What is the best hunting cartridge?

A guide to selecting the perfect rifle round for your hunt.

[@Jay-Leigh863]

As a South African hunter blessed to be able to hunt in South Africa and neighboring countries it's my experience that the 3006 is really all we need as long as we're not going after dangerous game. Personally I own a 3006, 375H&H and my moment of madness rifle the 460 Weatherby I had custom built about 20 years ago. I love the rifle and caliber but it's an expensive proposition here in Africa. This corrupt government we had was talking about limiting the number of firearms we may legally own. They did reduce the number to 4 but put in a proviso we may own more if we obtain dedicated hunter or dedicated sportsman status. Before that though there was talk of only allowing one rifle so I decided to go 460 Weatherby to allow me to hunt anything from Springhare in the Eastern Cape to maybe one day meeting a T-Rex😂. But this was a good and informative video to watch. Keep them coming!

[@Dale37]

"Any round can kill with a well placed shot but that does not mean it is ethical". Probably the best statement made in this video, I agree 100%.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

here in the late 1980's a teen killed a game warden with one shot through the windshield. LR.22

[@dennishein2812]

Glad to hear you talking about hunting ethics. More people need to hear that.

[@RickNethery]

I have always figured that if you can't kill something with a 30 06, it might be best to just leave it alone. 🤷

[@shaunosby5093]

That sounds like a smart advice to me.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

I knew a guy that was hit twice in the chest with '06 rounds in WW2. It didn't kill him. Even when he was very old, people didn't mess with him. He was 98 when he passed in his sleep. He was hard to get to know, but he was a good guy.

[@2011persol]

@@georgesakellaropoulos8162 how is tht possible , to survive with 2 shots of .30-06 in the chest !!!????

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

@@2011persol Full metal jacket projectiles. Complete pass through without hitting anything vital, or bone. A large dose of not his day to die.

[@JAFO.]

If my '06 caint kill it then I gots to get my knife out

[@samparker5516]

30-06 all day everyday. Its great because of it's versatility, effectiveness, affordability, and range of bullet weights.

[@davidpallin772]

@BRI336 ALBANY If you can find it.

[@mauser8515]

Good information guy. Well done. I am a college trained Gunsmith, Stock maker, and metal Smith. I have been advocating the standard rifle cartridges for years. They perform very well at 500 yards or less. 30-06 Springfield, 270 Winchester, 308Win, 25-06, 7x57, 6.5x55 Swedish are my go tos with the last two being primarily stalking rifles.

[@4everStrong1]

I couldn't agree with you more! You are right on the money!

[@jasnonya3005]

You left out .300 Savage which is only slightly less velocity than 308! If one hand loads there is no difference! Just my 2¢ worth

[@mauser8515]

@@jasnonya3005 It's a fine cartridge indeed. I did not leave it out, because I have yet to chamber a rifle in .300 Savage for myself. It isn't my go to.

[@dominicohea5624]

Just the best advice I’ve heard in a long time he knows what he is talking about

[@dominicohea5624]

7

[@husshuss1874]

My friend uses his 30-06 for North America, and he loves it I use my 7 mm on elk , white tail , moose, Mule deer ( live in the prairie) 7 mm works good in long distance

[@JDMorris81]

30-06 is by far the most versatile choice

[@HotRod7mm]

@@JDMorris81 I'd say its tied with .308 Winchester. Lots of rifles chambered for both and enough ammo choices to last 100 years.

[@interman7715]

Scott T. Miller Get above 180gr, 30-06 leaves it for dead.

[@larryseverson1559]

O.

[@interman7715]

Jeremy Stuber Mighty 30-06 rules 💪💪💪💪😊

[@flymasterA]

I chose the 30.06 50 years ago because of range of bullets easily available, from 55 grain to 220 grain. Hunt small game to large game other than elephants, rhino, hippo.

[@jonathanechols9985]

30-06 in 55 grain?

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

@@jonathanechols9985 It is a .224 caliber sabot round called Accelerators, a 55 gr bullet at a published 4000 fps. Problem is that is it largely a gimmick because the accuracy from most rifles is so lackluster as to be pretty useless. A lot of .30-06 aficionados like to talk about the range of bullet weights for the .30-06 like it makes it more versatile than it actually is. Problem is, the .30-06 isn't anybody's idea of a varmint or small game round. To the degree that you can use it as such, there isn't anything you can do with a 110 gr .30 cal round that you can't do with a 100 gr 7mm, for example. And the .30-06 lacks the ass to really make use of the heavy weights. In truth, the .30-06 is best with the most common bullet weights in the 150 to 180 gr range. It can do pretty much any non-dangerous game species in North America with them, but so can a lot of other cartridges, and some offer better performance for similar recoil. The .30-06 is a decent, good performing round, but is not an exceptional performer nor does it do anything that numerous other cartridges can't do, sometimes even better than the .30-06.

