First Deer Calibre Rifle

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Andilicious

Well-Known Member
Hi

I am putting in for my first deer legal calibre.

I was thinking of going 308 or maybe even 270 but then I see plenty of posts about 6.5CM....

Is there a better one to pick with the incoming lead ban? I tried to search but it returns almost every thread on here. I have no experience of any of these calibres so I am starting from scratch.

If there is any good threads you could link me too for some more reading then I would appreciate that.

Cheers

Andy
 
Andilicious said:
Hi

I am putting in for my first deer legal calibre.

I was thinking of going 308 or maybe even 270 but then I see plenty of posts about 6.5CM....

Is there a better one to pick with the incoming lead ban? I tried to search but it returns almost every thread on here. I have no experience of any of these calibres so I am starting from scratch.

If there is any good threads you could link me too for some more reading then I would appreciate that.

Cheers

Andy
Click to expand...
Any of those will work but you’ll find ammunition for the .308 and creedmoor more common than the 270 now and probably a larger range of selection of reloading.

Regards,
Gixer
 
I have both .308 and .270 and if I had to choose one it would be the .308. The ammo as already said is more widely available and there are more options plus it usually just drops the Sika where they were standing.
 
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.

www.countydeerstalking.co.uk

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 www.countydeerstalking.co.uk
 
Last edited:
Walk into your local gun shop, ask them to show you the selection of ammunition and reloading components for all three chamberings and that will make your decision…

The question came up once on here and I took a photo in my local gun shop of the selection of a few, the 270 had 3 boxes…the 6.5 had about 12 different options and the 308 was about the same.

Also, it’s only inbred/backward people that but those 270’s…😂
 
gixer1 said:
The question came up once on here and I took a photo in my local gun shop of the selection of a few, the 270 had 3 boxes…the 6.5 had about 12 different options and the 308 was about the same.
Click to expand...
3 boxes of ammo = 60 deer. Most recreational stalkers would take years to use up that lot 😂
I think that the whole ammo availability thing - for any calibre - is only an issue for the first few weeks when you're rattling off rounds getting your new rifle set up and zeroed and putting in some practice. Thereafter, just top up your stocks whenever you get an opportunity. I guess most people are entitled to hold around 200 rounds, and that would last the majority of recreational stalkers a fair while in the event of a temporary supply issue.
 
Hmm. “Shooting deer“ is a very big topic - ranging from close range diminutive muntjac through to huge adrenalin-filled stags in the rut and hundreds of yards off soooo sit yourself down, ask yourself what species do I really intend to shoot, have a look at the many posts about calibre, bullet type and construction, powder - best and charges for respective bullets, distance and topography, reload or not, lead or non-toxic, best rifle manufacturer and of course availability in these particularly difficult times. Then buy a Remington .308. Simples.
You are welcome.
🦊🦊
 
Mine was a 270 and it shot some beasts - deff best place to start imo. 2nd choice 308
 
Yep, better known locally as the “.270s,” ‘parently!
My post’s youtube link works for me, maybe I should ask my uncles/brothers/dad to check it out, boy…..
🦊🦊
 
Andilicious said:
Hi

I am putting in for my first deer legal calibre.

I was thinking of going 308 or maybe even 270 but then I see plenty of posts about 6.5CM....

Is there a better one to pick with the incoming lead ban? I tried to search but it returns almost every thread on here. I have no experience of any of these calibres so I am starting from scratch.

If there is any good threads you could link me too for some more reading then I would appreciate that.

Cheers

Andy
Click to expand...
Worth noting that whilst if it’s a deer only calibre you want then ammo is readily available in .308 and .270 ( certainly more so than my 6.5 x 55 swede- though I reload so no major issue) …. But if you want to shoot foxes as well ( may help you gain your ticket for the larger calibre- esp if you have some farm land - it doesn’t matter if there’s no deer on it, there’s bound to be a fox.

The home office guidance allows a 6.5mm calibre for fox as well as deer…. You’ll get 6.5mm creedmoor ammo sooner than the swede.

Think about copper ammo ( .243 will struggle a bit, there’s limited bullet choice in 100 grains in copper for Scotland) and also think about what deer you will largely be using it for? Whilst you can shoot all deer with a .270 it may be great for reds and fallow and sika, but maybe a bit much for Roe, munties, and those teddy bear things, etc
 
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