Every outdoorsman has a favorite family firearm that’s been passed down through generations or a shiny new rifle chambered for the trendiest cartridge. But is there one definitive caliber to rule them all as the gold standard for deer hunting?

The 6.5 Creedmoor took the hunting world by storm just over a decade ago. Some hunters swear by .30-30, while others are die-hard loyalists of the soft-hitting .243. And really, you can’t go wrong with any of these options in the whitetail woods. Though when it comes to all-around performance, the .30-06 Springfield can’t be beat.

 For over a century, the .30-06 has reliably taken down whitetails and has even been dubbed America’s “big-game hunting rifle”.

.30/06 rounds loaded with 165-grain Trophy Bonded Tip bullets. Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream

With nearly 100 ammo varieties and a large selection of rifles available, the .30-60 is more wallet-friendly and accessible than many other calibers. Even in an era of ammo shortages and inflated prices, hunters should have no issue stocking up.

From sitting in a deer stand to stalking bull elk to chasing black bears, the do-it-all .30-06 is a big-game hunting staple. Whether you’re flat-shooting or taking down bucks at a distance, it will serve you well beyond deer season.

When it comes to pure power and accuracy, the .30-06 is at the top of its rank. It’s got plenty of take-down force for whitetails and has been the cartridge of choice for many competitive shooters. It certainly boasts reliable consistency.

Some detractors cite its moderate recoil as a reason to dismiss the .30-06 for deer hunting. Sure it packs a wallop, but have you ever taken down a bruiser and been worried about a little shoulder ache? Sighting in might leave you a little banged up, but the recoil is manageable.

If you want to invest in just one centerfire rifle for deer hunting - and just about everything else - make it a .30-06.

But what about those states, such as Ohio, where whitetail hunters are limited to slugs and straight-wall cartridges?

Developed in response to changing regulations that now allow for such ammo, the Winchester 350 Legend is an excellent option for deer hunters. It’s fast, it’s accurate, it’s affordable, and it’s not going to knock you off your feet. It offers reasonable range and is compatible with many bolt-action rifles. For hunting in states with stricter guidelines, Winchester 350 Legend is becoming the go-to caliber.  

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Now that you’ve heard our caliber recommendations, check out our favorite tactical safety gear.