I keep coming back to the AR platform.
Price is of course a consideration, but the modularity and ease of the build/assembly is probably the biggest factor.
First let me say that the FAL is my favorite semi-auto rifle. But at my age, I don’t want to be lugging one around. Same for the G3. As we do most of our hunting out of vehicles, this is less of a concern most of the time, but both the FAL and G3 are larger enough to be something of a pain working in a vehicle. This from a guy who carried a FAL up front in a patrol car.
The 6.8 round is IMHO the best option for the AR and general purpose. The 6.5 Grendel is good but loses out to the 6.8 when you start talking about broken bolts and feeding.
I hunt with the AR, and find the .223 somewhat lacking in oomph. Specialty rounds help but its still a.22.
Playing with the.300BO, its better at close up but stretch the distance and it like the AK, sucks.
More to follow