[@doghousedon1]

10 hunters will name 10 different cartridges and they will all be right. If if if... I'm a crippled old man these days. I've learned how to hunt and stalk and have found the 7mm-08 fits the bill perfectly at this stage of my life. Thanks for the vid.

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

You said what I think most hunters that grew up hunting with their Grandfather and their Dad and even their Uncles will always tell you from experience once you get enough of it: the 30/06 with the right bullet weight and powder charge is probably the most flexible round out there and has been since it's introduction. It has been the American bullet for a long time now. Thank God for the M1 Garand. Talk to the greatest generation and I'm sure they would tell you.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

He mostly talked about having multiple rifles that are for specific game and environments.

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

@@TexanUSMC8089 Yeah I got that. I just thought I'd remind him that the cartridge and rifles that use them is still one of the best ever devised no matter what you use. Myself I like the .270 autoloader for all around, it has enough speed and weight for just about anything you want to shoot with it with the right bullet, etc. Do you know what I have been hunting with for the past twenty years? A paratrooper model SKS that takes any AK-47 magazine. Once you get use to shooting that rifle you get hooked, it's a lot more accurate than a regular AK with all of the same conveniences of a box magazine, and I'm not talking about a conversion, I'm talking about a rifle that comes ready to accept an AK-47 magazine. The gun came with two 5 round magazines, but I usually put a 20 or 30 round magazine in it after I get into the woods real deep. I have been in some tight spots that the capacity kept me alive. I would probably have been dead if I would have had one of the 5 rd magazines in it.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Sportized Springfield Armory M1903 30-06 bolt-action rifles - brought back from the war (WWI, WWII, Korea, etc.) or purchased as surplus and modified - have probably taken as many deer and other games species as any other rifle, with the possible exception of 30-30 lever guns. President Theodore Roosevelt got the second custom-made M1903 sporter made - and he used it with great success on his African safari in 1909-1910. Especially with modern projectile and propellant technology, this already superb cartridge has gotten even better. The venerable 30-06 does everything well, and some things very well. It has many strengths and few vices.

[@fedup3582]

@@TBullCajunbreadmaker curious, what were you hunting and/or what kind of situation did you get into in the woods that the high capacity magazine kept you alive? Just curious.

[@fedup3582]

​@@TBullCajunbreadmakeryou do know that you can change out your empty magazine for a full one, or reload your rifle, right? Maybe if you used a more capable cartridge and learned to shoot better, you wouldn't have to "spray and pray".

[@jerryrobinson5163]

I know everyone has their pet peeves and personal preferences and that is perfectly acceptable. I have several different rifles in different calibers for different purposes but the 3006 is tried and proven for over 100 years and still going strong and many more will come and go but the 3006 is hard to beat all around .

[@christopherkingsland4604]

As usual DDO, your logical and pragmatic approach to hunting by using the appropriate gear matched to one's situation cannot be denied. Great video.

[@fixingstufftv453]

I like your style man, 30-06 and model 70's, the absolute kings. Shoot, Hemingway bagged a rhino with a 30-06 at 300 yards, one shot with no drama.

[@chelsieellick5310]

a 300wsm is in the same boat as a 30-06, but is often forgotten about. but it is an improved 30-06 stuffed in a short action.

[@mikemagnum7987]

Your "opinion" and "experience" make a hell of a lot of sense and I hope it reaches the new hunters that need solid advice in this day and age of "Marketeers and Internet Wonders"... For coyotes, where I come from, we like our 22-250s and 25-06s! ;)

[@danielmaine45]

30-06.... powerful enough for everything but the big 5 in Africa. Light enough for most folks.

[@robhill7513]

Daniel I agree if you reload this cartridge can go from flat shooting to being able to walk up to a full grown brown bear and blow his head off. For deer hunting I like the 125 Sierra 55 grains of 4320. It shoves this bullet about 3100 fps and in my rifle shoot under a inch at 109 yds.

[@danelobe2524]

@@robhill7513 .300wsm 125gr @3640fps 1"groups at 100 yards. MPBR- 2" high @ 100yards 2" low at 460yards. No hold over on fox, coyotes or deer out to 550yards. In my .30-06 they start wobbling after 400 and loose there accuracy.

[@robhill7513]

@@danelobe2524 I've been interested in the 300 wsm for a while, thanks for the info.

[@autodidacticartisan]

I love the 30 ot but saying its light enough for most is really inaccurate. Its notoriously hard to handle for the young or less than physically fit

[@dashizzle3721]

You realize they kill big game in Africa with a 270 right? I'm pretty sure a 30-06 will take a decent amount of big game in Africa

[@sebastianshaw210]

Great video as usual. You are one of the few channels who are giving usable advise; recently found your channel, you deserve many more subscribers. Keep up the good work.

