NON-MAGNUM deer round

[K3]

Funny thing _ ran one of my .30-06 handloads through Ballistic Explorer (180 grain Nosler PJ at 2800 fps) and a .300 WM load from the library (180 grain bullet at 2950 fps.) At 400 yards, the two loads (zeroed at 225 yards) are down 19.9 inches and 17.3 inches, respectively.

In terms of energy, the .30-06 has 1784 ft lbs at that range, and the .300 WM has 2024 ft lbs.

Is this really worth worrying about?

Yes. Absolutely. You see, today's deer have an armored hide that can only be dealt with by a projectile impacting with at least 2000 lb-ft.

So, the .30-06 is outdated. The .30-30 is woefully inadequate.

 

[Matt-J2]

Is this really worth worrying about?

The big magnum cartridges are the only things capable of shooting flat enough and retaining enough energy to hit and kill deer reliably at the 4,000" range I take shots at. It takes that sort of cartridge and that sort of long-range precision shooting to keep my skills sharp.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

When you compare them in Ballistics Explorer, you find there isn't that much difference.

For example, my .35 Brown-Whelen driving a 225 grain Nosler PJ at 2800 and zeroed for 250 yards is down 18.2 inches at 400 yards. My .30-06 handloads with a 180 grain bullet are down about 17.2 inches. A 7mm Remington Mag with a 150 grain bullet is down 14 inches.

 

[Brian Dale]

Yeah, but the Mag is better at converting your money into noise and felt recoil. {/tongue in cheek}

 

[aguyindallas]

I am a big fan of .270 and also now 6.8SPC

The first few deer I took when I was a young boy was with a 6mm and it always did great with a well placed shot.

 

[K3]

The big magnum cartridges are the only things capable of shooting flat enough and retaining enough energy to hit and kill deer reliably at the 4,000" range I take shots at. It takes that sort of cartridge and that sort of long-range precision shooting to keep my skills sharp.

4000 inches... that's 111 yards. I hope you have a 20X scope for THAT kind of long range shooting!

 

[Matt-J2]

4000 inches... that's 111 yards. I hope you have a 20X scope for THAT kind of long range shooting!

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to catch that.

And yes, yes I do. You have to have at least that much magnification for such a massive distance, though any shooter of lesser skill than my esteemed self(I am the sniper in my security detail) would of course need more.

 

[HOLY DIVER]

260 was supposed to be in the place of the "2nd 280" sorry about that
someone asked where i'm hunting deer at=south carolina
i voted 7mm-08 because it best suits me,good range stops them in there tracks,recoil is not that bad,ammo is not to pricy

 

[glockman19]

All are capable. My preferance is the tried & true .30-06.

 

[DeerHuntr]

There are allot of calibers capable that are non magnum. I have my grandfathers model 99 Savage in 250-3000 that dad swears has shot at least a semi load of deer so i guess that one must work too!!!! On that list I say 270 or either .06

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

I have been shooting that cartridge 30-06 ever since I bought my first gun. I never strayed from it. I never seen a reason to. People might of out dated that cartridge but I know the awesome power that cartridge can and will do. It does speak with authority when the time calls for it. Plenty of power, more than enough for most. The bread basket of those poor critters can't be but no more than a foot and a half wide at the most. I have one mag, 7mm Remington. If by chance I go to wyoming os somewhere I'll probably take it.
go pull targets at the next CMP M1 Garand shoot and when those rounds go over your head you will absolutely know.

 

[HM2PAC]

The .30-06.

It is, hands down, the most versatile of the small caliber rifles as far as reloading goes.

Yes, I labeled a .30 caliber as a small caliber rifle.

Medium starts at .338.

 

[ccd]

All of the listed will do fine, as will many not listed. My personal choice is the 308 Win. Reload with 125BT with lite loads(and normal pressure loads also) and it is great for kids to shoot. I think bullets like the new 130 TTSX and the 150 E-tip, really allow the 308 and 30-06 to do some really nice with light bullets and yet you can use normal 150-180's and most likely never miss a beat.

 

[kount_zer0]

You left out 300 RUM! I can't believe it...



Anywho garand 'ol '06 gets my vote. My first centerfire. I wanted to go as large as Elk and as small as...well small. I already handloaded for pistol when I decided. My dilema was 308 or '06. Simple really.

Oh BTW I need 0-50 X 100 Optiks to shoot my 100 lb white-tails at 21120'. I use LOTS of 4350 to get 150 gr bullets to 5280fps from my 6" Shillen 30-06 Bull Barrel!

 

[357fan]

The 30-30 will do just about anything to a deer that needs done.

 

[jimbob86]

.30/30

The 30/30 will do anything to a deer that needs to be done, except reach them without resorting to indirect fire tables, it they are farther than a couple of hundred yars away....... which is likely out your way......

How's Ogallala doing these days, anyway? It's been awhile since I've been back.....

 

[dodge]

I voted 30-06 also but have been known to use 45/70, 30/30 or 30/40. In the past I have used a 270 and 25/06. I have a 243 also but for me personally I don't like that light of a caliber. I know a lot of people use it and a lot of deer have been killed with it but that's just me.

 

[BsChoy]

although I am a new 30-06 convert, I love the 280 and rue the day I traded my s/s mountain rifle made in 1993 in 280....deer wouldn't even quiver after getting hit with that

 

[Wolfgang2000]

I chose the 308 because that is what I have, and it works VERY well. But I wouldn't feel under gunned with any caliber on the list.