Help me pick this years deer rifle

[valczer]

You need 3006 because…do we really have to have a reason for another rifle? besides, 30-06 is da king of the jungle…imho

 

[stubblejumper]

The Tikka in 6.5x55 is a great choice.

 

[dand883]

You need 3006 because…do we really have to have a reason for another rifle? besides, 30-06 is da king of the jungle…imho

In the .308 vs 30-06, chev vs ford type of debate i've always leaned towards the .308. To me there's nothing a 30-06 can do that the 308 can't do with a little less recoil.
And i realize the irony of making that statement with complete confidence with .308 vs 30-06 to where i don't even consider the 30-06 an option in a thread debating the differences between 6.5x55, 6.5 creed and 7mm-08.

 

[dand883]

Rotate them daily, they all are capable in the range you’re going to be shooting.

The stainless .308 is pretty well the default for rainy days anyway so i kind of already do that

I don't know fella's. I think he needs a fourth option. Time to buy a new rifle.

I would like to get my hands on a winchester XPR to try out but it's not in the cards right now

 

[dand883]

The Swede. Never fails to impress.

Wish I only had three choices for my hunt rifle...

I do have other options, these 3 are the short list for this years deer hunt.

 

[dand883]

243 Winchester

I've never had much of a desire to try out .243. the 6.5's fit that role for me better in a lower recoil but still capable deer caliber. Maybe one day though

 

[wedge308]

I'd go with the one with the best glass. Considering most deer are shot early or late, light transmission is a factor.

 

[dand883]

I'd go with the one with the best glass. Considering most deer are shot early or late, light transmission is a factor.

The scopes are pretty closely comparable between the three, close enough to not be a factor.

I've pretty well settled on the 7mm-08 for this year. I was leaning towards the 6.5x55 when i first started thinking about the decision but as we get closer to the season starting i have an irrational attachment to anything surrounding the .308 so i've drifted more and more to the 7mm-08 taking it with the 6.5 as the backup and .308 the rainy day rifle.

Now to check the weather page for wind directions every half hour for the next 6 days until opening morning.

 

[hoytcanon]

Whatever you are most comfortable with is your best option. This year I am using a .458 Win Mag, with 300 grain Ballistic Tips, as long as it is enough, it is all fun and games.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Throw them in a heap, close your eyes, and pick one. There isn't a damn bit of meaningful difference between them.

 

[dand883]

Well it didn't take long, the season started this morning and managed to tag a nice little buck for the freezer with the 7mm-08 this morning.

I've always had good luck with the hornady american whitetail ammo, they never seem to go very far and today was no different, it made it maybe 30-40 feet and piled up just inside the treeline.

 

[trebor2880]

I don't know fella's. I think he needs a fourth option. Time to buy a new rifle.

Yes indeed. Nothin' beats a Model 94 Winchester in 30/30. Pre '64, of course.

 

[murph83]

308, I have owned and shot the other 2 you have listed, meh...the 308 is plain jane and boring, kinda like me. All three will kill deer just fine, ammo is expensive nowadays so i dont think you will save money one caliber over the other.