If you could have only one caliber, what would it be?

[davidheart]

This thread is simply for giggles. It follows a similar format as my "If you could have only one powder" thread in the powder section. ( http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?304436-If-you-could-have-only-one-powder )

If you could have only one cartridge, what would it be and why?

Remember the following points:


Money is no option.
The caliber must exist and be a SAAMI caliber (no wildcats).
You are not limited to only one firearm chambered in this cartridge.
You are not limited to only one powder/bullet combination.
Availability is not an issue, you may have millions of this single cartridge.
You cannot convert this cartridge into another using the old brass.
Cross-cartridge combinations are allowed, but only if they're able to be shot out of the same chamber! (38sp/357, 22lr/22short/22long, 44mag/44sp, etc)


I'll make a poll with the most popular options I could think of.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

ok only one caliber and Cross-caliber combinations are allowed, (38sp/357, 22lr/22short/22long, 44mag/44sp, etc)
then it's a 45 cal for me 45acp 45 colt 454 and 460 and 410

[davidheart]

ok only one caliber and Cross-caliber combinations are allowed, (38sp/357, 22lr/22short/22long, 44mag/44sp, etc)
then it's a 45 cal for me 45acp 45 colt 454 and 460 and 410

Yea, I might have killed this thread by allowing combinations. The combinations must be able to be shot out of the same gun though. A 45 Long Colt and 410 Shotgun are single gun compatible, but the 45ACP is not.

[P Flados]

FYI, Your list is pretty close to "cartridges with readily available factory ammo". The "one round does it all" implies that it needs to handle both rifle and pistol. There are lots of SAAMI rounds that are smallish for rifles and yet reasonable for pistols.

For me it would probably be 357 maximum.

It is 85% of what I shoot now.

I have a revolver (Dan Wesson silhouette special), TC 10" & TC 14". All factory chambers.

Since I do not hunt & since I do not shoot past the 200 m Rams, it is plenty.

Actually a 360 DW would be big enough for what I do now, would be more efficient, and would allow more "optimization" (smallish 5 shot versions) for revolvers. It would be a lot like any good heavy duty 357 mag, Except that the SAAMI pressure rating has not been ruined by the wimpy revolvers that can not handle the pressures needed for better performance. But it is even less of a "standard" cartridge than the maximum and if longer range were ever in the picture, the maximum would definitely have an edge in something like 26" Encore.

Part of the reason for my preference above is that for volume reloading and for cast shooting, the straight wall really does make life easier. Reloading does seem to be part of the picture given the discussion of "powder/bullet".

However, with a total "money does not matter" attitude, I would be more likely to consider a bottle neck round. From a ballistics standpoint any of the smallish case rifle rounds in 7mm or 30 cal, could probably be reasonably fun in short long guns or longer pistols.

My 30 Herretts can be loaded down to really nice "plinking" levels and yet still deliver long range results. In one of my favorite platforms (10" TC), it is pretty close to optimum. Given that there is a 30-30 revolver available, I am sure a custom 30 Herrett wheel gun is not unreasonable.

From your list, it would all depend on what I could find for guns. I do not really like my choices

I guess a 357 mag with a FA revolver, 10" & 14" bull barrels for my contender, and a break open carbine would not be terrible. However, I would need to load a lot higher than SAAMI specs which sound a lot like "cheating" on the rules.

A 300 BO would make fun/easy choices for long guns, but would only be reasonable with the right handguns. It would be very costly but I guess I could try to get a custom single action revolver, a 10" break open pistol, and a 14" single shot pistol (possibly something more exotic than a TC).

A 30-30 would probably be OK, but the case is just too big to be "good" for any gun with less than a 14" barrel. The available revolver seems to be awfully big for what it delivers. Again rifle choices would be easy.

[jmort]

12 gauge. Good out to 100 yards for anything on earth and real good at close range for anything on earth. I have always preferred a shotgun over all else.

[ascast]

12 gauge no explanation is needed

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Yea, I might have killed this thread by allowing combinations. The combinations must be able to be shot out of the same gun though. A 45 Long Colt and 410 Shotgun are single gun compatible, but the 45ACP is not.

ok then i still go 45 cal 460 454 45 colt same gun

[quietmike]

A 30-06 is never a mistake.

[Omega]

If no wildcats then I'd go with my 300 BLK at the moment, can be shot super or subsonic can engage targets up close or at a couple hundred yards and can be rifle or pistol configuration.

[Ural Driver]

If ya think about it this is a no brainer........12 ga. shotgun......... loads available for everything from squirrels to T-Rex.

[Edward]

Someone mentioned T-Rex to mice even 45/70 up/down or length wise :bigsmyl2:

[dragon813gt]

35 caliber

Pretty sure the OP meant cartridge but I won't play such silly games ;)

[Outpost75]

If limited to only one caliber I sure am not going to limit myself to a handgun caliber or a woodchuck rifle.

A good bolt-action .30-'06 [or two] does it all.

[davidheart]

35 caliber

Pretty sure the OP meant cartridge but I won't play such silly games ;)

It's exactly what I meant, but I can't edit the title or poll. ;)

38/357 for me for everything from personal def to hunting any and all game.

[rking22]

22LR, If I can have only one chambering, I can't live without the 22LR. This game is no fun, plain depressing :(
Could live with a 22LR, 357Mag, and 20 ga without much pain , but not just one! Presently load for over 25 centerfires and all 5 shotguns, no NOT just 1, can't do it!!!

[Seeker]

I'd keep my .45 colt/45acp convertible. And they'd pry my Henry .45 colt out of my cold dead fingers.

[brass2bullets]

300 Blackout!! Super or sub. Pistol or rifle. Tons of bullets, easy to cast. Easy to make brass. So versatile. Just my option. [emoji1]


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[Ithaca Gunner]

Given the rules of the game, I'll take a 12 bore...and my own island, four square miles should do it.

[davidheart]

Someone mentioned T-Rex to mice even 45/70 up/down or length wise :bigsmyl2:

Magnum Research actually makes a 45/70 revolver too....

[waarp8nt]

I pick the 20ga for similar reasons the other fellows picked the 12ga. Could be used with slugs or shot and would be a little more user friendly if my family needed to use it.

[maxreloader]

25-35 for me.

[Mk42gunner]

12 gauge. Anything from mice to moose, with the right load.

Assuming you can get ammo, a .22 rifle makes a lot of sense also.

Robert

[TCFAN]

38 special is my most fun cartridge that is fun to shoot very accurate and cheap to shoot.For more serious shooting 357 will work for me. Both in rifle and hand gun........Terry

[Michael J. Spangler]

38/357 for me.
I would have opted for 45/70 but I don't imagine I would ever want a revolver chambered in that.

38/357 from snubbies up to rifles with round balls up to 200 grainers it a pretty great combo.


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[MT Gianni]

What ever my dictator/commander issued to me. Thankfully I am a free man and do not have to make such absurd decisions.

[RogerDat]

38/357 Revolver, Auto Loader pistols, lever action or auto loader rifles. In short a full array of firearm platforms available in those calibers. Able to hunt from small game to larger N. American animals. Some game animals might prove a bit of a challenge but they are at least possible. A light 38 from a lever gun is a decent bunny thumper.

What the heck even as a home defense round the 38 while not some mythical, magical caliber it is an entirely serviceable caliber. Bad people don't like getting shot with it, or shot at with it. While not providing the shock and awe of a 12 gauge, one can use a 38 in the living room and still hear afterwards. Not to mention a double tap from a 38 provides it's own version of "awe" as in "awe sugar I've been shot".

[OptimusPanda]

I'm the odd duck it seems that picked 45 auto. It's my favorite cartridge of all the ones I shoot. I must go through 3000 of them a year easy. You can get everything from a 1911, to a smith 625 (I think that's the number) using moon clips, maybe one of the hipoint 4595 carbines. Then there's always the mauser conversions that I've read about. I think someone was making specialized AR uppers for .45acp too.

[Standing Bear]

I can carry a .22 pistol and rifle, a brick or two of ammo, water and other essentials. Sound doesn't carry far.

[Pine Baron]

12 ga. From birds to bear to bad guys.

[tdoyka]

444 marlin.

[robg]

.357 its just so versatile

[wallacem]

The 357/38 would answer all needs I have and be good at most of them. IF I could add just one more, it would be the 22LR. But the 22LR can not be my ONLY caliber. Wallacem in Ga

[rwadley]

Yea, I might have killed this thread by allowing combinations. The combinations must be able to be shot out of the same gun though. A 45 Long Colt and 410 Shotgun are single gun compatible, but the 45ACP is not.
I believe that S&W's Governor accepts 45 ACP as well as 45 Colt and .410 shotshell. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_769651_-1_757767_757751_image

[Gaseous Maximus]

I started to pick the 38/357, but wound up voting for the 22's.

[Piedmont]

This is too tough. I wish we could have two. I'm going with .38/.357 also. From a carbine it will handle any animal in this part of the country to 100 yards and revolvers so chambered can handle all personal protection needs.

[bedbugbilly]

Since you are limiting it to one - mine would be the 38/357. Reason being that it is very economical to load, many boolit designs and a good cartridge for where I live as far as plinking and or critters - both in revolver and my Handi Rifle.

That said . . . if you were to allow two votes - one for pistol and one for rifle - my favorite rifle cartridge choice would be the 30-30 Winchester.

