Just for discussion, your favorite deer cartridge.

The Terminator · October 17, 2008, 07:38 PM

Or, how about your favorite two, long and short range.

Of what I own that is deer capable, I'd have to go with the .270 . Though I don't have one, the 30-06 gets my vote for best all around on deer. For a heavy caliber, I do like the 45/70, but any of the flat nosed levers wil do for me, including the .44 mag.

You?

Oh, and what have you used in the past on deer? I'll try to list mine below:

12 ga shotun,
35 Remington
30-30 Winchester
7mm Mauser
303 British
308 Winchester
30-06 Springfield
270 Winchester
45/70 Government

hogdogs · October 17, 2008, 07:44 PM

12 and/or 20 gauge and .30-30 is very well suited rounds for me and my type and terrain of hunting. More important than cartridge IMHO is the gun specifics.
For me and my type and terrain, a lever action shortish carbine is best as my terrain is dense low scrub. A long barreled bolt gun would be a hindrance as would my 12 gauge with a 28 inch barrel compared to my 20 gauge with 18 inch barrel.
Brent

pbrktrt · October 17, 2008, 07:47 PM

i'm in michigan & depending where i'm hunting i also use the 270 or 7.62 x 39. the 270 is definately the go to for most hunts.

fisherman66 · October 17, 2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

More important than cartridge IMHO is the gun specifics.

I agree. Carbines sure point nice and carry just as easy.

I use:
30/30 with a peep sight for short work (walk around rifle)
7x57 with a 1-4 scope for out to 250 yards

Both rifles measure under a yard for OAL.

Kreyzhorse · October 17, 2008, 08:12 PM

I've used a .308 bolt action, a 7mm Rem Mag bolt action and a 45-70 Gov't falling block. My current favorite is my 45-70 Gov't. It's a Ruger No. 1 with a Nikon 3X9 on top. While generally speaking the 45-70 isn't a long range round, where I hunt, 100 yards would be a long shot. The Ruger No. 1 is light to carry and the short gun is great for wooded areas.

BIGR · October 17, 2008, 08:33 PM

For the 30.06 is my favorite.
In the past I have used the .300 WIN. MAG, 30-30 and have taken several with my T/C .50 smoke pole. I have to say the muzzleloader will drop them just as quick as the .300 WIN MAG. with proper shot placement.

Sportdog · October 17, 2008, 11:37 PM

I've used, in order of frequency, 20 Gauge 870 Wingmaster w/18 1/2" smoothbore Remington 2 3/4" "Sluggers", 12 Gauge NEF Rifled Bull Barrel 22" (I think) Remington 3" "Copper Solids", 243Win Model 700ADL 22" Barrel either Speer 105grain "Hot Cor" or Hornady 100grain "Spire Point" handloads, 30-06 Remington Model 742 Carbine 18 1/2" Barrel 150grain Remington Core-Lokt's or Speer 165grain "Hot Cor" handloads, 30-06 Winchester Model 670 22" Barrel 180grain Sierra RN handloads. I hope to take a deer with my 7mmWSM Model 70 Winchester with 140grain Nosler "Ballistic Tips" next fall out west if the Good Lord sees fit.

Swampghost · October 18, 2008, 12:10 AM

Basically two types of hunting.
Up close. Palmetto/piney woods. Shots from 10-50 yds. avg. mave have the occasional long haul out to 100 yds.+ Hogs and deer. .44 Mag.

Same targets but over cow pastures or savannas to tree lines or heads. Shots from 100-300 yds. Usual deer and small hogs, .243 Win. Going for BIG hogs w/possible deer, 30-30, 30-40 or 30-06. Seriously going for BIG hogs 45-70 or 12 ga. slugs, good for big gators too.

SWMAGMAN · October 18, 2008, 12:35 AM

Have used 30-30, 32 Special, 35 Rem, 30-06, 300Win Mag, 44Mag (handgun), 460S&W Mag (handgun), and .50 Knight Disc Muzzleloader...

Although many cry overkill, the 30-06 with 165gr bullets has been an absolute deer hammer over the years, though the .50cal (actually .45 cal sabot) Barnes XXX copper hollowpoint has been devastating as well.

bclark1 · October 18, 2008, 01:48 AM

Have used 30/06 and 45/70. Hoping to use .308 and 12ga this year. 30/06 by a landslide though, with particular respect for 165 grainers as the poster above - can't be beat as a deer rifle IMHO.

Daryl · October 18, 2008, 05:27 AM

For close range, I'd probably use a '92 winchester that I have in .45 Colt.

