10 Hunter-Trusted Rifle Calibers That Deliver Results

Above, Wiinchester .30-30 cartridges. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

As I am not a hunter, I would not be the one to ask what rifle calibers deliver the best results.

However, Bushcraft Base Camp has posted their list of rifle calibers they feel do deliver the best results and why.

They begin with:

For generations, hunters have relied on certain rifle calibers that consistently deliver dependable results in the field. While new cartridges appear regularly, a handful of proven calibers continue to stand out because of their balance of power, accuracy, and versatility. These cartridges earned their reputations through decades of real-world hunting across forests, mountains, plains, and open farmland. Experienced hunters understand that choosing the right caliber is not just about raw power but also about manageable recoil, reliable performance, and effective terminal ballistics on game animals. A well-chosen cartridge allows a hunter to make clean, ethical shots while maintaining confidence in the rifle’s capabilities.

To read more, go here. 

Turkey Hunters Trending To Smaller Gauge Shotguns

Above, the Mossberg 500E shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, I discovered a Mossberg 500E .410 Pump Shotgun that was in a gun case my dad left. I didn't know I had it until I unzipped the case.

I took it out to the shooting range not too long after and I worked great. 

It appears that people in my age group (I'm at the "youthful" age of 72) are moving towards .410 shotguns for turkey hunting. 

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette posted an article on this.

It begins with:

Willie Johnston of Hamburg is a traditionalist hunter, but he embraces the .410-bore shotgun for turkey hunting.

Johnston, 72, represents an evolution in the turkey hunting retail market. An older demographic of hunters is gravitating to smaller, lighter guns with less recoil.

Johnston said he is impressed with the tight patterns his Stevens 301 prints at conventional turkey hunting distances. The red dot sight that came with the package assures him that his shot will be true.

"Wherever you put that dot is where it's going to hit," Johnston said. "You don't have to worry about pulling off or your sights not being aligned just right. Just put that dot on his head and shoot."

Nathan Dunn, owner of Dunn's Sporting Goods in Pevely, Mo., acknowledged the trend in the Midwest.

"The last few years we've sold a lot more sub-gauge guns, a lot of 20-gauges and a lot of .410," Dunn said. "A lot of hunters are getting older. They're tired of packing around that big 12-gauge."

To read the full article, go here. 

Why There’s No Such Thing As The Perfect Rifle For Deer Hunting

Above, a deer munching on my elm trees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is there such a thing as the "perfect deer hunting rifle"?

According to a MSN slideshow post, there isn't. Personally, I don't hunt deer but I know several people who do. 

We have deer in and around our community (elk too). They constantly go after the lower branches of an apple tree in my front yard. A few months ago, some even managed to get into my fenced inner yard.

The posting begins with:

When it comes to hunting deer, the debate over the “perfect rifle” is endless. Some hunters swear by the power of large-caliber rifles, while others argue that precision and a well-placed shot are more critical than caliber size. But does the ideal deer rifle truly exist, or is it a myth? Many hunters might be surprised to learn that the best deer rifle could very well be the one they already own. The truth is, the “perfect” deer rifle is a deeply personal choice based on the hunter’s skill, preferences, and the environment in which they hunt.

To read more, go here. 

Theodore Roosevelt, Big-Game Hunter

President Theodore Roosevelt was a man who did many things in his lifetime. 

He was an author, rancher, hunter, explorer and, of course, president of the United States (among other things). He was a proud owner of several Winchesters.

Here's a photo of Roosevelt with one of his kills: