Choosing the right hunting cartridge can be overwhelming, with so many options available. Whether you’re looking for something powerful for long-range shots or a versatile option for closer encounters, each cartridge has its strengths. In this guide, we break down 15 cartridges every hunter should know, perfect for everything from thick brush to wide-open terrain. With insights from experts at Outdoor Life, Gun Digest, American Hunter, and Field & Stream, we’ll walk you through each cartridge’s performance, ammo availability, and best use cases to help you find the perfect fit for your next hunt.
15. .30-06 Springfield
The .30-06 Springfield is a reliable and versatile choice for hunting. Effective up to about 500 yards, this classic round is perfect for taking down deer, elk, moose, and even bear. It strikes a great balance between power, accuracy, and moderate recoil.
Ammo for the .30-06 is widely available and typically costs between $1.50 and $3 per round. Plus, many rifle manufacturers chamber their models in .30-06, and reloading supplies are easy to come by, making this a go-to choice for many hunters.
14. .308 Winchester
Known for its versatility, the .308 Winchester is effective at ranges up to 400-500 yards, making it ideal for deer, elk, and even black bear. With less recoil than the .30-06 but similar ballistics, it’s a comfortable choice for long-range hunting.
You’ll find plenty of affordable .308 ammo, generally priced around $1 to $2.50 per round. Its popularity also means you’ll have no trouble finding rifles chambered for this cartridge, and reloading components are readily available.
13. 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has surged in popularity for good reason. It offers exceptional long-range performance and is effective on deer out to 400 yards, and elk at closer ranges. Known for its accuracy and moderate recoil, it’s a favorite for hunters who need precision.
While ammo costs can be slightly higher—typically $1.50 to $3 per round—the ballistic performance often justifies the price. Most major rifle manufacturers offer models in 6.5 Creedmoor, so there are plenty of options.
12. .270 Winchester
For decades, the .270 Winchester has been a favorite among hunters. Its flat trajectory makes it perfect for medium game like deer and antelope, with effective range out to 400 yards. With proper loads, it can even handle elk at moderate distances.
Ammo is widely available, typically priced at $1.50 to $2.50 per round. Its enduring popularity ensures that you’ll find plenty of rifles chambered in .270, making it a solid and reliable choice for most hunting scenarios.
11. 7mm Remington Magnum
The 7mm Remington Magnum offers impressive versatility, with effective range beyond 500 yards for big game like deer and elk. Despite its power, the recoil is relatively mild compared to other magnums, which adds to its appeal.
Priced around $2 to $4 per round, ammo for the 7mm Rem Mag is accessible, and rifles are widely available, though they tend to be a bit pricier than more common calibers.
10. .300 Winchester Magnum
If you need power, the .300 Winchester Magnum delivers. This round is capable of taking down large game like elk and moose at distances over 600 yards. While it’s a powerful option, be prepared for significant recoil.
Ammo costs around $2 to $4 per round, and while not the cheapest, it’s considered one of the most versatile rounds for big game hunting. Many rifle manufacturers offer models chambered in .300 Win Mag, giving you plenty of choices.
9. .243 Winchester
The .243 Winchester is a popular choice for smaller game and varmints, offering mild recoil with effective range out to 300 yards. It’s perfect for deer and antelope and also performs well in varmint hunting at longer ranges.
With affordable ammo—typically $1 to $2 per round—and a wide range of rifle options, the .243 is often recommended for recoil-sensitive hunters or beginners looking for accuracy without the kick.
8. .30-30 Winchester
The .30-30 Winchester is a classic lever-action round, particularly favored for hunting in dense woods. Effective out to about 200 yards, it’s well-suited for deer but doesn’t offer the versatility of other cartridges for longer distances.
With ammo priced at $1 to $2 per round, the .30-30 remains a favorite for hunters who prefer lever-action rifles and need a solid choice for closer-range hunting.
7. 6.5×55 Swedish
An old military cartridge, the 6.5×55 Swedish has become a favorite among hunters due to its accuracy and moderate recoil. It’s effective on deer at 400 yards and can handle elk at closer ranges with the right bullets.
Though not as common in the U.S., ammo is still available at $1.50 to $3 per round. European rifle manufacturers often chamber for 6.5×55, offering solid options for those who appreciate its balanced performance.
6. .257 Weatherby Magnum
If you’re looking for flat trajectory and long-range performance, the .257 Weatherby Magnum is an excellent choice for medium game like deer and antelope. With effective range beyond 400 yards, it’s perfect for open-country hunts.
Ammo is on the pricier side, ranging from $3 to $5 per round, and rifles chambered for this round tend to be more expensive. But for those looking for magnum performance without the recoil of larger calibers, it’s worth the investment.
5. .375 H&H Magnum
The .375 H&H Magnum is a powerhouse, capable of taking down nearly any game on the planet, including dangerous animals like grizzly bears and African buffalo. With its heavy recoil and significant penetration, this round is no joke.
Ammo can be pricey, costing $4 to $7 per round, and rifles chambered for .375 H&H tend to be on the expensive side. While it may be overkill for most North American hunts, it’s a great option for those seeking maximum versatility.
4. 7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 Remington offers versatility with moderate recoil, making it a great choice for deer, elk, and other big game. It performs well at ranges up to 400 yards, offering ballistics similar to the .308 but with less recoil.
Ammo costs around $1.50 to $3 per round, and rifles are widely available at reasonable prices. Its moderate recoil and accuracy make it a favorite for hunters who want versatility without the punishing kick of larger calibers.
3. .22-250 Remington
For varmint hunters, the .22-250 Remington is a top choice, delivering high velocity and accuracy. It’s effective on coyotes and other small game out to 400 yards and can also be used for small deer in certain areas.
Ammo is affordable at $1 to $2 per round, and rifles are available from many manufacturers. While not suited for large game, it’s an excellent choice for dedicated varmint hunting.
2. .45-70 Government
Favored for hunting in heavy brush, the .45-70 Government is a classic round capable of taking down deer, bear, and even moose at close ranges. While it excels in dense cover, its effectiveness drops off quickly beyond 200 yards.
Ammunition typically costs $2 to $4 per round, and rifles—often lever-action—can be pricey. But for hunters who need a reliable brush gun, the .45-70 is a great choice.
1. .338 Winchester Magnum
The .338 Winchester Magnum is a beast, suited for taking down the largest North American game, including elk, moose, and grizzly bears. Its effective range extends beyond 500 yards, but the significant recoil makes it best suited for experienced shooters.
Ammo costs between $3 and $6 per round, and rifles chambered for this round tend to be on the expensive side. However, if you need a powerful, long-range cartridge for big game hunting, the .338 Win Mag delivers in spades.