Top 10 Most Popular Rifle Cartridges in 2025

Updated on February 20, 2025

When it comes to choosing a rifle cartridge for hunting, the number of options can feel overwhelming. I remember the first time I walked into a store to pick a cartridge for my deer hunt—so many choices, each with a reputation and purpose. It felt like I needed a guide just to make sense of it all. Over the years, I’ve tried quite a few and narrowed down what works best for different scenarios. That’s exactly why I created this list of the 10 most popular rifle cartridges—a go-to guide for hunters looking for reliable, field-tested options.

1. .30-06 Springfield (Still a Classic)

The .30-06 Springfield has been a personal favorite of mine for years. Its versatility is unmatched—I’ve seen it handle everything from a whitetail deer in the forests of Pennsylvania to elk out in the rugged Colorado mountains. It’s powerful yet manageable, with ammunition that’s both affordable and easy to find.

Pros	Cons
Highly versatile for various shooting applications	May be overpowered for smaller game
Excellent stopping power for large game
Widely available and affordable

Here’s something interesting I learned recently—over 5 million units of .30-06 ammunition are sold every year! That says a lot about its popularity among the hunting community.

2. 6.5 Creedmoor (The King of Precision)

The 6.5 Creedmoor is often talked about as the newcomer shaking things up—and for good reason. Its combination of low recoil and exceptional long-range accuracy is almost unbeatable. I’ve seen it perform flawlessly for antelope at longer distances, and it’s no wonder it’s gaining so much traction.

Pros	Cons
Excellent long-range accuracy	Overkill for smaller game
High ballistic coefficient for better wind resistance
Manageable recoil

This cartridge has seen a 400% increase in sales over the past five years, proving its newfound popularity isn’t just a passing trend.

3. .308 Winchester (Battle-Proven Power)

Ah, the .308 Winchester. My first experience with it was on a long-range mule deer hunt, and I’ll never forget the accuracy and manageable recoil. It’s perfect for precision shooting and is widely regarded as a great all-rounder for deer hunters.

Pros	Cons
Versatile for hunting and target shooting	Can be affected by wind at long distances
Manageable recoil
Widely available and affordable

If you’re a fan of long-range hunting (or even considering tactical competitions), the .308 won’t disappoint. It’s a true classic.

4. .223 Remington (America’s Favorite)

The .223 Remington is a staple in the world of varmint hunting. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it perfect for taking down smaller game at extended ranges. This cartridge is also popular in tactical rifles, making it a versatile choice for a variety of shooting disciplines.

Pros	Cons
Low recoil, easy to handle	Sensitive to wind drift
Affordable and widely available
Great for varmint hunting and target shooting

Fun fact: Over 60% of competitive varmint hunters swear by the .223 Remington, thanks to its pinpoint accuracy and speed.

5. .270 Winchester (Still a Hunting Legend)

For hunters seeking a flat-shooting cartridge with enough power for larger game, the .270 Winchester is a prime candidate. Introduced in 1925, it quickly became popular for its ability to take down medium to large game at long distances. It’s particularly effective in open country where long shots are the norm.

Pros	Cons
Flat trajectory, ideal for long-range hunting	Limited bullet weight options
Powerful enough for most North American game
Readily available ammunition

6. 7mm Remington Magnum (Flat-Shooting & Hard-Hitting)

The 7mm Remington Magnum is a favorite among big game hunters who hunt elk in Colorado. This cartridge excels at long-range shots, delivering a powerful punch with impressive accuracy. It’s suitable for hunting everything from elk to moose, offering a great blend of velocity, power, and flat trajectory.

Pros	Cons
Excellent range and power for large game	Barrel wear can be faster
High velocity with flat trajectory
Good for both long-range shooting and hunting

7. .300 Winchester Magnum (Long-Range Powerhouse)

For hunters who need maximum stopping power, the .300 Winchester Magnum is the go-to cartridge. It’s ideal for taking down large game at long distances, offering unmatched power and accuracy. This cartridge is especially popular in the mountainous regions where shots often exceed 300 yards.

Pros	Cons
Powerful for large and tough game	Barrel life can be short due to high pressure
Good long-range accuracy
Versatile bullet options for various uses

8. .22-250 Remington (The Varmint Slayer)

The .22-250 Remington is another excellent choice for varmint hunters. Known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, this cartridge is perfect for long-range shooting of small game like coyotes and groundhogs. Its low recoil and high speed make it a joy to shoot.

Pros	Cons
Very high velocity for small game and varmint hunting	Can cause barrel wear due to high speed
Low recoil, easy to shoot
Flat trajectory for mid-range accuracy

9. .338 Lapua Magnum (The Sniper’s Choice)

The .338 Lapua Magnum is often considered a sniper’s cartridge, but it’s also highly effective for hunting large game. Its incredible power and long-range capabilities make it suitable for taking down animals like bear and moose from significant distances. While it’s not for the faint of heart, those who master it find it to be a highly rewarding cartridge.

Pros	Cons
Extreme long-range capability	Expensive ammunition and rifles
High stopping power for large game
Very accurate at extended ranges

10. .375 H&H Magnum (Heavy-Hitting Power)

For the ultimate in big game hunting, the .375 H&H Magnum stands out. This cartridge has been used worldwide for taking down dangerous game such as African elephants and Cape buffalo. Its reputation for reliability and stopping power is unmatched, making it a must-have for any serious big game hunter.

Pros	Cons
Ideal for dangerous game and large animals	Limited for standard game and everyday use
Reliable in a wide range of environments
Good stopping power with moderate recoil for its size

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right cartridge is crucial for a successful hunt. Whether you’re after deer, elk, or even more dangerous game, choosing from the popular rifle cartridges listed above ensures you’re using time-tested and field-proven options. Each of these has its strengths, so consider your game type, hunting environment, and personal preferences when making your selection.