[kenyerian]

12 gauge. It is the most versatile of any of the above calibers. Works for everything except concealed carry.

[rking22]

With a tax stamp and a little shop time, an SBR 870 could be considered a CCW, maybe not for pocket carry :)

[jimb16]

For me, its .30-06. Loads from RB to 200 gr+ and easy to cast for. But IF I could have a backup, it would be a 12 ga. Wing shooting with an aught six is tough!

[Texas by God]

.22 LR in my Nylon 66. Almost voted 12 ga. - but 100 rds of .22 in my pocket would feed me for a long time. And don't attempt to tell me I'm undergunned...

[Petrol & Powder]

I voted 38/357. That cartridge is incredibly versatile and although would be lacking when compared to most center fire rifle cartridges it can at least be useful in a carbine at reasonable distances.

[Lead Fred]

44 magnum

A Model 29a S&W revolver & a Winnie 1894

Got range, and over penetration

and it will blow your head clean off

[jeepyj]

I seem to have some sort of addiction to 38 caliber. It's so versatile "super mild to very wild" I just can't get enough of that bad boy. At this point it's less $$ than shooting a .22
jeepyj

[hd09]

Same as Lead Fred 44 mag, except Model 29 and Ruger carbine.

[possom813]

.30-06, can load up or down, from rabbits to rhinos.

[rintinglen]

I passed on the rifle cartridges only because I have yet to be able to find a pocket holster to fit my old Springfield 06 conversion. 38/357 rings my bell better than the others, though 44/44 Mag could be a better choice if you have bigger, ornery animals to contend with.

[SweetMk]

Same as Lead Fred 44 mag, except Model 29 and Ruger carbine.

I gotta stick with 44MAG,,,

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h332/sweetmk22/guns/2012-09-08105548508x800.jpg

It would be WAY too expensive to go to ANOTHER caliber!! :sad:

I originally picked 44 because it has large primers,,, my fingers do MUCH better with large primers,,,

Maybe .17 would be my second choice,,,
(the center hand gun)

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h332/sweetmk22/guns/2012-09-05231527800x666.jpg

[GhostHawk]

I have several options, but the 12 gauge got my vote. Good for everything from large game animals with slugs to waterfowl or upland game and rocks at defense. Its only limit is attacking at more than 50 yards.

.357 runs a fairly close second.

[MT Chambers]

Bolt action rifle in .30 Br., the most accurate cast bullet caliber.

[Rustyleee]

A .30-06 would do everything I need it to do.

[PaulG67]

I voted for 30-30 because of the large range of bullets available in 308 size. Also in cast boolits I have molds from 110 grn up to 200 grn. If necessary I can use one powder for all.

[Clay M]

For me ,it would be the .30/06 It was my favorite hunting rifle when I was sixteen, and I have come full circle back to it.
In all honesty, I could have done all the big game hunting I have ever done with the .30/06 and done it nicely.

[Golfswithwolves]

I'd have to go with a shotgun since both bird hunting and close range big game hunting could be done with one. And 12 gauge is more versatile than 20.

[shoot-n-lead]

Probably be .357 as it works well in revolvers and lever guns. In my area, it will kill anything in the woods, if applied correctly.

[cuvy]

6.5x55 swede, because i can load anything from an 85gr varmint bullet to a 160gr bullet suitable for very large game, and cast lead subsonic loads are pretty useful too.

If I lived somewhere I could have a handgun though I'd go with everyone else voting for 357mag - revolver and lever guns, as well as a Ruger 77/357 with its rotary mag so I could shoot pointed bullets easily past 200m.

[RJM52]

Well...makes things difficult. So I had to be honest and ask myself the question what do I do the most with my guns...hunt, plink, shoot long range, concealed carry/personal protection, teaching, competition shooting....

There are 365 days in a year...8760 hours. Discounting 7 hours of sleep a night (2555) that equals 6205 waking hours.

I get to hunt about 80 hours a year.... I CC a firearm 8-10 hours a day 365 days a year....rifles and shotguns have therefor been eliminated...

So it comes down to two calibers...the .38 Super/9x23 Winchester and the .41 Magnum/Special.

If I lived in Idaho where there is a lot of long range shooting opportunities, big and small game hunting and the need for CC, the .41 Magnum would get the nod. The last two years I spent in Idaho camping and motorcycling I only carried a 4" Model 57. In choosing .41 Magnum I could have everything from a lightweight Taurus Titanium Tracker for CC to a Marlin Carbine for big game hunting.

That said I live in NH. Almost all of my shooting is done at a range or friends property. There is no wandering the outback looking for targets of opportunity. In this case a 1911 Commander in .38 Super is my constant companion and has been for 36 years. I have semi-autos, revolvers and a TC single shot as a well as one of the MechTech Carbine conversions. The biggest animal I regularly hunt is deer. Most shots are under 75 yards. I could make the .38 Super or 9x23 work for this.

...but I would miss my .41s.....

...and .308s....

....and .22s.....

Bob

[USSR]

I'd have to go with a shotgun since both bird hunting and close range big game hunting could be done with one. And 12 gauge is more versatile than 20.

+1. Anything from squirrels and birds, to deer with slugs. Clearly the most versatile option.

Don

[prsman23]

Technically a shotgun is a gauge not a caliber :-)



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[davidheart]

Technically a shotgun is a gauge not a caliber :-)


Shhhh.... do you hear that?




It's the sound of somebody splitting hairs... ;)

[singleshot]

I chose 44 mag since that's my favorite to cast and load for, but overall my 12 ga is the most useful and versatile.

[singleshot]

Technically a shotgun is a gauge not a caliber :-)



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61 and 73 caliber smooth bore anyone?

[prsman23]

Shhhh.... do you hear that?




It's the sound of somebody splitting hairs... ;)

Haha!!!! I know. Just having a bit of fun. Carry on!

[marshall623]

I went 357 Mag. It can go from carry gun to Lever or Handy platform . For me its hard to beat in a Contender

[osteodoc08]

12 gauge as it can be used for squirrel all the way to heavy slugs.

Thought about a revolver cartridge that could also be used in a rifle. That was a close second but since could only vote 1, the 12 gauge won out.

[sirgknight]

anything from quail to grizzly to home defense.....12 GAUGE......PERIOD! I certainly would hate having to give up my garands, carbines, lever guns, pistols, etc, etc, etc.

[quail4jake]

6,5x55 as log as I can hang it in the back window of my Volvo truck...uhh hingy dingy dingy, taarvald!

[quail4jake]

OK, seriously. 12 bore...bad eyes.

[victorfox]

The law makers in Brazil just about made your poll truth here. The options are vast like .22lr and 38 (if I want to use in rifle/handgun). 12ga for me hands down.

[scattershot]

.44 mag for me. You can load it up or down with a variety of powders, and use it in rfles as well as handguns.

[irishtoo]

12ga. millions of shells, several guns. rifled for big game, one for birds and small game, and one for defense. mossberg 500 for interchangeable parts. and you could still shoot skeet. irishtoo

[longbow]

If I can only have one choice 12 ga. wins.

Generally one can't pack handguns anywhere but on private land or certified gun ranges here so I am mostly a long gun guy and it is hard to beat a 12 ga. for overall versatility with loads available from bird shot to buckshot and full bore slugs to sabot slugs in guns from single shot to drum fed semis.

Most useful for more situations I can foresee than anything else.

YMMV

Longbow

[Mal Paso]

44Mag The most amount of power I would care to shoot a lot. Being able to shoot a lot is a big part. God Bless Clint Eastwood for making 44Mag cheap to shoot and All The Used 44Mags in gunshops with 6 Rounds Fired through them.

[DiamondD]

First of all this is a terrible thought! I voted .30-30 as a do it all cartridge that I wouldn't be too unhappy with. The .357 Magnum would maybe make a better choice as it will allow you to have a handgun in the same caliber, but I'm sticking with the .30-30.

[kawasakifreak77]

I had to go with 20 gauge. I've ate more meat put down with 20 gauge than every other caliber I own, combined. I could defend my loved ones with it also, if push came to shove.

I'd just really miss making 350m shots with my 7.5 Swiss if this were the case though.

[leebuilder]

303 Brit
Still quite ubiquitous where I live. Most of my experience is with it, and it has a pedigree spanning over a hundred years.
"On the line, with a 5 rd charger, LOAD"
"we applied law 303"
Be well

[LeftyDon]

12 gauge, but would like having a .22LR backup. Unless WWIII occurs and then I'd just want a deep hole and a bunch of iodine pills.

[NC Brass]

I've hunted with my 30-30 for 26 years. Killed hogs, deer, coyotes, and just last year finally got a black bear. Wouldn't trade it for anything

[JimP.]

it would have to be 30-06 for me, the're aint nothing i cant kill withit.....JimP.

[Hamish]

Bolt action rifle in .30 Br., the most accurate cast bullet caliber.

Dare you to start a thread and defend your opinion against all comers,,,,,,,,

(Whether you were trying to say that the .30 BR is the most accurate chambering or .30 caliber is the most accurate with cast, should be a good discussion.)

[dverna]

5.56

If only one caliber, I need something for when the SHTF. The AR15 is my preferred weapon. I can still shoot it for fun but I would sorely miss my other toys.

[PerpetualStudent]

12 gauge as it can be used for squirrel all the way to heavy slugs.

Thought about a revolver cartridge that could also be used in a rifle. That was a close second but since could only vote 1, the 12 gauge won out.

