Even with the DOW closing at record highs in recent weeks few are still embracing a huge surge in economic recovery for the country. If you’re like me you’re holding on to every dollar as if it were the Wonka golden ticket. To get the most bang from your buck have considered a rifle purchase that covers more than one hunting activity? I know I have and predator hunting is one of those areas where a crossover rifle is possible.

Don’t click to a blinking icon just yet. Here me out. There are several calibers that although mighty in numbers can be tamed through reloading or matching it to tailored factory ammunition for predator, and big game duties. Some of these calibers may only tackle deer-sized game, but several have the capability to tip over elk and maybe even a broadside Bullwinkle. Are you interested now? Here are a few calibers that can do the job with the right tinkering.

.243 Winchester

Easy to find ammunition offerings and relatively flat shooting characterize the .243 Winchester, a necked-down version of the .308 Winchester. This caliber wallops coyotes and with some tweaking will also works for fox and bobcat. It’s also an ideal load for pronghorn, deer and elk with close, broadside shots.

6mm Remington

Like its cousin the .243 Winchester, the 6mm Remington offers plenty of advantages as a dual-purpose caliber. It’s speedier than the .243 and when loaded right will put bullet after bullet in 1 MOA circles or less time, and time again. It can be beefed up to handle bruiser bucks and will topple coyotes with ease. For the custom rifle aficionado and reloader the 6mm Remington is tough to beat.

.25-06 Remington

This caliber screams big game and many pronghorns have succumbed to its bad medicine. Depending on the load the .25-06 pushes a bullet along at more than 3,200 fps and delivers a wallop coyotes will feel at 400 yards and beyond. It can do the same for deer, plus can handle elk when handled properly.

6.5 Creedmoor

This baby is the newbie on the block, but definitely deserves a closer look. At nearly 3,000 fps with a reputation for accuracy this Hornady-born caliber (www.hornady.com) grabbed the attention of the target crowd, but soon had hunters scrambling for rifles. It has mild recoil, yet shoots flat for coyotes, deer and pronghorn. In the right hands, it can work for elk as well.

.270 Winchester and .308 Winchester

These two fan favorites are cemented in big game hunting tradition. Plus, police and law enforcement have embraced the .308 Winchester, along with the military, which relies on the 7.62 NATO. Bullet options are a bit on the heavy side for most varmints, but certainly viable for coyotes. You’ll also have a rifle that doubles for practically anything found to hunt in North America.

I know a couple of you out there are scratching your heads by leaving out one of your favorites. Don’t sit ideally back. Comment on what you think is the BEST crossover caliber. If you have a caliber that fits this crossover definition don’t be shy, wildcat or factory. Hopefully this economy will take off like horses at the Kentucky Derby, but until then, count your pennies and use every means possible to get by.