I've shot deer with lots of different cartridges. I used the 30.06 a lot and it worked fine. I got a 6.5 Creedmoor a few years ago and I have been using that. It works fine. The Creedmoor is in a lighter rifle, has less recoil, and kills deer as good as anything else I've used.
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What is everyone favorite caliber for deer?
- Thread starter Okie Whitetail Hunter
- Start date
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It has long been the 260Rem at home, the .257Wby out west and the 300Wby back east. I have probably killed more deer with the .243 than the other 3 combined. Go figure.
I've shot deer with the 25:06; the 243AI; the 25:06 and 25:06AI; the 7:08; but I'd have to say that for the last couple years, the 260 (soon to become a 260AI) has been my go to choice.
Lefty7mmstw
Well-Known Member
something with a belt and a decent size hole in the barrel... I was a 300win shooter on critters until I built my current 7stw... This rifle (7stw) seems to crack skulls pretty well.
Interesting to see so many varied replies. Whitetail, in my opinion, are pretty easy to kill.
I think a 243 is sufficient for shorter ranges, and recoil sensitive shooters. I used a 243 with 87gr VMAX to anchor about 15 deer, at rages up to 350 yards. None of them took more than a couple steps.
Otherwise, I think the 6.5 craze has happened for a reason. Beyond impressive ballistic coefficients, 6.5 bullets tend to have very high sectional density as well.
For me - 6.5 Creed (120-140gr), followed by 25-06 (110 gr), and 7-08 (120-140gr)
There's no reason IMO to use a magnum or big bore cartridge on whitetail. They're just not that hard to kill. Now if you want to practice for larger game or just like a big boomer, more power to you.
Same goes for bullet selection. A premium bullet like a Barnes or Accubond, partition, federal bonded, A frame, grand slam, etc. isn't necessary for thin skinned deer. A classic cup in core bullet, hell even some varmint and target bullets perform well.
I think a 243 is sufficient for shorter ranges, and recoil sensitive shooters. I used a 243 with 87gr VMAX to anchor about 15 deer, at rages up to 350 yards. None of them took more than a couple steps.
Otherwise, I think the 6.5 craze has happened for a reason. Beyond impressive ballistic coefficients, 6.5 bullets tend to have very high sectional density as well.
For me - 6.5 Creed (120-140gr), followed by 25-06 (110 gr), and 7-08 (120-140gr)
There's no reason IMO to use a magnum or big bore cartridge on whitetail. They're just not that hard to kill. Now if you want to practice for larger game or just like a big boomer, more power to you.
Same goes for bullet selection. A premium bullet like a Barnes or Accubond, partition, federal bonded, A frame, grand slam, etc. isn't necessary for thin skinned deer. A classic cup in core bullet, hell even some varmint and target bullets perform well.
FatOldMIHunter
Well-Known Member
.308 Win, 6.5 Swede, and 7mm RM in that order.
I have been using 1 of 2 rifles in 270 WIN, I have killed a lot of mule deer with them. 1st was a M700 bdl, 2nd is a T3 lite SS, it is my go to rifle. I have used the 280 Rem and love it too. Years ago I bought a 25-06 and dad latched onto it saying to my mom, "Ruth write him a check." LOL. He has killed a lot of mule deer with that rifle too.
Bottom line I would be very comfortable with any one of these 3 for mule deer. All are proven cartridges.
My current build is a 260 Rem AI, 26" bbl, Sendaro taper and fluted on a custom action. This will be my pocking toe into the 6.5mm waters.
Bottom line I would be very comfortable with any one of these 3 for mule deer. All are proven cartridges.
My current build is a 260 Rem AI, 26" bbl, Sendaro taper and fluted on a custom action. This will be my pocking toe into the 6.5mm waters.
Oh yea, I forgot the two taken with the 250 Savage - a truly under rated caliber for white tails. Or for anything for that matter. That's why I AI'ed one.
newrycurt
Member
.270WSM for the smaller sized deer and .325WSM for the larger deer.
Roger_Roger
Active Member
This year will be 25-06 because I owe it one. Last year had to use the wife's 1/9 twist 223 Vanguard even though I used a 55 gr. this yr it will be loaded with 75 gr SP. I dont really have a favorite, depends on the distance I think I will be shooting and how far I have to walk.