[@tedpappas1559]

My .308 has served me well from Coyote to Elk within 500 yards, which is about as far as I can ethically shoot with my experience. Thanks for the video, very well done.

[@Ninoy2059]

This a real honest point of view. Thank you for sharing this valuable information. I benefited from it.

[@behindenemylines3361]

My go-to rifle is a Winchester Model 70 (Featherweight) in .270, with a 3X9 Burris scope. I have taken many a-deer with this gun from one coast to the other. I am also careful about when I shoot, many times I have passed on a shot for various reason (Brush, too far, ect). I would rather pass on a shot rather attempt a shot and wound the animal only to have it die a slow death - your quarry deserves better than that.

[@uscgrl484]

This guy had nothing good to say about the 270 ( UNBELIEVABLE he is not as smart as he sounds... Just being honest

[@ThoraxCrunch270]

Agreed. I have a Remington model 700 .270 and I’ve dropped more elk with it than my old 30-06. Great round but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

[@danpollard4210]

Burris wide view 1-3 .

[@Geekygordon]

@@uscgrl484 My father always liked his 270 and he lived in Alaska. He had it loaded with Barns though.

[@fedup3582]

​@@uscgrl484obviously you have not seen his videos on the 270. I believe the first rifle he bought himself was a ruger 77 chambered for the 270.

[@saltcreekammo]

Just bought a Remington 700 ADL in 30-06 and plan on reloading for it. I agree, it's the best all around cartridge that can do it all in the US.

[@iksmixify]

Considered a nitro Express rifle of the smaller of the bigger cartridges in Africa and does its magic every time.. also the most commonly available cartridge with every grain and type every where in southern Africa

[@johnmorganjr769]

Yes,bought an ADL .30-06 In 1998,works very well on Whitetail.

[@kingo8542]

Learned a lot, easy to understand and more informative than most videos out there. Thank you 🤝

[@icu_corey_rn_903]

I use a .243, it’s good for deer down to ground hog and everything in between and that’s enough for me

[@ouzococacola159]

243 is a good round for deer low recoil and gets the job done

[@armondpirjanians7523]

Very educational, nice & simple clear and understandable video! Well done! Videos like this are so rare nowadays on KZbin.👍👍

[@montesimpson7954]

I love this guy He speaks from incredible experience, doesn’t pretend to be an expert (even though he is), and boils everything down to simple logic and a few basic rules. It’s a formula that works for everything from hunting to auto technology, trading stocks, real estate investing, even politics. Once you cut through and insulate yourself from the mountains of bullshit that gets thrown at you every day, life is simple and good. Keep it up buddy.

[@TrailTribune]

Monte Simpson You nailed it on the head! I am going to practice the use of this line of thinking in the other areas you mentioned!

[@danielcollins9850]

I’m 42 now and I’ve used a 30/06 for the 25 plus years and love it plenty of stopping power. In my mind nothing better but I hunt whitetail deer elk a few times. Both animals quick kills really not much tracking at all they go down really fast. But that’s my preference great video.

[@reaganriddle1583]

270 is better

[@jbradley500]

That rifle/scope combo is beautiful.

[@douglasmcneil8413]

Used a Remington 7600 in 30-06 since 1985. Had a 300 win mag once. Didn't like it. Your right about the flexibility of the 30-06. But, lately I've been getting in to pistol caliber lever actions like 44 mag and 357 mag. I have a 30-30 but I've never used it. I might give that a try. I'm pushing 60 yeas old and I find the older I get the shorter distances I've been shooting. Even with the 30-06 I stay inside 200 yards any more.

[@Elliot1949]

I never felt under powered with a .270 Win Ruger M77 round top model for most North American big game, everything but the big bears and perhaps big moose & elk, but I really love for that purpose the 30-06, the 7 mm Rem Mag and the 300 Rem Mag, in that order. these calibers are the ones that I would feel more comfortable with.

[@bjornchristiansson2827]

Agree with this fully I'm hunt much whit 30-06 whit 150-220gr And for bear or African big game I'm use 375 H&H On a bit of distance I'm use 300 win-mag

[@joewho3691]

I love my old Ruger m77 270 130gr . Great video thx!!! 🇺🇸

[@dk_golf9376]

I have the same rifle in a 257 roberts

[@tonyoleary236]

I don’t know if I will ever have the chance to hunt in Africa. However, I do respect the information this man is sharing on what you need to know and the equipment you will need. More important than anything I may add, you could never under estimate the seriousness of knowing your gun intimately. I am from Newfoundland Canada and have taken my share of Caribou and Moose with my 270 Win, that I do know intimately. It is my all-around rifle that I am confident with for most hunting applications. These animals in Newfoundland are for the most part the same size as a lot of African plains game. Out side of Africa’s most dangerous game Hippo and Water Buffalo a magnum is completely over kill. A lot of recoil and expense for nothing. The 270 Winchesters manageable recoil with great flat shooting ballistics will fill any freezer in Africa or Canada. After years of hunting with my 270 Win using controlled expansion premium bullets I have yet to lose one animal. Every animal was taken quickly and humanely because I know my rifle intimately. Some times in any hunting circle less is more! The history of the 270 Win speaks for its self not because I own one. You just have to know your gun what ever it is.

