What gun should I use this fall?

[thepolinator]

Hello All,
I have 4 different rifles that I am considering for this years dear hunt. I wanted to get some input into what you think I should use I am completely comfortable with all of the options below and like them all so much that I am having difficulty deciding which gun to bring.(I am leaning towards my 45-70 as I shouldn't have to track the deer to far after my shot)

Before I discuss the rifles here is the terrain I will be hunting in. I will be up in the Lanark Highlands. For the most part the terrain is heavily forested with pines. The ground is hilly, with some cliffs and quite rocky. There is a large swamp in the area that I will be in. Most of the vantage points have a visibility of under 100m, but there are a couple that provide up to 200m of unobstructed shooting opportunities. We don't stand hunt at this location, it is mostly walking and stalking.

I can group all of the rifles bellow at 1.5 MOA or better at 100m except for the 45-70, which is accurate enough to kill a deer at 100m, but is difficult to group with as it is a single shot.
Here are the rifles:
1)
Rifle: H&R Handi-Rifle
Calibre: 45-70 gov't
Sights: SImmons 4x fixed power

2)
Rifle: Tikka T3 light Stainless
Calibre: 300 WSM
Sights: Bushnell Elite 3200 4-12 power

3)
Rifle: Savage 340
Calibre: 30-30 Win
Sights: Scorpion 3-9 power

4)
Rifle: Sporterized Chilean Mouser
Calibre: 7mm Mouser (7x57)
Sights: Bushnell Trophy XLT 3-9 power

Thoughts?

 

[crash277]

whatever your number 4 is, would you like to send it my way.... im using my mosin nagant lol.

 

[Joe549]

Use all of them

 

[beretta boy]

7 x 57 is a very nice deer cartridge !

For walking about or "still hunting" as I call it, the 45-70 seems a good bet too.

 

[9.3mauser]

I would use the 7mm, but that just happens to be a favourite calibre of mine. It's better with handloads or the European factory stuff if you can get a hold of it ( Norma or RWS). I hunt under similar conditions, and even the old 175 gr. load shoots flat enough for 200-250 yd shots.

Second choice would be the 45-70, and last choice the .300 WSM.

Rather than worry about calibre, I would pick the one that is fastest to handle and points naturally when it comes to your shoulder. Any of them will kill deer with no problem, but fit and balance count for a lot if you're still hunting.

 

[tylerjwitty]

Bring em all

 

[Magellann]

I'd use the one that pulls up on target the easiest, if its comfortable, you will be a lot more successful with it.

 

[dgradinaru]

My first Choice would be the 300 wsm since it would have lots of knock down power....second would be the 7mm mauser since its perfect for under 250yards, low recoil and enough power for most things you have to do. IM sure if you place your shot properly you wont have to track down your deer, with proper shot placement and a good bullet the deer will most likely drop dead or take a few steps and fall.

 

[cosmic]

3 or 4. I believe 3 has a removable magazine and iron sights - quite desirable features in Ontario camps. You might find your a bit overpowered on the scope front.

 

[nw mb]

...just be clear on this...whichever one you choose, the deer will be at the opposite end of what you expected! ...short range rifle, they'll be 250 yards off ...long range rifle, they'll be moving fast through heavy cover ...but i always take 2 rifles and keep one locked and hidden in the truck...no sense having a case not eject with a rim torn off and have to drive home fuming...