45s.
These are personal opinions and will seem to bother/irritate some.
To me a 45 is a bit overkill for squirrels. I like the crack sound of a 36 cal., but a 45 will work with reduced loads.
Deer come in many sizes, to me again the 45 is on the light side, I prefer a 50 or 54.
Hogs, the 45 is not what I want when hunting hogs, they realistically go from foot ball size to abouit 225 pounds. On the upper end of the scale of hogs, a 45 is a bit light.
To me where the 45 shines is an all around fun gun, easy to clean, easy on lead consumption, easy on powder, light on recoil.
Step up to the line in paper shoot and this is where the 45 comes to life, it's a winner. The 45 bucks the wind better than a 40 cal, easy on the shoulder and conserves money.
The 45 to me is an all-around caliber, easy on the menfolk and women, and it's a good kids gun.
If I had to own only one rifle/pistol, it would be a 45, no doubt.
RDE