as it can cover both criteria for safe use on DG and effective on plains game at longer than 458 ranges. If it was me, I'd go with the 416 - and go for the Rigby (for the sublime nostalgia of it!!). 👍

[@bifftannen4539]

GREAT video Ron ! Everybody has their favorites.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yes sir. Thanks.

[@davidedwards8940]

Ron, love your podcast, keep it up!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That's a sweet one, but ammo options are way, way, way too few and far between and expensive. Almost nothing for waterfowling. Sorry. The 16 ga. gets short shrift.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l have used the 7mm Rem mag Elke hunting it is a flat shooter for sure.....Thanks...Awesome video...!

[@silvermediastudio]

7mm RemMag is just jealous Remington's copy of .270Win. Fight me.

[@riclindsey329]

My five favorite cartridges #1 the almighty .22 LR #2 The .12 g #3 The .25-06 #4 The 7 x 57 Mauser( it'll kill anything in N.America) #5 The .338 Win Mag(just in case)

[@jamesgoodnight]

I agree with 4 of this list 100%

[@nah3186]

Great topic, love the honest comment it can all change tomorrow...so true. Hard to pick but that's a great list never the less.

[@ArkansasBadBoy]

So glad to see the 22-250 on this list 😊

[@kentonward97]

22LR, 12 ga, 30-06 , 375 Ruger. The 30-06 covers varmint to big game and even can be a spare dangerous game with bullets 220-250 gr. So in truth 4 guns would cover all of it !!

[@matthewjenkins9432]

You definitely can’t go wrong with these choices Ron. I would have picked the 30-06 over the 7mm rem mag just because I’m a 30-06 lover but either one would be an excellent choice.

[@manlythings7586]

Also usually cheaper to shoot and easier to find witch a lot of people don’t think a lot about

[@klander4]

Love it. Same here with the .22lr and 12G. Currently... my next three would be 5.56/223, 308win, and 416 Taylor in a modified Browning BAR.... (one can dream)

[@jeffbrooks8288]

Hi Ron, You’re the best at what you do! With only 5 choices for life, this has forced me to reassess many things as I’ve worked this through my mind. It’s nearly impossible to argue with the .22 Rimfire and 12ga shotgun for a host of reasons. And by that same logic, I’d have to choose the .223/5.56 over the 22-250AI. Where would we be without an AR15 in the arsenal? If there was no AR class of rifles, then the 25-06 would have been my first choice over the 22-250AI. Next on your list was the 7MM RM. Although I’ve never owned my own 7MM, I have hand loaded them for friends and it’s a decision I cannot argue with at all. If I was forced to have only one rifle caliber, I’d choose the 7MM as the most versatile for North American game based on decades of hand loading and bench rest shooting. If I had to make the choice based on Ammo availability, then I might have to choose the ubiquitous .308 for my AR10’s and bolt rifles in that caliber. Your last choice of the .416 RM was music to my ears. Many years ago I did an exhaustive study of dangerous game and all of the calibers used to hunt them. At the end of the exercise I settled on the .416 RM as the best all around choice. To my way of thinking and based on all of the numbers, the .416 was unbeatable. So my only real change from your list would be the .223/5.56 for all of the obvious reasons. Thanks for the mental gymnastics. Great stuff.

[@jakthesmack]

Love the 7mm Rem Mag, I would definitely have it as well as .22LR and 12 gauge. Personally I think I would choose .243 Win and .375 H&H to round out my five, heavily considering which calibers are typically stocked locally here (Saskatchewan). I hadn't heard of the .22-250 A.I. but that is very interesting, I'll have to read up on it. Great video as usual 👍 easy to listen to and your sharing of experience is very appreciated!

[@williammcclelland6789]

The .22 LR and 12 Ga are a given. The .243 Win and the 30-06 Springfield would be next. I love my 35 Whelen but the .375 H&H is way more versatile and I believe common calibers are the way to go.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

You picked the same cartridges I did, but some countries in Africa have a 40 caliber minimum for dangerous game.

[@williammcclelland6789]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 I was not aware of the 40 caliber restriction. That being said and we are talking about dangerous game here, then I will settle on the .470 Nitro Express as my fifth and final choice. It may not be the most practcal, but, I have always wanted one.

