Mule deer caliber

[Peregrine82]

Either will work just fine. The 6.8 will carry energy out a bit further but for 500 yards and closer, the 25-06 shoots flat. I can honestly say that most of my mule deer shots have occurred at 200 yards or less with a few that were farther.

 

[morgaj1]

I think you will be fine with either. Pick the one you are most comfortable with.

 

[jjmp]

Both calibers,are great flip a coin,your guide says 100 yards Zero for 200 yards ,have a great hunt ,and don't shoot the first one you see unless it's a Monster . Cheers & keep us posted !!!.

 

[Bret GRAVELINE Graveline]

Let the rifle tell you, fire five shoots offhand at a pie plate set at 100 yards, pick the one that groups the best.

 

[BH107]

If the guide is telling you the shot will be that close then it won't matter, I have friends that make those shots with a bow. If there is any chance you'll have long shots I would definitely go with the 6.8

 

[sp6x6]

Shot my muley at 474,in 40+ wind up hill,off my bipod. 338 NM.Shot a lot of them 5-600 yrd.

 

[Reelamin]

It's a deer either one will work.

 

[Pmacc60]

I shot every mule deer with my 270 Winchester using a 150 gr Sierra game king at 2950 FPS . All one shot kills all pass through ,ranges from 150 to 400 yards. Both guns are good choices , pick one and go !

 

[gearguywb]

They are both just fine. Pick one, spend some quality time at the range, then go enjoy the hunt!

 

[Greyfox]

Given the closer ranges you will be bunting, I'd go with the rifle that you have the greatest confidence , and gets you on target the fastest. At 100 yards, there is a good chance that a smart, old Mulie(or another nearby deer) may be aware of your presence With the right bullet that will penetrate from an angle, either set-up will be effective on mule deer for more then twice the distance your quide has advised, and I would be prepared for that possibility. My personal preference would be the 6.8. Most all my mule deer taken with 6.5's and 270's from 100-700 yards.

 

[Zen Archery]

Both are perfectly fine. It would depend on weight and how much mountain hiking or if you are driving around hunting.

 

[pony doctor]

25 06

Anticipate your skills out to 3-400 yards. Either caliber will get the job done!

 

[orifdoc]

I killed my first mulie in 1983 with a 25-06. He's still dead.

 

[Veteran]

Id use the 6.8 with 175 gr bullets.
Id feel better about that vs. the 117 gr in the 25 06.

I have taken a mule deer w .243 but it took 3 shots. I was under gunned w 80 gr. bullets and too young to know it back then.