First Deer Rifle Suggestions

[MoBoost]

It's trick question ... the right answer is 7mm-08: I shoot 30-something calibers, 7-08 is such a wonderful "best-of-both-worlds" the only thing that comes close is 6.5x47 Lapua; everything else is just "too much case" or "not enough bullet".

 

[tran]

I agree with the above a 270 w/130 gr bullet is one of the best round ever created. I am thinking of a YOUNG KID just learning how to shoot, There are better choices...

 

[kroberts2131]

Yeah I'm leaning towards the .270 myself. I've played around with both at the range and the .270 just appeals to me more. Mossberg makes a decent one for around $300. I figure its worth it. I may go and hate it so I don't wanna have a real expensive gun sittin in the safe that I'll never use.

 

[sesh]

I guess I'll throw my hat in for a .270 also, great hunting caliber. Like a couple have already said, it'll be good if you ever decide to take on elk too. Ammo is also readily available at walmart, they always have it on the shelf out here. .243 is a great deer round as well, I'd buy a .243 now and if you ever decide to hunt something larger, cross that bridge when you get there.

 

[tran]

Look into the Marlin XL-7 it is around the same price. My son got one for his birthday and it will shoot sub MOA groups @ 100 yards, all day long.

 

[dennishoddy]

.270 would be my choice. As a matter of fact, each deer season, I cycle another safe queen to the field for deer season. This just happens to be the year of the
.270, and maybe the .300 Savage.

 

[MoBoost]

Here is my problem with 270:
Looks like 30-06
Kicks like 30-06
Flies like 30-06
Just doesn't deliver like 30-06.

 

[AllOut]

Good point... And I'm not an '06 fan
Plus with the '06 u have major options in bullet weight, like running up to 180+ gr and still shooting well at longer ranges.

 

[DRC458]

While I am a HUGE fan of the .243, I would say go with the .270. I'm sure I have killed more deer with a .243 than anything else ... I have probably killed more with a .243 than all of the other calibers I have used COMBINED. But, if you get the chance to hunt elk, you're gonna' need/want at least a .270. Ammo is everywhere (STANDARD .270 Winchester). Why buy a .243 now, then decide you want to hunt elk or some other larger game, and face the dilemma of needing to buy another rifle? Don't get me wrong ... any excuse to buy another firearm is O.K. by me!

 

[RidgeHunter]

I love how this is 2 pages already.

.450 Nitro Express in a double rifle or go home.

Get the .270