lofty path
All things being equal, the .22-250 didn't quite hit the mark with a map containing so much big game. A little research into the subject of Sambar deer led me to a new obsession.
In 1996 the government of Australia placed a ban on self loading rifles, personally don't care, BUT Sambar hunters suddenly found themselves needing a rifle that could take down a sambar without needing a follow up shot.
The answer was the 9.3x62mm.
It has a reputation that is well earned and has proven to be useful on an extremely wide variety of game across the world. It was originally designed with German settlers in mind. Many countries in Africa placed a ban on military rifles like 7x57mm for fear of an uprising, but the 9.3 was the perfect solution. It was reliable on game of any size between impala and elephant, could be chambered in standard length military surplus rifles, and provided a caliber that had NEVER BEEN IN MILITARY SERVICE.
Today, the caliber has fallen out of favor in Britain and the United States in favor of the .375 H&H magnum. However, it is still widely used in continental Europe, Africa, and Australia. Many companies provide ammunition for the caliber, both lighter and heavier bullets in various loadings. Companies Like Steyr, CZ, Sako, and Mauser still produce rifles factory chambered for the cartridge and it seems to be a popular bear defense gun in Greenland. My suggestion is really simple.
A rifle chambered in 9.3x62mm would be the perfect rifle for the next reserve, and taking the example of the Hudzik muzzleloader it could be the second 4-9 class rifle.
A lighter round, like Norma's 230 grain Eco-tip is a popular load for driven wild boar hunts along with red deer and even animals like Whitetail deer. (4-7)
A heavier bullet, like Hornady's Dangerous Game loading, use a heavier 286 grain bullet that has a reputation for extreme penetration on Cape Buffalo (7-9 class)
For a particular rifle, the Steyr SM12 gets my vote for looks and reliability
hardy skiff
neon terrace
brave sparrow
fair kite