These are the Hunting Rifle Cartridges Big Game Hunters Should Use

An important aspect of hunting is choosing both the right gun and ammunition. Choosing the right caliber bullet can be the difference between ethically harvesting your meat or blowing it to bits. If you’re a big game hunter, you might be wondering: what’s the best rifle caliber for me to use? Lucky for you, 24/7 Wall St. is on the case. Using the Rifle Caliber Guide from Sportsman’s Warehouse, our team evaluated 90 rifle calibers between 100-500 yards. We included information on bullet performance at 100, 300, and 500 yards depending on bullet mass, as well as supplemental insight into the best type of game for that caliber. Rifle cartridges for big game hunting are listed from least to most versatile, with a score of 5 being “most” versatile. One quick note before you dive in: index rankings are approximations as they don’t account for barrel length variations and rely on a limited list of available weights.

This previously published story was updated in March 2025 to call attention to some of the shifting regulations or decisions in the big game hunting space, and to remind hunters that permits, weapon choice, and hunting season should all play a role in how, where, and when they hunt. 

Why This is Relevant Now

Changes are coming to big game hunting — and hunters need to be prepared. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently shared proposed changes to hunting regulations, seasons, and rules for big game. More specifically, these changes would impact how hunters could hunt pronghorn, elk, mule deer, wolves, bears, and mountain lions. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently held open houses accepting proposals on these rules in February 2025. While the exact guidelines have not yet been publicly shared, the Department has explained that its goal is to stabilize wildlife populations and also provide additional hunting opportunities.

Also in February 2025, seven conservation nonprofit organizations were awarded Commission Big Game Hunting Permits by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners. These permits are granted to “Kansas-based non-profit organizations that focus on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage.” The nonprofits may then raffle off the permits to raise funds for conservation projects, such as managing wildlife habits or revitalizing wetlands. While some people may view hunting and conservation as intrinsically separate, hunting can actually support conservation efforts by preventing overpopulation and better understanding wildlife populations. A portion of fees and taxes associated with hunting are also funneled towards conservation efforts, making hunting a valuable part of our environmental ecosystem. (Where do hunters in America live? This state tops the list.)

As big game hunters, it’s important to understand both the regulatory landscape — and the guns being used. Some rules, including types of weapons used and hunting seasons, shift annually or bi-annually. If you’re a hunter, you need to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s going on. While this article won’t dive deep into the big game hunting rule changes, it will keep you well-versed on which hunting rifles and cartridges are both acceptable to use — and good for the task at hand. Understanding the most versatile hunting rifle cartridges can help you find the most practical option for your needs.

Check out the most versatile big game hunting rifle cartridges: 

12. .243 Winchester

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,280-1,784 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 897-1,219 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to medium game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 520-812 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to medium game
• Versatility score: 1.7 / 5
• Rating explanation: Insufficient for largest North American game (elk); accessible as minimum legal caliber for big game in most states
• Bullet weights considered: Six (between 58-100 grains)
• Popular for: Deer and varmint hunting

11. 7mm Winchester Short Magnum

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 2,489-2,918 ft./lbs.; suitable for the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,862-2,358 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,366-1,886 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Versatility score: 2.0 / 5
• Rating explanation: Flat trajectory and accuracy; some people feel it’s unsuitable for larger bullets
• Bullet weights considered: Two (between 150-162 grains)
• Popular for: Mule deer, black bear, elk

10. .25-06 Remington

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,690-2,127 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,053-1,502 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 623-1,031 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to medium game
• Versatility score: 2.0 / 5
• Rating explanation: Fantastically accurate for deer; versatile with light recoil; may be ineffective for larger game like elk
• Bullet weights considered: Two (between 90-117 grains); while not considered, .75-grain bullets available for smaller game at longer ranges
• Popular for: Deer