Me exactly. It was a close call between .357 and a 12 gauge. Wound up going with the 12 gauge because it's not a good idea to go after a game bird with a rifle or a handgun .

[Quickdraw4u]

.308 will get it done! A little too much for squirrels but great for hunting anything that walks on this continent. Sure would miss my 1911 though.

[HangFireW8]

30/06.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I've played this game before several times over the years on other forums, and my choice was always the .22 because of the fact that (wisely or not) it's killed everything from squirrels to deer, and even people. But eventually I became convinced that the shotgunners, especially the 12 Ga. voters are right. Good slugs are pretty accurate at 100 yds., and the .30-06 voters are unlikely to hit a flying goose or duck unless they're descendants of Annie Oakley. If all you're ever going to do is go to the range and shoot your cast .38 Special loads, then that choice is fine, but throw the one word "survival" into it, and the whole game changes. So I'll vote for the 12 Ga. 20 Ga. is fine, but usually "mo is betta."

[marlin39a]

I voted 223/5.56. Could be used as a handgun or rifle cartridge. I live in AZ, and it would work for me.

[dualityofman]

I'm picking 10mm - its a stocked round that not a lot of people use. It has a lot of kinetic energy delivered with an excellent selection of bullets for maximum cross sectional expansion. It has high ammo capacity in my weapons, and with a TNW ASR Id take it out to 200m, Ive also experimented making 10mm shotshells for winged ****, and its lighter than my 45s by a little

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[beechbum444]

If it had to be a pistol/ rifle round, the 44 mag. Although, you just cannot be a 12 gauge for versatility.

[220]

410/45/454/460 for mine as it is the only combination that would allow handguns, rifles & shotguns. The OP did say you could have multiple firearms in the same chambering and weren't limited to only one firearm.
He also said money was no object so shouldn't be any trouble getting a nice 410 double built that would handle 460 pressures, same with a getting a lever action 460 built, 45/70 level rifle performance. Has anyone checked if a 2" 410 will chamber in a 460? Im guessing they would as 2" is the fired case length and 460 case is 1.8" so no need to even have the chamber lengthened on your revolver.

[davidheart]

410/45/454/460 for mine as it is the only combination that would allow handguns, rifles & shotguns. The OP did say you could have multiple firearms in the same chambering and weren't limited to only one firearm.
He also said money was no object so shouldn't be any trouble getting a nice 410 double built that would handle 460 pressures, same with a getting a lever action 460 built, 45/70 level rifle performance. Has anyone checked if a 2" 410 will chamber in a 460? Im guessing they would as 2" is the fired case length and 460 case is 1.8" so no need to even have the chamber lengthened on your revolver.

What chamber would that be? I addressed in the first post: Cross-cartridge combinations are allowed, but only if they're able to be shot out of the same chamber! (38sp/357, 22lr/22short/22long, 44mag/44sp, etc)

[gnoahhh]

For cast bullet shooting, it's the .30-30 for me (as long as I can have it in my M54 Winchester bolt gun). Since I don't see myself heading out to the great wide open to hunt anymore, it would suffice for all my Eastern woods hunting and range experimentation for the rest of my days.

[starmac]

I would literally hate it, but the only one on your list that would be usuable for everything would be the 12 gauge.

[Mark74a1]

I would have to go with the 357. It's a good round for most anything and rarely do I have to shoot something twice to take it down. I am partial to lever actions, so 10 rounds from a good rifle is very effective for defense or hunting. With a little practice fire rates and reload times get really fast really quick.

[jetinteriorguy]

I initially voted for .357, but after reading the rules I would go with my .41 mag, since availability of ammunition isn't an issue. Between my 6" M57, and my Henry the .41 would work quite well since handloading it makes it pretty versatile. Can be loaded down pretty soft for small stuff and loaded up pretty stout for big stuff using the rifle.

[SSGOldfart]

The 38special has done everything I've ever asked it to so why change on,they are as easy to make today as they were 50+years ago. I own many others but my favorite is still the 38special.

[6bg6ga]

Simple....20mm. The perfect gun for every use except for the cost per round.

[Buckeye357]

357 magnum for me , its versatility and wide range of loadings are hard to beat.

[jonnnyboy]

If you could have only one cartridge, what would it be and why?

My choices:
If only one fish, it would be a Bluegill.
If only one game animal, it would be a squirrel.
If only one cartridge, it would be the .357 magnum. Just because! I like it alot!

[Don Fischer]

If rifle's, handgun's and shotguns are considered equal, they are not. if i only had one firearm, it would be a 30 cal, either 300 Savage or 308, maybe 30-30. Anyof those is more than able to kill game birds! If it's a self defense requirement, I'd go either 9m or 38, hard to beat a 38! if it's survival only, I'm stocking up on 22 mag ammo. Quiet and able to kill game all out of proportion to it's size. It'll take out the bad guy too and a pocket full of ammo isn't that heavy. I must be thinking along these line's recently. I don't own a 22 CF anymore but I've been thinking if I came into a bit of money, I'd get a 22 Hornet to shoot cast bullet's only in. Now I think that would be a dandy. With it or a 22 RF I would certainly work on escape and evade tactics. There is no rule that says you have to stand your ground and fight! Live to fight another day! Yea the more I think about it, the more I realize I need a Hornet. Another factor for the Hornet is the amount of lead it takes to make a bullet! For a 165 gr 30 cal bullet you can make three 55 gr 224 bullet's!

[Jake70]

The 44 mag. It's just so versatile, and it has the power to do most jobs.

[1187Shooter]

I went back and forth on this... a great variety of options as far as loading and platforms are available for so many different calibers that most of them are capable of filling multiple roles... but if i were to choose just one, I think the 12 gauge would be it. I don't hunt at long ranges, so don't really need anything along those lines. A shotgun in the right configuration can be concealed just fine if needed, as well.

[opos]

I thought about the 12 ga but settled on the 357/38 special....12 ga shells are too bulky to carry many where 357 or 38 ammo is compact and relatiely lighter in weight...38/357 works for pistol or rifle where 12 ga is pretty much all long gun...Hope it never comes to this

[rosewood]

.357mag for sure. Cheap to reload for, easy to find factory fodder. Can be loaded down for plinking and small game or heated up for deer hunting. It is available in revolver and rifle. Sure hunting range is limited, but it will easily take a deer at 100 yards, and that is all you need for survival. It is a proven man stopper also.

Rosewood

Rosewood

[Skooterr]

So many variables for what the usage could be.
In the end went with the 357.

[Certaindeaf]

9x19. It's a handgun (!) so you don't have to fight yo sef to it and it'll drop hogs and humans handily. And you always have it on your person. 15 shots + at 500fpe/each'll pretty much do it easy.

[1187Shooter]

I'm not a 9mm hater by any means, but I'd have to disagree with the 9mm as a reliable hog stopper. I have seen it fail miserably more than once. Not saying a well placed shot or two with the right load wouldnt do it just fine but definitely not something I'd want to rely on in a stressful situation for a one shot stop.
If I were to choose an all around handgun caliber it would be either the .357 or .44... just my opinion, but based on experience and observation.

[Certaindeaf]

I'm not a 9mm hater by any means, but I'd have to disagree with the 9mm as a reliable hog stopper. I have seen it fail miserably more than once. Not saying a well placed shot or two with the right load wouldnt do it just fine but definitely not something I'd want to rely on in a stressful situation for a one shot stop.
If I were to choose an all around handgun caliber it would be either the .357 or .44... just my opinion, but based on experience and observation.

Then choose a .357 or .44 magnum. I've shot plenty of deer and hog with the 9mm (and the .357 and .44 magnum) with body and neck shots. The 9mm can be a pretty handy killer.. for over a hundred years now.

[JWT]

30-06 will serve for hunting anything in North America and it makes a darn good battle rifle in an M1 Garand.

[unclemikeinct]

One caliber..For Me the 243W...In a bolt gun I can make it deal poker hands under the right conditions...Fitted to an AR platform..It will protect anything...mike in ct

[lolbell]

I voted "other". I would go with my favorite, 327 Fed Mag. It'll shoot 32acp, 32 SW, 32 SW Long, 32 HR Mag, and 327 Fed Magnum. I've taken squirrels, rabbits and deer with a Single Seven and carry a SP101 for social work.

[destrux]

After playing around with what a 7.62x39 can do in a bolt action I'm pretty well sold on it's versatility. I chose it over any of the rimmed cases because it will happily work in autoloaders like the SKS and AK too. .300 Blackout and 9mm were close runners up for me.

[Camba]

For me it's got to be all 35 cal (35 rem, 358 win, 38spc/357 mag, 35 whelen... Etc)

[JWFilips]

As a Cast Boolit shooting rifle 30 WCF! It would be the best for every style 30 cal boolit if it were in a bolt or falling block action ( single shot only) Best a bench rifle!
(I'm not talking lever action here)

[hpbear101]

45-70174994
It is kind of like an old John Deer tractor, you can burn just about anything for fuel (powder), and depending on how hot you load, it is good for about any game animal on the planet.

[GhostHawk]

Slowly getting setup to reload 12 ga here which puts it even more firmly in my "If I had to choose one".

Setup with a Lyman easy loader, lee 7/8ths oz slugs, 2 sharpshooter molds and thinking about a couple more.
Waiting for my SS to drop into my account before my next order to BPI.

