Smallest caliber for Montana Mule Deer Rifle

Anyone that suggest smaller than a 6.5 anything and even better in the 6.5PRC or 6.5x284 range and should not be giving advise on what to use out to 600 yards on mule deer. Stick to your tree stands with 50 yard shots

69precision said:

but to 600 yards? I've used 22-250 on muleys extensively, but 300 yards is about where they started to run further than I was comfortable with.

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Please show me where my recommendation was. I never recommended a caliber or chambering. I noted the minimum requirement on the hunting reg.



My go-to chambering is a .300 WM for antelope —to elk-sized game to 1000Y.

FEENIX said:

IIRC, it's .22 cal centerfire, per hunting reg.

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I stand corrected. Below is the current reg. I thought they made a change some time ago, but I cannot recall.

For 500+ yard mule deer hunting, The minimum cartridge I prefer is a 6.5 cal that delivers a "terminal" performance of at least 1800FPS/1000FPE……Using a good bullet that will perform/expand at terminal velocity.

My general rule is the smaller the caliber the higher the minimum impact velocity.

Eventually with increasing distance, it becomes less practical to meet the min impact vel I am comfortable with in smaller calibers in game larger than WT. 6mm would be my minimum @ 600 yd for mule and would want a prc/sst over bore case and 105-115 bullets. I would be much more comfortable with a 6.5/7 PRC SAUM RM WSM. Given the choice I would always pick a 6.5 minimum.

Greyfox said:

For 500+ yard mule deer hunting, The minimum cartridge I prefer is a 6.5 cal that delivers a "terminal" performance of at least 1800FPS/1000FPE……Using a good bullet that will perform/expand at terminal velocity.

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I have the same unwritten rule on velocity and energy at POI.

25-06 with 115 or 120 gr. bullets.
IF you want more zip make it AI.

I make my decision based on having less than ideal shots. I fully understand 22,24, and 25's kill lots of deer. When deer hunting especially highly coveted areas I would be taking the round that would cover any scenario I thought I'd see the buck of a lifetime. I would want the largest round I could shoot well. A fast 7mm or 30 caliber with proper bullet would cover that. If I were in bear country I would change that to 30 and 33 caliber.

del2les said:

Nice to see another Sierra 63gr shooter/hunter

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del2les said:

While I still load them for my 1/14"tw 222's and 1/12"tw 223's

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Not to derail but the 63 grain sierra's are working ok with the slow 1:14 and 1:12 twist? I didn't want to waste my time trying anything this heavy from my 1:12 223. Thanks

22creed seems to be stacking bodies like cord wood

bullet selection > caliber

I have two friends that live in Mt that both use a 6x47 Lapua. One shoots the 105g Berger and the other uses the 90g Sierra game changer, both giving excellent results. Both of these guys kill deer further than 600.

I have three mountain rifles, .243 Win, .260 Rem and 7mm-08. This year I plan on taking the .243.

22 creed. Wife will be running hers this year with an 88 grain eldm. Should be a good year of testing