[@tonyoleary236]

I purchased my 270 Win years ago because I was looking for and all around gun to put meat in the freezer and it has done just that. I realize there are other calibers however I looked at the history and ballistics of the 270 Win and compared it to many others and seen a winner. From my own experience and of course the experience of the famous Jack O Connor and many others, anyone looking for a caliber that can handle most hunting applications you can not go wrong with a 270 Win. Also more importantly the 270 Win is a heck of a lot of fun to shot. Not hard on the body at all. The people who engineered and developed the 270 Win got my vote. I pretty well hunt everything I can put in the freezer here in Newfoundland. Like I said before, to harvest game humanely you really have to know your gun.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Excellent informative video! I live and hunt interior AK. I use the 130gr TTSX in .270 Win for game from Sitka blacktails up to caribou. For larger game such as moose and bears, I use 180gr TTSX in .300 H &H magnum.

[@utenteutente9531]

here in northern Italy, and in Europe in general, people absolutely love the 7x64, which is a great caliber. the 8x57 is of course another "champion" with 196-200-220 gr projectiles. The "american" calibers that I find great are the 308 and the 270 win. Let's admit it though: almost all the standard cartridges can do pretty much the same (except for big and dangerous game), especially with modern bullet technology, as long as the shooter does his part; even the magnum loads won't do the job with a bad shot placement. Eventually it all goes back to local laws and personal preference

[@Neomalthusiano]

While I agree with you, I would say availability and price also take a major part (larger then preference, by the way, since you can only try something you can borrow from someone). Here in Brazil, I heard of a guy who imported a rifle for shooting in the range and maybe take down some buffaloes he bred (hunting wild animals was forbidden about 20 years ago, except for the boar. But, even then, it was legal only in one state anyway). However, unfortunately, his joy was shortlived as he had no ammo for it. The largest cartridge at sale is (and was at the time) the .308 win, so he imported dyes along with the gun for reloading his ammo. What he didn't anticipate is that he couldn't find supplies in the market for reloading either. And what cartridge was that? Some old, obscure, exotic round? Nope, the .375 H&H ! It was 15 years ago, and since then, when I hear about some cartridge or gun, the first thing that comes to my mind is: how difficult is finding this ammunition/ammo for it?

[@jozefhorvat3625]

7x64 👍👍👍

[@Italianshooter01]

Bello vedere un italiano anche qui

[@roystalter2377]

Thank you for a dose of real world hunting advice, I have a 25-06 and love it got mine when 17 years old and I am 50 now great gun taken many deer also have a 308 model 7 for hunting the timber when a shot is 50 yards to 100 and that also has put a lot of game in the freezer. I went threw a time of thinking i needed a 300 win mag and still have one but as you get older and gain wisdom you know good bullet choice and keeping range to ware you are 200 or 300 yards and ware i live in up state NY its farm land or heavy timber most shots are 50 yards in woods or less and out to 300 in the farm land i just do not need the big magnum , of the old timers i hunt with use 243 ,308 ,3006 and 3030 . Thank you again and i will be passing your videos on to the young hunters i know.

[@geoffreyjones2000]

I bought my 308 model 7 in 1980, always been a favourite I use a redfield tombstone on it

[@fedup3582]

I had a number of 308's with barrel lengths from 16 to 22 inches. Finally settled on a savage 99F with a 22 inch barrel. Light, slim, relatively compact, a joy to carry handle and shoot. I originally had a 99C that I loved, but life happens and I had to sell it. But I was able to replace it with the 99F.

[@duncanarthur6811]

Q

[@ingvarkristjansson766]

Wow....for the first time I totally agree with an American hunter. I hunt with various calibers such as .222, .223, 6xc, 260, 6.5x55, 30-06, 300wm, 338wm, 9.3x62 and 458Lott and I must say that the most versatile and most used cartridge that I use is 30-06 and 9.3x62. Great video by the way 👍

[@Leif1963]

Ingvar you'd probably find the majority of older Americans are more traditional! The internet is saturated with ignorant geniuses who are selling something and those like the gents on this thread just do their thing and bring home the venison in an ethical manner and show good manners. Fortunately now and again someone like Desert Dog speaks for the silent majority. Wish you good moose hunting!

[@thomasflickinger1949]

Whole heartily agree. It seems the more I learn about cartridges, the old 30-06 just creeps into the picture. Good treatment of this topic.