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

call me old fashioned, but it would have to be my Old Model 70 Winchester in 300 H&H. There are about one hundred different J-bullets for it, and twice that many 30 caliber molds out there.

A close second would have been my Rem700 in 308 Winchester. Close, but anything it will do, the H&H will do 400+fps faster.

Rich

[pinztrek]

OK, I'll be the oddball newguy: .280 Remington- Can go light (100-120g) for plains type game with decent downrange ballistics, medium, and still go up to heavy 175g for bigger game. Brass can be made from 270 or 30/06. Shoots CB's with reduced service rifle loads accurately and powerful enough to get small game with. And 7mm bullets fly well in the weight range I'd be interested in.

If I had to pick a single caliber multiple guns rifle and handgun, it'd probably be 357 or 44 mag. (Sorry, 41 mag, no bolt actions available, just lever actions). With a revolver & Lever gun or M77 combo.

7mm/08 and 308 would come in close in versatility, but I can only have one... so 280 it is. 270 gives up a bit on the heavy end, and 30/06 BC not so hot in the lighter end.

[bradley.moss72]

I've thought about this within the constraints the OP has provided. Although the shotgun option is the best answer in my opinion, it has already been done. I am suprised no one mentioned the 410, as it also can use shot to slugs and can also be had in a handgun. With the custom gun option a fully rifled version could be made to breathe new life into "hot-loaded" 410 slugs.

Just a few words about "one for everything" lines of thought. My Dad, God rest his soul, was a very tall guy and was as such a pretty hard fellow to fit, clothes wise. He always laughed when he saw anything labeled "one size fits all". He used to say, "One size fits all, but not very damn well."

So in this thread there have been several trade-offs, and my solution is no different.

I would have to say 45-70, and here is why:

1. You can load it up or down.
2. Plentiful components, although this was not a stipulation of the OP.
3. As it stands presently it is chambered in a couple of different types of rifles and at least two handguns. (Mag Research BFR and can you believe a Derringer?) I definitely wouldn't feel under-gunned with a lever action. As stated before, since money is not a barrier, anything you want can be chambered for it so a smooth bore long gun is easy enough as well as an auto-loader.

4. You could load 45-70 brass to mimic 410 brass shotshell. This way you could have the versatility of a shotgun for wingshooting also.

An argument could be made for 444 Marlin in place of the 45-70 as outlined above.

The next closest option, as said before, was 460 S&W, although the OP seems intent on not allowing 45-410 crossover, and rightly so, as his constraint was only one cartridge (I'm taking this as only one type of case available) and no mod to something different, although an argument could be made for having a custom smooth bore in 460 and making shotshells with them.

3rd (or 4th) runner up was the 357 Maximum, as you can shoot 38 special, 357 Magnum and Max from the same chamber. Although you could build a smooth bore 357 Max, there wouldn't be much of a shot payload in my opinion.

There you have it! Those are my thoughts on the whole situation. Now Fire Away!

BW



Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Earlwb]

12 gauge. Very versatile, Birdshot, buckshot and slugs even. You can also get barrel inserts for other caliber cartridges too. Plus the liberal progressives might leave it alone until last with their anti-gun garbage.

[Artful]

Yea, I might have killed this thread by allowing combinations. The combinations must be able to be shot out of the same gun though. A 45 Long Colt and 410 Shotgun are single gun compatible, but the 45ACP is not.

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2015/10/22/review-ruger-redhawk-45-acp45-colt-revolver/
Review: Ruger Redhawk .45 ACP/.45 Colt Revolverby B. Gil Horman - Thursday, October 22, 2015
https://assets.americanrifleman.org/media/2477969/ruger_redhawk_lede.jpg?preset=article
In the late 1970s, Ruger (http://www.ruger.com/index.html) hired Harry Sefried (formerly of High Standard Manufacturing) to design the company's first big bore double-action revolver. Taking many of its cues from the successful Security-Six, the Redhawk debuted in 1979 and has been in production ever since. Built to withstand the pressures generated by full power .44 Mag. loads, the Redhawk has been a favorite with handloaders who like to shoot extra hot ammunition. Various configurations include blued and stainless-steel models with barrel lengths ranging from 4.20” to 7.50". This year Ruger released a new dual-caliber model chambered to fire .45 Colt and .45 ACP.


This latest version of the Redhawk features an all stainless steel construction with a satin finish. The 4.20" barrel is topped with a solid serrated rib along the top for added rigidity while the barrel https://assets.americanrifleman.org/media/2477972/ruger_rugerrh45acp_barrelshape_01s.jpg?width=122px&height=305pxoutline tapers towards the muzzle with a shortened under lug to keep the revolver from feeling muzzle heavy. The front sight is a removable blackened ramp with an orange insert that can be quickly swapped out for a fiber optic or night sight. The rear sight is fully adjustable for height and windage with a white outlined square notch.
Several revolvers, including the Colt and Smith & Wesson models, are built with a removable sideplate for installing and maintaining the firing mechanism. The Redhawk, like other modern Ruger double-actions, has a single piece frame with the firing mechanism attached to a removable rounded trigger guard which provides access to it through the bottom of the frame. This monolithic design provides consistent support on both sides of the barrel and cylinder for added strength and durability.
The 1.77" wide fluted 6-shot cylinder features cylinder bolt notches that are offset from the chambers (the thinnest part of the cylinder) for added chamber strength. The cylinder release is located on the left side of the frame. Like other Ruger revolvers, the button-like release is pressed into the frame instead of sliding forward (Smith & Wesson) or pulling to the rear of the frame (Colt). The cylinder yoke contains a spring-loaded wedge that locks in place to provide added support to the cylinder. The yoke showed no signs of binding or roughness allowing the cylinder to swing out easily to the left side of the frame when released. The cylinder spun freely in the open position and the ejector operated properly.

https://assets.americanrifleman.org/media/2477973/ruger_rugerrh45acp_acp_moonc_cyl_01s.jpg?width=302 px&height=286pxhttps://assets.americanrifleman.org/media/2477982/ruger_rugerrh45acp_yokelock_01s.jpg?width=324px&height=285px
Most of the grips to grace the Redhawk series over the years have been smooth hardwood with an outline reminiscent of some single-action revolvers. The advantage of this configuration is that it allows the revolver to roll back in the shooting hand to help manage recoil. Some of the 4" barrel models have shipped with finger grooved rubber grips manufactured by Hogue. Last year Ruger teamed up with the TALO group of distributors to release a special edition Redhawk with a round-butt grip frame fitted with compact laser checkered wood panels. Ruger opted to bring back the round-butt grip frame for the .45 ACP/.45 Colt version, which is an excellent choice. The wooden panels are checkered along the sides for improved purchase but smooth along the rear to allow the grip to roll back in the hand like the models fitted with the larger grip. The reduced grip profile is comfortable to shoot with while making the revolver easier to pack around.

[NoAngel]

9mm will do everything I ever want to do. In my handgun or my carbines.

It is damn tough though to let go of my .358 Winchester.

[shootsblanks]

3030, cause i just got a load worked up that shoots well finally haha.
My model 94 will do everything i need in a rifle and if in some magical future, perhaps filled with unicorns that fart fairy dust, the government makes owning hand guns easier in canada, i will get a 3030 bfr with a 3" barrel, load a 200 grain flat nose to 1000ish fps and call it a day. Because i think it would be awesome.

[peachhead]

I'm going to post my answer before I read this entire post, just to see if it changes my mind.

I voted 44 special (actually 44 mag/44spl) because I believe 44 spl is one of the most versatile calibers there is. Good for most any type of game, portable (being a pistol round) and I just like it. If it was good enough for Elmer Keith then it's good enough for me.
I tried to narrow it down to 3- my other choices were 12 gauge, no explanation needed; and 22 mag because it is a lot better than most people think it is.
Now off to read the previous 7 pages of how wrong I am :drinks:

[Ola]

After long consideration: 358 Win

Full house loads in rifle, subsonic mouse farts in pistol. That would take care of MOST of my shooting/hunting needs.
(but how could I manage without a SHOTGUN??)

[Eamonn]

8x57
It's the middle ground between the .308 win and .30-06 in capacity with a slightly larger bullet.
Can be loaded with lighter bullets as well as heavy 250 gr and the standard load is 200 gr.

[Scorpion8]

If you could have only one cartridge, what would it be and why?

Because with the right bullets, it'll take anything on this continent. Simply the single most all-around cartridge ever.

[runfiverun]

mine ain't on the list.
but I'd be just fine with the 30-XCB. [or 30 X-treme cast boolits]

it really is between the 308 and 30-06.
it's basically the 8 mauser case necked down to 30 cal with the 30-06 shoulder pressed onto it.
this gives it that extra 5 grains of powder capacity the 308 lacks and is 5 grains smaller than the 0-6.
perfect for the too slow for the 308 powders but right at the slowest for the 0-6.
it'll fling naked lead boolits well over 2700 fps easily but was designed to push them to 26-2650 as optimal fps.

[adcoch1]

I would have to pick 30-06. Not what I shoot the most, but the rifle I have is light, recoil is totally manageable, it can be loaded from varmit to dangerous game level loads with cast and jacketed bullets, and most loads are available as factory ammo. Won't work real well in a revolver but a single shot pistol is possible. Overall though, there isn't a job that a rifle can do that 30-06 can't be tailored to. But who in the world would want just one cartridge, or would willingly pick just one...

