5 Best Cartridges for Killing Deer

[@skippylippy547]

.270 Winchester for everything. Simple. I can hand load with 90 grain, 110 grain, 130 grain, and 150 grain for everything I need in the field. Coyotes, wolves, pronghorn, deer, elk, moose, and bear.

[@mattyp8]

Was surprised to not even see a mention of the 30-06, one of the most popular cartridges for years.

[@waynemensen4252]

Bullets can be had for shooting anything in North America! If you could only have one gun, that's the one!

[@hotramen5952]

the .30-06 was never the best choice for deer in any situation. and frankly content creators need to be allowed to not stroke the egos of the .30-06 crowd.

[@joecuillo5005]

Surprised no ought 6 or 270. Thought they make all of the best lists. Most anyway

[@philgreco3803]

@@hotramen5952 Relax dude. No ego. Just one man’s opinion. We all have one…remember?

[@SoloDogmanApalach850]

It doesent have all of the BC BS although it is very versatile

[@patchitwood7428]

7mm-08 was the choice for my son. What helped me choose over the 6.5 Creedmoor is the fact that our home state of Kentucky has a minimum of .277 for elk in the unlikely event we get drawn. It has been a great choice.

[@soonerfrac4611]

That’s the same reason I originally chose a 55# long bow for here in Oklahoma. Our elk used to require a minimum of 55# for archery. Looking back as much as I love that bow I’d been better off with a 45# and just using my compound for elk.

[@buckrush8612]

.270 has better ballistics then both cartridges

[@TheGeneral308]

7mm-08 Is just a great choice for deer.

[@mattc6015]

@@buckrush8612.270 is a teeny bit heavier recoil and for a youth hunter every lb of recoil matters

[@buckrush8612]

@@mattc6015 actually 270 kicks less then the 7mm 08 and kicks about the same as a 6.5 I started out on .270 when I was 9 and tbh I think 257 Roberts should be the bare minimum for deer hunting seen way to many people lose deer with smaller cartridges not cause they can’t shoot but cause they didn’t bleed for shit how my buddy lost his biggest buck cause he shot it with a 223 and it barely bled he should’ve been able to find it regardless cause it snowed but he didn’t he eventually found it but not till the next spring

[@ff1047]

"Choose something you shoot well" Probably the best advise given on this topic. I have seen world class bucks taken down with a .22 hornet. Bullet placement is critical despite caliber.

[@keithprinn720]

great post.

[@bowbender5095]

Gold for me is the 25-06, deer hunted with it for 25 years. Silver for me 270 Winchester. It’s my “back up” rifle in my Winchester 70, love the rifle and caliber. Bronze for me is the 308 Winchester, proven itself millions of times. Honorary mention goes to 6.5 Creedmoor

[@adampennington8954]

Yeah, but it's not super high BC and chambered in $5,000 rifles that these "hunters" constantly pimp.

[@masenking634]

@@adampennington8954 if youre referring to the 25-06 not having a “high BC” and considering that as a reason it isnt an optimal cartridge for deer sized game; you are misled. Not in the fact that it “isnt high BC”, but misled in the fact that not having a high BC moves it out of the conversation. A 25-06 shoots flatter and delivers more velocity and energy with a lighter bullet at every practical hunting distance (100y-500y for me) than a 6.5CM. Is the 6.5 more aerodynamic? More resistant to wind drift at longer distances? Sure, but as far as a hunting cartridge, the 25-06 is superior. Only issue i see is ammo obscurity. Im so sick of hearing people praising high BC bullets thinking that somehow makes a cartridge superior in everyway. Ringing steel at 1000y? Sure. Ethically harvesting game within the capabilities of you and your rifle? Choose a cartridge shoots flatter and delivers more knockdown power with a projectile designed to deliver deadly terminal performance.

[@adampennington8954]

@@masenking634 You must have missed my sarcasm.

[@masenking634]

@@adampennington8954 damnit i guess i did lol

[@rodneyconover4170]

@@masenking634I absolutely love the 25-06 Remington! I hunted with it successfully each year on antelope and deer filling the freezer!

[@corbettcharpentier2123]

For brush popping/close distance I like henry in 44 mag, 30-06 for everything else. Different loads and weight is very common and versatile, just my 2 cents

[@soonerfrac4611]

Got a 41 Rem mag Ruger Blackhawk for my close up work.

[@johnafleenor2986]

I use a 30-06 with a 180gr bullet and I call it my brush burner. It will pound through what a 150gr cannot. Never had any problems doing it that way, but it’s up to the shooter to figure that out for themselves. What works for one doesn’t mean that it will work for everyone else.