[@jaysontretner3145]

@@williammcclelland6789 buy your ammo and guns online at 🇺🇸 Riveraammunition.com they are certified FFL dealers, they sell all possible ammunitions and guns available...shipping is done all over the USA and worldwide (fast delivery services) so on. contact us Riveraammunition.com

[@williammcclelland6789]

@@jaysontretner3145 Thank you for the info.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 which countries require a 40 cal? there are a number which even permit 9.3x62 or 9.3x74R for DG. 40s definitely are a better choice for ele than 375, but if you're going after ele, might as well jump to one of the big bores like a 470NE or 505 Gibbs or 500J.

[@brucec2635]

I have none of the above. Love my boring guns I have and love the commentary and explanation so I can learn from experience.

[@glennpurcell5206]

At 75 years of age, I remember Mr.Spomer when he first started writing........I had been'' used to'' ,for lack of a better word, OLD JACK o'conner, uncle ELMER keith, Grits , Layne Simpson......Mr.SPOMER was a breath of fresh air.... telling it straight up AND has continued to this day......I have not bought any of the 3 top selling outdoor mags for years as they are ''advertisements with an occasional news paper type short story.......Mr. SPOMER'S videos are like the ''old days'' stories/articles......just plain GOOD. thank you SIR. BEST OF 2022 to you...G.P.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glenn, you made my day. Maybe my year! Thanks for reading and watching and thanks for being a conservationist hunter all these years. Best of 2022 and beyond to you, sir!

[@archerpaintball6822]

.22, 12ga, .243, .30-06, .375 H&H would be my picks. .30-06 could be swapped with a ton of good cartridges but you just can't go wrong with it imo.

[@Beijingbiden]

Yep perfect picks

[@garvielloken9197]

Here in France and I think almost everywhere in Europe : 12ga + 7x64 and you can hunt everything, keeping in mind that the bullet is the good one and the placement too. More specialization for driven hunt : 9.3x62, 9.3x74R, maybe 7x65R or 8x57JRS. For long distances ? Well 99.9% time the magnums from the USA, 243, 6x62.

[@falba1492]

I love the 7 x 64 Brennecke. It’s the European 270 Win.

[@garvielloken9197]

@@falba1492 It's a 284, compares a bit more with 280 Remington and 30-06. The 270 Win is lighter and faster. I'd love a 270 in a Blaser K95.

[@falba1492]

@@garvielloken9197 - Yes I know the 280 is a 7mm, but it’s a very rare caliber in America. I’m a huge fan of the 280 AI. The only two common 7mm’s here are the 7 Rem Mag and some 7mm-08. What I meant was the 270 Win is used in the US like the 7x64 in Europe. They have very similar ballistics. Both are perfect for large deer or moose. I’d love a 7x64 in a Steyr Luxe. If you want “The” classic 270, it has the be in a Winchester Model 70, with control round feed.

[@garvielloken9197]

​@@falba1492 I don't know much about the guns made in the USA, only used a 444 Marlin some years ago for driven hunts but it was not mine.

[@11ccom]

Thanks Ron.

[@Petro00D]

Probably the video that I enjoy the most from you. With all the new cartridges coming out, I can see how the last 3 can change quickly. By the way, NJ only allows shotguns with slugs for hunting deer.

[@nicholasbarcomb2324]

It's a shame the 32 long isn't more popular. I still have my grandfather's Stevens single shot in 32 long and still shoot it on occasion. It is fun to shoot, accurate, and deadly on rabbits and squirrels! Love the show. Good luck and stay safe. 😉

[@tomalophicon]

Sounds pointless

[@tacman2893]

Hey Ron - I absolutely agreed with #1and 2. My 3 would have been the 243 Win. #4 I can agree with as well. Now spot #5 … well, I would have gone with the 378 Weatherby myself. But like you, catch me on another day and I think the 257 Wby and a 300 Mag (Win or Wby) would go on the list. I am just thankful I don’t need to choose only 5! Happy hunting!

[@2011persol]

not very many would opt for tht shoulder-WACKER .378 Weatherby Magnum, but im really glad u did, it holds a special place in my heart....not tht i have shot one...but ive owned ITS bigger brother .416 Wby Magnum! and it kicked also quite hard....

[@cacinaz8802]

Fantastic!!! I guessed four out of five correctly. You got me on the 416 Rem, but I was close - I guessed Rigby. I'll have to look closer at that cartridge. And I could not argue with your choices except for the 22-250, only because there ae so many other choices in that part of the range.

[@johnmorganjr769]

I like your philosophy of thought on rounds. In the Southeast, .22 lr.,12 ga.,and .30-06 Sprg. does it all!!

[@lcjjr.6714]

Ron, Great video. I agree with everything except the 22-250. The .243 is a way better varmint, coyote, deer and antelope cartridge with more bullet weight options and ammo that is readily available everywhere.