[@elliottrobinson83]

i have watched a lot of these videos trying to get good info to make a decision and your video was extremely helpful. probably the video that helped me the most and you made really good points about ethic hunting. Cool video. Thanks.

[@mountaingoat2340]

The analogies of the golf bag and toolkit are spot on and honest. Riflemen bore each other senseless with their favourite 'interior wall paper colour' design calibre debates.... 'Mirror mirror on the wall which is the fairest calibre of them all?' From which the mirror retorts, 'For what purpose does thou desire it to be the fairest of the land?'

[@nickdannunzio7683]

I started with .308 (50%) of my hunting / shooting was in PA, deer and bear / and (50%) breaking paper with my family n friends... I did do custom reloads, but always hunted with factory ammo... I had access to many weapons, including the M1... When hitting the rifle range at Camp Lejeune I was delighted to discover the M14... a combo of my early experiences... I am proud to say, yep first time out, shot expert...

[@boomchang1]

My favorite is the 35 Whelen with a 24 inch barrel. for what I use it for deer, Black Bear, boar, and the occasional coyote that makes a mistake. My max range is 200 yds.in brushy conditions. My rifle loves 225gr. TSX's. I have never had anything walk walk more than 3 yds. even on not so great raking shots most of my targets are moving at faster than trot speeds on drives. Never found a retrieved bullet complete pass through from all angles. Destruction of meat is minimal. A lot less than other smaller calibers. Within 75 yds. the kills are dramatic. In PA where I hunt terrain does not permit a long shot. I am so glad i was turned on to this caliber by and old friend many years ago. Never regretted it. Have a lot of calibers this is my go to round for my style and terrain the 35 WHELEN.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I am also a huge fan of the 35 Whelen for shooting under 200 yards. Amazing how low the recoil is for such a big punch. After about 250 yards, the 338 win mag takes over.

[@beqirmaliqi6243]

Greetings from Canada i love my 30 06 i do have 243 + 257 weatherby 7 mm remington mag yes if I was to have one round only I would take the 30 06 For ever

[@bassettearlt]

I sure hope you get to keep them.

[@virginia7370]

270 Win., 30-06, 7mm-08 or 308 Win. ... these will do for anything in the lower 48; just pick the rifle you like

[@Yobjaugjuag]

I love my 270 Winchester and 270 WSM. Just 1 shot will drop the animal no matter where it hit.

[@Leif1963]

dead on...

[@TexanUSMC8089]

7-08 with a 140-150gr bullet is an outstanding deer cartridge in the US.

[@tallen4520]

@@Yobjaugjuag I know better than that. I've seen gut shot deer leave and never be seen again by the .270 shooter.

[@tallen4520]

I suppose you include squirrels and rabbit hunting with these?

[@stuartleis9079]

Very good information. Some words of wisdom coming from experience. I particularly liked the advise big bullets for big game and fast bullets for same game at longer distances. Makes sense.

[@xcptcronchx]

Good disclaimer at the start of the video. A lot of people ask what will kill the animal and not necessarily what SHOULD be used to kill the animal. Im between the 30-06 and a 308 for what I hunt. I love the versatility of these rounds.

[@Glock2201]

One of the best videos out there on the subject. Very bias and informative. Living in the Northeast I like the 30-06 because it is flat enough shooting for varmints but big enough for deer and black bear. It would even work well for moose if I decided to hunt them. If I was in Grizzly country I would prefer something with a little more thump. We have a lot of deer shot with 30-30, 270, and 308 as well. I think the 25-06 is a great all around cartridge for the northeast as well. One thing that I like the 30-06 for as well is they make managed recoil ammo for them so you can purchase a rifle for a youngster they will be able to use for the rest of their lives.

[@George-on3zm]

Great video!! one of the best comparisons i have seen...well i was stuck on 6.5 for deer to elk maybe and who ever knows ,but after that i may step up to 30-06!! he was right that the best American gun overall !!now im gettin a 30-06 )

[@michaelkjrgaardsrensen9532]

This is really wise words on calibers. Listen and learn. Michael from Denmark

[@dudebroski9460]

I really like this channel. Ive seen a few of your vids so far and really enjoyed the effort in detail on each topic. The tool analogy was perfect also.

[@bmoorear]

Good video. The 25-06 Remington is quite possibly the most under appreciated cartridge in America.

[@nathanmcdaniel2557]

25-06 is my fav

[@borkwoof696]

@Jeff Scuderi there’s always that .270 guy

[@borkwoof696]

@Jeff Scuderi "that‘s because their smart" - maybe not as smart as you think

[@borkwoof696]

@Jeff Scuderi *they‘re

[@joemacdonald5476]

Couldn't agree more. Own 30-06, 300 win mag, 257 Weatherby, 32 special and all have their places..but 25-06 is special and I use it more than any.

