Ya'll:

Don put some nice finishing points on my comments. Here are a couple of additional points to ponder.

Close range offhand shooting: Exactly as Don stated, this is for a running or about to run animal. Close range only. If they are farther out, you have time to, (A) Settle into a better position, (B) Rethink the shot.

What do you want to shoot at flushing quail or jumpin' Jacks? Your 30" 12 Ga. duck gun or your little 20 ga O/U??

As far as the longer barrel goes, remember that you have to add at least 3" to gain 100 fps. What does 100 fps get you?? About 0.5" less drop @ 300 yds. In my mind, that's simply not worth it.

JimF

Shadow;
I make this response with the qualification that one must be a handloader to truely accomplish the all around rifle criteria.
I agree with most if not all of your qualifications, with my caliber suggestions. Those would be something in .338 through .375 calibers utilizing a medium to large capacity case.
Using these med.-bore calibers at 2600 to approx.3000 fps would certainly cover your 300 yrd. range limits,while offering adequate power for dangerous game. For close range( timber )hunting of smaller,thin skinned, non-dangerous game they can loaded down for good performance and minimal meat loss. The .35 and .375 would excell in this as both have bullets designed for low velocity expansion . You can use .357 jacketed handgun bullets in the .35 and .375 Hornady 220 FP (used in the .375 Win.)in the .375 cal. rifle. Cast bullets can be used in any to take up to elk-sized game with very careful shot placement, or can be loaded down under 1000 fps. for a small game load (squirrels,rabbits.ect.).
My choice would be the .375 H&H ( or one of the improved versions)because of availability of components or factory ammo and the larger metplat when using cast bullets or the flat point jacketed for good reduced velocity performance. -memtb

Sorry Guys,

There is no such thing as an "all round" rifle...
For instance take John S and his 300win mag .....that would be way to big for hunting in the UK. All a guy can do is pick a rifle that covers most of his hunting needs and suits his hunting style.
For one person it might be a Lever action 30-30
for another it might be .375H&H Mod70 Win

Pete E; Darn!! I hate to hear that I use a 8# 12oz.( scoped,loaded, slung) .375 AI,Model 70 Win. for all of my big game, some small game,and might even take a bird or two (when legal).
But, it can involve a little "creative" handloading! -memtb

D%@*, I flinched!! -memtb

IF I had to pick a gun to hunt all animals on earth then I would have to be the 9.3x64, it just fits the All Around title better than any other caliber.....check the balistics...A 230 gr. bullet at near 3000 FPS or a 320 gr. bullet at up to 2600 FPS and lots in between.....You just can't beat that, it fits for varmints, Dall sheep or Elephant...

For NA only, I pick the 338 or 300 H&H....they will both do anything the 30-06,270 will do with a lot in reserve.

I started this thread, and I must say all responses are well reasoned, and even were the poster did not agree with my admittedly arbitary criteria, their reasoning was always polite and thought provoking.

It seems it is possible with over 45 posts and counting, there is not one flame, name calling, or circling the wagons.

Amazin'

Any new shooter could read the collective wisdom here any get some very excellent ideas without having to ask.

Thanks to you all. After some of the very vituperative threads of late, this is what AR is all about.

Thanks again,

Bob

CZ 550 Magnum, Safari. 25" barrel, using factory Federal softpoints 375 H&H at 2700 fps out of a 24" barrel, should give 2800 fps out of a 25, (270 grain soft points). Carry extra trophy bonded bearclaws in the Federal premium loads in the
sling(can't' remember the name, one of those kind of spongy, neoprene slings, great for absorbing shock on hikes), 300 grains, for any bears.

Scoped with the Elite 3200, 3x-9, and a kickeze pad for good measure. A little heavier then you want, but, for your lighter specs, a

30-06 Mauser action, glass stock, Elite 3200 scope, same sling, 26 inch Barrel, interarms Mark X action, with a variety of factory ammo.

I like the major standard calibers, because if, in a pinch, you need some ammunition it's around, and you don't have to pay an arm and a league for it...

s
PS round out quiver with a CZ 452 Training rifle, again with an elite 3200 scope, just for those days you want one hole at 25-50 yards, and you are shooting well.

The "all-around" rifle concept is no myth. In fact, all-around rifles are everywhere - they're easy to find! Your local gunstore is likely to have several in stock right now, and lots of rifle models chambered for a good many calibers can qualify as contenders for "ideal all-around rifle" title.

All-around hunters, though, are quite scarce. I don't know how many guys I've known over the years who've fussed and fumed over this "all-around, ideal-rifle" stuff, only to never hunt beyond the boundries of the state in which I currently reside. But they still want something that'll take in the odd grizzly, brown bear, or lion that they're thinkin' they'll bump into.....

AD

How about my Rem 700 FS 7mm Rem mag with 3x9 compact scope and 160 Partitions@3000 fps or 1`75 Partitions at 2900 fps. Loaded weighs 7.75 lbs! Love it!

I have a gun cabinet full of all around rifles, if I could just make up my mind which one.