“deer cartridges”

For over a century, the .375 H&H has routinely, consistently and reliably made happy hunters around the world, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it continues to do so for another century.

The Model 1886 remains at the top of the heap of excellent lever-action rifles. Whether new or vintage, having one in your safe is never a bad idea, and it’s a great choice for nearly any big game at ranges suitable for the big rimmed cartridges.

With its immediately recognizable profile, sheer reliability and impeccable reputation, “The Rifleman’s Rifle” has served hunters the world over for more than 80 years.

In a push to “go long,” it’s easy to add too much complexity to the hunt with the use of laser rangefinders, anemometers, spinning turrets and Christmas tree reticles. But you don’t have to touch your scope to shoot game out to 300 yards. Zero your rifle for its maximum point-blank range and never fuss with a turret again.

It’s been an argument that has gone on for well over a half-century: Is the controlled-round-feed or the push-feed design better for the hunter?

What is the ideal scope magnification that can cover nearly all hunting scenarios? Is it possible to have “too much scope”?

Here’s a look at a dozen deer cartridges you more than likely haven’t hunted with, but your grandfather (or great grandfather) loved.

A well-sealed walnut stock will stand up to most hunting conditions, though a wood stock is not as rigid or easy to produce as a synthetic stock. Many of the today’s wood stocks are plain looking, and the highly figured stocks come at a premium. Has the synthetic stock won after all?

Let's take a closer look at five of the best lever-action rifle cartridges.