[@Canadian_Ballistics]

I usually use 7mm rem mag for deer, for bigger animals like elk or moose I would use 300 PRC easily big hitting power and very similar to 300 RUM except for power wise, 300 RUM has about 200 ft/lbs more energy than 300 PRC

[@theirishman6728]

I'm in Texas. Feeder baited deer blinds are popular around here regardless of which region. I got my start that way at 9 years old when i took my first. But as I got older, it didn't feel like actual hunting to me. Just fish in a barrel, bait them in and take your shot. No judgment to those that do it, but it's not for me. Opening morning yesterday, I used a fun gun, which had some sentimental meaning to it. A Thompson Contender 30-30, I got from a friend, who's father passed earlier this year. He hunted with it. I wanted to take this season's first with it, in his memory. I went out at 6am dawning my guille hood. It was incredibly foggy so I set myself up on a tank dam under a tree, overlooking a hay field & tree line. When light started on the horizon, I made my way across the field and into the forest. Ran across 4 doe, they heard me and snuffed at me with their tail flags in the air. I managed to flank around them and maneuver them over the span of an hour and flushed them into the field for an open shot, while I was still in the tree line. After a few minutes of being motionless, they dropped their guard and started grazing. I put the Thompson on the shooting sticks, and got a clean broadside shot to the lungs at about 80 yards away. It's putting in work. And my legs feel like jello today lol; but to me, that's a more satisfying hunting experience. And makes a better memory & story to tell, than sitting in a stand & baiting them in.

[@wolfspiritoutdoors158]

Congrats on some meet brother. Don't agree with baiting myself but as a hunter it would be screwed up to put down another hunting but you're correct it's definitely not hunting

[@commiecrusher]

Agreed. Im actually glad baiting is illegal where I live.

[@umami0247]

Baiting is illegal where I live and have never hunted over it but I agree for deer and other game other than hogs it's not really hunting. Now if your baiting predators that's different and have at it.

[@rickyanke9407]

You literally just put down another hunting method after telling someone else to do so would be screwed up. I'm against baiting but found your reply entertaining.

[@yzrippin]

Thats not hunting thats fishing

[@barryw5911]

After hunting for over 50 years with multiple calibres. My favourite is the 270, but the 308 will do the same job with shorter barrel and is quieter ( no suppressors in Australia) I use a 6.5 Creedmoor for the range.

[@brokenarrow6491]

308 and 270 is what I have and use. No problems with either.

[@musicman1eanda]

Are you guys even allowed to keep your guns in your home?

[@carguy1979]

Is the 308 quieter because the velocity is lower than the 270 or just by nature of the bullet weight? I’m trying to learn more about ballistics, thanks.

[@donmcmath782]

​@@musicman1eanda yes lol we are, but need special license or reason to have semi autos

[@mrmatt7210]

My favorite deer hunting cartridges would be: 35Rem loaded with 200gr Hornady Leverevolution bullets .308 Winchester 6.5 Creedmoor If I could have only one cartridge it would be difficult to choose between my .308 and 6.5 creedmoor. I've hunted deer with a 308win for over 30yrs, but I must attest the 6.5 Creedmoor is every bit as effective with much less recoil.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Matt, see if you can fire a few rounds of the 350 Legend. It is more or less a modern take on the 35 Remmy with less recoil and better ammo availability. Gave my daughter the options of 243 and the 350L. She chose the 350L for her first deer rifle. Good luck this season

[@mrmatt7210]

@@mot0rhe4d40 good luck with your season also. Ps: As much as I love the 35Rem, I must admit part of my draw to it is the Leveraction Marlin 336 which its chambered in.

[@ralphyoung9296]

Having a very hard time getting factory ammo for mine.. unless I want to spend an arm and a leg for it.. The last box of 35 Rems. I bought cost $7.99 .. not anymore.!

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@mrmatt7210 Can understand that completely Sir. I made the choice to cut my 73' Marlin 444 loose. To be able buy a canoe in a pinch. Then Remington acquired Marlin and drove the price on the used market through the roof. On average it is a $1000 proposition to get another one these days. Pretty much all lever actions have gone up in cost. But Marlins more so.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@ralphyoung9296 Had a chance to pick up a Traditions G2 single shot in 35 Rem. And had to let it pass. Price was good, ammo not so much

[@Guadalupeaencinas]

A big advantage of the 308 that you don't talk about much is how it's velocity and accuracy is less sensitive to barrel length. I run a 20inch barrel 308.. I have factory 150gr superformace loads that shoot around 2900ft/sec. That's about the same speed as a 6.5 PRC with a wider, heavier bullet out of a typically shorter barrel. Inside of 4, even 500 yds it smokes a creedmoor and about keeps up with it's big brother

[@austinlavier8754]

Yes another short barrel 308 king! I have my Remington 600 Mohawk in 308 with an 18.5 inch barrel. That thing cracks at reasonable ranges and prints .5 MOA on paper at 100. It’s is the ultimate mixture of modern load benefits from grandpa’s mountain rifle. Modern loads have revitalized that thing like nobody’s business. Funny you mention 6.5, also have a 6.5 PRC with a 24 inch barrel. I like them both and have use cases for each.

