“.470 nitro express”

Charles Newton and A.O. Neider had a great idea when they mated the .25 caliber bullets with an ’06 case. Over a century after its introduction, hunters are still taking the .25-06 Remington afield to fill their freezers and feed their families.

To the hunter looking for something different—something classic, cool and yet effective—the .300 Holland & Holland is an excellent choice.

If you’re a fan of the quarter-bores, the .257 Weatherby Magnum will perform above and beyond what you’d normally expect from this bore diameter.

If you’re looking for a rifle of larger diameter than your deer gun, which will complement the 7mms and .30s well, the 9.3x62mm Mauser should be a definite contender.

If you’re looking for something out of the norm, which can be housed in a handy rifle that hits hard, give the .338-06 a look. If you spend a bit of time with it, you’ll become a fan rather quickly.

Released in 2006, the .338 Federal may be one of the wisest choices the big-game hunter who likes a lightweight, sweet-shooting, short-action rifle could make.

Hunters who enjoy using cartridges that aren’t among the most popular should consider a rifle chambered in .358 Norma Magnum. It’s a flat shooter—mimicking the trajectory of a .30-06 with heavier bullets—and is a fully capable all-around choice.

The cartridge’s sheer size, steep shoulder and Rigby name all add up to a century-plus-old classic that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Both cartridges offer similar performance levels, but which is the smarter choice for the modern hunter? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.