Some calibers stretch your rifle’s potential far beyond the basics. Instead of hauling around multiple guns, you can match your rifle with a cartridge that lets you hunt bigger game, reach farther, or stay accurate under pressure. Choosing the right caliber can open up opportunities your platform wasn’t originally built for. It’s not about going bigger every time—it’s about smart choices that improve versatility, knockdown power, or shootability depending on what you’re aiming to do.
.280 Ackley Improved
If you’re looking to milk more performance out of a standard action, the .280 AI hits that sweet spot. It shoots flatter than a .30-06 and hits harder than a 7mm-08, without requiring a magnum bolt face.
It’s a go-to for elk, mule deer, and long-range whitetails, and still manageable in terms of recoil. Pair it with quality bullets and you’ve got a rifle that can handle everything from open country to timbered ridges with ease.
6.5 PRC
The 6.5 PRC gives you Creedmoor-like accuracy but with more horsepower. It’s designed for long-range hunting and performs well out past 500 yards without losing steam.
You’ll notice less wind drift and better retained velocity compared to standard 6.5 loads. If your rifle is built to handle it, this caliber can push your range limits without stepping up to a full magnum’s recoil and barrel wear.
.375 Ruger
This one isn’t for everyone, but it turns a standard-length action into a dangerous game rig. The .375 Ruger was made to match or exceed .375 H&H performance while fitting standard actions.
It’s a great choice if you want one rifle that can take on everything from elk and moose to bear and African plains game. With the right loads, it offers real versatility, especially in remote places where backup shots need to count.
.223 Wylde
If you’re shooting ARs, switching to a .223 Wylde chamber opens up more ammo flexibility. It safely handles both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO loads with better accuracy potential than a standard 5.56 barrel.
That small tweak means more versatility at the range and in the field. Whether you’re target shooting, varmint hunting, or prepping, you’ll get more precision out of the same rifle with the right barrel.
6mm ARC
The 6mm ARC turns a small-frame AR into a capable medium-game rifle. It’s flatter shooting than .308 and packs more punch than 5.56 at longer distances, all with soft recoil.
This round keeps weight and recoil low while still giving you enough energy to take deer-sized game cleanly. It’s efficient, accurate, and fits in rifles you can carry all day without regret.
.30-06 Springfield
Plenty of calibers try to compete with the .30-06, but few can actually replace its flexibility. It handles a wide range of bullet weights and delivers consistent performance from coyotes to moose.
If you’re building a do-everything bolt gun, there’s still a strong case for .30-06. Match your load to your target and you’ll be surprised how much ground one rifle can cover with this classic.
.300 Blackout
In a short-barrel or suppressed setup, .300 BLK opens new doors. It works well with subsonic or supersonic loads, giving you a ton of flexibility in one platform.
You won’t get long-range reach, but it shines for hog hunting, home defense, or running suppressed in tight quarters. If you’ve got an AR you want to use more practically, this caliber makes it work in new ways.
.22-250 Remington
If you’re into varmints or precision shooting, .22-250 gives you blistering speed with flat trajectories and minimal recoil. It’s a favorite for coyotes, prairie dogs, and even hogs with the right placement.
This caliber makes your rifle fast and flat, perfect for covering open terrain or dialing shots without huge elevation changes. And because of its accuracy, it’s also a good trainer round for longer-range work.
7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 balances mild recoil with solid ballistics. It performs close to a .270 or even .308 in many scenarios, but with less kick, making it ideal for smaller-framed shooters or anyone who values control.
It works in short actions and handles deer, hogs, and even elk with the right loads. If you’re building a lightweight field rifle, this caliber gets the job done without beating you up.
.338 Federal
This one flies under the radar, but if you’re hunting in tight timber or after larger game, .338 Federal brings .30-06 energy with heavier bullets out of a short-action rifle.
You get bigger frontal diameter and better energy transfer at close to mid-range, all in a compact, manageable package. If you want stopping power without going full magnum, it’s worth a serious look.Tools
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
