Outdoor Forums: Best Deer Hunting Caliber Rifle? .270 .280, .308, 30-06?

Author

Topic: Best Deer Hunting Caliber Rifle? .270 .280, .308, 30-06?

Horns Outside The Ears
Junior Member
Member # 15585

posted

Okay - I have been on the forum before asking for gun advice (in the hopes of buying a new one within the next month) - and now I have decided to post a poll; to help me choose my first deer rifle that I have ever bought brand new - and bought as my gun to keep and hunt with forever.....hand down to my kids, etc, etc. My question is this:

If you had to buy a deer rifle - and wanted a gun that you felt was the absolute best all around caliber for any type of deer hunting (whitetail + mule deer); but that you could also use for Caribou, Elk, and Moose if ever given the opportunity........what caliber would you buy and why?

I am wanting to own one deer rifle and one only - so I want to feel that I am getting a caliber that will be all around suitable for any type of hunting adventures I may encounter.

I would appreciate any advice you could write as to what and why you recommend it - as well as you vote in my poll. Thanks for your help!

Poll Information
This poll contains 1 question(s). 74 user(s) have voted.
You may not view the results of this poll without voting.

Posts: 45 | IP: Logged

Hard H2O
Active Member
Member # 1875

posted

Sitting back, popping popcorn, opening beer...

Posts: 2452 | From: Oakdale, Minnesota | IP: Logged

FloridaHunter
Active Member
Member # 10128

posted

I put in a vote for the .280. It would be a great gun to pass down because it doesn't kill your arm to shoot, heck, mine has almost no recoil at all, but I'd want something a little bigger for moose, though, a 180gr bullet is going to put down a moose. Also, float the barrel and nock the trigger down to #3 on a good bolt action rifle and a .280 can be extremely accurate. Mine will easily put a 5 shot group in a 1-1 1/2" circle at 100yds and im not that good of a shot.

Posts: 1229 | From: Orlando, Fl | IP: Logged

c. schutte
Active Member
Member # 17166

posted

Ah yes, the old what is the best gun question. I can't pick just one but, I can narrow it down to two or three. Keeping in mind that in the good old days most hunters could only afford one hunting rifle, some of those older calibers have served that purpose and still do. It has to be a good cross over rifle that is flat for long range and is big enough for elk. While the .270 and 30-06 have proven themselves more than able I would opt for something along those lines with just a little more power just because I can. One choice would be the 7mm mag for those who don't want too much recoil and will hunt more deer than elk and the 300 mag (either 300 win mag or 300 Wby.) for those who will hunt elk more often. The truth is you can't go with the .270,.280, .308 or the 30-06 either.

I don't mention the short mags because the long action 300 mags push the 200 grain bullets better. That may not really matter that much but it is something that the long actions do that the short mags don't. I also don't buy into the hype that the short actions are more accurate. They are not any less accurate either and if you like compact rifles then they are fine.

I would also add that while getting a rifle that does it all and will pass on to your children should be something that you actually want and will be proud of, not something that you settle for just because it was a little cheaper. In those lines of thinking I would consider stepping up a notch to Weatherby, Sako, Thompson, or the model 70 if it lives up to it's promise.

You may also want to consider a good wood stock too. I have seen some wooden stocks that have been properly bedded and sealed to withstand moisture. My Weatherby has the exibition grade walnut with an oil finish, properly sealed and bedded so that it shoots the same in the field or the bench in wet or shine. In any event, there is no substitute for owning something of beauty and function. Get something you truly want, put a top notch scope on it and you will have a rifle that you feel proud of each time you lay eyes on it.

Posts: 268 | From: McKinney, Texas | IP: Logged

D Boone
Active Member
Member # 5065

posted

.270 Winchester!

ITS ON CUZ! [Big Grin]

Posts: 2736 | From: Kan-tuck | IP: Logged

nicholas bod
Active Member
Member # 14135

posted

Is it fair to tell what you voted for in the process?.

I voted 280 cause it's middle ground between the large and smaller cals.

