Caliber and best factory rifle for Whitetail deer - NC

[FEENIX]

I also do not want a muzzle break, bad on the ears when hunting.

With or without muzzle brake, noise generated from a hunting gun is bad for your ears and requires proper hearing protection.

So recoil might come in to play for caliber selection, or maybe a heavier rifle.

A muzzle brake is not for everybody. An effective muzzle brake serves two purposes; a reduction in felt recoil and a reduction in muzzle rise (being able to spot your target on impact is priceless). The latter is often overlooked.

 

[xsn10s]

It sounds like you have a 7mm rem mag already. Not knowing what scope you have, and since you don't dial, I'd probably look into a scope with a good reticle for holdovers. Unless you already have one. There's been a ton of good cartridges already suggested so one that you like will work. I'll have to go with FEENIX on hearing protection. The Army and working at an academy has damaged my hearing. I'd suggest investing in a good set of electronic hearing protection muffs or plugs. Once the ringing in your ears starts it won't get better. It only grows louder. When people say you won't notice the report of a rifle during the hunt or whatever that maybe true. But you'll still have damage, especially with a centerfire firearm.

 

[Wolf76]

Take a hard look at the 25 cals. The 257 bee or 25'06 is the right answer for deer.
The recoil is completely easy on the shoulder. Kills stuff surprisingly quick.

 

[SamuelBerryhill308]

I've hunted NC all my life and hunted some in SC as well and to me 308 win or 270 win are hard to beat I've hunted with a 308 win for nine years now and i really like that caliber for deer hunting

 

[ButterBean]

Take a hard look at the 25 cals. The 257 bee or 25'06 is the right answer for deer.
The recoil is completely easy on the shoulder. Kills stuff surprisingly quick.

I agree 100% on the 25-06 if he was interested in a long action

 

[xsn10s]

Yeah 25-06 is an option. I've always been intrigued with the 257 Roberts or 257 Roberts AI.

 

[twister]

I do love the 7Rem mag but for just a deer rifle from a box blind the 25-06 is probably a better choice. If you have other future uses the 7mag is very handy and I find it no problem to shoot.

 

[arb5087]

Just to throw in some input in. Don't overlook the tikka t3x lite in the veil camo super lite and also offer 6.5 creed and prc. They are accurate guns with good triggers and smooth bolts.

 

[dabouv]

I would look hard at the 7mm-08 or 260 I just cant make myself say creedmoor even though it would be good also

Both are terrific rounds and the difference in ballistics is not much. I have 6.5 cm and purchased my son a 7mm08. He is 7 and shoots the reduced recoil rounds with no issue and can shoot 2 in groups. The 7mm08 is my choice but not by a lot. It will be better for elk aw he becomes older 6.5 CM or isn't a magic bullet as some feel nor is it trash. It's a great whitetail round and I would use it for a cow hunt any day.

 

[Janno05]

I think for what you are asking the rifle to do, pick a .308 in whatever action you prefer. I have had good luck with a Tikka super light, but the bergara or honestly anything else would be fine.

 

[tomsd]

For the $ - lots of good factory rifles out there today - none better IMO than a Tikka - latest T3X - a few improvements over the T3.

And the 6.5 is about as mild kicking as you can get for good punch/accuracy out to say 500 yards.

 

[tomsd]

Of course - a .308 offers more bullet weight options - can even use 180 grain on Elk.

 

[Rem7mm08]

7mm08

 

[Rem7mm08]

You do you on the rifle manufacturer but I'd go with a 7 mm08 for that style of hunting . If I'd bought a 7 mm08 a long time ago I wouldn't have have the chamberings that I do now !

This.