[@ronclayton8378]

Man I love your channel. I've been hunting since I was 10yrs old and I still learn something new every time I watch your channel. Let me give my top 5 hunting calibers excluding 30-06, 7mm, 270, 300win mag...i love odd calibers and these are the ones I hunt with. 35 Whelen, 450 bushmaster, 35 Remington, 45/70, and the .460 s&w, now don't get me wrong, I love the first four I named, I've had them all, but the odd calibers I own just work for me. The best deer 🦌 rifle is the one you are comfortable with and drop your deer with!.

[@BigRedPower59]

I feel that it is most wise to have a variety of rifles chambered for different cartridges so you can match the rifle to the hunt. That having been said, if you can only afford one rifle, picking a rifle that utilizes any of the 30-06 based cartridges (25-06, 270, 280, etc) will serve most North American hunters very well.

[@darylgiese756]

Well done! It's nice to see someone make very logical cartridge choices for game. Seems like many on here just want to promote their favorite cartridge. Thank you.

[@snowballcorners]

280 Remington for Antelope to Moose granted its a cartridge for the man who loads his own.

[@brentbusick2245]

Spot on!!!! I love my 280 Rem!

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I am building a 280 ai so pumped

[@TakeDeadAim]

Yep. I've taken everything from Pronghorn to Moose with my one "pet" load; 160gr Nosler Partition/53.5gr IMR 4350. Yep, it's an "over" load but I have zero signs of over pressure and it's MOA out to at least 300yds.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

@@TakeDeadAim nice my grandpa just built his 280 rem. Thanks to him I'm addicted to the 280 and 280 ai I will try the partition in my 280 ai when I get all the parts. My load ill use hunting are the barnes 168 lrx. But the partitions will be back up

[@sickdickop6118]

280 ackley improved for me

[@Cloudstrife112233]

My great-grandfather hunted elk with a .257 Roberts. The main thing, with any cartridge is knowing what you need for a specific animal (how much energy at what distance) and then hunting within those parameters is the key to hunting ethically with any cartridge. I wouldn't use a .257 Bob out past 200 yards on elk. This also lends itself to truly hunting and stalking game. Can you get the animal within your ethical range. It's essentially like bow hunting. You wouldn't shoot an elk with a bow at 200 yards, even if you could make the shot.

[@paulsimmons5726]

For Whitetail, either my 7x57 or 257 Roberts. My bucket list Safari trip? My 375H&H!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

All great cartridges.

[@tarasbulba3190]

.257 Roberts...outstanding deer caliber.

[@dustinrobinson8468]

Just found your videos. So far they are some of the most informative and unbiased videos I've seen related to firearms.

[@MrFirextinguisher]

Dustin Robinson after a recommendation like that I guess I’m going to check out a few more videos

[@ICoulntThinkofAUserNam547]

best I've every seen :) love how you broke out primary target vs. secondary targets

[@stevenboggs5076]

Opening remarks are spot on!

[@armedmariner]

I found you. Awesome. I found the reincarnation of Jack O’Connor. He wrote and published. You do videos and publish. I saw you video about all the famous gun writer’s favorite caliber. I saw all the books you have. Many I have. Many I do not have (but will). What I came away from that video with is that you read all that material. That has made you cartridge smart. I am too. But your vids are great explanations. Practical and logical. Oh. And you have some BEAUTIFUL rifles man. Thanks much. I enjoy your videos.

[@maxk5038]

Jack O'Connor knew what was up

[@michaelquillen2679]

0:46 "There really isn't one right answer." Thank you! To throw my opinion in here, if one was to have just one rifle to hunt big game in North America, it would be the .270 or .30-06. I think the .243 is great for predators and deer and is what I use. I use the .30-06 for elk. That's all the big game hunting I do. Just my opinion. Thanks for the good video!

[@Jeff-mo5gc]

Music to my Ears, I’ve shot over 100 wild Boar and have experimented from everything from .223 to 30-06 and in between. Friends, family, and acquaintances will argue with me until there blue in the face about caliber selection. Even experienced hunters like my uncle will tell what I feel, but can’t prove, are bold face lies. Thank you so much for making a video that precisely explains the truth. Just to start the Argument I Believe with my full heart that the .243 is a way over sold cartridge and nothing beats a 30 caliber Slow or fast. It just works.

[@Art_of_Steel]

Great explanation of these rounds! Probably best video did the job! Cheers mate!

[@igoragrest]

This is a very good lecture, packed with wisdom. Well done.

[@wendellbell6164]

I find myself agreeing with almost all your choices. Great video.

