Your cart is currently empty!
Blog
January 12, 2026
Blog
The 3 Best Rifle Calibers to Own
January 12, 2026
Table of Contents:
The Short Answer: If you could only own three rifle calibers, which would you choose? In our view, the best three to own are .30-30 Winchester, 7.62×39mm, and 45-70 Government. Together, these calibers cover nearly every practical purpose a hunter or shooter might need.
The .30-30 handles deer hunting and general woods work. The 7.62×39mm brings modern utility and affordability. The 45-70 delivers big bore power for large game and tough situations. No overlap. No gaps.
Many shooters talk about building a two-rifle battery to cover their needs. We think adding a third caliber makes more sense. It gives you flexibility without cluttering your safe with redundant options.
This isn’t about chasing the newest cartridge or the flattest trajectory. It’s about choosing calibers that work hard and do their jobs well.
.30-30 Winchester: The Classic Deer Hunting Caliber
The .30-30 Winchester has been putting deer on the ground for over 125 years. No other cartridge has a longer track record for whitetail deer hunting. It’s simple, effective, and available everywhere.
Why the .30-30 Works
This caliber does one thing extremely well: woods hunting at practical distances. Most deer hunters take shots inside 150 yards. The .30-30 handles that job with ease. A 150 or 170 grain bullet at moderate velocity delivers clean kills without destroying meat.
The .30-30 also offers light recoil. New shooters can learn on it without developing a flinch. Experienced hunters can carry a lever action rifle all day and shoot it comfortably from field positions.
Platform Options
The lever action rifle is the natural home for the .30-30. The Marlin 336 and Winchester Model 94 are two of the most popular deer rifles ever made. These guns are lightweight, fast handling, and perfect for thick timber.
Bolt gun options exist too, though they’re less common. Henry and Mossberg have both offered bolt action rifles in .30-30 for hunters who prefer that platform.
Limitations to Know
The .30-30 is not a long range cartridge. Its bullet diameter of .308 and relatively low velocity limit effective range to about 200 yards. Beyond that, bullet drop becomes a factor.
For the deer hunter who sticks to wooded terrain during deer season, this limitation rarely matters. Factory ammo is available at nearly every sporting goods store in the country. When you need a hunting rifle that just works, the .30-30 delivers.
7.62×39mm: The Modern Utility Caliber
The 7.62×39mm started as a military cartridge. Today, it has found a second life among hunters and sport shooters who want affordability and versatility in one package.
A Bridge Between Worlds
This caliber sits in an interesting spot. Ballistically, it performs similarly to the .30-30. Both push medium weight bullets at moderate velocities. Both work well on deer-sized game inside 200 yards.
The difference is the platform. The 7.62×39mm runs in semi-automatic rifles like the SKS and AK pattern guns. It also works in bolt-action rifles from Ruger and CZ. This gives shooters options that the .30-30 cannot match.
Hunting Applications
More deer hunters are discovering the 7.62×39mm each year. With the right bullet, it handles whitetail deer cleanly at moderate distances. The bullet diameter of .311 is slightly larger than the .30-30, and factory loads typically push a 123-grain bullet around 2,350 feet per second.
Is it a long distance cartridge? No. But inside 250 yards, it does the job. Many hunters now use their semi-automatic rifle for double duty. Range practice in the summer and deer season in the fall.
The Affordability Factor
Factory ammo for the 7.62×39mm costs less than most centerfire rifle cartridges. This makes it practical for high-volume shooting and regular practice. A deer hunter who actually trains with their rifle will shoot better when hunting season arrives.
For shooters who want one gun that can pull duty at the range and in the deer woods, the 7.62×39mm makes a strong case. It won’t replace a precision bolt gun for long range work, but that’s not what this caliber is for.
45-70 Government: The Big-Bore Powerhouse
The 45-70 Government dates back to 1873. It was designed for the U.S. military and used in the famous Springfield “Trapdoor” rifles. Over 150 years later, hunters still rely on it for big game and dangerous game at close range.
When You Need Stopping Power
The .30-30 and 7.62×39mm handle deer and medium game well. But what about elk, moose, or bear? That’s where the 45-70 earns its place in a three caliber lineup.
This cartridge throws heavier bullets than most hunters ever need. Factory loads range from 300 to 405 grains. Modern lever action rifles can handle even hotter loads pushing 325-grain bullets past 2,000 feet per second. That kind of energy puts down large game quickly.
For anyone planning an elk hunt or hunting in bear country, the 45-70 provides confidence that lighter calibers cannot match.
Platform Options
The lever action rifle dominates this caliber. The Marlin 1895 and Henry 45-70 are popular choices among big game hunters. Both offer quick follow up shots and reliable feeding with heavy bullets.
Bolt gun and single shot options also exist. The Ruger No. 1 and various break action rifles chamber this cartridge for hunters who prefer a different platform.
Managing the Recoil
The 45-70 is a heavy-caliber rifle round. Recoil is significant, especially with hotter loads. A muzzle brake helps tame the kick and makes range practice more comfortable. Some shooters also opt for a heavier rifle to absorb more energy.
Shot placement still matters with any cartridge. But the 45-70 offers a margin for error that smaller calibers do not. It is not a long distance round. Most shots should stay inside 150 yards. Within that range, few cartridges hit harder.
Why These Three Calibers Work Together
These three calibers cover distinct roles without overlap. The .30-30 handles deer season. The 7.62×39mm adds modern versatility and affordable practice. The 45-70 brings big bore power when you need it. Together, they prepare you for nearly anything that comes your way.
Berry’s Bullets: Load With Confidence
The caliber you choose matters. So does the bullet you load. At Berry’s Bullets, we manufacture superior copper-plated bullets starting with a swaged lead core and electroplated to the final weight. The result is consistent performance you can trust.
We carry bullets for all three calibers on this list. Browse our selection and find the right projectile for your next build:
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER