While there are many cartridges that can handle medium-sized game, the .243 Winchester sits at the top of the heap for good reasons: it’s accurate, easy on the shoulder and delivers enough energy for the task at hand.
In spite of the numerous developments in handgun cartridge technology over the last century, it seems that the John Browning designed .45 ACP is as valid and as ever, and we'd bet that assessment will be valid in another 100 years.
Though the .223 Remington has stolen the limelight—military adopted cartridges tend to do that after all—we owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Walker and his development. Without the .222, there would be no .223.
The .470 Nitro Express has proven itself as a perfect choice for truly large game for more than a century now, and it won't be going away anytime soon.
Remington’s 7mm Mag. came on the scene and won the hearts of many hunters looking to use a bullet of less than .30 caliber, and quickly overtook the .264 Win. Mag., forcing it into near-obscurity. And, in spite of the myriad attempts to produce a 7mm Mag. that will better the performance of the Remington version, it still maintains its seat at the head of table.
If you like having the biggest, largest and fastest of the .300 Magnums, the .300 RUM is certainly among the top of the heap. While not as efficient or cuddly as some of the milder cartridges, it will certainly put an exclamation point on the end of your hunting sentence.
The 6.5 Creedmoor makes for an excellent hunting cartridge for almost all game south of elk and moose. There’s something to be said for a short, efficient case for someone who shoots often and at high volumes, and the 6.5 Creedmoor is definitely that.