SMALL GAME:
The rim fire rifle is ideal for small game from squirrels to cottontail rabbits. If you plan to use a rifle on these game animals you would be well equipped with rifles in the .17HMR, .22 long rifle, and .22 magnum calibers.
The .22 rifle is good out to 75 years on small game, while the .17HMR distances out to past 125 yards on small game.
Let us not overlook shotguns from the .410 right on up to the 12 gauge for small game. My general shotgun load is a low brass #6 shot through #5 is not out of line.

PREDATORS:
The first thing we have to remember is the size of the predator. Matching the gun to the game is most depending on the weight of the game.
For example a predator that is small and weighing not more than 20 pounds is well suited for the .22 calibers with the ideal being the .22 long rifle, .22 mag., and the .17HMR. Keep in mind here their individual range capabilities.
Some great all around varmint calibers include the .223, 22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 257 Roberts, and the 25 – 06 Rem.
This list can be made larger by remembering that sectional density plays a big role in the bullet chosen, make sure you are using bullets that are recommended for varmints and not big game.

BIG GAME – MEDIUM SIZE
This class of animals would include deer and antelope size game. You can also include goats, sheep, wild boar, caribou and some African plains game as well. We are talking game from 75 pounds through 300 pounds in this class.
The rifle you use on this class of game should carry at least 800 foot pounds energy on bullet impact to humanely kill the intended game.
Let’s talk effective yardage in choosing which rifle to use on our intended game in this class of big game at short to medium range.
Most game is killed out to 250 yards. Here are some rifle calibers that would be ideal at these yardages. The .250 Savage, .257 Roberts, .3030 Win., 35 Whelen, .444 Marlin, .44 Rem. Mag. and the .35 Remington. Let us not forget the old standby 45-70 Govt. round. Keep in mind a rapidly expanding bullet is just what the doctor ordered in these instances.

MEDIUM SIZED GAME AT LONG RANGES:
This group consists of calibers that will shoot out to 300 yards without any hold over for impact. In these calibers the bullet should not deviate over 3.5 inches from the direct line of sight.
The following calibers will fill the bill nicely. Of course my favorite the .270 Win will do a great job in this class, as well as the .243 Win., .257 Roberts, 260 Rem, 280 Rem, 7mm mag., 308 Win., 30-06 Springfield, 300 Win Mag, and the 8mm Rem Mag.

LARGE GAME:
This class of animals would include weights form 400 to 1200 pounds. This class of game would be classified in the non dangerous category.
These animals can include Elk, Moose, Kudo, and some African game, not forgetting the Musk Ox.
In this class of animals a controlled expansion type of bullet is desirable. One must consider good penetration as well on this class of game.
Calibers that will work will are the 6.5 mm Rem. Mag, .270 Win, .280 Rem., 7mm Mag., .308 Win, .338 Mag., .35 Whelen and the 45-70.

DANGEROUS GAME:
Dangerous game is divided into two categories thick skinned and thin skinned. Thin skinned would include Bears and Mountain Lions, while thick skinned would include such animals as Cape buffalo, up to Elephants.

THIN SKIN DANGEROUS GAME:
This class of game can include Tigers, Lions, and the big Bears such as the brown, grizzly and the Polar Bears.
When shooting dangerous game it is important to remember that a shot to kill must be used. There is nothing more unnerving than to have to go into the brush after one of these wounded animals.
On the low end of effective calibers the 7 mags, as well as the old standby 30-06 have been used but if you want extra insurance and I do the following calibers are suggested. .416 Rigby, 458 Win Mag., for the.470 Nitro Express will do the trick.
Since the recoil from the above can be quite intimidating here are some practical calibers that can be used.
.300 Win mag., .338 mag, .358 Norma mag., 375 mag., 450 Marlin, 8mm Rem mag., and the 45-70.

THICK SKIN DANGEROUS GAME:
This class of game can range from 1000 pounds to in excess of 13,000 pounds. Heavy weight non expanding solid bullets such as Winchester Fail Safe bullets have gained a good reputation in this class.
Calibers recommended for these big boys include the .416 Rigby., 458 Win mag. 375 mag., and the .470 Nitro Express. There are multiple other calibers in this class that will work well not forgetting the .500 Nitro Express.

SUMMATION:
Know your game animal and which class it falls into. Pick the caliber that you shoot the best while still fulfilling the power needs to put the animal down in a quick humane manner.
Choose the bullet that meets the requirements for the game and that shoots well out of your rifle. This may call for trying several brands at the range to determine which load will fire with the most accuracy and consistency out of your rifle.
Taking the time to do your homework on your particular animal, the proper caliber and the matching bullet will help to ensure you have a satisfying and safe hunt. Don’t forget the all important bench time with your chosen rifle and load. Felling comfortable and knowing what your rifle will do at various ranges will only enhance your success when the moment of truth comes on that trophy animal.