There's not much a 7mm cant do. [Smile]

You've got a 270 with lighter bullets, and a 30-06 with heavier bullets. Problem solved. [Wink]

Posts: 1504 | From: Southwestern Ontario Canada. | IP: Logged

crusher
Active Member
Member # 16871

posted

I voted 30-06 because it can do it all and has a huge selection of bullets, and you can find ammo anywhere. I didn't vote for the .280 because ammo is a little harder to find. I didn't vote .270 because of bullet selection, although it is eaisly found. I do like the .270 alot though, for whitetail. I didn't vote for the 308 because other than a little advantage in accuracy, I don't know why you would choose one over a 30-06. I think they are all great choices, and you will be happy with any of them.

Posts: 487 | From: NC | IP: Logged

Bobus
Active Member
Member # 13965

posted

i voted on the 308, because i got one, it is just an alround good cal. with little kick and easy to find rounds in many varietys of lead. But they are all good rounds.

Posts: 489 | From: st pete, fl | IP: Logged

slayer
Junior Member
Member # 14141

posted

Either a .270 or a 30.06. Either should have the knock down power for moose but I think the .270 may shoot flater.

Posts: 41 | From: N.C. | IP: Logged

wigeonmeister
Active Member
Member # 847

posted

quote:
Originally posted by D Boone:
.270 Winchester!

ITS ON CUZ!

Loaded with 130-grain Nosler solid base ammo and topped with a Zeiss Conquest scope? [Wink]

Posts: 4651 | From: Arkansas | IP: Logged

nicholas bod
Active Member
Member # 14135

posted

We all know a 270 is a 30-06 gone bad for deer. [Big Grin]

Probably the best cal of all for deer at all ranges.

The 280 only out shines it by going a bit deeper on bigger game, but still is a 30-06 gone badder!!... [Wink]

Posts: 1504 | From: Southwestern Ontario Canada. | IP: Logged

Billy Bob
Active Member
Member # 8025

posted

quote:
Originally posted by nicholas bod:
We all know a 270 is a 30-06 gone bad for deer.

HUH, what am I going to do with all those venison steaks that were bagged with not only a .270 Win but also a .243 Win
[Confused]

Posts: 3184 | From: Lancaster, NY | IP: Logged

tddeangelo
Active Member
Member # 9725

posted

Billy Bob,

You obviously have very wimpy deer. They probably are good eaters, since they are so woefully weak as to be put out of commission by a .243.

[Smile]

I voted for the '06. I doubt anyone expected anything different from me.

Of course, I'm going deer hunting with a .30-40 this season (among other calibers). I probably shouldn't....I just overheard some guy at a gun counter making fun of his grandpa for using a .30-40 for decades and never wanting anything "better".

All fun aside, if you really carefully compare a .270/.280/.30-06, I bet you can't find a substantive difference...if you compare appropriate bullets/loads. Don't give me a 150gr in all three....the sec. densities and BC's aren't matched. Match up those two numbers, THEN compare and you'll see little to no difference between them, and what difference exists is negligible.

Now, as for the effeminate .243 Win.....well.....to each their own, I guess.

[Cool]

Posts: 1852 | From: Southeastern Pennsylvania | IP: Logged

FloridaHunter
Active Member
Member # 10128

posted

I wouldn't knock a .243. I've hunted with a 6mm (which is really close) some and its so accurate its scary. I've killed deer (yes, florida deer are small and wimpy), but I've also killed some big nasty pigs with it too. Shot one through almost both shoulder guards (stopped at the opposite skin) that weighed somewhere near 300#. Its a good gun for most whitetails and a great gun for varmits.

Posts: 1229 | From: Orlando, Fl | IP: Logged

Hard H2O
Active Member
Member # 1875

posted

I was reading the changes to the big game regs for Minnesota for this year. I was surprised that they changed from a .25 centerfire minimum to .22 centerfire.

It won't change anything for me but in talking to some relatives they are going to take out their .243 rifles this year for whitetail.

Posts: 2452 | From: Oakdale, Minnesota | IP: Logged

G.MAN
Active Member
Member # 4698

posted

Nothing wrong with a 243. its a deer slayin cartrige.

I voted .308. It will kill any deer around.