[@brianwinters5434]

When i went to africa I had a 30-06 and a 375 never felt under or over gunned.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Wow. You are the first person to speak to this. Current governor’s tag for elk Arizona purchased for?????. It’s on u tube. Please view and comment. Terrible. Made me ill. This was not hunting. Elk was taken at 970 yards I think. Had eight or nine people working for him. Made deals to keep other people out of the way. Great video and advice. Thanks 🙏

[@Paul-q3m7k]

I hunt elk , moose and deer with my 35 Whelen . I’d step down in power for deer but I live and hunt in grizzly infested country so I like having the heavy lead just in case. Saying that I’ve never lost much of any meat with the Whelen and I don’t track them more than a few feet 👍

[@dud3man6969]

I live in GA and the deer don’t get very big here. I just bought a 6.5 Creedmoor for the long range capability and plan to use it for hunting too. I won’t take a shot over 300 yards. I would use it for deer, hogs, and Coyotes. I think it will do fine. I also love the .270, .308, 7mm-08. If I was going to for elk I would want a 7mm mag, for Moose or brown bear a .338 win mag. I’ll never hunt Africa.

[@tomslongguns443]

I use a old 8mm Mauser army rifle for deer hunting, have for years,open sight, one shot one deer Everytime. It's not the fastest round, but it works for me. I don't try make more out of it then what I need it for. I know how far I can shoot and hit,so I never try further then that.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I love 8mm Mauser. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.

[@paulmoss7940]

Yeah man,cool that you still use it. An air force uncle from ww2 left me a customized(I know) M98. Have an 03A3 ,they make a neat pair. "A man must know his limitations."

[@WastelandArmorer]

The Hornady JS 8x57 ammo is poison!

[@billelt9308]

416 is one of my favorite I have used it at over 300 yards glad to see someone else likes it

[@wisconsin_redneck1392]

i think you meant 30

[@cardinalpoint6047]

You are great. Thank you for this break down.

[@jeffa.8976]

There is also a wide range of commercial 30-06 even if you don't reload. I've seen 130 to 220 grain at the store. Hornaday makes some great long rang ammo with superformance. The 165 grains have 3210 ft lbs of energy and 2960 fps at the muzzle with great long range ballistics.

[@howardho4139]

is it good for moose at long range 400 yards

[@Redevil667]

The golf bag analogy is perfect. "Jeeves, hand me the .308".

[@jetdr]

I love my 270 WSM and my 7mm. The 7mm is my go to for Elk. 172 gr Accubond will kill pretty much anything. Great sectional density.

[@gunman-6646]

Love that model 70 maple. I just bought one last November!

[@joe2723]

I’m from South Africa and growing up hunting here the most versatile calibre I have used is 30.06. Getting within 100m to place a good shot does the trick. In saying that I would not stretch it out beyond my own comfort zone in trying longer shots or shooting any animal larger than a Kudu with it.

[@judypals7163]

‘And

[@sisleymichael]

An old timer told me when I was a kid that I needed a 30-06. He was a government predator hunter for the US government. He was a real old timer, because, today, I am a real old timer. I am 65. He was 65 when I was 15. EVERYTHING, you said in your video, he said to me. I saved and got a 30-06, doing menial jobs getting paid slave wages. Over time I loaded 30-06 to be mild, varmint loads. I loaded hotter and made similar to 30-06. For longer, lets get out there ranges, I would load 30-06 loads. Also, the 30-06 did great varmint hunting.

[@robert8552]

In the South African Bush (Limpopo), most game farmers will not allow anything less than a 270. The 30 calibres are most popular here - 308, 30-06, 300 WM. Even the 303 is still widely used!

[@wenseslao521]

This a really good info on the new hunters like me thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

@@anthonyspanjich2772 The guys I know in oz are very fond of the 25-06. Shoots much flatter than the 243, hits harder, with about the same recoil. But, 243 ammo is probably more available where you live.

[@david834]

Had a .25-06 for years and loved it (and wish now I didn't get rid of it!) perfect for game up to mule deer size game (300 lbs/140 kg) out to 300+ yards. With reasonably good placement never had one run more than about 50 yards. This video brings up an excellent point on calibers...but also know these hunters/guides will also have some opinions on bullet design, which becomes very important with large game like elk or red stag, or if you hunt exotics like Nilgai. Pay very close attention when they talk about soft points, spitzer, jacketed bullets and the like on larger game.

[@tangogolfsierra9255]

Excellent content. Heavier bullet, larger game. Faster bullet, further game.

[@godisaliveglobalismisdead8819]

My favorite 270 win

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

270 is a great classic deer round!

[@kingfisher302]

Can't go wrong with 270 anywhere in North America it's much more than just a deer rifle

[@petrotmyrcz308]

Good video. Everything you said makes perfect sense to me.

[@cameronmolt5649]

I just got back from Africa. 3006 180g Remington corlok is what I used on all the plains game. I prefer 257 Robert's and 2506 for deer and 8mm mauser / 300 win mag for elk in eastern OR.

[@rustyshackleford2723]

You are devesre! Lots of experience with alot of real world use...I been range shooting all my life. Not real world use.