But, around here you oft-times end up shooting across a canyon, so I tend to stick with flatter shooting cartridges.

I've used .243 Win, .270, and 7mm Rem Mag. I've pretty much stuck with the 7mm mag for the last 22 years, just because it's never let me down.

Here's a coues deer I shot down in Mexico a couple years ago on the last morning of the hunt. The shot presented was across a canyon, and a couple of jumps would take the deer to the next ranch...where we couldn't hunt.

My brother lazered it at 472 yards before the shot. Most of the deer I've shot have been far closer, but you never know.

Daryl

JKump · October 18, 2008, 06:20 AM

For me, my Rifle choice is a NEF Survivor 308. I shot this rifle both close and long ranges. Have been hunting close range lately with a Taurus 357 Mag. Tracker. In the past have use NEF Ultra lite 243, Remington 870 12 guage and a old Winchester 30-30. Below are a couple pictures that you can see the rifle in pretty good.
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...p/100_0229.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...Picture017.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...Picture002.jpg

Water-Man · October 18, 2008, 09:51 AM

.30-06 bolt & .45-70 lever.

fisherman66 · October 18, 2008, 10:25 AM

Daryl, fine Coues! I love how the antlers almost palmate or web. Purrrdy

Scorch · October 18, 2008, 12:05 PM

Over the years, I have used everything from 243 to 30-30 to 8mm RemMag to375 H&H, but I keep going back to my old 7X57 for deer. I have shot animals with everything from popguns to big boomers, and I found that bigger is not necessarily better, but a flat trajectory is always nice.

ropadop · October 18, 2008, 10:49 PM

I am a big fan of the 30-06 with 150g bullets for deer. It is flat shooting at 3000 fps in most loadings and fairly mild recoil. It is the only cartridge that I have ever killed a deer with...about 20 or so. I am itching to try my 44 mag SBH.

Daryl · October 19, 2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Daryl, fine Coues! I love how the antlers almost palmate or web. Purrrdy

Thanks fisherman66. It was a good hunt, and Mexico has some really nice coues deer in some areas.

I wouldn't mind going back for another hunt in Mexico, but things are pretty messed up down there right now, and I'm not taking those kind of chances in another country.

Maybe some day things will settle down, and I'd sure look forward to hunting there again. Good hunting, good people, and good times. Heck the food isn't bad, either.

Daryl

pps_dad · October 19, 2008, 02:39 PM

Where I live you can't use rifles but I have used:

357mag, 45acp, 20ga, 12ga, crossbow and compound bow.

HiBC · October 19, 2008, 02:55 PM

257 Ackley Improved. Mex mauser action,Garret glass stock,Doug FWT bbl,6X M-8 Leupold.7 lbs with scope.
3090 fps with 115 Nosler bt's. 300 yd zero. Scope duplex is 2 mils,post to post.
Works for me

sc928porsche · October 20, 2008, 07:46 AM

My favorite cartirdge is the 300WM. It is flat shooting, can be used very effectivly on all N. American game, and recoil is still managable for most people. Ammunition is available almost anywhere and the price is still reasonable.

Cost of ammo in no longer a concern to me because I reload. I can reload for about $1 more a box than .308 winchester.

RLFD5415 · October 20, 2008, 05:51 PM

I first started hunting deer with a 50 BMG, but found I was destroying too much meat. I've since switched to a 416 Rigby which I find works much better. :-)

publius · October 20, 2008, 07:18 PM

I have no dedicated long and short range guns. My two favorite deer guns are the 30-06 and the 6.5x55.

taylorce1 · October 20, 2008, 07:44 PM

The .270 Win with 130 grain Sierra BTSP and the .50 cal Muzzle Loader with patched round ball are my two favorite deer rifles. I've used the .243 Win with great success as well with 100 grain Corelokt. I usually save my center fires .30 caliber and larger stuff for elk.

RLFD5415 · October 21, 2008, 05:30 AM

Now seriously, depending on terrain/mood, I will grab one of the following:

Marlin GG in 45-70
MKII in 7mm-08, or
MKII in 358 win

FrankenMauser · October 21, 2008, 11:52 AM

For all-around utility - Ruger M77 Mk II, .270 Win, scoped.
For close quarters, snap-shot areas - Soviet SKS, 7.62x39, iron sights.
For close quarter areas where I am more likely to get a shot at some pine chickens than big game - Winchester Model 25, 12 ga, one slug followed by upland game loads.

