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Smallest caliber for Montana Mule Deer Rifle
- Thread starter nksmfamjp
- Start date
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IIRC, it's .22 cal centerfire, per hunting reg.
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Personnaly I've been using the 22/250 and Swift with 55's-63's cup n cores for 45 years in Montana. That's my main rifle and the way I'd go again. That or the 22 CM.
Any of those 3 will do you fine, long as you do your part!
Any of those 3 will do you fine, long as you do your part!
Definitely a personal question for each to answer, for me it would be the 6mm's on the lightest side, that's not to say a .22 caliber bullet wouldn't kill a deer cleanly at 600 yards, it certainly would/can. A fast 6mm (240 Weatherby, 6mm/284) would be in my comfort zone. Just my opinion.
FireFlyFishing
Well-Known Member
I have a whitetail B tag this year. I'm trying to decide on the 375 H&H with a 235 grn Barnes TSX. Or…the AR15 with a 77 grn TMK. Decisions, Decisions.
If I had a 6 CM or a 6 ARC, I would try those.
So many cartridges, not enough time…or tags.
If I had a 6 CM or a 6 ARC, I would try those.
So many cartridges, not enough time…or tags.
sable tireur
Well-Known Member
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- Oct 8, 2010
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And you're using this combination out to 600 yards?
I mountain hunt and have to sometimes shoot into alder patches where they bed. I prepher more, taken most with my 325wsm and 338NM.But I stomp around a lot in heavy grizzly area.Have been carry my 6.5 prc with 147 elm,but would like a tougher bullet if I have face down a grizzly.My cinnamon bear only went few steps with that combo this spring
MagnumManiac
Well-Known Member
I like my 260AI, 6.5x47 or 7-08 for deer the size of your Mule deer.
I will add any of my 25's in the mix, but they are a niche calibre and kill far better than they look on paper. I wouldn't go smaller than 25. I have killed deer with 22's in the past…didn't find the tracking any fun.
Cheers.
I will add any of my 25's in the mix, but they are a niche calibre and kill far better than they look on paper. I wouldn't go smaller than 25. I have killed deer with 22's in the past…didn't find the tracking any fun.
Cheers.
I have a couple of fast twist 22/250 and 22/250-AI running 75-88's, and while I have not used them to that range on deer, I would have no issue pushing them to 600 on deer sized game. Otherwise, most of my 243's, 6mm's and 6mmAI have done that job. The 6mmR-AI has taken deer past the 800yd mark. Next on the list would be my 25-06's.
A 22 ARC or 22 Creedmoor would get you what you are looking for. 77-88 grain bullets.
I've taken several bucks with the 22-250 with no issues but it would not be my rifle of choice if I was shooting one at 600 yards. My recommendation would be a 6.5 caliber like the 6.5 x 284 or 6.5 PRC shooting 130-140 grain bullets. I have had 100% success with both calibers on animals in the 500-600 yard range. If I think it could go over 600 I move up to a 7mm LRM with 180 grain pills. This set-up has been very effective for me out to 850 yards.
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
Minimum caliber I would build for mule deer to 600 would be a medium cased fast twist 6mm. Able to push a 105+ @ 2900+.
Something like:
6x47L
6CM
6XC
.243 Win
6GT
Depending on conditions, these should leave you with 1800fps+ and 1000ft/lbs @ 600. Some people say energy is a myth and not a requirement for on-game performance. I just know sticking with those two criteria as a minimum for deer-sized game, I have recovered everything.
Something like:
6x47L
6CM
6XC
.243 Win
6GT
Depending on conditions, these should leave you with 1800fps+ and 1000ft/lbs @ 600. Some people say energy is a myth and not a requirement for on-game performance. I just know sticking with those two criteria as a minimum for deer-sized game, I have recovered everything.