[@cristianespinal9917]

Last year I downloaded my .270 to get similar performance to a 7mm-08 (140 gr bullet at 2700 fps). It was a pleasant round to do load development and practice. Full-tilt .270 isn't necessary in the woods I hunt, and the downloaded ammo did a very good job on a buck. When it comes to hunting with a handgun, I'm practicing pretty intently with my .44 to be confident enough to take only my revolver afield. My personal goal is to be able to consistently hold a sub-6" group at 50 yards, off-sandbags, with iron sights. Even then, I would limit my shots to around 30 yards in the field. This is a S&W 629 though. I wouldn't go out to hunt deer with my carry gun. Hopefully, anyone that tries it with a carry gun in a service caliber is well-practiced, seriously limits their range, and chooses good ammo for the purpose.

[@tjfishing2714]

In Australia the minimum calibre for deer is 270. But we have no limits or closed season because they are introduced species.

[@bencollins7684]

Kind of. In Victoria, .243 with an 80gr is the minimum for Fallow, Chital, and Hog deer. .270 with a 130gr is the minimum for Red and Sambar deer. New South Wales is the same but it's only recommended, not a legal requirement. In Tasmania the minimum legal calibre is .243, but Tassie only has Fallow deer. Everywhere else deer are considered a pest and can be shot with anything you like.

[@farmerdave9312]

Not in Queensland bud , state specific laws

[@andrewbritten593]

Nsw we can use wat we like 223 drops alot of em

[@dallasnewson6977]

Not in nsw. The law is a bit outdated cartridge and bullet design have improved since those rules were set

[@baronbuehler3208]

@@andrewbritten593 interesting on the laws in Australia and how much variables there between states. Little off topic how is hog hunting in Australia? Will be moving there next year where is a good platform to learn the laws? Thank you

[@danielwood5297]

Went down into the blind with Dad in Missouri this year. Both of us choosing to use the classic Marlin in 30-30. It was so amazingly cool! No optics, iron sights only. Best time spent with my Dad ever. Next year I might try the 45 -70. Seems a little overpowered for whitetail though. Used the 6.5 Grendel last year and it was more than enough. So many great cartridges to choose from anymore but I like the traditional stuff a little more.

[@kcv5716]

I like the 30-06. Where I live it's got the power, great grain weight variations, and numerous powder selection. Plus I can load in the 30's. Haven't tried the 300PRC.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

All the PRC line (6.5, 7, .300) are designed to run heavy-for-caliber, fast-twist, low drag bullets. The benefits are often 400 yards and beyond. Otherwise not so much.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

I'm w you. Rocking the 3006 since I was 14, I'm 38 now. Never lost a deer ,in fact never had 1 run more then 50yards in all these years. Always bullets pretty much everywhere.

[@curteaton]

There was some dude in the comments saying he didn't think 30-06 was a good one shot kill round FOR DEER!? I was trying to find it again to help him, he's obviously doing something wrong. I couldn't find it, maybe he took it down. It's a good round from groundhog to Moose.

[@stevenmiller184]

I have a friend who hunts with his M1 Garand. Never failed him.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

.30-06 has been used on African beasts. I'm pretty sure your average American white tail isn't as tough as African beasts.

[@holsteinsanddiesels7758]

Where I’m at, 243 is everywhere, and everybody grew up with one. It’s definitely more common than 6.5 around here

[@daltonv5206]

7mm-08, 6.5 creedmoor and 25-06 are my favorites for whitetail/muleys and antelope. Solid choices.

[@twolak1972]

Why include the OVERRATED 6.5 When the 25 / 06 and 7mm / 08 outshoot it in every category.

[@georgeboros263]

We (my 4 brother's and I) used a Sako 22-250 for deer and antelope all the time. It was my dad's coyote gun. He also had a Marlin 30-30 and the Model 70 30-06. That's what all 6 of us had to hunt with until we could afford our own rifles. I don't ever remember the 22-250 not performing on deer and antelope. In fact, I preferred it over the 30-06 most of the time. The longest shot on game I've ever made was with that 22-250 on a pronghorn that instantly piled up dead at 400 yards.