[@rjo8500]

About seventeen years ago I had a moderate heavy North American game and plains rifle built. The caliber I chose was 8mm Remington Mag because I figured for a custom built rifle I would want something unique. Of course there was some inspiration from Craig Boddington. The backup (foul weather) was a factory Weatherby chambered in 300 Weatherby mag.

[@bearc1373]

Extremely valuable information here. Thank you. 🇺🇸

[@boydrugger-wp3ld]

First person tell you how it really is. GOOD JOB

[@pointerdogmanfred3520]

Just came from hunting in S. Africa. Took 12 plains game from Impala to a massive 10 yr old bull eland. Some animals with a 30-06 using 168 g Barnes ttsx and the larger ones with a 300 wby using 180 g Barnes ttsx. Took 10 of the 12 with one shot. It was awesome. Kirabo Safaris in the Limpopo province. I highly recommend them.

[@brandonwebb5256]

IMHO.... the best round/ rifle combo you can use is something you that you can shoot accurately and comfortably... I own several rifles ranging from 30-06 to .177 air rifle... I feel the ethical thing to do is make sure you have enough gun for the game your after, and make sure you can shoot it well.... I would not hesitate to use my 7mm-08 on anything up to elk size game... but I shoot it well and will wait for the shot.... like I said JMHO...

[@MichaelCarter-ks4up]

I agree with you mostly. However I feel the 25/06 is the most versitle. Very experienced hunters will say that you can hunt anything from the coyote to the African plains game. The 25/06 just kills better than it should. It's the only rifle that has killed everything drt. The 30/06 is great as well, but I prefer the smaller 06. Great video 👍👌

[@muddog2159]

I bought my first hunting rifle in a Winchester model 670 in 30-06 because of the different grain of bullets too choose from and you can find 3030 270 3006 in a small village hardware store or gas station

[@trumpie5399]

For Most hunting 30-06 but if extended range is needed the 300 Win Mag. I tend to shoot moose at extended ranges above or at timberline so the 300 WM or 338 WM and often my 338 RUM. For close timber hunting my shots are close so the Marlin 1895 Trapper in 45/70 with 350 gr Speer handloads is my favorite. For normal range 300 yards and under my old Win 70 XTR in 30-06 is adequate with my 200gr Hornady ELDX handloads with RL 17. A couple of 30-06 will always be in my safe until my last day here in Alaska .

[@tracyspradlin2679]

I’d go with the 270 or 30-06. Plenty of bullet weights to choose from for what your hunting in the US

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Absolutely spot on Desert Dog.

[@guysirius6234]

you did a great job on this video

[@andybreglia9431]

Within reason, the best cartridge is the one in the rifle you shoot best. My own choice is the .30-06 because I have been using it all my adult life from my issue M1 Garand in the Army. If I ever had the money to hunt Africa, I would choose the .416 Rigby and get plenty of practice FIRST. Get plenty of practice, with reduced charges at first, until I can handle full power loads. At any reasonable (ethical) range, the trajectories of both are reasonably close. I keep seeing people who say you should use the .297 XYZ cartridge because it will shoot one hole groups at 100 yards. I am interested in what I can do using FIELD positions. There are no benchrests out in the boonies unless the Starship Enterprise can beam one down for you when you see that elk you want to tag. I consider groups fired off a bench as hype. I am interested in where my FIRST bullet will strike.

[@geradebowden3293]

Old saying “ 30-06 is good for everything from mice to moose”

[@davidpringle8089]

I agree with a good moose caliber but it's a little rough on mice!

[@georgiadeerhunting8337]

David Pringle lmao it will turn it into soup

[@franko3006]

I use my 30/06 for every thing from rabbits to red deer

[@dmitrismeliov5240]

@@franko3006 What do you think of 300 WIN MAG?

[@franko3006]

@@dmitrismeliov5240 it kicks ALOT harder and that's ok. It depends on what your hunting. African dangerous game I would go bigger 338 or 375 win mags. But for pigs and deer,goats and dogs the 30/06 is brilliant. The most important thing is the projectile weight and construction. I SHOOT 130grn woodliegh for all these species at 3400fps. You can go 200grn barnes TSX for max penetration. It will pass through 95% of all hunted animals. But seriously if you can't KILL it with a 30/06 you need to learn how to shoot and hunt properly. I have friends that have 2 30/06 rifles one for lighter bullets and one for heavy bullets and that works too.

[@jamiesloan5902]

This video has TONS of common sense suggestions. What is it doing on KZbin??? lol Great job! I agree with everything that you said. I own .223, and .243, because I mostly coyote hunt, but I will occasionally hunt white tail deer. Even for coyotes... I use the .243 during the day, and the .223 at night(illegal for anything larger than .22 caliber in my state for night hunting). I black bear hunt with Brenneke slugs, because I don't feel that the .243 is quite adequate.