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Caliber survey

The only deer rifle cartridges I've hunted with are the .30/06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and my favorite for the woods, the humble .35 Remington. Thankfully I've killed and recovered all the deer I can recall shooting with them all. Not bragging, though. I certainly can't say that for my first year deer hunting with slugs or the last deer I let an arrow loose on with my crossbow.
 
7mm mag--k

Reason:
It's the only centerfire rifle I had (before stupidly selling it) that I got at a great deal for Christmas one year. I wish I still had it.
 
I have killed with
.300 win mag probably around 100 animals
.300 wby mag
.300 Jarrett
.300 rum
.458
7mm rem mag
.25-06
12 ga
.270 pre 64 Winchester model 70

Hunted with
.30-30
.223 in a contender
.243
 
.243 Win (k)
.257 Wby (k)
.270 Win (k)
7mm RM (k)
.300 WSM (k)
.300 RUM (k)
.375 H&H (k)
.450 Marlin (k)

If I had to choose a favorite I guess it would be the .270 because I carry it for most of my hunts, prefer 140gr over 130gr bullets in it, can't tell a difference between it and my 7mm RM. The 300 RUM though, is like lightning striking a deer, its impressive, never had a deer take another step from a 180gr accubond.

Looking to add a 9.3x62 and a .338 federal to the mix soon.
 
Tenntrapper said:
I have a '91 Micro medallion in 243. It's got a few dings, but still going strong.
Interesting that you mentioned the 284 win. I've actually found a nib browning 284 barrel and was considering doing a barrel swap when I shoot this one out. The lack of being able to find someone that still does hot bluing has me hesitant.
They are beautiful rifles for sure.
Click to expand...
I bought it in 93 South Rhea Sales ordered it for me . I've got a Steiner scope on it . I've killed a couple of hogs & deer with it . It's got a chap on it . 257 Roberts is a Micro Medallion too . Both beautiful wood stocks .Hopefully you'll find someone to do it
 
Tenntrapper said:
This should be interesting.
1) list the centerfire calibers you have hunted with... mostly interested in deer hunting. Indicate if you killed with them.
2) if anything extraordinary about one, please indicate so.
3) if you've settled on something, please list reasons why.
Not interested in shotguns or MLs for this survey.

For me...
(K) indicates kill

.222
.223 (k)
.243 win (k)
.260 rem (k)
7/08 (k)
.308 (k)
6.5 Grendel
7.62 x 39
6.5 CM (k)
6.5x55 Swede (k)
7mm Mauser
8mm Mauser
30/06 (k)
30-30 win
35 rem (k)
.300 Weatherby
45-70
.357 mag
.44 mag (k)
25-06
25 wssm (k)
.270 win
6.5 x 284 Norma (k)
22-250 (k)
.303 British


I think that's all of them. I don't remember any of them killing a deer any deader than the others. The only deer I ever lost was shot with a 35 rem.
I've settled on the 243 win. The light recoil is easy on my bad shoulder. I've also taken quite a few deer with it, and it gets the job done. Serves double duty for yotes, so...win win.
Click to expand...
.243 win (k)
6.5 Grendel
7.62 x 39
.308
I reload for these calibers that I own. I like to still hunt with the 7.62x39 in 16 in barrel; no luck as of yet. Each of these get the job done, but I would lean on my .243 or 6.5 Grendel both with 24 in barrels for distance, windy, or absolute precision deer wet work.
 
30-06 (k)
35 Rem (k)
44 Rem Mag (k)
7mm Rem Mag (k)

My go to depends on where I am hunting. I have permission to hunt some property here by my house which is incredibly thick. I use the 35 there. On the other property I hunt I use the 30-06. The '06 does a great job of putting them down and the rifle has really good scope, trigger and balance.
 
The only calibers I've killed deer with are:
.223 k
.30-30 k
.308 k
.30-06 k
8mm Mauser k
.357 Magnum k
.50 MZ
Would love to try one with one of my Mosin Nagants.
 
.204 (K)
.222 (K)
.223 (K)
.243 (K)
.25-20 (K)
.270 (K)
.35 Rem (K)
.357 (K)
7mm-.08 (K)

I only hunted with bow & muzzleloader for about 13 years when I was in the Air Force so that probably skewed my stats considerably.
 

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