First Deer Calibre Rifle
- Thread starter Andilicious
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Andilicious
Well-Known Member
Thanks for that. A good read.I found this article helpful when I was making my decision.
To summarise the article (and many threads on here), any legal calibre works, skew your choice to what species you’ll be shooting most (I.e if you only ever intend to shoot muntjac, don’t buy a cannon), and make sure gun shops near you have ammo.
The article unfortunately arrived at the wrong conclusion by not recommending the .270 (The Swiss Army knife of calibres, for only the best looking of individuals - I got an exemption), but it was helpful reading.
What is the best Calibre for Deer Stalking & Management in the UK
The best calibre for UK deer stalking & Management? This is the 'biggy', ‘the grail’ the number one question that obsesses deer managers and those new to deer s...www.countydeerstalking.co.uk
I’m swaying towards the 308 as everywhere I read / look it gets a mention. The 270 seems less so but it’s obviously got a good reputation.
I think if I was ever intending to shoot Muntjac or CWD then I would just take my 223 so being “over kill” for those isn’t much of a consideration for me.
Andilicious
Well-Known Member
That’s the million dollar question. I’ve never done it before so I have no idea where it will take me. Im just looking at purchasing a do it all rifle / calibre for now.
Weird for the SD to be so wrong for so long, no one’s mentioned the .30-06 yet.
Load it with 130grn and it’s a .270
Load it with 165 and it’s better than a .308
Load it with 180 and it’s really singing and left your other choices for dust, and you still have the option of loading it with 220grn for boar, lowland red, and moose! Used mine in all the above scenarios and just love it.
If your into range shooting then the creedmoor will be kinder on your shoulder and wallet.
Load it with 130grn and it’s a .270
Load it with 165 and it’s better than a .308
Load it with 180 and it’s really singing and left your other choices for dust, and you still have the option of loading it with 220grn for boar, lowland red, and moose! Used mine in all the above scenarios and just love it.
If your into range shooting then the creedmoor will be kinder on your shoulder and wallet.
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One is rather common, and the other is for the more discerning shooter
Cranborne
Well-Known Member
I'd vote .308 in that case. Versatile, accurate and good ammunition availability.
I started with a 308 over 40 years ago, now on the 3rd rifle in that calibre.
20 years ago I got a 7x57, I suspect if I had started with that I might not have got a 308.
In the past 243 was often recommended for a beginner as it has less recoil, but it needs the right bullet either in lead or non lead, and I have always been wary of the it until I know the bullet works.
Today I suspect the 6.5CM is a good choice, more reliable than the 243 and gentler to shoot than the 308.
But if you have a long action………………….
20 years ago I got a 7x57, I suspect if I had started with that I might not have got a 308.
In the past 243 was often recommended for a beginner as it has less recoil, but it needs the right bullet either in lead or non lead, and I have always been wary of the it until I know the bullet works.
Today I suspect the 6.5CM is a good choice, more reliable than the 243 and gentler to shoot than the 308.
But if you have a long action………………….
With regards to counting the Creedmoor out, bear in mind that the article was written in 2013.I found this article helpful when I was making my decision.
To summarise the article (and many threads on here), any legal calibre works, skew your choice to what species you’ll be shooting most (I.e if you only ever intend to shoot muntjac, don’t buy a cannon), and make sure gun shops near you have ammo.
The article unfortunately arrived at the wrong conclusion by not recommending the .270 (The Swiss Army knife of calibres, for only the best looking of individuals - I got an exemption), but it was helpful reading.
What is the best Calibre for Deer Stalking & Management in the UK
The best calibre for UK deer stalking & Management? This is the 'biggy', ‘the grail’ the number one question that obsesses deer managers and those new to deer s...
Dave Lakes
Well-Known Member
Dave Lakes
Well-Known Member
When you go out with your .223 you will invariably see Roe, or bigger, happens all the time!
norcan
Well-Known Member
The .308 is a fine choice, but some of the claims in the article used to justify it are either pure opinion presented as fact, or just plain wrong.
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
Winchester first advertised it as the 270 western (iirc). Long range varminting and antelope rifle.The 270 was developed from the 30-06 I believe, and development is generally synonymous with progress and improvement....
I have nothing but admiration for it. I've seen some amazing shots taken with it.
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