Sent from my LGLS740 using Tapatalk

[garym1a2]

9mm, I can use it to feed three of my four glocks plus my CX4 Storm PCC. Most of my shooting is Glocks anyway, though I would miss my G21SF.

[psweigle]

I have a 77/357, Blackhawk, Security six, and coonan classic that all shoot 38's and 357's very well. My vote is for 38/357. Although 12 gauge is soooo much more versital, I'm a snob.

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

6.5-284.

Everything on this continent, and most of the rest of the world is viable.

I stay out of neighborhoods where I would want a handgun.

This cartridge has won the 1000 yard Match at Wimbledon several times, and mine shoots a 140gr Berger Hybrid over 3000fps. I have shot several 5-shot moa groups at 1000 yards.

[Elkins45]

Having only one cartridge implies only having one type of gun. I would give up hunting before I gave up the ability to defend myself, so I have no choice but to choose a handgun cartridge.

Given that there's a Kahr PM9 in my pocket as I type this, I will choose 9mm.

[kjorgy]

38-55 winchester

[Hawgsquatch]

12 gauge. Flying birds are hard to hit with a rifle and it can be reloaded with a stick and a nail some cardboard and broken glass if need be.

[762sultan]

I would pick the 30-06 because ammo is widely available. Never been in a gun store that didn't have some. Will kill most anything I am liable to meet.

[Geezer in NH]

12 gauge

[edward hogan]

This still IS a casters forum, eh?

If only 1 Caliber, the obvious choice is .45 Caliber.... Now some of you boys confuse your nomenclature. Caliber means bore diameter, not cartridge name or dimension... And if you are here, and worried about being able to buy ammo anywhere, or buy it at all; you ain't yet gotten into the spirit of being a handloader....

So, why .45 caliber??? Because there are a great many rifles and handguns chambered for .45 bore diameter cartridges... Them big diameter boolits tend to do better work (work better?) in any handgun or rifle, are easier to cast, and well there are just more opportunities with the .45 bore.

If limited to "One Caliber", here's what I figure I got access to:
Handguns
.45acp (want to fudge and include a 1911 Conversion Kit?) this includes revolvers & auto pistols
.45 Colt, .45 Schofield, .455 Webley, .454 Casull, .460 S&W revolvers
Rifles
.45 Colt (win 94 Trapper etc)
.45-70 & .450 Marlin
.458 win mag, 458 Lott, & Ackley .458 Magnum, .460 Weatherby
Lots of wildcats like shorty .458 win cases


What else comes close? The .30 cal rifle and .32 caliber (actually a .308 bore) combo. The .44 mag and .444 Marlin combo. Then there are the .357's with .358 bore rifles and .357 bore handguns. I was perusing a 10mm Auto combo with a .40 cal rifle but not quite the same as the .45 combo Unless maybe consider a .38-40 chambered Winchester 73/92 to be a "rifle".

Fun topic. Easy to make big bores for plinking, not really possible to make even a .357mag come up to performance of the big bore handguns.
.

[shdwlkr]

Age and health issues have a lot to consider in this type of situation. If I were in good health I would pick either .375 winchester or .338 win mag.
If I am older and can't deal with recoil then I would look at the 30-30 or .270
If I am much older and in failing health I would look at .257 roberts, 22 lr or mag
When we speak of only one firearm a lot has to be taken into account from how long do we expect to live, what will we need it for and what will our health be.

[Kosh75287]

8x68 Schuler in a Steyr-Mannlicher or Mauser M03 action. Flat-shooting, hard-hitting, but not as much of a punisher as the .338 and larger calibers. It offers a decided advantage in payload and velocity over the .30-06, without sacrificing portability or usability. Can be loaded down without losing function or accuracy. "Anything from coyotes to elephants" was one claim made for it. MY expectation would be "anything from meerkat to moose", since I don't think it's quite enough gun to take any of the big five. The round is not SAAMI standardized, but it IS C.I.P. standardized. If the SAAMI standardization is not optional, then I'd opt for the .33 Nosler and learn to live with its recoil and other shortcomings.

[paul h]

I enjoy rifles and handguns, and use them for target practice, hunting and self defense. While I would prefer a "high velocity" rifle cartridge for hunting, I'm not willing to give up handguns. So I chose the 38/357. I can't think of a more versatile round in handguns and rifles.

With a ~100 gr cast bullet at 800-1000 fps it'll serve any purpose you'd have for a 22 rf short of competition that requires a 22rf and is fully capable of taking small game.

A 160 gr cast bullet at 1000-1200 fps ups the power level to make it suitable for varmints both two and four legged.

A 160 gr hp at 1800 fps from a rifle makes for a fairly capable coyote and rock chuck gun.

180-200 gr cast @ 1200 fps from a revolver IMHO is fully capable for big game at open sighted sixgun ranges.

Drive that same 180-200 gr cast bullet 1700-1800 fps from a lever gun and the big bears are the only game I wouldn't want to cross paths with.

I haven't tried it, but would consider experimenting with 250-280 gr bullets for use with a suppressor. The downside is you're likely looking at a single shot or single loading a repeater for such use.

There are many steps in between those power levels. Sure we were given the option of unlimited $, but I'm still partial to a round that stretches your powder and lead supply. I guess I'm also getting old as there is something to say for a round that doesn't make your wrists go arthritic nor bruise your shoulder.

If I did more big game hunting I'd probably opt for the 45 colt as it has all the same attributes, excepting the recoil, lead and powder useage roughly double.

[lawdog941]

12 gauge. Slug/Buck/Shot, if I could only have one, it'll put meat in the pot.

[TSA222]

12 gage point and pull !

[longbow]

I originally answered 12 ga. because of the versatility with birdshot, buckshot and slugs, plus availability worldwide. I was thinking more one gun situation/end of the world choice type thing but that's not what this poll seems to be about.

One caliber doesn't mean one gun so a guy could have many guns chambered for that caliber. in the case of 12 ga. I could have guns set up for birdshot, buckshot and slugs. However, shotguns do have pretty limited range so I have been rethinking.

I might change my choice to .45-70.

It is a very versatile cartridge suitable for a wide range of boolit weights and load levels especially in a modern gun. Good for plinking and small game with collar button boolits. Good for hunting medium to large game with mid range 300 to 400 gr. boolits and for long range target shooting or really large game there are the 500+ gr. boolits.

A single shot gun could be reamed to remove rifling and the cartridges loaded with shot as well.

No harder on lead supplies with heavy boolits than a 12 ga. slug and much easier on the lead supply than a 12 ga. when loaded with collar button boolits.

Easier to load plinking/fun rounds than a 12 ga. and likely more accurate at any range than even a rifled 12 ga. with sabot slugs.

That's it, I'm changing my answer to .45-70. I'd need at least 4 or 5 guns of different types but all in .45-70. It may not be in this list but it is in my list!

Longbow

[bpatterson84]

I originally answered 12 ga. because of the versatility with birdshot, buckshot and slugs, plus availability worldwide. I was thinking more one gun situation/end of the world choice type thing but that's not what this poll seems to be about.

One caliber doesn't mean one gun so a guy could have many guns chambered for that caliber. in the case of 12 ga. I could have guns set up for birdshot, buckshot and slugs. However, shotguns do have pretty limited range so I have been rethinking.

I might change my choice to .45-70.

It is a very versatile cartridge suitable for a wide range of boolit weights and load levels especially in a modern gun. Good for plinking and small game with collar button boolits. Good for hunting medium to large game with mid range 300 to 400 gr. boolits and for long range target shooting or really large game there are the 500+ gr. boolits.

A single shot gun could be reamed to remove rifling and the cartridges loaded with shot as well.

No harder on lead supplies with heavy boolits than a 12 ga. slug and much easier on the lead supply than a 12 ga. when loaded with collar button boolits.

Easier to load plinking/fun rounds than a 12 ga. and likely more accurate at any range than even a rifled 12 ga. with sabot slugs.

That's it, I'm changing my answer to .45-70. I'd need at least 4 or 5 guns of different types but all in .45-70. It may not be in this list but it is in my list!

Longbow

You make some very good points on 45/70! And a Thompson single shot pistol(Or 2 ;-) ) would round it out nicely.

[Rick R]

I voted .44. I can carry a revolver for EDC or home defense or hunting. Rifle loaded with cast from mild to wild for just about any animal on the planet that's not a "pachyderm". Does TC still make shot shells and barrels with the shredder choke? If you really want an auto I hear
Magnum Research makes a pocket pistol called a "Desert Eagle". 8-)

[Travelor]

Without a doubt it would be 22RF. It can feed you, protect you, and you can carry a lot of ammo.

Read a book one time that opined that if the SHTF times come, 22RF ammo would become the "coin of the realm."

[Tracy]

A 45 Long Colt and 410 Shotgun are single gun compatible

No, they're not. .410 shotshells won't fit in a .45 Colt chamber, and while .45 Colt will fit in a .410 shotgun chamber, you would be firing a .452-.455 bullet into a .410", non-rifled bore that likely chokes down to .39" or so.
Yes, I'm aware of .45/.410 guns. They are not proper .45 Colts, and they are certainly not .410 shotguns.
Now, you can fire .410s in a .444 Marlin. And if I were gonna put up with all my revolvers having a nearly 3" long cylinder, I would much rather it chambered in .444. That way it is at least a proper chamber and bore for the metallic cartridge. And I would use the standard .44 rifle twist of 1:38", which might give a shot load a better chance. The .430" bore would definitely work better with a .410 shot cup than a .452" bore, too.

