Deer caliber

[*Klutch*]

I'm going to be buying a new rifle for deer hunting. I will use it to do some long distance range and regular range visits, so I will be putting some rounds through it besides hunting season.
I've been using 270win and reloading it also, I don't currently have any rifles or dies to load for them either.
I'm considering 270win,30.06 and 7rem mag what are your opinions on these calibers and which would you choose. I like the 30.06 cause it's America's caliber and various other reasons, I like the 270 for flat shooting and great BC and I completely intrigued by the 7MAG but have read about some issues with reloading it.

[onefunzr2]

I will use it to do some long distance range and regular range visits, so I will be putting some rounds through it besides hunting season.

The 6.5mmx284 Norma is an exceptional long range caliber. I have a barrel for it on my modular R93 Blaser rifle. Very accurate. This caliber was just reviewed on The Gun Nuts TV show. They gave it a thumbs up. It is NOT a barrel burner.

If you're absolutely stuck on the '06, 270Win or 7Mag, I'd go with the '06. But it's gonna kick a lot more than any 6.5mm. You'll never feel it with a deer in your sights but certainly will while at the rifle range. Neither the 270Win or the 7Mag has ever been a favored competition caliber; just not tack drivers.

[animalmother85]

I was going to go with a 6.5x284 ...but I went with a 260 AI instead.

my recommendations;
260 Rem
7mm WSM
300 WSM

[FLICK]

If our doing some long range stuff between seasons, what about a .308? Short action, plenty of ammo around, known formulas for accuracy, a lot of reloading info, can kill any large game in the US.

[ettorment1916]

All are proven deer slayers without a doubt.

I went with 30-06 due to:
-- the far and wide availability of factory ammo
-- the plethora of 30 caliber bullets (type & grains) available for reloading.

Regarding reloading the 7mm Rem Mag: it's a belted magnum so that may be why there is some additional considerations when reloading them. I don't reload any belted magnums so I can't give any first hand experience regarding the subject. Maybe others will chime in...

Happy Hunting!

[Bill67]

I don't often hunt , but when I do, I shoot 30-40 krag.

[markshere2]

30-30 is just peachy for meat getting. Lever action is fun, too.

[Pilot321]

What type of deer? Whitetails, Mule deer? If you want something with a little more punch .243 is great. I see many people using way too much gun for Whitetails, especially at the distances we typically see in PA and most of the east.

[disturbed]

I would go with the 7 mag. Ive shot many deer with it and never had an issue.Very flat shooting and remmy 700 bdl is a tack driver.

Everyone has a favorite deer caliber/rifle and your gonna get a lot of different answers.If it were me i would decide if i want a long bolt stroke or short. If i chose long i would go with a magnum and a short bolt stroke i would go 308.Just my 0.02

[Hokkmike]

Clearly the most versatile of your choices is the venerable and ever ubiquitous .30-06.

I am more of a middle caliber man myself.

Of your choices, clearly go with the .30-06!