Hunting caliber that's perfect for everything

[I_am_groot]

I’ve chased this idea for years; one caliber that can handle deer, elk, maybe even smaller game without beating you up or breaking the bank. I’ve tried a few that came close, but there’s always a tradeoff somewhere. In your experience, is there a true do-it-all hunting caliber or is that just a myth?

 

[Rottweiler72]

Yes you can have a 1 cartridge to do everything. It's called the magical new round every couple of months from some ammo manufacturer and then paying a bunch of YouTube influencers too Promote it.
You already answered your own question by stating a fact that there is always a compromise. Now you can ask what would be the most effective 3 cartridges for small, medium and large game.
For me I would say 22lr, 270 win, 338 win mag. Or the 35 whelen, and a 12 gauge. I know thats 4 but I think you have to have a shotgun for birds and such because they are so versatile.
P.S. effective isn't the best word to choose. What I'm trying to say is the most common, cost-effective and capable cartridges for size of game.