Best All Around Caliber for Whitetail and Mule Deer?

[Rflshootr]

IMO the 3 easiest cartridges to get your hands on are 308 Win, 270 Win and 30-06 Springfield. The 30's have multiple choices in bullet weights off the shelf. I'd pick one of those.

 

[khart1988]

A Tikka in 223 or 243, either with good bullets.

 

[FEENIX]

Looking for thoughts on what caliber you guys would pick as the most versatile caliber for western whitetail and mule deer in factory offerings?

Thanks,
Mike

In .30 caliber, the venerable .30-06 chambering is hard to beat. However, if you are going to be highly dependent on factory ammo, go to your local gun store and see what has the most offerings off the shelves.

 

[johngibbs222]

Practice often, then practice a wee bit more. Don't shoot off of benches etc but try to use what you'd use when the buck of a lifetime shows up down range, my you might even not get buck fever.
When you've done that pick a 308 with one of the sako factory ammo offerings, there's no bs on the box it does what it says it does. For me it's the 9.7 gram powerblade copper bullet (150 grains).
It's not perfect or ultimate but the round will work on deer from 5 to 500 yards well enough, though my eyes say that's too far for me as I'm better suited to range under 300 or better yet under 200.

 

[HRM Johnny]

have been torn between a 7mm mag, 270 win or a 300 RUM.

if you are going to be highly dependent on factory ammo, go to your local gun store and see what has the most offerings off the shelves.

7mm rem mag and 270,win aren't that far apart (imho) but 300 rum is quite a bit more. How did you come to those 3?
I think Feenix's answer is the best; assuming you are strictly factory ammo, and not going to order ammo to be shipped to you.

 

[cjholler]

7 PRC

 

[bearhtr2]

Just thoughts based on experience from people that use those three calibers. If they had to just pick one, which would it be? I reload so bullet selection and powder i have covered for most anything. My nephew and son in laws all are all planning on a hunt out west soon and I will be joining them for one last adventure.

 

[HRM Johnny]

Thank you for clarifying. One cartridge that I have not seen mentioned is 7 mm shooting times western. There are people who are seriously devoted to that cartridge. There are some on this forum. I believe seven shooting times Western has it's own section on this forum. Just a thought.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Shot placement for the win!