Picking the right hunting rifle is no walk in the park, no matter how much experience you have. Every hunt requires the right tools, which means shooters need to consider different rifle styles, calibers, ammo, actions, and more. Furthermore, shooters must also take into account the many laws and regulations. For instance, some states regulate barrel length, caliber size, and magazine capacity just to name a few. Similarly, picking the right firearm, caliber, and ammo comes down to your target animal and expected distance. So, let’s get down to it and check out (just) some of the best rifle options for your next hunt.

308 Rifle

The .308 Winchester cartridge is considered one of the more versatile as far as hunting is concerned. Although it is probably most often used for taking down hogs, 308 is effective for a wide range of midsize to large game, including sheep, goats, deer, bear, caribou, and elk. There are plenty of excellent 308 rifles to choose from, but I’ve gotta show my love to the Bergara B-14 HMR. Between its crisp 3 lb. trigger, fully free-floated barrel, smooth as silk action, and coned bolt nose and breech, the B-14 is in a league of its own.

• Model: Bergara B-14 HMR
• Caliber: .308 Win
• Capacity: 5-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Overall Length: 39.5”
• Twist Rate: 1:10
• Weight: 9.15 lbs.
• Finish: Matte Black
• Sights: Scope Mount Fits Rem 700 Rings & Bases
• MSRP: $999.99

223 Rifle

.223 Remington is a high velocity, small caliber round perfect for small game hunting. However, because of its tremendous versatility and broad grain weight, it can be used for everything from varmint like prairie dogs to intermediate game like small whitetail. As one of the most traditional and beloved hunting cartridges, you can be sure there are countless high-quality 223 rifles out there. It’s hard to beat Browning when it comes to classic .223 rifles, and I’m particularly fond of their X-Bolt series. In addition to their super accessory-friendly design, the X-Bolt rifles are remarkably reliable, fast, and durable.

• Model: Browning X-Bolt Eclipse Varmint
• Caliber: .223 Rem
• Capacity: 5-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 26”
• Overall Length: 45.6”
• Twist Rate: 1:8
• Weight: 9 lbs. 3 oz
• Finish: Matte Blued
• Sights: Drilled and Tapped for Scope
• MSRP: $1,429.99

243 Rifle

243 Winchester is a mid-range hunting cartridge that isn’t as popular as it once was, though it is still managing to stay relevant. While it is somewhat capable of taking down deer at short range, it is most effective as a long-range varmint and predator shooter. Although I don’t have so much experience with 243, I can safely say that the Tikka T3X Compact is one of the best options out there for a modern hunting rifle chambered in the classic cartridge. Tikka markets their flagship firearm as the rifle that fits like a glove and that’s no exaggeration.

• Model: Tikka T3X Compact
• Caliber: .243 Rem
• Capacity: 3-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Overall Length: 40.2”
• Twist Rate: 1:10
• Weight: 6.5 lbs.
• Finish: Stainless Steel
• Sights: Open
• MSRP: $999

30 30 Rifle

The .30-30 Winchester cartridge has been a staple of American shooting since late the 1800’s. The fact that it’s still used today attests to its remarkable versatility and ability to withstand the test of time. Though not as popular today, the small-bore cartridge is surprisingly capable of taking down game as large as black bears, feral hogs, and whitetail deer given the right distance. Because .30-30 is most commonly used in lever action rifles, it’s hard to not opt for a Henry. These redesigned classic rifles are fun to use and are mighty reliable, making them a great option for hunting.

• Model: H009 Steel Lever Action
• Caliber: .30-30
• Capacity: 5-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Overall Length: 39”
• Rate of Twist: 1:12
• Weight: 7.0 lbs.
• Finish: Blued
• Sights: XS Ghost Ring Rear / Blade Front
• MSRP: $850.00

30 06 Rifle

I gotta say that .30-06 Springfield is probably my favorite hunting cartridge because it’s pretty darn accurate at long distances and offers serious power. It can take down the majority of medium and big game plus is offered in a nice variety of grain weight range. I happen to love the waves Savage Arms has been making in the rifle market, particularly with their ultra-affordable Axis model. Keeping mind that you get what you pay for, these are great guns for beginner hunters.  

• Model: AXIS II XP Stainless
• Caliber: 30-06 SPFLD
• Capacity: 4-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 43.9”
• Rate of Twist: 1:10
• Weight: 6.8 lbs.
• Finish: Matte Stainless
• Sights: Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm
• MSRP: $579

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that there are many others amazing calibers and rifles for hunting, but this is just a sampling from my experience. That being the case, we’d love to hear about your picks for the best hunting rifles and calibers.

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