On second thought, no I wouldn't. I would use the slow twist in a levergun, but the 1:18" or so standard .44 revolver twist in my revolvers and in a bolt action (so I could shoot 350ish grain boolits), and I would have some real, smoothbore, choked .410 shotguns. I would just load my .410 shotshells in .444 brass, since that works fine and I'm not allowed standard .410 hulls (or am I? The quoted text would indicate that I am).

[brasshog]

It's 30-06 for me. I can kill anything on this continent up to a reasonable range, target shoot, and use it for self defense from man or bear if needed.

[Kegcaissy]

303 British all the way!!

[Bob in St. Louis]

Interesting poll. I chose 12 gauge.
It's good to both 100 yards (plus), and point blank. It can be fed high dollar rounds for high power, and cheap birdshot for plinking in the back yard and not have to worry about cost.

[ascast]

.375 H&H If I have to explain it, you will never get it.


that said, your title said caliber,which in my mind excludes shotguns so probably a 12 pump

[Jcduff936]

This is kinda depressing but mostly just difficult. I'll chime in anyway.

When I was younger, a 12 guage would've been my pick but as I get older I find that I often need both hands free while working and toting around a big heavy shotgun is often out of the question for me. I would find myself unarmed more often then not so I would really need a sidearm. This breaks my heart but the wonderful 12 is out.

As for rifles, I rarely have the need to shoot over 150 yards and never more than 200 so I wouldn't need my 270/308/30'06. I would like to say 7.62x39 due to the accuracy, availability, and performance it has had on wildlife and man since it's inception. That's assuming that I could load my own with SP of course. Again, I would be left without my sidearm although my AR sling makes it available more often then my shotguns.

I really would like to pick my 45colt because of the rifles and pistols that it's chambered in and the performance that can be obtained through handloading but I haven't gotten the kinks worked out of this round yet. It also can be loaded with shotshell loads but I don't care for the 45/410s personally. As of now, I would have to pass on the 45colt.

If handguns were illegal or unavailable, it would be probably go to the 12 gauge but I'm pretty confident that I could survive with my AR 7.62x39 as an only firearm period choice.

Ultimately, I will have to choose the 44mag/44special. There's many great lever actions out there chambered in this round. I also have a Ruger 44 Magnum semi auto rifle that is very handy in the woods. It has plenty of power for anything that I might encounter and has proven to be adequately accurate for just about any hunting. It can be loaded with shotshells and could be semi-useful in that sense. There's been so many well made handguns in this caliber that it is easy to find one that suits you. Factory rounds are readily available and adequately powered unlike my beloved 45colt. Handloading doesn't present any problems and it's even been made in a semi-auto handgun (if you consider a desert eagle a handgun). Most of these firearms will work with mouse fart loads as well.

While the 44 siblings aren't my favorite rounds, if I could only have one cartridge to live and survive with for the rest of my life, this would be my choice. I'm glad that I don't actually have to make that choice though.

[davidheart]

I love that this thread is still going. :D

[ktw]

If I could only have one caliber it would be 45. That covers muzzeloader, handgun and I could make it work in a rifle.

If I could have only one cartridge I would take a 30-30, but I voted 30-06 as that is what the Springfield 1903 comes in and if I could only have one gun, that would be it.

-ktw

[starmac]

Interesting to see all the different choices.

[davidheart]

If I could only have one caliber it would be 45. That covers muzzeloader, handgun and I could make it work in a rifle.

If I could have only one cartridge I would take a 30-30, but I voted 30-06 as that is what the Springfield 1903 comes in and if I could only have one gun, that would be it.

-ktw

That's an interesting choice. If I had to pick between 30-06 and 30-30 I'd pick the '06 because it could do everything the 30-30 could do and more. I wonder what you're reasoning is here?

[44deerslayer]

I pick the 44 mag u can load it up or down

[kmrra]

Having thought that I had already participated in this Poll , I read thru and discovered that I had not , I guess it may have been the other poll about IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE GUN ?......Im going to have to go with the 44 Mag,... for one reason I love my 44s and I like the 44 Mag in a leaver action also, Had it been the other Poll I would have to stick with my Ruger #1 in 223, ive had that gun since 78 or 79 and it still drives tacks to this day ........ I shoot a ton of 38 -357 also but im going to have to choose the 44 for a one caliber, duel purpose application.

[ktw]

That's an interesting choice. If I had to pick between 30-06 and 30-30 I'd pick the '06 because it could do everything the 30-30 could do and more. I wonder what you're reasoning is here?

I have more guns in 30-30 and work with it more than I do with the 30-06.

30-30 has the long neck, although the 30-06 is no slouch in that department either.

30-30 has less case volume making it more efficient in terms of powder usage for the types of shooting I do. I don't have much use for the extra power you can extract from the 30-06 over and above what you can get out of the 30-30.

-ktw

[quail4jake]

The .32 W.C.F. because, well because OK! Win. '92 and S&W 1905, I just can't think of anything I'd rather shoot!

[TacticalGarand44]

I have to say 30-06, but 6.5 Swede is a close second. 30-06 is one of the most versatile rounds in the world: it can be loaded down for plinking and small game harvesting, or loaded up to light magnum levels. Plus, PING!!! Need I say more?

[OlDeuce]

It would half tobe the .44mag Ol Deuce

[Bazoo]

I chose the 44 magnum. Mostly, because its big enough in a rifle, but also chambered in pistols. I know, you could get a 45-70 pistol... but why? And there isnt as many options available for a 454 chambered rifle... so 44 magnum is the optimum choice for me. A blackhawk in 44 magnum is easily carried afield, so would a smith 44 special in town. And a marlin 1894 in 44 would hold up well. Not to mention, a sweet, vintage winchester 92 conversion.

If It was 1 pistol caliber, and 1 rifle caliber, it'd be 44 magnum, and 30-30, just like i have.

Or If the pistol was not part of the equation... i'd be 30-30. Not that there arent many better calibers, with 30-06 being at the top of the list. Not much is handier to carry than a winchester 94. And If the 30-30 was in a bolt gun, with pointy bullets... it'd hold its own pretty good.

Least thats the way I reckon it.

[JohnH]

OK, I'll play. I don't like this though. We have more than one caliber/cartridge because it is useful to. Yes, one can kill squirrels with a 308 but a 22LR or a 20 gauge is much better suited to the task. A 12 gauge will certainly kill lions, but a 375 H&H is much better suited to the task. Once upon a time men had to play this game for real. Money was short and need long. Read the responses, men are willing to work with one option, provided they can make it for themselves and know the limitations going in. But what happens when we don't know the limitations? Lewis and Clarke set out with the men armed with 50 caliber rifles which met their limitation on grizzly bears. But note they also carried repeating air rifles which were comparable ballistically to the 45 ACP; the point being they understood the limitations of their mainstay arms and understood the advantages of firepower (get the most lead in the air) and didn't stick themselves with one arm or even one type of arm alone. Even those of us who grew up in "one arm" homes were more likely than not to find they were two or even three arm homes, certainly a rifle and a shotgun with a handgun thrown in among us. Today we have disposable income, so we do silly things like have four or five models of the same basic arm justifying them by telling ourselves they are for different purposes (One for carrying for defense, one for hunting, one for target, just how many 1911's do you have at home???) I will never need another 30 caliber rifle, yet there is only one of those I might consider as "the choice" I've a couple other rifles that will serve almost exactly the same performance parameters and in a pinch those would do as the choice. With the exception of two handguns I would take on most anything with any of my handguns but none are what I'd consider for "the choice" unless the limitations allowed for the fact that any one of them could get me another, which is true of the rifles as well. In the end, no I won't limit myself to just one, if forced out the door or into TEOTWAWKI I'm gonna have a long gun and a handgun. Now to play the game.... a 308 Winchester because it can be loaded large or small and actually does both rather well. The real question is sighting. 100 grain boolits at 1000 fps have a radically different trajectory than 200 grainers at 2000 or even 150's at 2900. Scope and cheat sheet on the butt stock? Peep? Bolt or lever or semi auto? Practice up, time is short and ya gotta know your limitations. Edit, 3/26/17 Just want to add that Otzi the iceman was found with at least three different weapons, a bow, a copper ax and a flint knife. He died 5000 years ago. The idea of "just one" is impractical at best and certainly unrealistic

[jamesgpobog]

I think it would be very hard to beat .357 MAX. Good in both handgun and rifle, and a wide spectrum of mouse fart .38spl loads up to heavy bullet 200 yard loads out of rifle barrels. 650 fps 148 wadcutters up to 2400fps 200grain with as much energy as a .308.

Yeah, I'll take a MAX.

[frogleg]

357/38sp I could make it work for most of what I do.

[davidheart]

357/38sp I could make it work for most of what I do.

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement as well as 19% of those who voted.

And it's cool to see this thread is still going!

[mr surveyor]

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement as well as 19% of those who voted.

And it's cool to see this thread is still going!



caliber wars never end ;)


jd

[CIC]

Where I live a 38/357 can do everything I need from defense to hunting to plinking. Works in a handgun and rifle. If that were true though, I would only have 2 guns.

[gnoahhh]

I used to answer .30-06 to that question, based on its versatility for handloading and being capable of taking pretty much anything in North America. Now I vote .30-30, because at my age I doubt there are any grizzlies, elk, moose, etc. in my future.