[@MrRourk]

Go up to a 6.5 for more barrel life

[@eac1235]

@@MrRourk Are you saying 6.5 Creedmoor has a better barrel life than a .243 ? I actually would have thought it would be about the same.....

[@MrRourk]

@@eac1235 well I have a Swedish Mauser that is still shooting better than MOA after 100+ years. My Grandpa's M70 Winchester in 243 from the 60's is on its 4th barrel and I barely shoot it at all. 6.4CM is okay but really limited in bullet selection compared to other 6.5 cartridges. Not my choice at all.

[@astang1072]

I agree, barrel life between 243 and 6.5CM should be virtually identical.

[@joesawyer1483]

The best cartridge for me is the 7mm Remington mag

[@JT--XL365]

.300 win mag is the best

[@joesawyer1483]

@@JT--XL365 There's nothing wrong with a 300 win. I just like the 7mag in a Weatherby with a Leopold scope

[@donaldbougie694]

@@joesawyer1483 Beacuse you have one.

[@joesawyer1483]

@@donaldbougie694 Don't you know that whatever you have is the best. What do you shoot

[@donaldbougie694]

@@joesawyer1483 It,s sure.

[@richardsuggs8108]

Agree with four out of the five. I love the 30.06. round. You can get up to a 220 grain bullet and that will drop most anything on four legs.

[@azrls43185]

Ron, another great video!!! My 5 best are 30-06 Springfield, 7.62×63mm, 30 Gov't '06, 30-03 Improved, and .300 Whelen. 😁

[@mattokeefe691]

I love these. Everyone gets all excited and upset

[@bdadamovicz]

Can of worms dumped into a stirred pot

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

I like the conversation, not the drama. It is fascinating for me because I love to accumulate rifles as much as I love to use them. I always "need" another...

[@bdadamovicz]

I learned the best response to "how many do you need" is always "one more". Her: How many rifles/bows/cars/ etc do you need? Me: One more, how many handbags/pairs of shoes/etc do you need? Her: ...........

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's Spomer's personal opinions and explanations as to why. If people get upset it's because they wish to project their own desires and opinions on others, as if their decisions about calibers are more correct than someone else. It's just plain immaturity that's all.

[@bdadamovicz]

@@exothermal.sprocket I have a feeling you don't understand sarcasm.

[@PercivalTheSeeker1982]

22 wmr, 12 gauge, 270 win. That is all you need!!

[@robertfree1908]

Blasphemy!

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

I think you need a 45-70 carbine as well. You know you need another. ;-)

[@falba1492]

For everything in North America, except brown bear and polar bear, you’re on the money.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

There are a lot of guys who hope their wives aren't reading this.

[@delbutler885]

If I was doing 3 for north America that's what it would be.

[@phillip6365]

Very sound choices and agree with all you have said, I have the identical except for. 270 and 410. The 410 is an exceptional cartridge for snakes, have alot of these where i live in north QLD Australia.

[@heraclitus6100]

Holy cow, I bought your book years ago and read it. I never made the connection between that book and this channel. Great book! It's sitting on my bookshelf right next to me.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Wow, thank you! Which book?

[@heraclitus6100]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors predator hunting. I just bought my first thermal scope the other day. Waiting for it to arrive. ATN Thor 4. Look out coyotes!

[@JustFiddlinAround09]

Love your videos, keep them coming! I agree, the 22LR and 12 ga are pretty much non negotiable LOL. Fast twist 22-250 AI, perfect. I would trade out the 7mm mag for either a 280 AI or 270 Win and for the big gun I think I'll stick with my 375 Ruger or a 375 H&H.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You could talk me into joining you with that battery.

[@DidIhurturfeelings]

.270 for sure

[@johnkendall6962]

Mine are .22LR 243 30-06 45-70 with max hand loads and the 12 gauge.

[@waynestone6462]

Why the 243 ?

[@shaneallee7181]

Does the 45/70 max loads meet the requirements in some African countries?

[@johnkendall6962]

@@waynestone6462 With light bullets its better at bucking wind then most .22 I wouldn't use it to hunt a prairie dog town where it might be shot hundreds of time but even then a lot of people use it for the more distant shots. I hunted ground hogs where if you got 20 shots it was a good day. It's also, with heavier bullets, a good deer and antelope gun. If you are starting a new younger hunter it's just about perfect. For bigger deer, elk or moose then the the 30-06 shines.

[@waynestone6462]

@@johnkendall6962 Makes good sense Sir . But in my view the 25 06 can do all that and a bit more !

