first deer calibre rifle

[270rem]

I love my .270 you will only need the one stalking rifle.

 

[Muir]

Ok. Someone other than me go to the Federal Ammo web site and compare the ballistics of the 270 Power Shok 130/150 grain to the ballistics of the 6.5x55 140 grain Power Shok. ~Muir

(PS: Not a spit-worth of difference, really....)

 

[sikadog]

I agree with Muir I drive 120gn Siera's out of my 6.5 at just short of 3000 fps

 

[Muir]

I agree with Muir I drive 120gn Siera's out of my 6.5 at just short of 3000 fps

I do the same with PRVI 120 grain BTHP Match bullets. I don't know where the notion of the 270 being "laser flat" comes in. At best, comparing factory rounds, the 130 shoots 1.5" flatter at 200 than the 140 grain 6.5 loading. The remaining energies are about identical. The 150 grain has about the same trajectory. ~Muir

 

[BunnyDoom]

im booked in for my dsc1 in august so will be looking for a new rifle shortly after that a friend of mine has a 6.5 x 55 and another friend has a 30 06 what would be a good calibre for my first deer rifle bearing in mind i intend to keep it for a long time ?

Went through all this about a year ago, having previously only used an employee's .303 and stalkers .308's and 6.5's for hunting, but also having used .243 and .308 for target for years (as well as .223/5.56 obviously)...

Depends on what the majority of your stalking will be like? I opted for a .243, as being in sussex I primarily shoot roe and fallow in woodland at ranges under 150m

Being in oxfordshire I'd say you're in the same boat as me, though I think you have some red shooting not far from you? - .243 with 100gn rounds I reckon, though I hear good things about the .270. Alternatively if you're planning on trips to scotland etc then a .308 or 30-06 are pretty similar in terms of ballistics and performance.

It's not the most detailed but if you have an iPhone download winchesters ballistics apps and have a look at comparing the various calibres - I look for the best average in terms of velocity at distance and drop, wind drift, etc. If I were you I'd go for a .243 or .270, and/or a .308 or 30-06 - overall seem flat for what they deliver and the range of ammo available is affordable etc.

Maybe you could tell us where you're likely to be stalking, and I'm sure the guys on here will be able to give you some tailored advice as I can only really go on my comparitively limited experience and what I've read!

 

[SikaJames]

I chose 6.5x55 for my first stalking rifle about 12 years ago, and have never felt the need to change it.
(I have chopped and changed F-Class and other rifles, but the 6.5x55 is a constant calibre)

im booked in for my dsc1 in august so will be looking for a new rifle shortly after that a friend of mine has a 6.5 x 55 and another friend has a 30 06 what would be a good calibre for my first deer rifle bearing in mind i intend to keep it for a long time ?

 

[County Deer Stalking]

Speaking as a professional stalker and guide I would suggest for your first deer rifle its important to get a calibre that will allow you to shoot accurately and in order to achieve this I would try something without too much of a kick. For that reason I would stick to a .243 or 6.5x55. Some argue that the .243 doesn't pack quite enough punch for the larger deer but to my mind its a great classic calibre for the beginner. As for the 6.5 x 55 its low in recoil but is still able to fire slightly heavier bullets about 140 grains is popular.

Failing that if you think you want a bit more energy then go for the .308 you'll never need anything else for UK stalking it has plenty of energy but is more manageable than a .270 or 30.06 which quite frankly for a beginner I think would be a mistake.

At any rate best of luck with what ever you decide to go with!!

Cheers
http://www.countydeerstalking.co.uk

 

[HWWC]

I think .308 is hard to beat for accuracy and generally being fit for purpose, 6.5 x55 also v.g and very accurate.

 

[Hootsman]

Yip the .308 is some machine. Its cheap to reliad and is a very accurate caliber. Its knock down power is great and it doesnt kick too hard. I have a 22/250 aswell and given the choice of one rifle I would just have the .308

 

[Uncle Buck]

I've been (& still am ) a staunch follower of the 243. for many years and have on occasion had a runner.

I recently also started using a 308. the results are plain to see. no contest in knock down power.

and a greater variety of bullet weights so if your only after one rifle the 308. also gets my vote.

Rgds, Buck.

 

[wivenhoe65]

For a beginner my money would be on a 6.5x55 , i also shoot .243 / 25-06 / .308 , all good rounds in their own right but for a starter rifle / calibre 6.5x55 fits the bill best imo
PS . if you want to develop a flinch from day one buy a .270

 

[batleyhunter]

Id have to say .270 or 30-06 for your first deer rifle there both flat shooters and they both hit hard

 

[fraserd]

+1 but remember any military caliber will not be legal to shoot in France.. That means 6.5 x 55 (at present and any 30 cals

While the 6.5x55 isnt the wonder caliber some say it is it's a pretty good allrounder for the UK.

Pros
easily avaliable ammo & rifles
wide range of bullets (althought only really 120 & 140 in factory ammo)
Enough stopping power for everything but not too harsh on small stuff.
not overly fast so doesnt smash stuff too bad
quiet & easy to shoot with a moderator.

Cons
military caliber (eg shooting in France)
not laser flat like a 25-06 or 270 with factory ammo

i've just come back from having a few shots. Federal 140gn zeroed about 1 high @ 100yds are about 3 inch low @ 200yds but not really an issue if you know your rifle/ range. Some will argue that its not flat enough but in the real world its literally a case of aiming around the spine on a roe to allow for the drop into H/L area.

Another + of the 6.5 is that its also easier to get approved for duel fox/deer but you can also argue easily to have a 22CF as well for fox &small deer.

 

[User00003]

get whatever you fancy that feels good and is within your budget to fit good glass as well. any calibre will harvest deer well, if you like it, your confidence will translate into good shots and clean kills.

 

[charlieg43]

For me, as a beginner too, im going to a 243. due to my intended quarry and local terrian. Flat Suffolk land is full of muntjac and roe, with the occcasional fallow and red. Stalking is usually in a high seat or off stivks at ranges well under 200 yards. Horses for courses but I think it will fit the bill nicely!

 

[Erik Hamburger]

I recommend .243WIN and for a very good reason: It is legal for all six UK deer species; but more importantly you state you are a beginner and therefore being based in England it will take you 4-5 years before your FAC is 'opened', therefore for the foreseeable future you will need Police land clearance every time you get a new permission, and much land is already cleared for .243WIN but may not be cleared for .270 or larger. Or the Police may decide it is too big/heavy for a relative inexperienced beginner. Don't underestimate the practical issues with 'land clearance' and the often long waiting times, obviously the old-timers on this forum have an 'open' FAC so they don't need to take that into consideration.