October 17, 2008, 07:38 PM	#1
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	Just for discussion, your favorite deer cartridge. Or, how about your favorite two, long and short range. Of what I own that is deer capable, I'd have to go with the .270 . Though I don't have one, the 30-06 gets my vote for best all around on deer. For a heavy caliber, I do like the 45/70, but any of the flat nosed levers wil do for me, including the .44 mag. You? Oh, and what have you used in the past on deer? I'll try to list mine below: 12 ga shotun, 35 Remington 30-30 Winchester 7mm Mauser 303 British 308 Winchester 30-06 Springfield 270 Winchester 45/70 Government __________________ The Terminator John 3:16 (I hope to see You over there.)

October 17, 2008, 08:12 PM	#5
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I've used a .308 bolt action, a 7mm Rem Mag bolt action and a 45-70 Gov't falling block. My current favorite is my 45-70 Gov't. It's a Ruger No. 1 with a Nikon 3X9 on top. While generally speaking the 45-70 isn't a long range round, where I hunt, 100 yards would be a long shot. The Ruger No. 1 is light to carry and the short gun is great for wooded areas. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

October 18, 2008, 12:10 AM	#8
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	Basically two types of hunting. Up close. Palmetto/piney woods. Shots from 10-50 yds. avg. mave have the occasional long haul out to 100 yds.+ Hogs and deer. .44 Mag. Same targets but over cow pastures or savannas to tree lines or heads. Shots from 100-300 yds. Usual deer and small hogs, .243 Win. Going for BIG hogs w/possible deer, 30-30, 30-40 or 30-06. Seriously going for BIG hogs 45-70 or 12 ga. slugs, good for big gators too. __________________ NRA Patron Member

October 18, 2008, 12:35 AM	#9
SWMAGMAN Member Join Date: October 12, 2008 Location: NW Wisconsin Posts: 45	Wisconsin Deer Hunting... Have used 30-30, 32 Special, 35 Rem, 30-06, 300Win Mag, 44Mag (handgun), 460S&W Mag (handgun), and .50 Knight Disc Muzzleloader... Although many cry overkill, the 30-06 with 165gr bullets has been an absolute deer hammer over the years, though the .50cal (actually .45 cal sabot) Barnes XXX copper hollowpoint has been devastating as well.

October 18, 2008, 06:20 AM	#12
JKump Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 1998 Location: Middle Georgia Posts: 428	For me, my Rifle choice is a NEF Survivor 308. I shot this rifle both close and long ranges. Have been hunting close range lately with a Taurus 357 Mag. Tracker. In the past have use NEF Ultra lite 243, Remington 870 12 guage and a old Winchester 30-30. Below are a couple pictures that you can see the rifle in pretty good. http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...p/100_0229.jpg http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...Picture017.jpg http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...Picture002.jpg __________________ Live everyday as if it is your last! Because someday you will be right. "Everyone has a game plan until they get punched in the mouth".

October 17, 2008, 07:44 PM	#2
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	12 and/or 20 gauge and .30-30 is very well suited rounds for me and my type and terrain of hunting. More important than cartridge IMHO is the gun specifics. For me and my type and terrain, a lever action shortish carbine is best as my terrain is dense low scrub. A long barreled bolt gun would be a hindrance as would my 12 gauge with a 28 inch barrel compared to my 20 gauge with 18 inch barrel. Brent

October 17, 2008, 07:47 PM	#3
pbrktrt Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2008 Posts: 313	i'm in michigan & depending where i'm hunting i also use the 270 or 7.62 x 39. the 270 is definately the go to for most hunts.

October 17, 2008, 08:33 PM	#6
BIGR Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2000 Location: Mountains Posts: 1,385	For the 30.06 is my favorite. In the past I have used the .300 WIN. MAG, 30-30 and have taken several with my T/C .50 smoke pole. I have to say the muzzleloader will drop them just as quick as the .300 WIN MAG. with proper shot placement.

October 17, 2008, 11:37 PM	#7
Sportdog Junior member Join Date: February 28, 2006 Location: Southwestern Michigan Posts: 369	I've used, in order of frequency, 20 Gauge 870 Wingmaster w/18 1/2" smoothbore Remington 2 3/4" "Sluggers", 12 Gauge NEF Rifled Bull Barrel 22" (I think) Remington 3" "Copper Solids", 243Win Model 700ADL 22" Barrel either Speer 105grain "Hot Cor" or Hornady 100grain "Spire Point" handloads, 30-06 Remington Model 742 Carbine 18 1/2" Barrel 150grain Remington Core-Lokt's or Speer 165grain "Hot Cor" handloads, 30-06 Winchester Model 670 22" Barrel 180grain Sierra RN handloads. I hope to take a deer with my 7mmWSM Model 70 Winchester with 140grain Nosler "Ballistic Tips" next fall out west if the Good Lord sees fit.

