Best deer caliber

[Dan-o]

Touche'   

 

Where's my beer??

In my fridge.

[hardcorecarnivore]

I am not looking for a mag.  Just a caliber that is very accurate, mild to moderate recoil and something that I can easily reload or buy factory ammo for.

From what you stated, .308WIN would be hard to beat!  I prefer a little faster for better down range energy and trajectory, so I would go with the 270WIN with 130gr Hornady Interbond's if not a mag cal. 

[RadSav]

I am not looking for a mag.  Just a caliber that is very accurate, mild to moderate recoil and something that I can easily reload or buy factory ammo for.

From what you stated, .308WIN would be hard to beat!  I prefer a little faster for better down range energy and trajectory, so I would go with the 270WIN with 130gr Hornady Interbond's if not a mag cal.

Down range energy of either a 150 or 165 grain .308 will be considerably better than that of the 130 grain .270.  Down range velocities are generally within 100 fps depending on load.  I am a fan of both the .308 and .270 Win as deer killers. And both are more than capable out to 500 yards with the right bullets.  Just wanted to make that clarification about energy.  Minimal muzzle velocity just does not add up to increased energy over mass weight.

[bobcat]

Down range energy of either a 150 or 165 grain .308 will be considerably better than that of the 130 grain .270. 

That's not true at all. Besides, the calculated energy is just a number that's practically meaningless. Sure the number might be slightly greater due to the heavier bullet, but that doesn't mean it will kill any better. Not saying there's anything wrong with the 308. In fact I often recommend it. But it's not superior to the 270 and I guarantee a deer would never know the difference.

[Curly]

.280 Rem or .280 AI


.270 Win ranks way up there as the possible #1 deer cartridge.  However, I think there is a case to be made for the .280 Rem.  I think it is better than the .270 Win.  It isn't as popular as the .270, but there is still a lot of factory offerings for the .280 Rem these days.

The Ackley Improved version is also a great choice for someone that reloads.  And the AI is even offered as a factory round now.  The AI seems to be gaining popularity.  Some rifle manufacturers are even offering rifles in the chambering.

[RadSav]

Down range energy of either a 150 or 165 grain .308 will be considerably better than that of the 130 grain .270. 

That's not true at all. Besides, the calculated energy is just a number that's practically meaningless. Sure the number might be slightly greater due to the heavier bullet, but that doesn't mean it will kill any better. Not saying there's anything wrong with the 308. In fact I often recommend it. But it's not superior to the 270 and I guarantee a deer would never know the difference.

"That's not true at all""Sure the number might be slightly greater due to the heavier bullet"  Which is it?  Not true or slightly better?

Don't think I said anything about the .308 being superior to the 270.  Did I?    I thought I was just giving clarification to a statement of wanting the 270 because it delivered more downrange energy.

Shoot either one!  Both great hunting rounds.  Both plenty capable for deer and larger animals. Both are very accurate at hunting distances.  I could care less whether someone chose to use the 308 or 270 when hunting with me.  Just don't tell me my statement is "not true at all" and then follow with a statement two sentences later saying "it might be true."

[BOWHUNTER45]

you give me a .270 topped with a 140 gr bullet preferably a hornaday and there is no North American animal I will not kill 

[wilsongideon]

you give me a .270 topped with a 140 gr bullet preferably a hornaday and there is no North American animal I will not kill 

Shot placement is key anyways not the caliber

[bobcat]

"That's not true at all""Sure the number might be slightly greater due to the heavier bullet"  Which is it?  Not true or slightly better?

Don't think I said anything about the .308 being superior to the 270.  Did I?    I thought I was just giving clarification to a statement of wanting the 270 because it delivered more downrange energy.

Shoot either one!  Both great hunting rounds.  Both plenty capable for deer and larger animals. Both are very accurate at hunting distances.  I could care less whether someone chose to use the 308 or 270 when hunting with me.  Just don't tell me my statement is "not true at all" and then follow with a statement two sentences later saying "it might be true."

I didn't say "it might be true."

It's not true, period.

I can say that with confidence, without having to look up the actual numbers, because what you said is the 308 has "considerably more energy."

And that's simply not true. No way. It may have slightly more, depending on the particular bullets you're comparing. But, basically they are the same. Neither one has "significantly" more of anything.

[RadSav]

Neither one has "significantly" more of anything.

That I agree with

[spin05]

.270 ........

[Sneekee23]

264 winchester or 257 weatherby and if I am hunting the thick stuff 30 30...yep I said it.

[Lobo]

One more vote for .270 Winchester.  I like 130 grain bullets for deer.

[hendog]

.308 w/ Hornady 165gn SST. Lights out!

[C-Money]

Thanks for all of the great input!  It seems like all have good points and will get the job done!  When I do purchase I will let you all know what I bought!

Did you make a purchase yet?