[Jedman]

A 12 ga. would do it all for me if that's all I could have.

Jedman

[lawboy]

Voted 30.06 but 308 or 357 would do me just as well.

[arlon]

As much as I love the .41 and as cheap and plentiful as 9mm is, if it seriously came down to one round I would have to take the 357/38. I have more of them than anything else. Tons of handguns available, rifles available. If it came down to a serious SHTF moment, then I might have to vote 9mm just for availability. I think everyone I know that owns a gun has at least one 9mm and 2-3k rounds of surplus ammo in the garage. Surplus ammo for the 9mm is a huge plus. AR 9mm platforms are also interesting. Hmmm.... have to go with a pistol cartridge just because it's easier to store, hide, carry a lot of ammo. A .22 rimfire would be a close consideration too, only lack of reloading kept me from writing it in for my vote.

I voted for the .357/38..

[like it all]

12 gauge can cover it all.

[kawasakifreak77]

Without a doubt it would be 22RF. It can feed you, protect you, and you can carry a lot of ammo.

Read a book one time that opined that if the SHTF times come, 22RF ammo would become the "coin of the realm."

I hope you're right about 22 becoming "coin of the realm"... I've lost track of how many 22s I have & just don't see the point of shootin' 22 anymore.

[northernlead]

45/454/410 load'em up load'em down,they just work

[brass410]

I'll go with 45-70 stops everything here that I would encounter furry feathered finned or otherwise its just plain universal for me as northern lead says load'em up or load'em down.

[luvtn]

I voted for the 12 ga also. From bird, to deer, to bear etc
luvtn

[james6600]

327mag. Can be hot enough to kill anything but may not immediately stop a large critter, light enough to be quiet, takes 5 different cases, easy on lead and powder. But pretty much any caliber would do it just depends on my interest at the time. I'm trying to make 327 replace 25-20 at the moment but last week I got sidetracked with a 45lc Henry carbine.

[davidheart]

What are the five 327 mag cases you're referring too? Curious.

[bradley.moss72]

What are the five 327 mag cases you're referring too? Curious.I believe what he is referring to is that 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, and the 32 H&R Mag can be fired in a 327 Mag, but that is only 4.

BW

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[Hickok]

.308 Winchester. Can do anything I ask of it from close to way far out.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

either either 35 whelen or 9.3X62 or possible an orlican! lol what do those fire again...20mm?

[Texas by God]

And in some revolvers-.32 acp.

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[beltfed]

Number 5: you can also shoot 32 Auto ammo in a 327.
Note it is semi rimmed .
beltfed/arnie

[tranders]

I voted Other. I can get everything done in my area with a 20 gauge.

[jarhead0321usmc]

I'm going to have to go with the versatility of the 12 ga. And when all else fails fix bayonet and charge.

[kobeinu]

38/357 so I can load for 358Win, .357mag, 38spl, and 35Rem

Wait, what are the rules again?

[rking22]

Well now if we're talking bore size ,,, in that case I would be in the .41 camp,
Clements gp100 41 Special for SD, a 41 wildcat on the 06 case in a REM 760 for deer, and a 410 Winchester m42 for my shotgunning needs. I could actually maybe live like that, if I really had to. Sure would miss the small bore squirrel rifles, but then a Flint long rifle could fill that need. So ,yep .41 can do it all!

357 could work ,except I've gotta have a shotgun, and the 9mm shot is way obsolete,,, and Kinda puny :)

[jerry6stl]

My favorites are the 30-06 and 308 Winchester. There isn't very much difference between them, and both perform well with cast bullets.

[18Bravo]

Given the parameters established by the OP, I’d have go with the 38 Special/.357 Magnum. Loaded down, a 38 Special will work on small game. Loaded with shot it will take care of anything that slithers or crawls. The 357 Magnum will handle just about anything on four legs that may want to include you in the food chain (except for REALLY big bears). It is also the bench mark in stopping two-legged varmint that may want to cause you harm. My current inventory includes a Dan Wesson 715 (new model), S&W 686 combat plus, Ruger LCR and a M92 Leaver action. Not much I can’t do with this line up.

[Beagle333]

12 GA will handle all my needs, if I had to have just one.

[Cheeto303]

Although I have and cast/reload for all of these calibers including "Other" with the exception of the .22 Hornet I would have to go with the .308 Win/7.62X51. My favorites are .30-06,.45-70,.357 Mag/.38 Spcl,.41 Mag,.44 Mag/spcl., .45 Colt/ACP, and .30-30 but the .308 fits a short action,can be used to take any North American big game animals (I know the Griz is maybe iffy but it can be done),I can defend my home with it,ammo and components are very common and I can load it with very light Boolits/RB for small game/pest control.

[davidheart]

Is this thread a sticky yet? [smilie=s:

[PhantomRider64]

.45 Colt for me,,,pistol and lever gun.

Non caliber choice,,,12 ga.

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[davidheart]

.45 Colt for me,,,pistol and lever gun.

Non caliber choice,,,12 ga.

I see what you did there....

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I picked .22 RF. Accurate, quiet game getter. You know how a whitetail will stare at you - put a .22 long rifle into that white spot on it's throat and down it goes. And like the 30-30, a scrounging trip in a fly- over junk yard should net a mitt full of rounds from pick-up truck glove boxes.

[Outer Rondacker]

I do not want to play! I like them all sorry.

[jmort]

I do not want to play! I like them all sorry.

Well I agree
They all good, but I am not surprised that the .357 mag kicked asteroid
I will take the 12 guage as there is nothing it cannot do within 100 yards

[stubshaft]

12 ga. for me. Back in my younger days that was the only gun that I had to hunt with. Used a Mossberg 500ATP8S with rifle sights on the barrel.

[rbuck351]

As the question in the header was what caliber not cartridge I would choose .358. This would give the option of 38spl, 357M, 35Rem, 358Win, 35Whelen, 350Rem and 358Norma any other than the 350Rem could be fired in the 358N with a chamber adapter and some could also be used for handgun. Other wise it would be 454Casull handloaded from wild to mild in both the Puma 92 or a FA revolver.

[MOA]

45 colt. Handgun, rifle, carbine, shotshell use in handgun. Covers large an small game needs. Straight wall, low pressure, will work fine with BP or smokeless. Will poke large holes in anything.:bigsmyl2:

[rintinglen]

I voted 38/357. I have a plethora of good handguns that could shoot one or the other or both of theses chamberings. My Rossi carbine can kill any game within 300 miles of me. But I find no flaw with those who vote either 30-06 or 12 guage. Either one could be pretty much do all choices.

[mpkunz]

I'd kinda like to know what other calibers people were thinking of when the chose "other".

[Knightflyer]

I kinda went through this. I'd been saving for a rifle for over a year. I wanted a lever gun (it's the cowboy in me) but it definitely needed to be useful for hunting whitetails, possibly mule deer and maybe even elk. .308 bolt actions were tempting as they could take any of those animals, but I really wanted a lever. Henry makes their Long Ranger in .308, but getting one of those meant saving for a couple of more years... So my 30-30 was a compromise. It could take whitetails with ease, mule deer wouldn't be a problem. Elk it might be a bit under powered for, but with the right bullet and load, not out of the question inside 100 yards. And really, the one guy I'm most likely to hunt elk with has a 30-06 he can loan me if I want.

Reloading is easy and cheap, and my kids love my cat-sneeze plinking loads.

[Gunslinger1911]

Haha, Took about 10 pages, but now the 45 Colt guys come out !!!
I think a 38/357 is the way to go for most (it really is the best compromise around - to me).

BUT, for me, 45 Colt.
This is my caliber.
S&W 25: carry, lite-ish loads. Colt Anaconda: heavy hunting loads. Win 94: longer range hunting. American Arms derringer; just 'cause.
I have 6 or 8 different moulds in 45 to cover about any situation.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

[col.farkle]

Well, as a wildcatter, I find this a tad unfair. My .458x2 can be loaded for rabbits to grizzly bear. A .300bo is okay but I wouldn't use it for a bear. If I can't use my Wildcat then it had better be either a .458 socom or a .45-70. Has saami spec'd for the SOCOM yet?

[MOA]

Haha, Took about 10 pages, but now the 45 Colt guys come out !!!
I think a 38/357 is the way to go for most (it really is the best compromise around - to me).

BUT, for me, 45 Colt.
This is my caliber.
S&W 25: carry, lite-ish loads. Colt Anaconda: heavy hunting loads. Win 94: longer range hunting. American Arms derringer; just 'cause.
I have 6 or 8 different moulds in 45 to cover about any situation.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

Well, someone needed to lead the way........ha, ha.:kidding:

[Gunslinger1911]

MOA, We gotta stick together !!

Now, if we take the "class of caliber concept", I know, not the OP's intent -
I add 454 Casull . Just so I can keep my 45 Colt chambered guns too. lol
Also, to further muddy the waters, I can (and have been considering doing for a while), sending the M25 45 Colt to TK Custom to have it cut for 45ACP moon clips.
Sooooo, now I have added 45ACP to the mix, I can count the 625 ?? (My most accurate revolver).
Not to mention assorted 1911's.
Doncha just love mental gymnastics ????

