Which caliber for mule deer

[Bang Bang Chicken]

It's good advice, actually.

I'd certainly entertain a 6.5x284 or a 300 RUM. A once in a lifetime hunt deserves the right equipment.

 

[stljc2]

308 Win for primary weapon...300 R Saum for backup is what I'd use.

 

[Doginab]

Here's my question. I have had a last minute change to go on a once in a lifetime mule deer hunt in Alberta. And I don't feel like any of my rifles are completely dialed in. Calibers to choose from 300 rsaum. 308 7mm Rem mag. 308 is closest to being done. Just need to confirm data. 300 is good for 400 yds. 7mm is in the load development stage. Current load is 3/4to 1 moa I have 2 days to get one ready. What would you do

I live and hunt in Alberta...bring a 300 in some 180 gr. Configuration. I use 180 TSX. Long shot are more than likely gonna be the rule. Depending on where you hunt, bears could be encountered. I'm going to ignore the flac from smaller "properly placed" dicks and answer your question. Bring your 300 RSAUM. Sight in for a 300 yd. zero. You'll be covered for in your lap to "out there" Good Luck.

 

[CVCOBRA1]

Wanna wound a deer and be disappointed? Shoot it with a 6.5 creedmoor.


If you're taking 600 to 800 yard shots, I'd try to get closer. Why is everyone so misled by the 6.5 creedmoor? Unbelievable.

On this with the 600-800 yard stipulation the CM is not a wise choice. The 6.5 bullet with a little more zip such as in a 264 WinMag would make a world of difference. The right 6.5 bullet is capable of any deer size animal at that range.

 

[Bang Bang Chicken]

Couldn't agree more doginab. My .338 lapua is zeroed at 200 yards and packs a punch at distance. I knocked off a Nebraska doe at 935 yards. They don't walk away from it when it hits.

 

[BoomFlop]

I think the answer is pretty easy.

You said your 308 Win/168 gr Berger's is dialed and verified to 500 yards.

It is simple, take that rifle and limit shots to 400-500 yards.

Good luck!

Steve

 

[Ronald W Schaefer]

Just take the .308 and be done with it. Plenty of Jack for a mule deer...and who says you have to shoot 600 yds???

 

[chilli42]

I am jealous. I was Prong Horn hunting in Alberta last year. The area we hunted was full of big Mulie bucks. Often they just sit by the river and hang out. I would be surprised if you need to shoot more than 250 yards to harvest a buck. Any of your rifles will work ... even factory ammo. Shoot whatever you are most comfortable with. Good luck.

 

[Snookkatcher]

Sounds to me like you have 3 'good to go' to 400 yds. I'd pack the .308 and the 7 Mag.; 3/4 to 1 MOA is plenty good enough with the 7, and that .308 isn't going to bounce off by any means. I tend to overthink the crap out of things to the point of being worried sick and not just pausing, and saying ' I'm good, bring on the adventure', and just enjoying the scenery and the experience.

 

[Canhunter35]

People mention wind blowing a 308 around but look at the numbers. At 500 yds, a 10 mph wind moves a 308 with 155s about 3" more than a 300wm with 210s. You'll be fine with any caliber if you can call wind even a little. Post pics! We all dream of hunting those slobs up there

Lol, more like 6" difference in 10mph, and anybody can make calls in 10mph right angle winds. There's a lot of 25mph days then your talking substantial more difference and then with terrain effects every inch can count sometimes

 

[maximini14 223]

Here's my question. I have had a last minute change to go on a once in a lifetime mule deer hunt in Alberta. And I don't feel like any of my rifles are completely dialed in. Calibers to choose from 300 rsaum. 308 7mm Rem mag. 308 is closest to being done. Just need to confirm data. 300 is good for 400 yds. 7mm is in the load development stage. Current load is 3/4to 1 moa I have 2 days to get one ready. What would you do

7mm mag. I get 1/2" groups with 162r eldx at 3100 fps...nuff said

 

[vancewalker007]

Dang never thought about the creed. I do have one of those in a 6 dialed in !!! The 308 is losded with 168 Bergers 2700 FPS under a .5 moa all day long verified at distance. Been shooting that rifle a lot for a couple of year. Recently changed from the 155s to the 168s haven't shot it much past 500 to check the dope. Only concern with this gun is the energy at 600. Looks like about 1100. Would not hesitate to use it on a whitetail That's what I put it together for. Wasn't sure if that's enough thump on a muley

Velocity is more important than energy. That bullet you're using should work great down to 1800-1700 fps and 1100 ftlbs is more than enough to kill any deer. We just killed an elk at 1090 yards with 1800fps and 1200 ftlbs from a 7mm. LRM using a 180 VLD. You'll do fine. Use the most accurate rifle you have.

 

[VTbluegrass]

On short notice without confirmed DOPE for them you just limit shot distance. Give me a package rifle from your local big box store and whatever "deer" ammo is on sale, sight-in 2.5' high at 100 and if it groups close to MOA I will feel just fine out to 300. If you are close on a load and have some data then maybe stretch it a little further.

Whatever you do please do not shoot at an animal at a distance you haven't confirmed on a target with any gun you pick. Enjoy the hunt and if you don't fill a tag its not the worst thing in the world.

 

[RYEWSKY25284]

Here's my question. I have had a last minute change to go on a once in a lifetime mule deer hunt in Alberta. And I don't feel like any of my rifles are completely dialed in. Calibers to choose from 300 rsaum. 308 7mm Rem mag. 308 is closest to being done. Just need to confirm data. 300 is good for 400 yds. 7mm is in the load development stage. Current load is 3/4to 1 moa I have 2 days to get one ready. What would you do

sounds like the 308 IMHO. I'd take the gun that's the most ready to shot, assuming you'll do your part.