Best deer caliber

My go-to for years was a .30-06 in a Remington 760. Now, I am much more inclined to pack one of my .243's or even a 7.62x39 in a CZ527. For me, it's is getting to be more about the hunting package than the caliber.
 
Ha ha -- fun discussion. I'm a huge fan of .243. The light recoil means you can practice all day without developing a flinch, and it is plenty capable of taking down a deer out to at least 200 yards. With the right bullet, of course (good expansion, good weight retention...). I love the versatility of 30-06, but I have a light gun to make it easier to carry, and it really kicks. So my pick would be a lightweight gun in .243 or similar (like 6.5 Creedmoor).
 
Lots of great recommendations here and caliber choice it will depending on your hunting conditions/terrain. I've had good success with a 6.5x55 SE at close range and when a longer shot is needed. The 45-70 Marlin 1895G is my preferred rifle if I'm going to be hunting under 150y and might encounter some thick southern Ontario timber.

The 270W, 30-06Sprg., 308W, 6.5CM, 7x57 (275 Rigby), 280Rem can all perform the job well, can't forget the 7mm RM, 300 WM, 270 WBY, or 300 WBY if those 350 yard + shots are a regular occurrence from your deer stand.
 
The 270 is a solid choice especially when you consider the amount of factory ammunition and the rifle manufacturers that chamber it. Flat shooting for the amount of recoil and even less recoil with 110 gr ttsx downloaded or you could max load it and get 3400+ fps. Ample power for hunting mule deer at ranges out to 400 yards or more. What's not to like.
 
JayeM said:
Ha ha -- fun discussion. I'm a huge fan of .243. The light recoil means you can practice all day without developing a flinch, and it is plenty capable of taking down a deer out to at least 200 yards. With the right bullet, of course (good expansion, good weight retention...). I love the versatility of 30-06, but I have a light gun to make it easier to carry, and it really kicks. So my pick would be a lightweight gun in .243 or similar (like 6.5 Creedmoor).
Click to expand...

After using my boys 7mm/08 for a few years now, my .243 most likely won't be used anytime soon.
 
6” in field then. Need to make a killing shot with enough energy at what ever range. It is very important not to over estimate your ability! It is the hunters job to make a clean and quick kill.
 
Id say whatever I feel like that day will be the best. walking bush Cz 527, Sks, Marlin 45-70 gg, evening woods sit Win 1886 45-70 or 300 Savage so I can bask in the beauty. For over yonder Savage 6.5-284 norma. When I'm not sure... Hawkeye 375 ruger. I guess I'm saying.... best = depends!!!
 
Hmmm best deer caliber (cartridge). That's a new topic that I'm sure has never been discussed before.

A .243 will take deer at normal hunting ranges with ease.
The biggest buck I've ever seen taken was with a 300win mag (lasered 340 yard shot). The second biggest buck I've ever seen taken was with a .270win. The longest shot I've ever seen to successfully take a deer was with the .270win (paced out at over 600 yards). Deer was hit, took 5 steps and died.
I've taken truck loads of deer with .270win. I'd say it is my favorite deer cartridge. I've taken almost as many deer with the 6.5x55.

Cartridges I've used to take deer:
.243
.250 savage
25-06
6.5x55
6.5-06
.270win
.280rem
7-08
7wsm
7rem mag
.308win
.30-06

What work best is the one you like to shoot and what you shoot well. They all kill deer.
Have fun. and be safe.
 
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