help on choice of caliber deer rifle
Hey guys I thought I would seek some input. Where I hunt in E. Ok. a typical long shot would be 125-150 yds. Primary choice here is usually a 30-30. Last deer I killed this year was with a .243 at about 115 yds. I would like to get something I could use here and I plan to hunt mule deer and possibly even try my luck at some of the draw elk hunts here. Any suggestions? Would like to stay away from the custom jobs and need something I can readily find ammo for.
0
-
The .308 sounds like it might fit the Bill its very accurate and suitable for most any North American game.You can buy Nato ammo cheap if you keep your eyes open.
Best!!!
Rugster
Toujours Pret0 -
270 or 30-06 both will take an elk or a mule deer.some say 30-06 kicks harder then 270 mine are about the same. 0 -
All good choices.
I'd prefer .30-06 only because of it's added versatility.0 -
I'd say .30-06. You can get lighter loads for whitetails and heavier for Elk/Mulies. I like Savage bolt guns and Burris scopes, but you can find any combo you like.
Buy low, short high...0 -
I agree. 0 -
Don't overlook the 7mm08 0 -
ditto the 7mm-08 idea. At the ranges you stated, no need to burn more powder and have more recoil. Short action would be my choice; 7mm-08, 260, 308.
I'm a man,....but I can change,.....If I have to,......I guess.0 -
Don't forget that he is looking for something with a wide availability of ammo.
Buy low, short high...0 -
For deer, I'd probably look at the .308 or the 7mm-08 (which is the .308 necked down to a 7mm (.284) bullet. Both are short action and have plenty more oomph than a .243.
The .30-06 is also a good choice, but will have more recoil. It will be better for elk. Ammo is cheap and plentiful.
The 7mm-08 is the lightest in recoil and shoots the flattest (though all are plenty flat out to 200 yards). There is not as much variety in ammo, although all gun stores I've been to carry 7mm-08 ammo, and Wal-Mart does, too.0 -
From white tails to elk, the BESt choice is the 30-06
Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis0 -
Shootist3006,
I think you might be a little biased
Buy low, short high...
Edited by - Short Trader on 12/11/2002 16:07:280 -
Friday morning I dropped an 8 point 204lb buck with one shot from my browning 7mm-08 @ approximately 125yrds. I have used this gun for everything from ground-hogs, crows, to elk & feel it is the best for all around performance. Ammo is readily available from any sporting goods store & even Walmart. 0 -
They are correctwhat they said about the 270 or 30-06 as best all around, just about any bullet weight available in ANY general store, gun shop or even some gas stations out West!! Yes, even the hardware stores too!! Been There, done that!
dan0 -
I look at it this way. Figure out what your primary use will be. I'm assuming that will be deer. A non magnum in the 7mm or 30 caliber class will easily tackle that chore and still be adequate, but not ideal, for game such as elk. Now ask yourself "do I want a gun most suited for 99.9 % of my hunting?" or "a gun that is most suited for .01% of my hunting. Many of us are fully confident that the gun we use for a majority of our hunting will serve us as well if we encounter larger game and do our part. For me that is a a 308. It's not a 30-06 but at 150 yards youd be hard pressed to find a deer or even an elk that knows the difference. 0 -
imho the 270 win is the best all around cartridge for deer and antelope but i live in the upper northern plain where shots are generally at longer ranges, all the cartridges mentioned are good choices.
doc0 -
Any thoughts on the .270wsm or .280 remington??? 0 -
the 270 wsm will be my next rifle purchase.
doc0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
17 comments