Because I can't afford ALL of the calibers, I'm one who's apt to consider what calibers I already own as part of the decision. I own a 357mag that is a family heirloom, it will never leave me, so that is my starting point. Jumping calibers, a nice trio would be 357/44/475. But I could do equally well with a trio of 357/45/500. Again, it depends on what's already in the gun case.

My Linebaugh dream gun is a five-shot 45, blue, 5.5-inch banded barrel, patridge front sight, custom grips. A do-everything gun. From mild loads that my young boy could shoot to full-thump Elk loads. A gun I'd carry from now till the end. Hell, it's probably not cool to say that my dream is to have ONE GUN, but heck, it's my dream and I'm sticking to it.

And because a 45's not on YOUR wish list, I'd say 475. But I've still got that ol' 357 in the gun case for when I get too old for all that big-bore noise and kick. And it'll down the deer just fine.