Looking for suggestions from some expert Handi-Rifle owners

[MattSom]

So here is the deal.  I currently own two rifles...a Ruger American .308 and a Savage 99E .243.  I want another gun for hunting as well.  I have really taken a liking to the Handi-Rifle after reading about it here as well as elsewhere.  I'm seriously considering adding it to my collection in my next purchase but I am indecisive about a good caliber.  I want something different than the two calibers I currently own and I want something compact and capable of  making some shots while in thick brush(I gotta go where the deer are.)  What would you guys recommend for a good caliber to accomplish this and why?

[Jason F]

Thats easy 45-70

[murphdog]

30-30, 357 mag or max, 44 magnum, and 45-70 are all good brush cartridges that are very popular in the Handi platform.  I'm sure you'll find many proponents for any of those.  The pistol cartridges really shine if you decide to cut your barrel down to make it even Handi-er in the brush.  I keep gravitating back to my 44 for deer hunting.  I guess I'm just more comfortable with those big bullets. 
Duane

[MattSom]

I read that the .44 mag and the .45-70 are good, but now I'm stuck deciding between two if I go that route.

[quickdtoo]

I agree on the 45-70 suggestion, just be aware that late 44mag Handis come on SB1 frames, all modern H&R 45-70s come on SB2 frames. 

Tim

[cudatruck]

Get the .45-70 and then send it in for any other barrel you want to try. if you get one you don't like its easy to find someone to sell it to with much if any loss. if you buy the .357 or .44 you won't have many barrel options.. thats the advice tim was giving about the sb1 vs sb2. I am sending my .45-70 frame in soon for 3 new barrels to try out.

[teleman]

45-70. Been in use since 1873, must be something good about it.

[brayh92]

.45-70 great cartridge and a hard hitter. Plus there just fun to shoot

[hoytcanon]

I would go with the 7mm-08 Superlight first... it will be great for your application... then consider the .45/70 on the large end and a .223 on the small end.

[gcrank1]

The 243 kinda covers the 'small' end and the 308 the 'middle', so I'd go with the logic on the 45-70 on the 'big' end. You can load it down to pistol caliber ballistics or up to what you can stand behind it and cast bullets shoot well. Besides, just handling those big cartridges just feels 'right'.

[bucco921]

45-70 and never look back. Like crank said, load it down to 44 mag levels or crank it up to a shoulder busting beast!

[petemi]

I can't disagree with the recommendations for the .45-70 and the pistol calibers.  In fact, there's a really nice scoped .45-70 in the classifieds now that I'd grab for 270 shipped.  But, I can't disagree with hoytcanon either.  The 7mm-08 Superlight is a great little rifle, and since you have the .243 and .308, it'd be keeping it in the family.

Now, here's the big "But".  I'd build a .357 Maxi Shorty.  It doesn't get any better.  That's why we only have three

Pete

[scratchmark]

Once again, get the 45-70. too many plus's. also you can can load from "that was nice" to " holy crap that hurt" and if your a glutton for punishment (which i am), you can have it punched out to 45-120 (which im considering soon).