Mule deer caliber

[meatyrem]

Take both, be ready with both. I always think a backup is worth it.

 

[tknuts103]

Either are perfect for mule deer. I would go 6.8W but am a 270 fan. That being said use which rifle you like

Why change for a 25/06 to sometime that you are not use to. It's an easy 500yd rifle. 270 in a little bigger bullet and they are great rifles for deer and do the same thing. I would be surprise if you couldn't close the distant down to under 500yds any day of the week. Except across a canyon. I have found it the mule isn't push to hard they will stop and look back at you. Trying to lay down and shoot in brush country good luck. Learn to sit and shoot. You can lighten on gear. Range finder is good. I when for years without a range finder using either 2 x7 or 2x8 duplex and learn what a deer looks like the scope at the higher powers. I could instance determine the distance to the deer. I did it from a few yards to 500yds. Almost all one shot kills. Hit in the heart yes they can move out a 100yds or so. I learned to sit down and do most of my hunting with a pair of binoculars. It did the walking for me.

When I posted the question, I felt the same way. I felt super comfortable with my 25-06 but now I shoot my 6.8 western way more than my 25-06 so I would definitely say I'm used to it and very accurate with it. The main reason I want to try my newer rifle is just to test it out. In my opinion, it is a better rifle (hells canyon) shooting a better bullet (Sierra) and more trustworthy turret system for dialing (Nightforce). I still might change my mind but I'm a little worried about the SST on a big mule deer. If it was a partition, I would feel much better. I like your thinking though. Just curious, what is your preferred method of making a good shot while sitting? Shooting sticks and backpack in your lap to support the back of the rifle? Bipod? I'm open to suggestions.

 

[chav0_12]

Just curious, what is your preferred method of making a good shot while sitting? Shooting sticks and backpack in your lap to support the back of the rifle? Bipod? I'm open to suggestions.

That would probably work. Trekking poles looped together, or a tripod would be ideal. That gives you more of an option to get higher too. I know when I'm hunting that country I'm usually carrying a tripod to glass from anyway. I'm going to be adding some ARCA rails to a couple of rifles this year and give it a try. I've always just stood my pack up, it kinda works, it's but not stable enough.

 

[Greyfox]

That would probably work. Trekking poles looped together, or a tripod would be ideal. That gives you more of an option to get higher too. I know when I'm hunting that country I'm usually carrying a tripod to glass from anyway. I'm going to be adding some ARCA rails to a couple of rifles this year and give it a try. I've always just stood my pack up, it kinda works, it's but not stable enough.

I think an ARCA rail on the rifle with a good tripod(ball head) is the most stable shooting set-up. The only issue is the added weight, bulk, and set-up time. I have found the next best(and faster) set-up for sitting, LR shots is keeping a set of quick-change leg extensions for my Evolution Bipod. The are light, compact, and easily fit(16"collapsed) in my day pack which doubles as a rear support lap bag.

 

[tknuts103]

That would probably work. Trekking poles looped together, or a tripod would be ideal. That gives you more of an option to get higher too. I know when I'm hunting that country I'm usually carrying a tripod to glass from anyway. I'm going to be adding some ARCA rails to a couple of rifles this year and give it a try. I've always just stood my pack up, it kinda works, it's but not stable enough.

Yeah, I'm exploring my options now. I just have the Primos trigger stick tripod that deploys fast and ranges from 18 to 36 inches.

 

[Mike Matteson]

When I posted the question, I felt the same way. I felt super comfortable with my 25-06 but now I shoot my 6.8 western way more than my 25-06 so I would definitely say I'm used to it and very accurate with it. The main reason I want to try my newer rifle is just to test it out. In my opinion, it is a better rifle (hells canyon) shooting a better bullet (Sierra) and more trustworthy turret system for dialing (Nightforce). I still might change my mind but I'm a little worried about the SST on a big mule deer. If it was a partition, I would feel much better. I like your thinking though. Just curious, what is your preferred method of making a good shot while sitting? Shooting sticks and backpack in your lap to support the back of the rifle? Bipod? I'm open to suggestions.

I use a partition starting out in my 25/06. I bloodshot entire one side of the deer. Changed to 120gr ballistic tips and never looked back. The sad thing is they don't make them any longer. I understand now in wanting to use that new rifle. Good luck and shot straight.

 

[tknuts103]

I use a partition starting out in my 25/06. I bloodshot entire one side of the deer. Changed to 120gr ballistic tips and never looked back. The sad thing is they don't make them any longer. I understand now in wanting to use that new rifle. Good luck and shot straight.

Good to know!

 

[Lou270]

I use bog pod bi-pod shooting sticks for hunting. Son and myself have shot lots of critters over last several years with these. It helps if you can rest your back against something. I have found the bog pod type sticks steadier than the collapsing tent pole style. For prone, either back pack or short bi-pod

Lou

 

[tknuts103]

I use bog pod bi-pod shooting sticks for hunting. Son and myself have shot lots of critters over last several years with these. It helps if you can rest your back against something. I have found the bog pod type sticks steadier than the collapsing tent pole style. For prone, either back pack or short bi-pod

Lou

It sounds like it will mostly be blind hunting so I am bringing my trigger sticks just incase and then maybe a bog carbon death grip

 

[timo308]

I use a partition starting out in my 25/06. I bloodshot entire one side of the deer. Changed to 120gr ballistic tips and never looked back. The sad thing is they don't make them any longer. I understand now in wanting to use that new rifle. Good luck and shot straight.

I've had great luck using 117 gr Hornady Spire Points when I can't find the Ballistic tips in a 25-06 AI

 

[Lou270]

I just bought standing primos trigger stick as have a nilgai hunt coming up and that is what guide said is most likely shot. Started practicing with it however I took it to blind for pig hunt and found it was too tall in lowest position for the blind chairs i have. Might not be an issue depending on version you have but since mentioned it thought I would pass along my fail

 

[tknuts103]

I just bought standing primos trigger stick as have a nilgai hunt coming up and that is what guide said is most likely shot. Started practicing with it however I took it to blind for pig hunt and found it was too tall in lowest position for the blind chairs i have. Might not be an issue depending on version you have but since mentioned it thought I would pass along my fail

Dang. I have the 24-62 inch.

 

[Mike Matteson]

I used the Primos 3 legged stick in Africa in two different hunting trips. Works great. Just a lot to carry. It was mostly hunting from a blind either ground or in the air. They adjust quickly for height.

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

25-06 is so classic…