Posts: 8581 | From: Missouri | IP: Logged

Billy Bob
Active Member
Member # 8025

posted

quote:
Originally posted by tddeangelo:
Billy Bob,

Now, as for the effeminate .243 Win.....well.....to each their own, I guess.

Anytime you want to come down and try to out shoot the wimpy .243 Win you're more than welcome. I will bet none of the larger calibers you use will beat that .243 Win.......... It don't matter how big the caliber is if you miss [Big Grin]

As far as wimpy deer, here's one the boy took with one shot from his .243 It's larger then most bucks I have seen taken in PA [Wink]

Posts: 3184 | From: Lancaster, NY | IP: Logged

wigeonmeister
Active Member
Member # 847

posted

Billy Bob,

Someone dissin the .243 is your lone hot button, isn't it?

[Big Grin]

Posts: 4651 | From: Arkansas | IP: Logged

Billy Bob
Active Member
Member # 8025

posted

Nah, I know Tom is just having some fun at my expense. But in return I also like to jab back. [Big Grin]

Posts: 3184 | From: Lancaster, NY | IP: Logged

tddeangelo
Active Member
Member # 9725

posted

You hunt with some indiscriminate PA hunters, then BB. [Wink]

That's one heck of a nice doe. I dumped one very similar last year with my '06 that can't shoot well. [Big Grin]

Oh, and I did it with a 1903 Springfield in military configuration, so that means I made that shot with open sights on a deer at over 70 yards. If you put irons on that .243, I'll put several .30-06's or a .30-40 up against it. I'll bet I beat it, too. [Wink]

And the size of the caliber can make up for a miss. I bet you can be a little sloppy with accuracy with a 105 howitzer and do just fine.

[Razz]

And for those not "in the know", Billy Bob and I have an exchange like this about every 3 months or so. It started between his .270 and my .30-06, but apparently even the gelding .270 was too much for him and he's regressed to the .243 Win. My .30-06 has been my go-to consistently the entire time.

And sarcasm and fun aside, I'm sure the .243 Win is a good venison-getter, I just don't choose to use it. And I have hunted with a 6mm Rem, too. I'm well acquainted with it.

So there. [Razz]

Posts: 1852 | From: Southeastern Pennsylvania | IP: Logged

Billy Bob
Active Member
Member # 8025

posted

I thought we all conceded that the .270 Win is the "KING" of whitetail cartridges. But there is no more accurate whitetail cartridges then the .243 Win So I guess that would make it the "PRINCE" of whitetail cartridges. LOL [Big Grin]

BTW Wiggy, how's the girlfriend FUGLY doing.....

Posts: 3184 | From: Lancaster, NY | IP: Logged

tddeangelo
Active Member
Member # 9725

posted

I bet the 6.5x55 can stomp all over the .243 for game and target performance. Notice all the .264's being built for the match crowd lately?

The 6.5x55 can be as gentle on the shooter as the .243 and shoot as well or better, but wallops the heck outta game on the terminal end. The .257 Roberts is arguably as good a "compromise" round as the .243, too. the .25-06 even better. Lots of rounds trying to outdo the '06 out there....yet the original remains and is going strong!

[Big Grin]

We haven't had a good go'round like this for some time. We're overdue. [Wink]

Posts: 1852 | From: Southeastern Pennsylvania | IP: Logged

Kimberman
Active Member
Member # 9758

posted

270
308
30-06
280

As a deer only cartridge this would be my order of preference with what was given. My personal preference would be:

270 WSM
270
308
260
358

Posts: 842 | From: Knoxville TN | IP: Logged

wigeonmeister
Active Member
Member # 847

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Billy Bob:
I thought we all conceded that the .270 Win is the "KING" of whitetail cartridges. But there is no more accurate whitetail cartridges then the .243 Win So I guess that would make it the "PRINCE" of whitetail cartridges. LOL

BTW Wiggy, how's the girlfriend FUGLY doing.....

You obviously haven't seen the Republican VP pick. [Wink]

Posts: 4651 | From: Arkansas | IP: Logged

Billy Bob
Active Member
Member # 8025

posted

Do you mean this hottie............who is originally from Idaho