billflangjr813
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Best All Around Caliber for Whitetail and Mule Deer?
- Thread starter bearhtr2
- Start date
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Sorry I didn't go through all the posts. Here is my answer
1- How much recoil do you like. Some people are dumb and like punishing themselves.
2- what is the terrain and how far are you capable of hitting a 8" plate with just say with around 1000 ft lbs +-
3- how much money do you want to spend on ammo to practice with that caliber.
Meaning how deep are your pockets?
4- does that caliber comply with state regulations? Sorry that probably should be 1st.
And along with it does it matter to you how cool or or ecsenteric you are, like black powder 38-55 , 45-70, 44-40 ECT. Or do you just want to get the job done. If so any of the posts choices above will do if you like them. Deer are not that hard to kill pouches have been using 22lr for a very long time. Pick your poison and have fun.
1- How much recoil do you like. Some people are dumb and like punishing themselves.
2- what is the terrain and how far are you capable of hitting a 8" plate with just say with around 1000 ft lbs +-
3- how much money do you want to spend on ammo to practice with that caliber.
Meaning how deep are your pockets?
4- does that caliber comply with state regulations? Sorry that probably should be 1st.
And along with it does it matter to you how cool or or ecsenteric you are, like black powder 38-55 , 45-70, 44-40 ECT. Or do you just want to get the job done. If so any of the posts choices above will do if you like them. Deer are not that hard to kill pouches have been using 22lr for a very long time. Pick your poison and have fun.
pavementends
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- Nov 30, 2017
- Messages
- 121
For deer, both kinds, it would be easier to list what doesn't work. For years my #1S Ruger 300 win mag was death on anything I pointed it at. Deer, black birds, ground hogs etc. I do admit the main reason I bought it was pretty wood. Today it is hard to beat one of the 6 or 6.5's. Good bullets, range finders and great barrels.
Yep... I think we have more choices that are optimized for specific scenarios, but it's like the proliferation of gap wedges in golf... how many choices do we actually need?
Is there anything that can't be done with the .30-'06? Some of the newer cartridges shoot a little flatter, some hit a little harder, some recoil a little less. We are spoiled with choices. To me, the advent of inexpensive laser rangefinders and MOA/mil-dot reticles are the big advances... that and more accurate factory rifles due to better manufacturing technology.
I have way more centerfire rifles than I need, but my father's pre-64 M70 standard rifle in '06 really IS good enough. I sent it to Kleinguenther's in the early 1980s for their guaranteed MOA accuracy tuning (action bedding, barrel free-floating and re-crowning). With the factory barrel and Federal Premium 165 gr Sierra Game King boat tail soft points it shoots under 1" at 100 yards. If I do my part it will work on any deer out to 700 yards minimum.
Absolutely, today there are far more choices to extend point blank range which is a good thing if you don't have a rangefinder and can't dial. Rangefinders, better bullets, and reticles have even made the slower cartridges far more useful.
But is there a best cartridge out there with all the choices we have. I seriously doubt it.
But is there a best cartridge out there with all the choices we have. I seriously doubt it.
bearhtr2
Well-Known Member
I use a 340 weatherby for my bear elk gun...
memtb
Well-Known Member
I use a 340 weatherby for my bear elk gun...
Nice cartridge! I tried to talk my wife into something along those lines….but, she's convinced that her .338 WM is all she'll ever need!
It's her "all around" cartridge.Some people are so set in their ways!
memtbI'd go with a 7 mm. I hunted with a 7 RM for years and loved it - since went to a lightweight 6.5 PRC and a 9.5 lb 300 PRC for my primary hunting rifles. Deer or smaller 6.5 PRC, elk or bigger 300 PRC. Both have enough for all non dangerous NA game in a pinch and not excessive for smaller game.
For versatility, panache, ammo capacity, modest recoil I'd go with a 280 AI - even though I don't own one. A 7 RM or 7 PRC is nearly as good at the cost of slightly more recoil.
In fact, I recently purchased a Blaser R8 in 375 H&H for my DG and 'traveling rifle'. Am leaning towards a barrel in 7 RM for my hunt the world combination. Would be a 280AI for sure, but the 375 and 7 mm RM use the same bolt face and magazine which simplifies things for sure.
