I owned a short barrelled 16 X 16 X 9.3x72R that I liked for hunting. It didn't weigh much more than a normal 16 double,(7 pounds), and was well balanced. The 9.3 shot a 194 grain bullet at a decent speed and put out about the same energy as a .44 magnum pistol which is enough for deer and hogs if you are careful about your shot placement. I realize that there are many more powerful drilling rifle calibers out there, but you pay for them in the added weight of a heavier rifle barrel. It depends too on what you will be hunting and how you hunt. If you carry your gun alot and don't shoot so often, then you want a light weight gun. If you are mostly a stand hunter, then you can get by with a heavier gun. If you want it for rabbit/varmit hunting, then you should look at maybe a 20 X 20 X .222. Each person has their own reasons for wanting a certain drilling caliber and that's why there are so many different ones out there.
You need to ask yourself some hard questions and answer them as honestly as possible. What will you hunt with it? How much will it be carried? Will you scope sight it? Etc. Bob H.