Best gun for deer

[Cris]

So caliber is not top priority but if its a first rifle for a starter in this day and age when times are changing. Lead is dead and monolithic the way forward, look for something a bit above a .243 for future proofing.
Hmm and yes there is talk of lowering the min bullet weight but really do you risk it.
Don’t get me wrong as the 243 has been my go to for nearly 30 years but now is the time to move up a notch at least to 6.5 x 55.

 

[John Gryphon]

Best gun for deer?​

The one in your hand on the day,its as simple as that.
If you only have a lever 30/30 so be it,or one of the calibres perceived by the SD mob to be less than satisfactory so be it.
Get closer and aim better.

 

[mchughcb]

Jesus Christ. The calibre doesn't matter. It's WAY down the list of priorities compared to the ability to get close to deer, identify them, and gun fit (Yanik: the is a secret: if your gun fits, recoil doesn't matter).

Then the secret is to buy a cheap thermal and an even cheaper gun.

 

[A Guy Out West]

There are best rifles and there are cheap rifles, but there are no best cheap rifles. Mr. W’s Vanguard or a Howa might be a consideration for you. One of my boys has a Vanguard youth model that shoots 1/2” groups at 100, it’s a 7/08.

 

[Richard Parsons]

.243 is only liked by people not allowed anything better.

 

[Ade8mm]

.243 is only liked by people not allowed anything better.

Whilst an amusing post, there is a valid point here.
Many people are limited to .243 when first applying for an fac (I was one of them)
However they tend to learn to appreciate its qualities and even later when the can apply for and own larger calibres (as I now do) still appreciate the .243 and use it for a lot of their hunting

 

[antsa]

I know a few fella's that like myself laugh at the notion some people have that a hunter should "spend most of your money on a good scope and buy a rifle from the change".

What a crock of **** that is for anyone to be spouting to someone that wants to get started in hunting.

Yep, have always loved the logic behind the notion of spending more on your scope than on your rifle. I can buy a Sako Hunter for about AUD 3300:-. The deluxe version in top class walnut will set me back AUD 5100:-. No difference in the barrel or action except that the deluxe is polished externally. If I choose a deluxe over a standard should I choose a scope that costs $1800 more? As you indicated, what a crock of cow poo

Cheers

 

[Woodsmoke]

My caliber recommendation, although not my personal preference, would be a .270 for light recoil and no worries about cartridge availability

And that just reinforces the fallacy about the .270 being a shoulder-breaking monster that's hard to feed. I wonder just how many folk who slate this calibre have actually fired one

 

[A Guy Out West]

And that just reinforces the fallacy about the .270 being a shoulder-breaking monster that's hard to feed. I wonder just how many folk who slate this calibre have actually fired one

I knew a recommendation for the .270 was on the way from you. The .270 Win is one of the all time greats. As you pointed out, people that down it have never worked with it. I find the recoil not a factor. I equip all my rifles with a Pachmyer Decelorator recoil pad and it tames it enough for my 12 year old to shoot it without reservation. The only problem is that it will take away all your excuses for buying more rifles, you just simple won’t need any more.

 

[ruger 243]

.243 is only liked by people not allowed anything better.

not allowed anything better ,,, ive had one 35 year on open ticket , only shooting roe now but floored massive stags and hinds over the years and could pick any caliber i want , whats better ? should we we all get an oh look at me nerb/6,5 ****moor or just massive silly calibers and have two german wire haired wolves to pull them down after we shot them up the arse wth somthing BETTER

 

[bluesako]

So caliber is not top priority but if its a first rifle for a starter in this day and age when times are changing. Lead is dead and monolithic the way forward, look for something a bit above a .243 for future proofing.
Hmm and yes there is talk of lowering the min bullet weight but really do you risk it.
Don’t get me wrong as the 243 has been my go to for nearly 30 years but now is the time to move up a notch at least to 6.5 x 55.

well, lead is dead eh? mmm not in my 243 it aint matey jeez the stuff ive shot over the years with a 243 bs

 

[sikamalc]

There is at times some total C..p dished out at times about calibres on here. 243 will kill any deer in this country. I often think that anyone who claims that a far bigger calibre will do a far better job, is maybe not confident enough with their being able to shoot straight Bigger calibre less chance of a deer running off maybe??

 

[John Gryphon]

 

[Stevie/P]

I'd like to see the look on the gillie''s face if I'd turnd up with that for a stalk.

 

[Kjf]

I think you all need to chill with the 243 comments ,

Coz I know they have been said in jest ,( stir paint with lol lol)

But lockdown is seeming to .......hook line and sinker a few on here regarding obvious joking comments

Lol lol

Chill

Kjf

 

[Tim.243]

There is at times some total C..p dished out at times about calibres on here. 243 will kill any deer in this country. I often think that anyone who claims that a far bigger calibre will do a far better job, is maybe not confident enough with their being able to shoot straight Bigger calibre less chance of a deer running off maybe??

@yanik101

Those holes are from a .243 @ 200 yards clean through 10mm M/S plate using a 95gn round.

It serves as a reminder on how fragile a deer hide/ribs/lungs and heart really are. As Malcom said that calibre will put down any deer n the UK.

There is a second point to the picture as should you be carless with your safety/backstops etc then the round you let fly won't come back.

Third point is there are no deer running around with flack jackets on, only people with claims a .243 is not up to the job.

 

[Woodsmoke]

I knew a recommendation for the .270 was on the way from you. The .270 Win is one of the all time greats

I love the calibre. It's taken everything for me from raccoon, whitetail, roe, and red. Sure, it's a relatively fast round with not a particularly huge mass to it, but with a classic 130grain softpoint and and bit of finesse as to bullet placement it's still at least as good as anything else out there. Having said that, like everything else in life it has to be a compromise. I primarily use it as my main stalking rifle, but I also have .223 and. 308 in the cabinet too. Both are Stutzens, and both are also superb, but they do different jobs for me. If someone forced my hand though, I'd take the .270. It just works

 

[12gsnapcaps]

I have a Howa .1500 in .308 i bought for about £300 (with a decnt moderator) and a Nikko sterling scope that cost me about £70 and it takes down deer no problem. Howa 1500 is a great choice for a 'cheap' gun.

 

[Mountain Bug]

There is at times some total C..p dished out at times about calibres on here. 243 will kill any deer in this country. I often think that anyone who claims that a far bigger calibre will do a far better job, is maybe not confident enough with their being able to shoot straight Bigger calibre less chance of a deer running off maybe??

In my home state you are legally allowed to shoot elk and moose with a 6mm as long as you use an expanding bullet with an impact energy of 1000 ft lbs at 100 yards. This doesn't mean that I would ever feel comfortable doing so. If I had to maybe.....but not if given a choice.

Scott

 

[Cris]

well, lead is dead eh? mmm not in my 243 it aint matey jeez the stuff ive shot over the years with a 243 bs

Not knocking the 243. Its my go to rifle for now but if you are starting out and want something future proof in this changing world I would not recommend a .243 anymore. Nothing to do with confidence in an experienced shot but more about building confidence in a new inexperienced stalker.