Caliber for Deer

[Outdoorser]

What's your favorite caliber for deer and why?

I've been shooting a 270 and like that it shoots "flat" out to ~250.  (I'm not looking to reach out further than that.)  

Interested in hearing others thoughts.  

[Splitear]

My .300 Savage did just fine for me last year, dropped my buck in his tracks. Granted, it’s the only rifle I’ve ever killed a deer with. All others were 12 gauge, 44mag or bow. 

[Moho81]

12ga as it worked for me for so many years. Now it’s 30-06 because I won it in a raffle and it’s gone 4 for 4 since I started using it. I’m not a complicated man. Lol. 

[Nontypical]

I’ve been using my 12g for years and only recently my area opened up for rifle. So I put together a nice bolt action in 6.8SPC. I also picked up a like new Mini 14 in the same caliber. Super accurate and lightweight with plenty of knockdown power. It’s become a favorite of many hog hunters down south. 

[Chef]

I have shot deer with, 30/30 35rem 308 243 hoping to get one with my 444 Marlin this year


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[GreeneHunter]

Been shooting my 30 30 for over 40 years , never let me down !

[Nomad]

First couple of decades a 12ga took 2-4 a year, when we went rifle I used a270 for a couple years , since then 7mm08, no intention to change .

Edited November 10, 2022 by Nomad

[Bucksnbows]

I’ve shot deer with 12 gauge slug guns, 30-30, 30-06, 7mm Rem. mag, .50 caliber muzzleloaders, and now my new .257 Roberts. The 7mm was my go to rifle for at least the last 25 years. But when a “long shot” is 100 yards, the 7mm wasn’t ever necessary. Last year I bought a bolt action Kimber and topped it with a nice Leupold scope and shoot 100 grain Nosler Partitions.  It’s all the gun I’ll ever need for whitetails in upstate. 

[Wildcat]

Very happy with my 25-06 

Edited November 10, 2022 by Wildcat
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[grampy]

I've been shooting my 270 Sako, with my own handloads the last few years. Been very successful with it. 

But my opinion is that the 7mm-08 may just be the perfect whitetail round. Low recoil. Flat shooting. Puts deer down fast. What's not to like about that?

[Chef]

I’ve shot deer with 12 gauge slug guns, 30-30, 30-06, 7mm Rem. mag, .50 caliber muzzleloaders, and now my new .257 Roberts. The 7mm was my go to rifle for at least the last 25 years. But when a “long shot” is 100 yards, the 7mm wasn’t ever necessary. Last year I bought a bolt action Kimber and topped it with a nice Leupold scope and shoot 100 grain Nosler Partitions.  It’s all the gun I’ll ever need for whitetails in upstate. 

That reminded me yes I’ve used a 50 cal ml as well


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[DDT]

Started out 44 years ago with a 12 gauge. Went to handguns, 44 mag revolver then a contender in 444 marlin. All did well. When rifles were passed here I've used lots. I enjoy reloading and experimenting with wildcats. 7GNR is a blown out 7x30 waters that has been good and lightweight on a T/C G2. 257 Weatherby for long range.  50 Beowulf is a real hammer and alot of fun.  6.5 Grendel and. 308 are are my go to's because I like the rifles they are in. I use a 44mag or 454 Casull handgun.  I like an accurate gun. After all it's all about shot placement.  

[eaglemountainman]

You could probably fill a boxcar full, with the deer I've killed for 35 years with my 30-06. The last 10 years, or so, I've moved to an ultra light Ruger 77 in 260 Rem and a few Kimbers in 7-08 and 257 Roberts.

[ATbuckhunter]

I only have 1 deer rifle so just 30-06. I'm probably going to buy a 7mm-08 as a back up, but Id love to get a 25-06. Hard to find a rifle chambered for 25-06. I also have a 50 cal Muzzleloader that I use for muzzleloader season and for 

[Bucndoe]

.308