If the average American hunter heads out for a big game hunt, chances are he’s relying on the .30-06 Springfield to get some meat on the ground. Why? Well, because the ought-six has proven time and time again that it gets the job done -- reliably and repeatedly.

If his European counterpart picks his do-it-all rifle, he’ll choose the 8mm Mauser rifle every time.

Since its introduction in 1912, the venerable .375 Holland & Holland has been the benchmark for all medium-bore cartridges. Its caliber is the minimum for dangerous game hunting in many African jurisdictions, and with adequate bullets, it’s a sensible choice even for elephant hunting.

The 6.5x57, Paul Mauser’s take on the 6.5mm caliber, preceded todays 6.5mm mania by more than 120 years, yet this “antiquated” cartridge outperforms many of today’s 6.5mm darlings and runs neck and neck with others.

The .28 Nosler might be one of the most useful cartridge inventions of the 21st century. This powerful .284 cartridge is heavy and perfect for long-range shooting. It also doubles as an ideal choice for countless hunting scenarios around the globe. Everything shy of dangerous game will inevitably fall to a properly placed bullet of appropriate construction. All that out of a standard length cartridge with steep shoulders and minimal body taper to increase powder capacity.

After slogging through a palmetto jungle for who knows how long, I looked at Steven and said, "I don't think there are any hogs here." 

The little know 338 Federal is a short-action, surprisingly powerful, flat-shooting cartridge suitable for deer, elk, moose, caribou, bear hunting.

The 223 Remington is the biggest selling cartridge in the USA. But what’s it good for? More than you might guess.

The little known 35 Whelen approaches 375 H&H Magnum performance in a 30-06-size cartridge with less recoil than the 375 and surprisingly flat trajectory.