Need some help choosing hunting rifle caliber

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mxracer_84

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Hey,

So like the title says I need a little help choosing a hunting rifle. I want to use the rifle to hunt game up to deer size but would also like to target shoot a bit with it also. I'm thinking of going with a Savage axis in .223, .243 or .25-06. I'm leaning towards the .223 because it's nice having cheap and plentiful ammo around, especially with the bulk Norinco stuff available but might be a little on the light side for deer in the fall. The .243 would be my first choice for deer and from what I've researched it seems to be a really good round and is easy to find where I live. Now comes the .25-06, I can get one from a buddy slightly used for a good price and I've read that it slightly out performs the .243, especially if you are reloading. The problem is that the ammo isn't available locally so I'd have to drive over 100km to pick some up or always have to reload. Given these circumstances what would you guys pick? Or should I explore other options? I should mention I don't reload now but plan on starting this summer so that would make some things easier.

Thanks
 
That's exactly the reasons I want it, and I hear nothing but good things about it all the time. Just the cheap .223 ammo is tempting me...

mlehtovaara said:
243 hands down.

Short action, flat shooting, versatile enough for both coyotes, and deer, and ammo is readily avaiable.

Not really much of a choice if you ask me. ;)
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Is 223 even legal for deer in your area? If so I didn't know it was legal in some places in Canada...

To answer your question, why not a .308 if you don't reload, or a 7mm08 if you do reload (or don't fire many shots in a season)?
 
Seeing as how you are in Manitoba and your deer can be fairy large and normal shots a bit long (not likely woods hunting) I would look for a .270. The ballistics are fantastic, lots of rifle choices, ammunition is every where, and when you begin to reload it gets even better. I love the .223 round and have no doubt that it can kill deer however it is not a good choice for most deer hunting situations or hunters. The .270 can certainly handle long shots on coyotes and you learn to judge range for deer hunting at the same time.

Then when you can afford to, pick up a .223 for varmits and target shooting.

I'm sure that you will get lots of opinions to help with your decision. Be safe and enjoy what ever you choose.
 
There's definitely lot's to consider but I appreciate all the opinions and help. Now I just have to make up my mind and go shooting!
 
Ill be different and say 30-06. The biggest selection of ammo around. If you load you can load light(110gr) for coyotes or what have you or load heavy (220gr) for the big stuff.
 
These choices, 7mm if you want less recoil,both will work on everything you want to hunt in Manitoba!

vpsalin said:
Is 223 even legal for deer in your area? If so I didn't know it was legal in some places in Canada...

To answer your question, why not a .308 if you don't reload, or a 7mm08 if you do reload (or don't fire many shots in a season)?
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Unless you will be using the rifle on gophers all summer go straight for the 270 winchester.
It shoots nearly as flat as a 25-06 ,hits harder and ammo is available everywhere.
If .223 is legal, aim very carefully.
 
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Of the three calibers on your list the 25-06 is,and please note that this is an opinion only,in my books the best option.Especially so if you plan on loading your own rounds.
 
You live in Manitoba which means that eventually you'll want to stuff a donkey in your deep freeze. The 243 and 25-06 will do it, but there are better choices. 7mm-08 and 308 come to mind. Or buy the 243 then play the "Jeez honey, I didn't plan on moose hunting but this rifle is just too small. I need something bigger." card.
 
sounds like you need 2 setup's....one 223 for fun and the light stuff and a 308, 30-06, 7mm, 270, so forth and so on for the fall stuff.

i wouldn't worry too much about finding an "all-in-one" rifle...the rest will come. its kinda like a women and shoes thing.
 
BigUglyMan said:
You live in Manitoba which means that eventually you'll want to stuff a donkey in your deep freeze. The 243 and 25-06 will do it, but there are better choices. 7mm-08 and 308 come to mind. Or buy the 243 then play the "Jeez honey, I didn't plan on moose hunting but this rifle is just too small. I need something bigger." card.
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that's a cool way of thinking there big guy! I like it!:p
 
With factory ammunition, of the 3 cartridges you listed and the game you intend to hunt, I would go with the .223. Ammo is cheap which means you'll pratice much more and pratice will allow you to place a .223 bullet in the right spot to humanely kill any Monitoba deer you'll ever encounter when you use the Nosler Partiton, Barnes X bullets or even the heavier "cup and core" bullets. The .223 barrel has a life expectancy of aprox. 7000rds whereas the .243 and .25-06 will be done by 1500-3000rds. The .25-06 has a very limited choice of available factory ammo.

If later on you decide to hunt moose and bear, then a larger cartridge (260, 7mm-08, 308) would be recommended...but saying it is neccessary is a matter of opinion!

If you plan on getting into reloading then I suggest you move straight up to the 308 Winchester cartridge. You can load it with everthing from 100gr plinkers all the way up past the 200gr. bullets and it will handle anything and everything roaming North America. Barrel life is in the 7000rds area as well.
 
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