Rifle hunting calibers are likely the most talked about topic in the hunting world. But why? Why are they so captivating? There are many avenues of discussion when talking bullets. Bullet Style. Grain weight. Muzzle velocity. Metal type. Ballistics. Cost. The list goes on. But one thing is certain — people are as divided as the Grand Canyon over gun preferences and the best caliber for hunting.
So, here we are. Here to help clear the air and un-muddy the water. What are some of the best caliber options for each species? Read the following. Still, I urge you this — decide for yourself. Don’t take my word for it. Use this as a starting point. See what works best for you. Find your favorite caliber.
Overall, there are dozens and dozens of game animals in North America. There are about as many calibers available to sportsmen and women. Unsurprisingly, certain calibers are better than others, especially for specific species. Here are some of the best calibers for hunting rifles by species.
Best Caliber For Deer Hunting
It’s been said many times that the best caliber for deer hunting is the .30-30 Win. You’ll read quite often that it’s bagged more whitetails than any other option. But it isn’t the best overall caliber for whitetails.
That nod goes to the .308 Win. I’d say it is probably among the top three or four most-used calibers by deer hunters. It’s that common. And it sells like hotcakes. It’s the best of all worlds. It offers knock-down power without the heavy recoil. It’s easy to find on shelves—which is big with today’s ammo availability. It’s hard to beat its bullet weight and muzzle velocity one-two punch, too.
Action Type: Bolt action
Caliber: .308 Win.
Weight/Length: The weights of .308 Win. rifles varies. If hunting in rough terrain, choose a lighter option. In flatter areas with shorter walks, a heavier gun will produce less recoil.
Optics: Varies This is a great deer rifle that works well in the timber or in open terrain. Match the scope to the setting. Hunting under 200 yards, a good 3-9x40mm is a good option. When stretching it out to 300-400 yards, pick a winning 4-16x50mm scope.
Other notable calibers for deer: .243 Win., .25-06 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor, .270. Win., .280 Rem., 7mm-08 Rem., .30-30 Win., .30-06 Sprg., 300 Win. Mag., .350 Legend, 360 Buckhammer, 400 Legend, and more.
Best Caliber For Elk Hunting
The .300 Win Mag kicks like a dadgum mule. But it’s a surefire elk rifle. It’s killed an untold number of wapiti. You don’t always get a pass-through with this round, but the energy transfer inside the body cavity is astounding. At about 3,250 fps, it’s a real killer.
Action Type: Bolt action
Caliber: .300 Win Mag
Weight/Length: A good elk gun weight depends on the strength of the shooter. Generally, heavier guns are better built with better barrels. But if you’re hiking day after day, heavy guns seem to get heavier.
Optics: Elk hunters oftentimes stretch shots way out there. I wouldn’t go with anything less than a 4-16x50mm, and a 6-24x50mm might be better in wide-open areas.
Other notable calibers for elk: 7mm Rem. Mag., .338 Win. Mag., .30-06 Sprg., .270 Win., .280 Win., .45-70, and more.
Best Caliber For Black Bear Hunting
Now over 100 years old, the .30-06 Sprg. is a primo option for hunting bear-sized game, including the bigger brown bear. It’s another favorite on this list that is among the most-sold calibers in the country. It’s a great all-around gun that can do just about whatever you ask it to (within reason). With about 2,900 fps of speed, and a heavy bullet, it knocks down what it hits.
Action Type: Bolt or lever action
Caliber: .30-06 Sprg.
Weight/Length: Bigger guns with longer barrels are often preferred. But if hunting in the backcountry with long walks, consider a shorter, lighter model.
Optics: Those shooting under 200 yards might choose a 3-9x40mm scope. But a 4-16x50mm is a great option.
Other notable calibers for black bears: 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-30 Win., .300 Win. Mag., .35 Rem., .375 Ruger, 400 Legend, .45-70 Gov., etc.
Best Caliber For Coyote Hunting
The .223 Rem. is more than capable of handling varmint-sized game. This caliber packs more than enough punch for coyotes, too. And maybe a little too much for bobcats. Still, it’s great for youth and small-framed shooters.
Action Type: Bolt action
Caliber: .223 Rem.
Weight/Length: Lightweight is always better, as varmint hunters cover a lot of ground.
Optics: Go with a good 3-12x40mm or 4-16x50mm scope.
Other notable calibers for varmints: .17 HMR, .17 Hornet, .204 Ruger, .22 LR, .224 Valkyrie, .22-250 Rem., and more.
Best Caliber For Squirrel Hunting
For best squirrel rifle, it’s a stalemate between the .17 HMR and .22 LR. While the latter is still preferred by more squirrel hunters, I give the lean to the .17 HMR. It shoots faster, flatter and doubles quite well as a varmint gun, when needed.
Action Type: Bolt action
Caliber: .17 HMR
Weight/Length: Shorter and lightweight is the way to go, all day.
Optics: A solid 3-12x40mm is a great option. In some situations, maybe a 1-6x24mm does, too.
Other notable calibers for squirrels: .22 Short, .22 LR, and more.
Essential Hunting Rifle Accessories
In addition to the right rifle, it’s important to have the necessary accessories to go with it. These things make the hunt easier and more streamlined. Each one serves a purpose and accomplishes something that the others do not. Some of these essential hunting rifle accessories include:
Slings and Carrying Options: Those who plan to tote their rifle afield should purchase a sling and swivel hooks that connect the sling to the stock and fore-end of the firearm. This will make carrying it much easier.
Bipods and Shooting Rests: Some hunters can get steady quite easily free-handing, or with an in-the-field rest, such as a tree limb. Others might prefer a different option, though. An attached bipod is a popular choice. So are detached monopods, bipods, and tripods. Other larger rest systems that attach to blinds and treestands are available as well.
Final Thoughts On Choosing The Best Caliber For Hunting
Choosing the best caliber for hunting is a very important task. These days, it seems that everyone is all about the big guns. Everybody wants to pack a canon to the deer woods. Don’t fall into that mindset, though.
Consider the “best” options but understand that another selection might actually be “best” for you and your situation. However, it isn’t necessary. And on some game, other (even smaller) calibers (where legal) are plenty capable of getting the job done.
