308
My choice for cartridge. bolt or semi?
I'll second that! A .308 is a fine hunting rifle and it'll take down a human target from a good distance also.
Do have to say, I don't think there's any one TRUE rifle that fits all scenario's. I like my .308 for hunting. My AR-15 is less a hunting and more a "sport" gun. Nothing beats a good 'ol 12 gauge for home defense (albeit they get kinda messy) coupled with a reliable 9mm or 45ACP.