The 6.5's have their adherents, but they are a little smaller than ideal for game such as elk and moose. IMO, the most versatile calibers are 7 mm and 30 cal.
When I got my 7 mm 10 or 12 years ago, I read that if 90% of your game is smaller than elk choose a 7 RM, if 90 % are elk or larger choose a 300 WM. I think it's still good advice, and anything similar in performance to these two cartridges are great, versatile options.
But go buy a 280AI. Have a look at the Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 and the Browning Xbolt 2 if you're looking for rifle selections
For versatility, panache, ammo capacity, modest recoil I'd go with a 280 AI - even though I don't own one. A 7 RM or 7 PRC is nearly as good at the cost of slightly more recoil.
In fact, I recently purchased a Blaser R8 in 375 H&H for my DG and 'traveling rifle'. Am leaning towards a barrel in 7 RM for my hunt the world combination. Would be a 280AI for sure, but the 375 and 7 mm RM use the same bolt face and magazine which simplifies things for sure.
The 6.5's have their adherents, but they are a little smaller than ideal for game such as elk and moose. IMO, the most versatile calibers are 7 mm and 30 cal.
When I got my 7 mm 10 or 12 years ago, I read that if 90% of your game is smaller than elk choose a 7 RM, if 90 % are elk or larger choose a 300 WM. I think it's still good advice, and anything similar in performance to these two cartridges are great, versatile options.
But go buy a 280AI. Have a look at the Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 and the Browning Xbolt 2 if you're looking for rifle selections
Having recently built a 280 AI I approve of this message. Pretty much runs with my 7 mag with less powder. Probably going to build a 7 saum as well. Another very efficient 7 mm.I'd go with a 7 mm. I hunted with a 7 RM for years and loved it - since went to a lightweight 6.5 PRC and a 9.5 lb 300 PRC for my primary hunting rifles. Deer or smaller 6.5 PRC, elk or bigger 300 PRC. Both have enough for all non dangerous NA game in a pinch and not excessive for smaller game.
For versatility, panache, ammo capacity, modest recoil I'd go with a 280 AI - even though I don't own one. A 7 RM or 7 PRC is nearly as good at the cost of slightly more recoil.
In fact, I recently purchased a Blaser R8 in 375 H&H for my DG and 'traveling rifle'. Am leaning towards a barrel in 7 RM for my hunt the world combination. Would be a 280AI for sure, but the 375 and 7 mm RM use the same bolt face and magazine which simplifies things for sure.
The 6.5's have their adherents, but they are a little smaller than ideal for game such as elk and moose. IMO, the most versatile calibers are 7 mm and 30 cal.
When I got my 7 mm 10 or 12 years ago, I read that if 90% of your game is smaller than elk choose a 7 RM, if 90 % are elk or larger choose a 300 WM. I think it's still good advice, and anything similar in performance to these two cartridges are great, versatile options.
But go buy a 280AI. Have a look at the Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 and the Browning Xbolt 2 if you're looking for rifle selections
My son and I have a couple of both.
ONLY MY OPINION …but I'll give the edge to 7 SAUM due to slightly less perceived recoil, slightly easier load development and consistency on target with both loads being dam near identical.
Again… this is only from my experience
Idaho Lefty
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This ^^^
For Me that's One of, the .270's or, 6.5 Creed / PRC with, 130 to 140 grain, Bullets FOR, Lite Recoil and awesome, Field shooting,. "Accuracy" !
In my younger Days, the .270 Wby and .270 WSM, were,. "It" as, both are, Flat / Fast and, Deadly !
Now, I'm, a BRAKED, Low recoil,.. 6.5 Creedmoor, Guy !
Everybody, HAS, an Opinion,..
I have used my 7-06 Ackley and 168 Bergers on 2 antelope and a few Indiana bucks and it would be just fine for mule deer. Use enough gun to get it done
The 7s are a very good platform for bullet weight and high BC.
I like the numbers on the 280 AI. The 7 saum is one of the few new cartridges that has grabbed my attention. If I ever pull the barrel on my varmint contour 308 its replacement just might be the 7 Saum. Though I'd have to have my bolt face opened up.