[charlie b]

As the question in the header was what caliber not cartridge I would choose .358. This would give the option of 38spl, 357M, 35Rem, 358Win, 35Whelen, 350Rem and 358Norma any other than the 350Rem could be fired in the 358N with a chamber adapter and some could also be used for handgun. Other wise it would be 454Casull handloaded from wild to mild in both the Puma 92 or a FA revolver.Yep, I was thinking along the lines of the .35 cal for the same reasons. You can throw in the .38 Super or .357 Sig for auto cartridges too. Still decent aerodynamics for long range rifle shooting with the big magnums.

[500Linebaughbuck]

ehhhh........you picked a hard answer. if i had to choose...444 marlin. you could load it mild. you can load it wild. somewhere(i don't remember the forum but its probably marlin forum) a guy mentions to load up 3 round balls(i'm guessing .432") and he can load shot shells(either a 410ga or 444 marlin) with it.

to me, you can't go wrong with the 444.

edit: i found the "shotgun" 444,
https://gunsmagazine.com/1965issues/G0965.pdf
page 25

[ulav8r]

30 caliber, I will probably never hunt anything larger than deer. Have 3 30-30's a 308 and an 06. Won't give up my 35 Rem or 38-55, but I still need a 32-20 and a 22 KHornet.

[PBSmith]

After discovering what fun it is with soft cast bullets and a dab of Red Dot, and knowing what it will do with the full range of jacketed, I don't hesitate to nominate the .30-06.

Good from plinking range to as far out as I can see. I appreciate its colorful history as well.

Also, most of the rifles I've seen in this caliber can be scoped with little or no complication. As my eyesight deteriorates, scopes are coming into a high priority. Otherwise, the .30-40 Krag would be running a very close second.

[evoevil]

that's just not possible ....LOL

[veeman]

44-40!

[robg]

I voted for the 357 but thinking about it need a .22 and a 308 and a 45-70.as well,just as well I've got them all.��

[bkbville]

"Plasma Laser in the 30W range"

[mogwai]

I lived most of my life thinking that any handgun was a toy. Now,I like toys but handguns and their cartridges are not as versatile as shotguns. A few years ago, I would agree with the 12 ga suggestion, but now I would vote for 20 ga.
I've killed a boatload of deer with 20 ga sabots. Those would work for any/all my big game hunting if required and I could probably get by with 20 ga foster slugs. The 20 with fine shot works for squirrels to turkeys, and that's enough for me.

12 ga meets all the same requirements,but the guns are generally a pound heavier

[charlie b]

"Plasma Laser in the 30W range"I think 30kilowatt is what you mean. :)

30W is good for cutting things in the house. Not so great at range :)

[Biggfoot44]

I voted .454/ .45 Colt/ .410. But this is kind of manipulating the loopholes .

While I enjoy firearms of all types , I am most heavily engaged with handguns, and couldn't be without a good belt gun .

No disrespect to .454 , but "Ruger Level " .45 Colt doesn't leave much of practicality on the table , and is respectable enough from a levergun. The big loophole is my interpretation of the criteria to cover a real shotgun in .410 , giving a trifecta of rifle, revolver, and shotgun .

Other than the seperate real shotgun , .44 mag/ spl or .41 mag could be directly substituted .

.38/ .357 will have it's fans also . Allows more versatility on the handgun end, to cover small airweight snubs up to large frame .357 , but as rifle , while better than many would expect , gives ground to the big bore revolver rounds .

[am44mag]

44 Magnum.

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[458mag]

30-06. I can find loads of brass, boolits or bullets, and loading data for either out the wazzoo. I currently own eight 30s in one persuasion or another.

[Catpop]

That is one of the hardest questions I have ever been ask and I frankly don’t have an answer in my poor old brain!
There are so many I love to reload and shoot like 30 WCF, 38 WCF, 44 WCF, 32-40, 38-55, 270 Win, 35 Rem, 30-40, 300 HH, 300 Win mag, 357 mag, 44 mag, etc.
And of course all the militarys 45 acp, 30 carbine, 30-06, 7mm Mauser, 8mm Mauser, 45-70, etc. and of course the 22 WRF, 22 LR, 22 mag
And of course the 410, 28, 20, 16, 12, and 10 gauges.
Gee I don’t think I could give up any of them.

[am44mag]

44 Magnum/Special

It's an extremely versatile round capable of firing super light 123gr round ball loads, or super heavy 310gr wrist breakers. Certain loads are well suited for self defense, and it can also be used for hunting most game in North America. It can be had in revolvers, semi auto pistols, single shot, lever action, bolt action, and semi auto rifles, and is a ton of fun to shoot. It's also probably one of the best cast bullet calibers as well in my opinion.

[engineer401]

38/357. I've already made the decision to go with the 38/357. It's easy to load. It shoots well.

[craveman85]

I'm kinda torn between 375 h&h and .45-70. I know they're both capable of killing the same animals but a really good bolt action 375 just tickles me in all the ways my woman can't lol.

[Alferd Packer]

Ruger w/45 colt and acp cylinders.Besides boolits I can load shot cartridges as well.

[oldpapps]

I don't have an answer to this quandary. There are just too many variables to deal with. What is good 'in the big city' (45 ACP) isn't 'in the swamps of Florida' (bolt gun in 223) or 'the wide opens of the Dakotas' (bolt gun in 270 Win). Then we have a complete change of scenarios; weekend hunt with friends or post SHTF or for protection from bear or keeping deer out of the garden or looking to eat a rabbit. You see my quandary in all of this. The needs and terrain all come together to dictate differing weapon/s. So, I will just have to hold my views and selection.
OSOK

[Beagle333]

I see the trusty ought-6 is holding a good second place, and I don't even have one. :coffeecom

[White Oak]

If someone told me I could only keep one rifle and one handgun, I would keep my .280 Remington and my .44 mag Redhawk.
I have owned my .280 Rem since the 1980’s it was made in 1979 (barrel marked 7mm Express)
It is hands down the most accurate rifle I have ever worked with. It will shoot 120’s thru 175’s with extreme accuracy. I have killed more game with it than I can remember and if I ever get the opportunity to hunt elk I would have no fear of using it.
I like the 44 because I can load it mild to hot and it is very versatile.

[jeffs4wheeler]

I would have a 30-06 easy to find ammo and a big range of bullet weights to chose from. kill anything from varmints to bear.

[sniper]

22LR, If I can have only one chambering, I can't live without the 22LR. This game is no fun, plain depressing :(
Could live with a 22LR, 357Mag, and 20 ga without much pain , but not just one! Presently load for over 25 centerfires and all 5 shotguns, no NOT just 1, can't do it!!!


WHAT he said!8-)

[AABEN]

large hand gun Dan 375 long gun Savage 243 lite hand gun 357/38

[Pistold]

10mm


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[pashiner]

12 gauge all the way if survival is on the line. My second choice would be .45-70, especially if I was expecting a long range engagement. Either way I'm definitely cheating and packing a .22 target pistol.

[StrawHat]

In my opinion (and I realized that was not asked) this poll needs to be one handgun, one small game and one large game cartridge.

Otherwise it is too restrictive.

Handgun, 45 ACP. All of my serious revolvers are chambered for the ACP.

Small game, toss up between 22 WCF and 22 Hornet.

Large game, 405 WCF. As much as I like the 50-70, the 405 is all that and a lower trajectory.

I can not hit stuff in the air so I can live without my shotguns.

Really do not need a rimfire, the Hornet will cover that.

Kevin

[Bazoo]

I went back and reread every post. Still quite interesting.

[one-eyed fat man]

242198

[Wiley1]

I’m torn... first thought is 44 because rifle/pistol ... and already cast and load it..
Second thought is 22 for all reasons previously mentioned
Nope I’m back to 44 so I can reload it, but do wish I could reload 22 rimfire..

[rking22]

Interesting thread, I guess the folks voting for 30-06,45-70,223 ect, have no need of a CCW. That requirement alone, creates a very narrow group of valid choices. I would chose differently would the question have been “ hunting caliber” ....

[pertnear]

Other.... .270 Win

[tobywan45]

I’m torn... first thought is 44 because rifle/pistol ... and already cast and load it..
Second thought is 22 for all reasons previously mentioned
Nope I’m back to 44 so I can reload it, but do wish I could reload 22 rimfire..Check out sharp shooter rimfire reloader

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[jr612]

38spl/357mag should do most if not everything I need. It all depends on what firearm is being used.

[Cheeto303]

Well this is really tough. Do you mean "if you could have only one of each". I guess if the SHTF I'd have to go with the 44 Mag/Spcl as I could pair up my Marlin 1894 Cowboy, Ruger SBH, S&W 29-2, Dan Wesson 44V, Rossi 44 single shot and Ruger Deerfield 44 Carbine.

[tobywan45]

After lots of thought about this I would have to go with a double or a drilling
12 guage over 30-06

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[onelight]

If just 1 caliber for my needs 44 mag in a 4" mod. 69 S&W I can use it for CC , hunt deer or with light loads small game same would be true for 357 , 41 , 44 special and 45 colt .
I don't have a mod 69 but would be a great 1 gun for me.

[quail4jake]

8 bore parker hammer gun, grade 4 Damascus barrels, ivory beads of course...go big!

[Hossfly]

I voted for 30-06 because there are so many people that have them there will always be plenty of ammo available.

[wallacem]

I take the 357/38. Close second is the 22Lr. Wallacem in Ga

[Txcowboy52]

Rifle would be 30/06............shotgun 12ga. .............revolver .44mag, and if i had to pick just one out of those 3 , gotta go with the 12ga.

[T_McD]

9mm. Can’t fit a 30-06 into a handgun