Best deer caliber

[Johnn Peterson]

.348 Win

I've said it before, the 348WCF in a model 71 Winchester is my 'favorite' lever gun/calibre combo. I have a VERY nice one in a model 71 deluxe . However, today I acquired something a little different to squeeze into the safe and I mean squeeze. It's a model 700 Remington CDL SF Limited edition in 6.5 Creedmoor which I've categorized as my Remington model 700 MLR, My Last Rifle. Wish me luck.

 

[SuperCub]

You don’t look Mennonite. French possibly but not Mennonite.

He might be one of the new order tribe.

 

[bunny]

.257 Roberts is just perfect.

 

[SuperCub]

.257 Roberts is just perfect.

I somewhat agree with that but with some variables there may be some that are better. How does one rate a cartridge as the "best"?

- Availability of new rifles.
- Availability of ammo
- Availability of brass and bullets.
- Effectiveness in the field on deer.
- Overall accuracy.
- Overall efficiency for the task.
- Shootability for the general public (low recoil)

As much as I do like the 257R, I see other cartridges being better in the 1st three suggestions.

 

[pete dobinson]

I somewhat agree with that but with some variables there may be some that are better. How does one rate a cartridge as the "best"?

- Availability of new rifles.
- Availability of ammo
- Availability of brass and bullets.
- Effectiveness in the field on deer.
- Overall accuracy.
- Overall efficiency for the task.
- Shootability for the general public (low recoil)

As much as I do like the 257R, I see other cartridges being better in the 1st three suggestions.

Yeah like the 270

 

[remington jim]

I've said it before, the 348WCF in a model 71 Winchester is my 'favorite' lever gun/calibre combo. I have a VERY nice one in a model 71 deluxe . However, today I acquired something a little different to squeeze into the safe and I mean squeeze. It's a model 700 Remington CDL SF Limited edition in 6.5 Creedmoor which I've categorized as my Remington model 700 MLR, My Last Rifle. Wish me luck.

Kool John Needs some pics of ALL those trophy's ! RJ

 

[SuperCub]

Yeah like the 270

I don't even own a 270 but agree nonetheless!

The 6.5CM does tick off all the boxes as well, having a slight edge in lighter weight rifles as well as less recoil. I would recommend it as well, esp to a new, non-reloading shooter. Lots of new/used guns and available ammo.

 

[Gilford]

Hey guys just for fun what do you guys think is the best deer caliber im thinking of getting a 270

270, 308, 30-06; all readily available and more than enough for deer in Ontario.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Kool John Needs some pics of ALL those trophy's ! RJ

Following the "issues" experienced a while back with Photobucket, I have yet to make 'other' arrangements. One of these days.

 

[bunny]

I somewhat agree with that but with some variables there may be some that are better. How does one rate a cartridge as the "best"?

- Availability of new rifles.
- Availability of ammo
- Availability of brass and bullets.
- Effectiveness in the field on deer.
- Overall accuracy.
- Overall efficiency for the task.
- Shootability for the general public (low recoil)

As much as I do like the 257R, I see other cartridges being better in the 1st three suggestions.

So true the .257R and the .358 W are about in the same boat, but they are two of the finest hunting cartridges ever developed.

 

[SuperCub]

So true the .257R and the .358 W are about in the same boat, but they are two of the finest hunting cartridges ever developed.

I agree, but they both don't get points in the 1st three conditions. Gunnuts, on the other hand do not care about that.

Saying that, the 358Winchester may be considered to be a bit much for deer as the OP specified.

 

[bunny]

I agree, but they both don't get points in the 1st three conditions. Gunnuts, on the other hand do not care about that.

Saying that, the 358Winchester may be considered to be a bit much for deer as the OP specified.

The .358 is near perfect for the flesh eating ferocious dear with long razor sharp fangs that attack without notice.

 

[CSI-WALLEYE]

I have been using 6.5 CM for the past 3 years with a quality mono bullet. The results have been very satisfying- instant death.

 

[SuperCub]

The .358 is near perfect for the flesh eating ferocious dear with long razor sharp fangs that attack without notice.

Must be a "western" thing not usually seen here on the right hand side.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Must be a "western" thing not usually seen here on the right hand side.

Sounds as though my 375CT may come in handy out here.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

I have been using 6.5 CM for the past 3 years with a quality mono bullet. The results have been very satisfying- instant death.

Recently acquired a 6.5CM and am looking forward to some use in the field this coming season.

 

[hoytcanon]

Must be a "western" thing not usually seen here on the right hand side.

I have fallen into the habit of drawing the .358's for everything over the past 3 or 4 years... other than a blip with a mountain goat... I tend to do that, fall into cycles with cartridges, it was the 7X57 a few years before that... have not touched my M77 Mark II Express .30/06 in years, even though we all know it is the perfect "all-rounder." I gave it an oiling an polishing and as usual fell in love all over again, may take it for spring bear this year... the problem.is always the same, new shiny things catch my attention and gobble up my available time.

 

[NAA]

6.5x55mm

---------
NAA.

 

[Tred]

270 is a great caliber for deer, as is the very popular 308, if your buying factory Ammo i would suggest looking at anything like: 243, 6.5cm, 7mm-08, 308, 338, 358, 30-06 aswell, not to mention a pile of others, really it comes down to the type of deer hunting your doing? If your in a cut line watch and are going to be regularly making 300 yards shots the 6.5cm, 7mm-08, 308, 270 etc all will do extremely well with the right hunting bullet, (Accubonds/partitions) if your shots are always generally inside 50 yards, nothing wrong with anything from 30-30 to 35 rem,

There's endless options for calibers, not to mention ammunition types onto of that for each, to narrow it down youd be best to ask yourself, what type of shots are you anticipating, and what model of rifle you prefer? From there you can narrow the search down to the right caliber for your specific application.

My humble 2 cents,

This quote. I myself am a 7mm-08 fan, just as everyone will have there preferance, but most shots are under 300 yard where most calibers perform similar enough.

Shot placement is key, so choose something with low to moderate recoil, cheap to shoot and get out there and practice, yes the 270 win will do that.

 

[Trimmer 905]

Hey guys just for fun what do you guys think is the best deer caliber im thinking of getting a 270

More Deer have been taken by hunters using a Winchester 94 or Marlin 336C in 30-30 than all of the other calibers combined. Running a close second would likely be .308Win and .30-06Spr.