Here We Go Again! I need to build a Mule Deer Rifle

[Teri Anne]

I know this subject is worn out but things are constantly changing and I want to hear from knowledgable shooters.
Last year I took a Mule Deer buck with a 6 Creed at a little over 350 yds because .270 got damaged. Deer dropped in its tracks with a shot through the shoulders. Guides kinda didn't like the idea but my other option was to shoot an unfamiliar, borrowed rifle, but that is another story.
I have an empty short action (bolt head isn't an issue) and was thinking about putting something together to shoot out to about 400. I was thinking about 7-08 but maybe I'm missing other options. I have also thought about 270 WSSM, but never shot one and recoil.....
Maybe experienced people can chime in with thoughts on something else or both. Recoil is a consideration, I hand load for several current and former wildcats but for this one, I can/will hand load but off shelf or internet ammo would be good.
Bullet selection, barrel twist etc suggestions welcome, short barrel is a plus, I do not want a 6.5 Creedmore!
Oh yea, going to same place this year!

Give some thought to the 6.8 Western. Since you already have a 270 this would be your 270 on steroids

 

[Kimber7man]

A wise fellow once told me "bullets matter more than headstamp".
Maybe figure out what bullet you're going to use and then build or buy a rifle around that bullet at your desired velocity.

The Hornady factory 108 ELDM ammo and the Berger factory 105 hybrid ammo sure works well in my 6 creed.

 

[andrewpurcell222@yahoo]

A lot of good recommendations here, but here is another. Ran the numbers and saw a lot of game go down many times….tough to beat these two for deer sized game.

6.5 Sherman or saum with 140 EH berger
257 Sherman Short with 133 EH Berger

 

[Jc07rhino]

If recoil is a consideration I would build a 308 with a muzzle break. Some many options if you handload. The 6 cm is a fine muley round. If I was guiding you I wouldn't have a problem with you showing up with that round ad long as you are accurate with it. I prefer an accurate hunter over someone with a 30-378 wby who is afraid of their rifle.

 

[Stonyman88]

I know this subject is worn out but things are constantly changing and I want to hear from knowledgable shooters.
Last year I took a Mule Deer buck with a 6 Creed at a little over 350 yds because .270 got damaged. Deer dropped in its tracks with a shot through the shoulders. Guides kinda didn't like the idea but my other option was to shoot an unfamiliar, borrowed rifle, but that is another story.
I have an empty short action (bolt head isn't an issue) and was thinking about putting something together to shoot out to about 400. I was thinking about 7-08 but maybe I'm missing other options. I have also thought about 270 WSSM, but never shot one and recoil.....
Maybe experienced people can chime in with thoughts on something else or both. Recoil is a consideration, I hand load for several current and former wildcats but for this one, I can/will hand load but off shelf or internet ammo would be good.
Bullet selection, barrel twist etc suggestions welcome, short barrel is a plus, I do not want a 6.5 Creedmore!
Oh yea, going to same place this year!

I love my 7x08 on a G .33/40 action, a custom made carbine, shoots out to 600 yd like it had eyes, the 7x08 is very very good in my opinion, taken mulies , white tail, antelope, they drop always, and I shoot the 139gr Hornady, it's a real nail driver and light recoil. Also have many other rifles but the 08 is always with me too.

 

[Gobbler256]

I know this subject is worn out but things are constantly changing and I want to hear from knowledgable shooters.
Last year I took a Mule Deer buck with a 6 Creed at a little over 350 yds because .270 got damaged. Deer dropped in its tracks with a shot through the shoulders. Guides kinda didn't like the idea but my other option was to shoot an unfamiliar, borrowed rifle, but that is another story.
I have an empty short action (bolt head isn't an issue) and was thinking about putting something together to shoot out to about 400. I was thinking about 7-08 but maybe I'm missing other options. I have also thought about 270 WSSM, but never shot one and recoil.....
Maybe experienced people can chime in with thoughts on something else or both. Recoil is a consideration, I hand load for several current and former wildcats but for this one, I can/will hand load but off shelf or internet ammo would be good.
Bullet selection, barrel twist etc suggestions welcome, short barrel is a plus, I do not want a 6.5 Creedmore!
Oh yea, going to same place this year!

I'm hard over on either 1. 308-168gr or 2. 270Win with 130gr!
I just returned from Africa and my wife and I took 10 animals from 2000lb Eland, Kudu, sable, Zebra to Wart hogs with those two calibers. Both put them all down effectively!
My favorite Elk killing machine is a 270 win, 140gr accubonds!

 

[mmgravy]

A wise fellow once told me "bullets matter more than headstamp".
Maybe figure out what bullet you're going to use and then build or buy a rifle around that bullet at your desired velocity.

The Hornady factory 108 ELDM ammo and the Berger factory 105 hybrid ammo sure works well in my 6 creed.

Kimber7man hit it right on the head.......

When hunting in the western states for deer or antelope, fast twist .22-250's or .220 Swifts were my first choice for decades due to shoulder issues and tolerating recoil. However, the 6 Creed has taken center stage since it was introduced with zero complaints. I never was a big 6mm fan, but the 6 Creed changed that thanks to twist and bullets that are available.

 

[Gobbler256]

I'm hard over on either 1. 308-168gr or 2. 270Win with 130gr!
I just returned from Africa and my wife and I took 10 animals from 2000lb Eland, Kudu, sable, Zebra to Wart hogs with those two calibers. Both put them all down effectively!
My favorite Elk killing machine is a 270 win, 140gr accubonds! Use what you "can shoot well"

 

[Gobbler256]

Accuracy and your ability to shoot is more important than caliber! Use what you can soot well!

 

[HNDLDR]

Love me a 7mm-08. Go for it.

 

[epc001]

.27/7mm is optimal here for sure.

PS off topic, but yes I have OFT longed for a good ol .270 Winchester. 7-08 will do fine thank you!

 

[2 the Plug]

I gotta know… what happened to the 270? And what rifle were they gonna let you "borrow?" And were you in the US?

(Feels like that episode where Jim Shockey goes to hunt in Mexico… even he had to slink out of there.)

 

[tydaws]

7/08 is solid as they come. Based on the criteria, I'm sort of surprised the 6.5CM hasn't come up. I know...everyone loves to hate it. As others have mentioned, the 6CM will definitely do the job and do it well!

 

[ARlife4me]

Under 400 just go 300bo with 110-125gr. Other than that there's no need for any magnum. If you reload then possibilities are wider. Are you a metric or imperial person? 260rem is easy!