Smallest caliber for Montana Mule Deer Rifle

[nksmfamjp]

In rethinking my MT mule deer rifle. No elk, just deer. Out to 600ish.

What is the smallest caliber you would build for this purpose?

 

[FEENIX]

In rethinking my MT mule deer rifle. No elk, just deer. Out to 600ish.

What is the smallest caliber you would build for this purpose?

IIRC, it’s .22 cal centerfire, per hunting reg.

 

[dogz]

Personnaly I've been using the 22/250 and Swift with 55's-63's cup n cores for 45 years in Montana. That's my main rifle and the way I'd go again. That or the 22 CM.

Any of those 3 will do you fine, long as you do your part!

 

[Sockeye66]

Definitely a personal question for each to answer, for me it would be the 6mm's on the lightest side, that's not to say a .22 caliber bullet wouldn't kill a deer cleanly at 600 yards, it certainly would/can. A fast 6mm (240 Weatherby, 6mm/284) would be in my comfort zone. Just my opinion.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

I have a whitetail B tag this year. I’m trying to decide on the 375 H&H with a 235 grn Barnes TSX. Or…the AR15 with a 77 grn TMK. Decisions, Decisions.

If I had a 6 CM or a 6 ARC, I would try those.

So many cartridges, not enough time…or tags.

 

[sable tireur]

Personnaly I've been using the 22/250 and Swift with 55's-63's cup n cores for 45 years in Montana.

And you're using this combination out to 600 yards?

 

[sp6x6]

I mountain hunt and have to sometimes shoot into alder patches where they bed. I prepher more, taken most with my 325wsm and 338NM.But I stomp around a lot in heavy grizzly area.Have been carry my 6.5 prc with 147 elm,but would like a tougher bullet if I have face down a grizzly.My cinnamon bear only went few steps with that combo this spring

 

[MagnumManiac]

I like my 260AI, 6.5x47 or 7-08 for deer the size of your Mule deer.
I will add any of my 25’s in the mix, but they are a niche calibre and kill far better than they look on paper. I wouldn’t go smaller than 25. I have killed deer with 22’s in the past…didn’t find the tracking any fun.

Cheers.

 

[del2les]

I have a couple of fast twist 22/250 and 22/250-AI running 75-88's, and while I have not used them to that range on deer, I would have no issue pushing them to 600 on deer sized game. Otherwise, most of my 243's, 6mm's and 6mmAI have done that job. The 6mmR-AI has taken deer past the 800yd mark. Next on the list would be my 25-06's.

 

[Rodbolt]

I have few 22-250ai’s that are fast and shoot great. They won’t reliably stop a coyote at 400 yards or more. Wouldn’t even consider them for game animals although antelope would properly expire with .17….

 

[HandgunHTR]

A 22 ARC or 22 Creedmoor would get you what you are looking for. 77-88 grain bullets.

 

[Allen Kitts]

I've taken several bucks with the 22-250 with no issues but it would not be my rifle of choice if I was shooting one at 600 yards. My recommendation would be a 6.5 caliber like the 6.5 x 284 or 6.5 PRC shooting 130-140 grain bullets. I have had 100% success with both calibers on animals in the 500-600 yard range. If I think it could go over 600 I move up to a 7mm LRM with 180 grain pills. This set-up has been very effective for me out to 850 yards.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Minimum caliber I would build for mule deer to 600 would be a medium cased fast twist 6mm. Able to push a 105+ @ 2900+.

Something like:
6x47L
6CM
6XC
.243 Win
6GT

Depending on conditions, these should leave you with 1800fps+ and 1000ft/lbs @ 600. Some people say energy is a myth and not a requirement for on-game performance. I just know sticking with those two criteria as a minimum for deer-sized game, I have recovered everything.

 

[HSmithTX]

6mm for me too, 243 or 6x47 would be my choice, easy and relatively inexpensive to get good brass.