Personally if I could only have 1 rifle to hunt everywhere in the lower 48, I would only consider this one as toughest to beat:
6.5x55
26 Nosler
7x57
280 Rem
7 Rem Mag
7 Weatherby
7 Mashburn
28 Nosler
308 Win
30-06
300 Win Mag
300 Weatherby
I guess the list isn't very short. I probably forgot something. And it doesn't look like I care much for short actions, though the 308 Win is compelling. And I am aware of contradictions--a 7x57 is fine, but a 7-08 isn't there. And no 264 Win Mag. And no 270, effective but not appealing to me.
The 28 Nosler, 300 Win Mag, and 300 Weatherby would probably be my last choice. Very effective, but I don't care for the recoil.