9. .45-70 Government

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 895-2,158 ft./lbs.; suitable for small game to the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 636-1,083 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to medium game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: Not recommended
• Versatility score: 2.1 / 5
• Rating explanation: Popularity extends over time as far back as 1800s; less meat loss; travels slower because of higher mass; 410-grain bullet not recommended for longer-range shots beyond 200-300 yards
• Bullet weights considered: Three (250, 325, and 410-grain); while not considered, bullet masses go up to 500-grain
• Popular for: Brown bear, moose, feral hogs

8. .300 Winchester Magnum

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 2,973-3,297 ft./lbs.; suitable for the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 2,026-2,587 ft./lbs.; suitable for the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,333-2,033 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Versatility score: 2.6 / 5
• Rating explanation: Notorious for heavy recoil, but can take on most large game; one of the most popular hunting calibers in North America
• Bullet weights considered: Five (between 150-200 grains)
• Popular for: Elk, moose, bear, deer (with lower-grain ammunition)

7. .376 Steyr

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 2,714-3,373 ft./lbs.; suitable for the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,694-2,283 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,023-1,500 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Versatility score: 2.7 / 5
• Rating explanation: Specifically designed for versatility; 270-grain great for large, tough game at shorter distances; noticeable and heavy recoil
• Bullet weights considered: Two (225 and 270 grains)
• Popular for: Waterbuck, buffalo, large African game

6. .375 Ruger

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 3,660-4,052 ft./lbs.; suitable for the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 2,110-2,786 ft./lbs.; suitable for the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,174-1,880 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Versatility score: 2.9 / 5
• Rating explanation: Capable of delivering 4,052 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards with a 270-grain bullet; deep penetration; accuracy can sometimes be iffy
• Bullet weights considered: Three (between 250-300 grains)
• Popular for: Bear, buffalo, African plains animals

5. 7mm-08 Remington

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,579-2,274 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,057-1,784 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 685-1,381 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to medium game
• Versatility score: 3.3 / 5
• Rating explanation: Lighter, faster shooting; lower recoil; capable of large game, small game, and game on African plans
• Bullet weights considered: Three (between 120-150 grains)
• Popular for: Deer, hogs, moose, bear

4. .375 H & H Magnum

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 3,292-3,935 ft./lbs.; suitable for the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,875-2,699 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,050-1,793 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium to large game
• Versatility score: 3.5 / 5
• Rating explanation: One of the most popular rifle chambers in Africa; capable of taking medium-to-large North American game; moderate recoil; known for its reliability
• Bullet weights considered: Three (between 250-300 grains)
• Popular for: Cape buffalo, brown bear, moose, elk

3. .308 Winchester

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,584-2,455 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 971-1,821 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to large game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 573-1,364 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to medium game
• Versatility score: 3.9 / 5
• Rating explanation: Time-tested caliber that remains popular 70 years after its introduction; capable and versatile; smaller 125-grain ammunition appropriate for small game at 300 yards; heavier ammunition well-matched for medium-to-tough game
• Bullet weights considered: Six (between 125-178 grains)
• Popular for: Deer, elk, black bear

2. .270 Winchester

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,605-2,604 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,113-1,986 ft./lbs.; suitable for medium game to the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 751-1,497 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to large game
• Versatility score: 4.0 / 5
• Rating explanation: Can be used for game of all sizes; modest recoil; originally introduced in the 1920s and is still loved today; flat trajectory out to 300 yards
• Bullet weights considered: Five (between 120-150 grains)
• Popular for: Deer, elk (at reasonable, closer ranges)

1. .30-06 Springfield

• Performance at 100 yds; depending on bullet mass: 1,615-2,769 ft./lbs.; suitable for large game to the toughest game
• Performance at 300 yds; depending on bullet mass: 993-2,076 ft./lbs.; suitable for small game to the toughest game
• Performance at 500 yds; depending on bullet mass: 587-1,526 ft./lbs.; suitable for small to large game
• Versatility score: 4.9 / 5
• Rating explanation: Trusted for over 100 years; flat-shooting; has a lot of power; may suffer at longer ranges
• Bullet weights considered: Four (between 125-180 grains)
• Popular for: Deer, antelope, elk, moose
• Fun fact: Used by the U.S. military in World War II

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