Help me choose the right round

[Dynasty]

I'm looking to get a bolt action rifle that will serve two purposes: hunting and plinking. I plan on hunting white tail deer in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. I also plan on plinking around with some long distance shots (under 400 yards). What round is ideal for me? My options include .270, .30-06, and .308.

I need the round to: easily take down white tail deer, be a proven accurate round regards to long distance shooting, and be readily available and relatively cheap. I realize shot placement is critical when hunting, but I want a round that will drop a deer easily with no worries of runners. I will not be competing in long distance shooting, just having fun in the back yard. I will not be hand loading rounds. I would like the round to be readily available at any sporting good store and stores like Wally World.

What is the right round for me? Thanks for your time.

 

[JimmAr]

.308 is the easiest to shoot accurately with whats offered by todays standards and its inherently accurate design same with the 270..

Never felt that way about the 30-06 nice little cartridge but with the factory ammo ive shot, it just doesnt pair up as nicely as the 270 or 308..

 

[Offfhand]

.260 Rem. It wins long range matches over and over and is a favorite of deer hunters. Why consider anything else?

 

[Humorris]

Quote "and be readily available and relatively cheap."

You answered your own question 308 winchester, 270 is $30 a box of ammo the 308 offers tons of different round from match grade target to military rounds to plinking.

 

[bpl]

I'd go with .308.

Be aware that some deer run a ways with mortal wounds from any caliber, so you can't realistically expect to have no runners, ever.

 

[lost river rat]

Your choice

I wrote a long response and it did not post. ARG!

The 308 is probably the best choice because you can buy cheap FMJ "ball" loads and even remanufactured ammo.

Get an accurate rifle with a good trigger. The Savage rifles are generally very accurate and have the best trigger of any. A bargin and made in the USA.

Put good glass on it. I recommend the American made Leupold VX-1. A Savage and a VX-1 will cost about the same as just a rifle from other companies. I happen to have a couple of these combos and they are all great to exceptional shooters. The last 5 rifles I bought have been Savages and they all impressed me with their accuracy. One shoots with all of my customs target rifles.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Of the three mentioned it doesn't matter in the SLIGHTEST which you choose.

Buy a rifle that you like based of fit, quality and price and don't sweat the caliber

Do yourself a favor and buy a decent scope

 

[Jswebb45]

I would go with .270 nice round for accurate shooting and hunting. Im not sure of deer sized in ohio but I use a 135 grain ballistic silvertip in my Mossberg .270 and I can put every round in a 3 inch circle at 150 yards and easily take down any game around where I live in Texas

 

[TheBandit]

You can't hunt deer with a rifle in Ohio.

 

[bpl]

You can't hunt deer with a rifle in Ohio

Ouch! You might want to add a 12ga shotgun to the budget!

 

[Sunray]

"...with no worries of runners..." No cartridge will guarantee that. Deer are tougher than they look. However, the .308 with 165 grain hunting bullets, in ammo you've tested in your rifle, will kill any game you care to hunt. 'Tested in your rifle' means you've tried as many brands as you can to find the ammo your rifle shoots best.
Listen to krochus too. The fit and sights are extremely important. Just as much as the ammo.
"...can't hunt deer with a rifle in Ohio..." Daft that a rifled shotgun is ok though.