Current Favorite Hunting Bullet per Cartridge

[dreamingWest]

The new TMK thread got me curious. Based on my experience and what I've learned on this forum here is my starting list. Admittedly, I only have direct killing experience with a few of these combos, but these are the current cartridges I own or have plans for in 2026.

I'm interested in RokSlide members edits and additions:

Cartridge (Twist): Bullet (Factory Loading if available)

.223/5.56 (1:8): 77 TMK (Black Hills)
.243 Win (1:10): 95 NBT (Winchester)
6 CM (1:8): 108 ELD-M (Hornady)
6.5 CM (1:8): 140 Tipped Fusion (Federal)
6.5 PRC (1:8): 147 ELD-M (Hornady)

*For my purposes, I'm assuming 18-20" barrel with a suppressor.

 

[handwerk]

I currently load for 10 different cartridges,
8 Barnes LRX
2 Barnes TTSX

 

[Choupique]

I'm still Fudd status around here - no match bullet kills to my name yet, no kills with my own reloads yet, but I'm working on that. Here's what I've been hunting with for quite a while now.

6.5x55 - 155gr lapua mega
.30-30 - 170gr federal blue box
.338 win - 230gr norma oryx

 

[jmcollier]

I hunt whitetail with a 7mm mag or .300 ultra mag but have always wanted to try suppressed 8.6blk or 375 raptor for sub-200 yard shots. My 7mm mag and .300 ultra mag have enough knockdown power but they have a muzzle brake so they blow the bark off the trees and leave my ears ringing every time I shoot. Thinking that suppressed 8.6blk or 375 raptor will have solid knockdown power while also being pretty quiet...