Choosing an all purpose deer rifle (now with non toxic in mind)

[Heym SR20]

I'd suggest you check up on that. That isn't the case with most lead free factory offerings not hitting the energy requirement due to low velocity... especially when you add in short barrels.

The majority of lead ammo I've tried including 100g have always been spot on for velocity. Even norma 100g are up at 3kfps whereas RWS and Lapua lead free seem to be around 2800-2850. You've got the CX loads which are around 3kfps but are a light bullet and dont meet requirements, certainly not here in England.

I am seeing 3200 fps from the factory load for Fox ammo which is 1800 odd ft lbs. I am running a 24” barrel.

I would suggest that 243s with short barrels probably don’t make muzzle energy requirements regardless of bullet type.

 

[25 Sharps]

.30-06, I know it can shoot 110, 130, 150, 165, 170,175, 180 and even 200grain copper bullets. It’s loaded with 175grn Barnes LRX and I’ve shot muntjac to moose with that setup with great performance. For deer and fox the .243 is hard to beat though

This is a good shout.

I’d say .280 but it’s a reloading only option and it sounds like the OP needs a rifle he can feed with factory.

 

[timbrayford]

I am seeing 3200 fps from the factory load for Fox ammo which is 1800 odd ft lbs. I am running a 24” barrel.

I would suggest that 243s with short barrels probably don’t make muzzle energy requirements regardless of bullet type.

Yes I was heading towards max loads in my blaser 243, the problem being excess noise and recoil combined with the group size opening up to unacceptable levels

 

[hendrix's rifle]

I am seeing 3200 fps from the factory load for Fox ammo which is 1800 odd ft lbs. I am running a 24” barrel.

I would suggest that 243s with short barrels probably don’t make muzzle energy requirements regardless of bullet type.

So one out of the rest of these brilliant lead free...

 

[West5575]

If I were to pick just one, a 25/06, 6.5 PRC or .270 would be my go to. All do a similar job using light ~100gr copper.

I like having different rifles for specific tasks, but I can’t see a future for my .308 with non lead for deer. My 25/06 and 6.5 PRC have 80-130 gr non lead covered, so it’s redundant really. I’m sure a 308 works but it’s sub optimal for all round use with copper , especially if limited to one cartridge. Just my opinion

Those are all fine cartridges but don’t understand about the 308. Very easy to get a 130 copper going over 3000 fps in a 20” barrel. That will hammer a deer.

 

[devon deer stalker]

Your 243 with an 80grain monolithic copper will be just fine for 90% of UK deer. The monolithics hold together on one piece so will punch right the way through any deer. And most 80gn loads will be significantly faster than 100gn bullets and thus have more energy. Use something like a Fox or Barnes TTSX 80gn bullet.

I would give these a try before spending lots on changing rifles.

I almost totally agree, based on my personal experience my .243 with Barnes TTSX 80g work on 100% of deer in this country shot through the engine room.

 

[turner.jc1]

Those are all fine cartridges but don’t understand about the 308. Very easy to get a 130 copper going over 3000 fps in a 20” barrel. That will hammer a deer.

Yeah of course. It’s just my personal situation with the rifles I have. But I don’t think a 308 is the best choice for sole use on copper if recommending a rifle. It could be fine, but it’s more limited than other options that’s all.

 

[Ronin]

Do all

30-06, 270

Precision do all

6.5/55, 260

Availability of ammunition is simply an order placed by your local shop to their suppliers

Just because it isn’t on the shelf does not mean that there is no availibility

The demise of certain cartridges from the shelves is a direct result to the plethora of devotees who simply must have the next bestest most winningest cartridge that the hipsters are promoting

When in reality it’s another “same as “

People are easily fooled by media hype and their own efforts to keep up with mr jones next door

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Do all

30-06, 270

Precision do all

6.5/55, 260

Availability of ammunition is simply an order placed by your local shop to their suppliers

Just because it isn’t on the shelf does not mean that there is no availibility

The demise of certain cartridges from the shelves is a direct result to the plethora of devotees who simply must have the next bestest most winningest cartridge that the hipsters are promoting

When in reality it’s another “same as “

People are easily fooled by media hype and their own efforts to keep up with mr jones next door

That’s the best post I’ve read in a bloody long time!

 

[tackb]

Go .308 if your stalking is usually less than 200m.
It’s the nearest to a ‘universal’ calibre and you’ll always find ammo somewhere.
I’ve tried Fox Classic Hunter in 150 grain (factory) and in 130 grain alongside RWS non toxic in my .308.
Both grouped well enough for deer, RWS better than Fox, although a stalking mate thinks the RWS Evogreen is too destructive on deer.
Be aware I’ve not shot deer with either make of ammo - I’ve homeloaded a very accurate recipe for the fox in 150 grain but I waiting for the hind season to open before trying them.

The range of bullet weight in this calibre should mean you’ll find something that’s going to group well and work well.

why would you limit yourself to less than 200m with a 308?

 

[Rutland lad]

why would you limit yourself to less than 200m with

If the 308 was a renowned long range hard hitting calibre there’d be no other calibres would there.
Let’s be honest here - 308 is a good calibre but it’s not a great one. Too limited by a small case capacity. That’s my opinion of course - everyone has their own.

 

[sauer]

.308 is a great caliber bit ballistics of a banana
If you spend time work out your drops thst can be sorted ... but better options these days

But unfussy to load
Good barrel life
Cheap components relative to other caliber
Said components readily available

 

[Jon P]

Another for 308, look at the RFD ammunition pages- always ammunition available, lot cheaper then 30-06 ammunition, just learn your bullet drop as a bit loopy at distance.

 

[slider]

You have a choice between a .270 and a .270

 

[tackb]

If the 308 was a renowned long range hard hitting calibre there’d be no other calibres would there.
Let’s be honest here - 308 is a good calibre but it’s not a great one. Too limited by a small case capacity. That’s my opinion of course - everyone has their own.

of course there would be other calibres , a 223 isn't right for buffalo and a 460 wetherby isn't a great varminting round

the 308 is a great calibre the equal of any other mid sized deer round and superior to many , it's versatile and has a large bullet weight selection , weight for weight it's no more drop than any other deer calibre at normal stalking ranges, so again , why would you limit yourself to 200m or less ?

 

[Rutland lad]

of course there would be other calibres , a 223 isn't right for buffalo and a 460 wetherby isn't a great varminting round

the 308 is a great calibre the equal of any other mid sized deer round and superior to many , it's versatile and has a large bullet weight selection , weight for weight it's no more drop than any other deer calibre at normal stalking ranges, so again , why would you limit yourself to 200m or less ?

I don’t ! But then again I hand load and know my own limitations and those of the rifle.

But I don’t take it to Scotland - I take the 300 WM there

 

[tackb]

I don’t ! But then again I hand load and know my own limitations and those of the rifle.

But I don’t take it to Scotland - I take the 300 WM there

really? wow!

i stalked scotland with a 308 no problem shot my furthest red there with it , then i used a 260rem which is now a 6.5 creedmoor , never felt undergunned , the estate guys had 243's and never complained and they shot a lot of deer on the hill

i suppose i could have taken my 300 remington ultra mag but just didn't see the point ?

 

[Rutland lad]

If we all only had one rifle it’d be a boring world wouldn’t it !

 

[tackb]

If we all only had one rifle it’d be a boring world wouldn’t it !

it certainly would !

it might stop people talking nonsense about calibres though !

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

If we all only had one rifle it’d be a boring world wouldn’t it !

I’ll call it perfect!

I only need one rifle, can’t see you the point in having a heap of rifles to do the same job