So many good suggestions in this thread…and I love them all!  Hard to argue with some of them and I am torn as I really can’t name an all time favorite rifle or handgun cartridge.  The .22 lr is incredible in both, so I will say that.  IF I had to nail one down in a handgun, it would be the .45 colt.  Too much experience competing and hunting to say otherwise.

Since this Winchester heaven, I will go with my handle, the .348 wcf.   It is uniquely Winchester all the way around, cartridge and rifle.  I have hunted with it extensively and shoot them regularly.  They are wonderful with cast bullets and can be loaded up for some serious game stopping.  The platform is the amazing model 71 and I don’t think you can buy a better lever.  It is an odd duck I know, but I have had a long relationship with it and it just puts a smile on my face every time I have one with me.  It does lack the potential force of the .45 and .50 cal levers I have, but it is a darling.