What cartridge?

[rharfo]

308 with 110 grn Hornady CX, they are intended for the 300 blackout but my 308 with 20" barrel likes them. If there are any downsides it's advantageous to not shoot critturs too close to you, probably under 75 yards as they can be explosive, the other downside is that my choice of loads means 350 yards is the point at which the energy of the bullet hits 1000 ft.lbs, slightly under at 400 yards, according to my ballistic calculator. Doesn't affect me though as my max range is 100 yards less than yours.
Barnes website has data for 110 grn 308 ttsx which you can use to start your load development, BC of the CX betters the ttsx as it has a boat tail. My 308 liked the minimum load of RL7 but the bullet has an MV of around 3000 fps. It may perform equally as well at higher velocity but for me I like it as is, less than 40 grns of powder.
My gun (Browning BLR 81) is around 7.5 pounds all up and recoil isn't an issue for this 80 year old with a rotator cuff injury on my recoil shoulder which baulks at Win 94 30/30 recoil with 170 grn factory loads
Accuracy is adequate for me.
I acquired them for the little 40 pound muntjac deer we have over here in the UK, Hornady suggests they may be adequate for up to 300 pounds, personally I'd use 130 grn tsx for larger deer like that as they carry much more energy out to 300 yards.

Very cool and I have a shoulder issue too. Thanks

 

[rharfo]

What's your terrain like? I absolutely love my Ruger American 350 legend and ACSS scope with the 7.62x39 reticle. My longest shot has been 250yd but the tree matches to 400. Most of my hunting is brush within 100yd but there are longer shots across the fields too. Every deer I've hit is DRT or drops **** close to it.

My other off recommendation is the 358 winchester. I'm going to experiment with that round more this summer.

Besides those two I've had a 16inc 308 and if we could hunt with it in Iowa I totally would.

I hunt WV /PA. I have a new Browning in 358.

 

[del2les]

Wanting a 16.1 inch light bolt deer rifle. What is the most efficient caliber? 6 ARC? 8.6 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel or the ol standard 308.
Under 400 yards.
I hand load. Looking for easy carry light recoil.

Personally, I like the 308Win for its versatility in reduced loads, low recoil hunting loads or full power when desired. The 120-130gr weight bullets have served me well for low recoil deer sized game loads, and the 125 NAB, 120TAC-X and the 130TTSX perform most of that work now. I've loaded the 308Win with everything from subsonic to 30-30 level to 1,000yd with everything in between. Easy to make shoot well even in a short, light carbine.

 

[buzby]

358 is cool, but not what I would consider "light recoil". About double what 243 is. Would probably work great with a 16 barrel though!

 

[Blackdog317]

The 6.5 Grendel is a pleasure to shoot. I have been very happy with mine. Whitetail Deer and hogs (up to 225 lbs) with the 123 SST have all been quick kills.

It's 7 lbs all up and recoil is very light.... especially suppressed. 16" barrel is getting around 2400 fps.

 

[Jim’s Hunt]

Ok here we go are you a reloader or factory ammo shooter? If you buy ammo I would look at availability. I'm not a nay sayer on the Creedmoor I love all cartridges but if I have to throw one out it would be the 308. I've killed elk here in Colorado with a 243,25-06,270 win,270wsm 7 rum,308,30-06,338 wm and a 300 Lapua mag. Now look at a 25 Creedmoor with 120-135 grain bullets. For deer I think it would be a wonderful low recoil cartridge. That's my two Pennie's worth

 

[Pauleye]

If you want to keep it simple, a .308 is easy to find and easy to reload or factory ammo.

 

[Bigwilly556]

I wouldn't recommend 308 if you want "light" recoiling but it's my favorite and really versatile. I have two light weight rigs for different purposes. I'd go with non barrel burner 6mm depending on how much you shoot. I desperately want a 6 Arc for a backup/kids gun.

308 16.5" #8 178 eldm @ 2520

350 legend 16.5" #8.4 165 @ 2440

 

[Lapua904]

Nice looking rig!!!

 

[Fish4Food]

6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, or 308.

All work well in a short barrel. Have the first 2 in 10.5 and 12.5, and a had a 18" 308.

 

[vern.284]

6.8 spc
7-08
404 jeffery in that order

 

[PatriotHenry]

Wanting a 16.1 inch light bolt deer rifle. What is the most efficient caliber? 6 ARC? 8.6 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel or the ol standard 308.
Under 400 yards.
I hand load. Looking for easy carry light recoil.

6.5 needmoor in a Sig Cross

 

[huntinghuasna]

Many great suggestions but one must consider the 6.5 Creedmoor!

 

[Hugnot]

6.5 Creedmoor - when shooting some big or not so big beast the recoil is no big deal. The 6.5 CM is well established round that fits well in short actions & uses a great variety of bullets, powders & easy to get small rifle primers/brass. Lighter weight 6.5 bullets fly better than comparable weight .30 caliber bullets. Many powders contain suppressor agents to reduce muzzle flash. some help for a 16.25 or 16.5 barrel, loads that would fly at 2900 fps from a 24 inch barrel would be reduced to 2700 fps. Adding 4 inches of barrel might be considered.