Dad always hunted with a Marlin 335 SC in 35 Remington hunting mostly in swampy areas and thickets in NE Louisiana, and when I finished high school he got me a Win 70 in 30-06. I was glad for that caliber because a guy who worked with him was in the National Guard and got me a lot of Lake City match ammo, so I really learned to shoot with that gun. Nowdays, what I would use would depend on the area, for open areas I would probably go with my old '06 or maybe the .375 H&H, shoots like a '06 but bigger, heavier bullet. Closer ranges and a bit of carrying I would probably go with my little 6.5 Grendle CZ, lightweight, accurate and very mild recoil. My only 6.5x55's are Swedish military Mausers, one a short rifle and it's ok. Closer ranges a Swedish Husqvarna sporter in 9.3x57, or even my little Ruger #1 7x57. Real close brush hunting, dads old 35 Rem, or a Marlin lever in 45-70 Got a few others like a Win 95 in 405 Win, and a Ruger #1 .458 Win Mag, but they are more range toys.
Everything mentioned is walnut and blued steel, I just don't want any plastic or stainless, guess I am old fashioned.
Everything mentioned is walnut and blued steel, I just don't want any plastic or stainless, guess I am old fashioned.