Do it all hunting rifle.

[GEARHEAD]

you answered your own question.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Rem 700 in a 30-06.  If you are going to own only one rifle for western big game, that's it IMHO.  I am a big fan of the .270 myself, but lot's of people would say it's a little light for elk and (if you ever happen to draw) moose.

well I have not seen any elk walk off from my .270 

[manfromspam]

If i could only have one rifle it would be the Rem 700  300 win mag. the only way to fly

[JKEEN33]

There is not one caliber to do it all. Plain  and simple. You can kill everything with  one caliber, but need a specific caliber range to kill some animals and not destroy them.

[Swatson]

For deer,elk, and bear.... Tikka 300WSM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wazukie]

There are as many answers as there are people to this question.  If I had to choose just one of my rifles, It would be my 25-06.  I can hunt anything from yotes to Elk with it very efficiently.  I know some think it is to light for elk and bear, my answer to that is you've probably never shot one with that caliber, or, you're one of those people who insist on a shoulder shot.  I do not and will not take a shoulder shot so it works well for me.

[magnanimous_j]

There are as many answers as there are people to this question.

I'm starting to get that 

There is not one caliber to do it all. Plain  and simple. You can kill everything with  one caliber, but need a specific caliber range to kill some animals and not destroy them.

That makes sense. The four animals that I want to use the rifle on are: Coyotes, Deer, Elk, and Bear.  Most likely, elk will be the primary game, then coyote, bear, and deer last. I don't plan on collecting hides off the dogs, so an effective, humane kill is my only consideration there. So as long as the caliber is effective on the other three, I'm happy.

If I ever get into cougar, or antelope or some other small-big game then I would likely buy a second rifle in a more appropriate caliber then.

As it stands now, 30-06 seems to be my best bet.

[h20hunter]

one of the bottom lines about .30-06 or .270 is you can get ammo anywhere and everywhere and they will both do the job on your specified animals. I'm a .270 myself.

[yakimarcher]

Buying used quality stuff is vastly superior to new cheap stuff! I bought a remmington 760 gamemaster pump action .30-06 with a Leopold 3x9 scope for 150 bucks last spring. Calling this rifle well worn is a understatement, but it shoots great and is totally functional.

[coachcw]

t-3 in .300 wsm ,  it shoots weel with box ammo and the recoil isnt to harsh .

[Special T]

There are 2 rounds that have killed more big game than any other in N america. They are the British 303 and the 30-06 Tehy are not the fastest or sexiest but they are a work horse...

[JackOfAllTrades]

There are 2 rounds that have killed more big game than any other in N america. They are the British 303 and the 30-06 Tehy are not the fastest or sexiest but they are a work horse...

303 British? You've got to be kidding me..  Did you mean 30-30win or 30wcf?

-Steve

[PlateauNDN]

Rem 700 in a 30-06.  If you are going to own only one rifle for western big game, that's it IMHO.  I am a big fan of the .270 myself, but lot's of people would say it's a little light for elk and (if you ever happen to draw) moose.

well I have not seen any elk walk off from my .270 

   x's 2!  Nice Mr. Elk met mine up close and personal and he didn't stagger very far after the introduction.  I've been a big supporter of the .308 but after trying my new .270 I'm sold that it's a very good caliber for elk with shot placement.

[jbender]

Remington Model 700!  I would choose a .270 as well but with what you had listed I would take the 30-06. I have shot several elk with my .270 and had no problems.

[rgalanti21]

.300 remington ultra magnum, remington 700! I sure do love mine...