Best rifle caliber

[OVERKILL]

 So pick the best rifle for the job. Since the rifle is more than likely to be your primary AZW, pick up to 3. A short range carbine to use the same ammo and/or magazines as your sidearm, a midrange everyday carry rifle, a specialized long range rifle or whatever you want.

[ZOMBIE_EXTERMINATOR]

Hey I would think that .223 cartriges would be the best. Cause all police units are starting to replace the 9mm mp5 with the .223 C8 carbine (verification of the M4)

[Tobias]

I voted for the .22 the .30-06 and the .30-30 mostly due to availability

[OVERKILL]

 I came by to check out the poll because I myself had forgot to vote and realized I'd forgot to put the 7.62x39 (SKS, AK-47 Mini-30) as an option, and it's the most used rifle cartridge world wide. I went with the 223, 30-30 and 308 due to availability. The 308 has good long range capabilities but recoil can be severe so I included the 223 for short range when the 308 isn't necessary and plus you can shoot it all day without a sore shoulder. The 30-30 falls in the middle and ammo can be found in any sporting goods store. The Winchester 94 is light, fast and handy, plus I just like 'em

[Thumper]

the problem with .223 is its a wounding round. not going to stop a zombie. the 7.62x39 is a slow moving .30 round. with will make a large exit hole. you also missed the 7.62X 54 which drops in the middle between the .308 (nato 7.62X51 and the .30-06. those last two are the most argued on best round for long range shooting, so I have always felt it has the best ballistic's. basically though a large caliber round slow speed will be your best. like a .45 or a .44 special. magnum rounds, although fun, may not transfer energy as well.

[OVERKILL]

 I own a Mosin Nagant in 7.62x54, but didn't list it due to the fact I didn't feel it was as popular, but I'll add it.

[Thumper]

mosin is an awesome weopan, I plan to get one and accurize it.

[Tony]

not gonna vote in this one methinks, but I gotta agree, the 7.62x54 is a fair contender, especially with all the surplus ammo...

[OVERKILL]

 I reload and I still buy surplus 7.62x54 because it more expensive to make it sometimes. In reality It'll do anything the 308 will and then some. Velocity out of the 91/30 was better with the same weight bullet than the 30-06 out of an M1 Garand, and it would still outperform the 30-06 if the 30-06 were still loaded to Garand pressure due to better case design. My first C&R rifle was an M-44, I just didn't realize it was so popular. If I had listed all the cartridges in existence I'd still be typing, I tried to cover the more popular commercial rounds rather than mils rounds, which maybe I should have done more of those. I set the poll so you could change your vote and if there is a few posts about the same caliber I'll add it possibly.

[oldnick]

Caliber isn't as important as accuracy when dealing with zombies. You can shoot them 100x in the heart with a .50 or once in the head with a .223.

I chose the .223 and 7.62x39. Both are common and, depending on the rifle, accurate at close to medium ranges.  .223 is also relatively light so you can carry more ammo if you need to be mobile.  7.62x54R looks great from what I've read, and a Nagant is cheap as dirt for a quality rifle. My problem is that I've only found one local store that sells the ammo.  I can reload, but if you're on the move without a stable base, who's got time for that?

[Pollard]

I agree with Oldnick. The .223 is light, has low recoil, and is common. Even more so if you get a rifle that's compatible with military magazines as well.

[OVERKILL]

 I had to go back and change my vote since I feel a 357 carbine would be as good as the 223 for my  terrain. I know the 223 and especially the AR has a lot of fans, but I really don't feel it's "me".

[oldnick]

a .357 carbine would be a great medium range weapon.  it would go well with a .357 handgun due to the ability to use the same ammo in both.  also, when looting gun stores/walmart/whatever, .357 and .38 are stocked pretty much anywhere handgun ammo are sold. (at least in the US)

(i'm also assuming you're talking about .357 magnum rather than .357 sig)

[OVERKILL]

 Well since the 357 Sig wasn't on the list I probably was referring to the 357 Magnum.

[Thumper]

however the .357 is a pistol cartridge, and this vote is for a rifle cartridge. yes there are cross overs on both sides. but we are talking about RIFLES!!!