If I had to do both with a rifle, protection and hunting, that would make it a tough call. You have a lot of ways to go. Given the harsh laws in CA with ARs, I would probably stay away from those, as I would want subsonic for HD, but there are just too many laws to put us in jail over a firearm. 8.6 blackout could work, but if I was keeping a handgun, I would probably use that for HD, and pick a dedicated bolt action for hunting.