[@johnkendall6962]

@@waynestone6462 The only dis advantage I see with the 25-06 is recoil for a young shooter. If I was hunting deer myself and had a choice with the same gun only difference was the caliber then I would pick the 25-06 If I was mostly looking at it to shoot ground hogs in the next pasture and only hunted deer on occasion then I would pick the 243. For sure the 25-06 has more steam. The 243 is ok out to around 250yards or a little more on deer. The 25-06 is actually a magnum with out a belt. and easily out ranges the 243. I would think long and hard about shooting an elk with the 243. Everything would need to be perfect. Not so with the 25-06 So I agree is over all at least as good a choice as the 243 maybe better. ..... but we could only pick 5 .

[@jamesgoodnight]

I love this list! 3 of them I guessed. The 22, 12 gauge and 7mm mag. The 22-250 surprised me. Im a huge fan of the 25-06 and that's my do all rifle. But your lists and videos are always awesome

[@matthewknight1910]

Love the videos - thanks Subscribed 👍🏼

[@annotten7413]

I was so glad to see the .22-250 in there. In my mind it is so under rated

[@jeffscuderi8662]

Never underrated 358win is greatly

[@Courier-Six]

The 22 and 12 GA are kind of a given just because of versatility. If you need to bag smaller game with a 12 GA, you could always single load Aguila Mini Shells in semiauto or pump action. For my next 3 cartridges, I would probably go with 9MM, 7×57 Mauser, and .300 H&H. The 9MM for both pistol and carbine use, the 7×57 MM Mauser since it is probably my favorite Bolt Action Cartridge for all around use, and .300 H&H because it was my first dangerous game cartridge in a left handed Remington 721 given to me by my grandfather

[@whatstheproblem6606]

Why not .357 magnum? It's a rifle and pistola cartridge just saying

[@aphyd23]

@@whatstheproblem6606 357 is a great cartridge. It's definitely more powerful especially with heavier bullets. The obvious cost is more recoil and muzzle blast. But the 9mm is more common for pistol and pistol caliber carbine. Military and police have pretty much standardized on it. And whatever military and police do civilians do as well. 9mm ammo is usually more available and affordable. That's important if you're going to spend a lot of time at the range. And it's hardly a weak cartridge. In fact, that's one of the reasons police have switched back to it after using the 40S&W for a few years. They realized that the 9mm is similarly effective while being easier to shoot.

[@jaysontretner3145]

@@aphyd23 buy your ammo and guns online at 🇺🇸 Riveraammunition.com they are certified FFL dealers, they sell all possible ammunitions and guns available...shipping is done all over the USA and worldwide (fast delivery services) so on. contact us Riveraammunition.com

[@jaysontretner3145]

@@whatstheproblem6606 buy your ammo and guns online at 🇺🇸 Riveraammunition.com they are certified FFL dealers, they sell all possible ammunitions and guns available...shipping is done all over the USA and worldwide (fast delivery services) so on. contact us Riveraammunition.com

[@Courier-Six]

@@whatstheproblem6606 the reason why I choose 9MM instead of .357 is i own both a Marlin Camp 9 and a Ruger PCC. The Camp 9 can take pretty much any magazine based on the browning hi-power with minor modifications to the magazine body by cutting the magazine release on the right spot. That means Beretta 92, Smith and Wesson 5900, and a good number of other magazines work in it. As for the Ruger, it can likewise take more modern magazines like Rugers own and Glock mags. That means for both of those carbines, i have about 20 different handgun combos that can go with them and i can get 30 round stick mags. With the .357, there is power behind it. To my knowledge though, the only rifles that take it are lever actions and bolt actions. That means a fixed tube mag with maybe 16 round capacity or fixed magazines with a 5 round capacity and the only semi-auto pistol that takes the round is the Desert Eagle which is wholly impractical for carrying. Otherwise, you are pretty much limited to wheel guns. I would rather sacrifice some power for the ability to quickly reload. To not have to fumble with loose rounds, strip loaders, or speed loaders, and get ammo from basically anywhere in the world, let alone America. On top of that, (i may be misremembering), +P 9MM is supposed to be just about on par with .38 Special in terms of power without the negatives of the extra case length and rim

[@hotmetal459]

Liked immediately when you said 7mm mag. I’m a big 7mm-08 fan as well.

[@jacobperryman2879]

I have three 7mm the rem mag, -08, and dye. But as he said you “could” down load the r mag to be basically a 7mm-08

[@rodneyharouff5739]

been readin' you for years! i like yer stuff.