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For a Western hunt, which going to usually end up with shots at longer ranges I would recommend a 270, however another new cartridge that would also fill the bill without going overboard is the 6.8 Western. Heavier bullets, less recoil, great accuracy and a lot of knock down power. I have a 6.8 Western in a Winchester XPR that shoots sub MOA at 0.6 to 0.7 all day using Winchester ammo.
Just to clarify I'm from the east but I shoot a lot of big bean fields and most of my shots fall between 250-500 yards. Shots to 700 yards are fairly common. Shot opportunities out to 900 yards are not uncommon. I've killed 12 animals this year from 550 to 895 with the 6.5-06 and 147 grain bullets. I can't imagine mule deer being that much tougher than a whitetail or large boar hog. The 270 with the right bullets will do the job. The 7 mag will too and you don't have to run it wide open either. A good friend shoots the 280 AI and it's a heck of a cartridge. The 6.5mm cartridges work very well. Especially in the 6.5-06-6.5prc range which includes 6.5-284. Most any cartridge in this range will work if you do your part.This is for deer only in western states . Never seen any mule deer running around on the east coast side of the USA.I have been torn between a 7mm mag, 270 win or a 300 RUM. Wanting opinions from those more familiar with the area out there. I know not one caliber or bullet covers it all. But I have long favored the 7mm mag with a 160 Nosler partition for most all conditions.
If I was strictly hunting deer, 257 Weatherby Mag followed by the 25-06. If I was trying to shoot them at over 800 yards regularly, 7 Mag of some sort because I can get much higher B.C. bullets.
I mean you really can't say it any better. Have used all three plus others and those are the top 3 for sure. If I had to choose one I'm taking my REM bdl 270. 22" barrel and all. We call it my rabbit gun but it drops elk/mule deer faster than my brothers 300 win mag
I shot a whitetail on Saturday with a 117 grain bullet. He did not poke fun or laugh at me.
I bet you can hit them in the right spot with that little bullet, too! We've been doing the same with 62-77grainers for years.
I have chamberings in .25, 26. .27, .28, .30, and 33 caliber that far exceeds your intended purpose, but the .300 Win Mag remains my go-to chambering from antelope to elk size game up to 1000Y. Load them with 215 Berger, and you're golden. So yes, if you handload, you can have extended coverage with one bullet/chambering combination.This is for deer only in western states . Never seen any mule deer running around on the east coast side of the USA.
