Well I would say it depends on what you plan on hunting. I have a few different rifles which I would use at different times. My main hunting rifle for deer is my .270 bolt action. I also have a 7mm Remington Mag bolt action which I also use for Deer and would use for Elk and similar size game. I do own a few 30-06s which are a very popular hunting rifle. I would not recommend a hunting rifle for home defense. In my opinion, a shotgun or handgun would be best for that job. I have a 12g Mossberg 500 special purpose which is my primary home defense weapon. I have it loaded with buck shot. I feel a rifle is more for hunting scenarios and not home defense. I honestly could not see myself raising one of my hunting rifles in a home defense situation unless absolutely necessary (i.e. it was all I had or if it’s all I had ammo for). Is there a reason you are not using the shotgun you own for home defense? I am only curious. I hope this helps! Have a good day!
-Capo-