Best gun for deer

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What is the best gun for deer in your opinion? 243? 30-06? 7.62 series? other?
I've taken deer with: 22lr, 0000 Buck, 243, 257 Weatherby Mag, 6.5X55, 260, 270, 7mm TCU, 300 Savage, 30-06, 300 WSM, 357 Mag, 44 Mag, 45 Long Colt, plus 45 and 50 caliber Muzzleloaders. Every one was up to the job. I only mention the 22LR because the statute of limitations went out 45 years ago.
 
I don't believe in any one "best". I've hunted where a long shot might well be under 50 to 100 yards, and I've hunted where 400 to 500 yards is a high probability. The first instance, a .223 or a .243 would be plenty good. The second instance, I've relied on my .06.
 
Why do people always start these argumentative discussions? I mean I've done it too, but usually because I had an honest question and it turned into a peeing match of "professional" answers.

Anyways. Seriously, almost any gun under the sun will kill a deer. I've seen one killed with a .17 HMR. I personally hunt with a .243 or 7mm RM depending on the situation. I dont think you can be under powered with deer, and dead is dead, so I guess you cant really be overpowered either. with the exception of something outside of your shooting capabilities.
 
I believe you will see a trend in the deer hunters with the following calibers, in no particular order


.223
.243
25-06
.270
30-06
.308

Then the magnum guys

7mm RM
300 WM
270 WSM
300 WSM
 
I've yet to hunt "big game"...all my hunting has been small game and varmints. Rabbit, squirrel, ground hog, muskrats, etc. So take my opinion for what it's worth.

Knowing the limitations of what you're shooting with AND your own personal limitations are the real driving factors. And the legal limitations, as well. If the .22 calibers are legal in your jurisdiction, then have at it if your performance, and the rifle you choose, are up to it. By the same token, if you can't properly place your shots out past 100 yards, then don't take such shots regardless of the rifle.

That said...a rifle you're not comfortable with shooting or with carrying for long periods of time is probably not suitable for you to hunt with. Pretty simple for me!


Oh...and since nobody else has yet, let me be the first to welcome you to THR! Hope to see you around more!

:)
 
Why do people always start these argumentative discussions?

Probably because argumentative approach is great for learning other people's points of view and finding out things you've never really even thought about. On top of that, the topic of this thread is really great; there's no wrong answer, only a lot of different right ones. ;)
 
In reference to post #13.........OK I'll speak up; .22 rimfires are legal to take deer in Mississippi, except on public lands;

https://www.ms.gov/mdwfp/hunting_fishing/faq_info.aspx#Hunting_04

What are the rifle and ammunition restrictions for deer hunting?

There are none except for certain Wildlife Management Areas and Federal Refuges. Check with that area for specific restrictions. The only statewide restrictions are from ½ hour after sundown to ½ hour before sunrise. Only standard 22 rimfire and shotguns with shot no larger than no. 6 shot are legal.

STW
 
I'm partial to 257 Roberts and 7x57. I think they're very well-balanced cartridges that can take pretty much any deer within about 350 yards, my current self-limit. I'm building either a 6.5-06 or 6.5-284 for longer ranges and I have a 30-06 that could probably do 500+ with some better glass and a lot more practice. 8x57 isn't much of a slouch either, at least with handloads.

Matt
 
During my 23 year career with US Air Force, I had many opportunities to hunt in several different states. Most shots at deer were fired at 150 yards or less. In my opinion, a good 30-30 Marlin with 2-7X scope is a hard one to beat for performance and ease of carry.

TR
 
A good ole 35 Marlin lever gun. Great caliber & one of the best handling hunting guns ever made.
 
Just picked up a 7x57 Mauser and topped it with a 2-7x33 Leupold. I am hoping it becomes my "ideal" whitetail gun. Time will tell.
 
I've got a pot full of deer rifles, but if I had to recommend just one caliber, it would be the .30-06. As the late, great Colonel Townsend Whelen said, "The .30-06 is never a mistake."
 
You will not get me to say there is "one best gun for deer". But I will say the search for it has been much fun and my only rational justification for spending the cash on a few of my cherished toys. My latest is a Winchester 70 Featherweight Super Grade in 7x57 caliber with a Leupold fixed 3x scope mounted on it.
 
"...there is no best deer gun..." There's no best anything. There's no '7.62 series' either.
Any commercial hunting rifle chambered in any .24 and up calibre will do nicely. A .223 in where legal and using the right bullet will do as well. Plus a shotgun using slugs only or a bow. You do not need any kind of magnum.
After that it's using whatever you can hit a 9" pie plate at 100 yards, every time, off hand, for a rifle or slug gun. 20 to 25 yards for a bow.
 
Well if you like going a little old school, thousands upon thousands of deer have been taken with a nice Savage 99. They came in 22 HP, 25-35, 303 Sav, 32-40, 30-30, 38-55, 300 Sav, 250 Sav for the oldies and 22-250, 243, 308, 358 for so-called modern rounds over their production years. They can be had for decent money, are rock solid and accurage. I hunt with my father's old 99 in 300 savage. 150gr is good for deer or you can up to the 180gr for elk.
 
Well if you like going a little old school, thousands upon thousands of deer have been taken with a nice Savage 99. They came in 22 HP, 25-35, 303 Sav, 32-40, 30-30, 38-55, 300 Sav, 250 Sav for the oldies and 22-250, 243, 308, 358 for so-called modern rounds over their production years.
You can add .284 WInchester and 7mm-08 to the list.
 
I have been using a Remington 700 in .308 for just about my entire life. Is there a better option? Maybe, but I'm happy with it.
 
I have to agree with Sunray. Placing shots is always more important than caliber.
Any weapon at the range that you can hit a pie plate every time. And that means from the position you expect to shoot from. you should figure your maximum range for standing, supported, kneeling etc. to hit that pie plate very time.
 
From stick bows to a .44 mag to .416. All is good and dead is dead as long as the limitations are acknowledged.

My now go-to killers are either the stick bow or a 300 H&H
 
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