I 2nd the 280 Rem. Nothing fancy but its a pleasure to shoot and gets the job done close and far.My favorite is the rifle I've had the longest...280Remington with 140grain SGK bullets
My favorite rifle is a 6.5 x 2 84 Norma but my light hunting rifle I also call my meat stick is a plain old 3006 Winchester model 70 nearly 30 years old now6.5 with 140 Berger Hybrids.
I always enjoy taking a 257 Roberts 6,5/55 or 7/57 all the old farts like me in camp think its cool and the young guys have never even heard of them most timesI was and always will be a 270 win fan. However the last few years I bought into the 6.5 Creed hype and have used one on several hogs, deer, mule deer, antelope and elk. I have to say it works as long as you do your job.
Thinking of building another 270 win though as it is my favorite.
Col. Whelen said the best all around North American big game cartridges was the 257 Roberts and the 270 Win. He also said you can't go wrong with the 30-06. He also seen the purpose and need for medium and large bore rifles. Witch lead him and James Howe to develop the 35 and 400 Whelen, and when built right they preform prefect.I always enjoy taking a 257 Roberts 6,5/55 or 7/57 all the old farts like me in camp think its cool and the young guys have never even heard of them most times