October 18, 2008, 01:48 AM	#10
bclark1 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,531	Have used 30/06 and 45/70. Hoping to use .308 and 12ga this year. 30/06 by a landslide though, with particular respect for 165 grainers as the poster above - can't be beat as a deer rifle IMHO.

October 18, 2008, 05:27 AM	#11
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	For close range, I'd probably use a '92 winchester that I have in .45 Colt. But, around here you oft-times end up shooting across a canyon, so I tend to stick with flatter shooting cartridges. I've used .243 Win, .270, and 7mm Rem Mag. I've pretty much stuck with the 7mm mag for the last 22 years, just because it's never let me down. Here's a coues deer I shot down in Mexico a couple years ago on the last morning of the hunt. The shot presented was across a canyon, and a couple of jumps would take the deer to the next ranch...where we couldn't hunt. My brother lazered it at 472 yards before the shot. Most of the deer I've shot have been far closer, but you never know. Daryl

October 18, 2008, 09:51 AM	#13
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	.30-06 bolt & .45-70 lever.

October 18, 2008, 10:25 AM	#14
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	Daryl, fine Coues! I love how the antlers almost palmate or web. Purrrdy __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

October 18, 2008, 12:05 PM	#15
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Over the years, I have used everything from 243 to 30-30 to 8mm RemMag to375 H&H, but I keep going back to my old 7X57 for deer. I have shot animals with everything from popguns to big boomers, and I found that bigger is not necessarily better, but a flat trajectory is always nice. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 18, 2008, 10:49 PM	#16
ropadop Member Join Date: March 16, 1999 Location: Monroeville, PA, USA Posts: 17	I am a big fan of the 30-06 with 150g bullets for deer. It is flat shooting at 3000 fps in most loadings and fairly mild recoil. It is the only cartridge that I have ever killed a deer with...about 20 or so. I am itching to try my 44 mag SBH.

October 19, 2008, 02:39 PM	#18
pps_dad Junior Member Join Date: October 8, 2008 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 13	Where I live you can't use rifles but I have used: 357mag, 45acp, 20ga, 12ga, crossbow and compound bow.

October 19, 2008, 02:55 PM	#19
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	257 Ackley Improved. Mex mauser action,Garret glass stock,Doug FWT bbl,6X M-8 Leupold.7 lbs with scope. 3090 fps with 115 Nosler bt's. 300 yd zero. Scope duplex is 2 mils,post to post. Works for me

October 20, 2008, 07:46 AM	#20
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	My favorite cartirdge is the 300WM. It is flat shooting, can be used very effectivly on all N. American game, and recoil is still managable for most people. Ammunition is available almost anywhere and the price is still reasonable. Cost of ammo in no longer a concern to me because I reload. I can reload for about $1 more a box than .308 winchester.

October 20, 2008, 05:51 PM	#21
RLFD5415 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2004 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 129	I first started hunting deer with a 50 BMG, but found I was destroying too much meat. I've since switched to a 416 Rigby which I find works much better. :-) Last edited by RLFD5415; October 21, 2008 at 05:31 AM.

October 20, 2008, 07:18 PM	#22
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	I have no dedicated long and short range guns. My two favorite deer guns are the 30-06 and the 6.5x55. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

October 20, 2008, 07:44 PM	#23
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	The .270 Win with 130 grain Sierra BTSP and the .50 cal Muzzle Loader with patched round ball are my two favorite deer rifles. I've used the .243 Win with great success as well with 100 grain Corelokt. I usually save my center fires .30 caliber and larger stuff for elk.

October 21, 2008, 05:30 AM	#24
RLFD5415 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2004 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 129	Now seriously, depending on terrain/mood, I will grab one of the following: Marlin GG in 45-70 MKII in 7mm-08, or MKII in 358 win

October 21, 2008, 11:52 AM	#25
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,423	For all-around utility - Ruger M77 Mk II, .270 Win, scoped. For close quarters, snap-shot areas - Soviet SKS, 7.62x39, iron sights. For close quarter areas where I am more likely to get a shot at some pine chickens than big game - Winchester Model 25, 12 ga, one slug followed by upland game loads.

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