[@brettbaker5599]

What was your loading?

[@AB-ws4bw]

Shot placement will always be king

[@georgeboros263]

@@brettbaker5599 That was 40 years ago so I don't remember the load. We always used 55 grain bullets...probably Speer or Sierra soft points.

[@russherbert839]

I also used a 22-250 on deer until I could afford a large caliber. Grandpa’s rifle worked fine on several Texas whitetail and several Utah mule deer. Even managed a few Nevada antelope during these same years. I shot mostly 55 gr bullets, Sierra Hornady and Speer indiscriminately. Long before modern bullets designed for deep penetration on deer ei Barnes, Nosler, etc.

[@bobbyboothe8964]

Great video.... I'm a big fan of the 30 cal..... I've been using the 3006 Remington BDL well over 30 years and it has always done a great job...about 5 years ago I picked up a Winchester model 70 in 300 wsm ..and have become a big fan of it... And the 7 mm magnum. Got to love it.... Thanks. Good hunting

[@theblindsniper9130]

Im actually going deer hunting today with a 6.5 jap arisaka in the jungles of Florida, it should feel right at home I love using uncommon cartridges, especially old ones that dont really exist anymore.

[@elizabethnybeck9935]

Same here 7x57 or 8x57 or 303 Britt 7.63x54 or 39 lol ,6.5x52 carcano or 6.5 sweed

[@MrGrxxx123]

👍🏻 yes. Me too oddball calibers are my favorite

[@OppositeOfTheLeft]

I have used a 25/06 for over 30 years for anything up to black bear. My brush gun is a Thompson Center Contender in 45/70. I also use a Browning A-Bolt 270 for elk and moose out-west. My fun gun for white tails is a Smith and Wesson .357 magnum with a 6 inch barrel. I was thinking about getting an AR body 300 blackout for subsonic suppressed loads, but you have raised my curiosity about the 8.6.

[@TODinWY]

TOTALLY agree with you, Jim, on the 7-08. Works for everyone on anything non-dangerous.

[@ralphyoung9296]

My favorite.. 270 Win.. I have yet to use my 270 wsm and I have 2 XPR 's ordered in the 6.8 Western caliber.. so you can see what's my preference.

[@scottkoresky5879]

308 all day up here in Michigan. Have a Franchi Momentum Elite piercing paper same hole @ 100 yards with adjusted Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 180 grain .007” away from touching lands.

[@richardstewart821]

.350 all day down here in Michigan. lol

[@mikemelina7395]

Youth cartridge - 6.5 Grendel (Has more energy and better ballistics than 30-30 and .243 after 100 yds) Hornady factory 123gn.SST done deal. Everything else can be handled by - .270, .308, 30-06 We all want people to stop trying to reinvent the wheel with the 6.5 Creed, at the effective range of the Creedmore the .308, .270 and 30-06 do a better job. Half the rifle videos on YT right now are sales pitches for the 6.5CR.

[@keithprinn720]

can see how 270 is a great option but a creed so much better and enjoyable than a 30 for medium game at largest.

[@r.awilliams9815]

It's hard to beat the 7-08 as an all-around deer round. It's accurate, recoil is light, and it is quite capable of 400 yard kills on Bambi. It ticks all the boxes except for Cool Factor, and Cool Factor is very much a subjective thing. I personally don't find much Cool Factor in all the latest flat-shooting introductions. I find it a lot more cool to use Old Tech and Old Skills to slay Bambi, namely a lever action .45-70 with black powder level reloads and being pretty damned good at being sneaky even in my old age. It's more fun that way.🙂

[@mot0rhe4d40]

I have to agree on the "Old Tech". The venerable 30-30 is hard to beat in the thick woods. Wife used her father's to take her first deer, oldest daughter took hers with the same Marlin. I hope to see the day my future grandkid will do the likewise 👍. Traditions are a good thing

[@georgeboros263]

I remember when the 7mm-08 came out in the 1980's. Jim Carmichael wrote about it in Outdoor Life. I remember it being promoted for shooting silhouettes. It was definitely cool back then. I own two of them now.

[@ChromeArty]

Huge fan of 7mm08. Everything I've shot with one has dropped instantly. I get some flak about it being a ladies cartridge. But it's all I'm good fun. I shoot it out of a super light Kimber Adirondack. Sweet combo!

[@vaq130]

@@ChromeArty a well placed shot is what count! I shoot 7mm-08. I can be on the table getting ready for the season for a very long time. Low recoil and great ballistics. Is a fun round, I shot the credmore that was fun, but the 7m-08 is my choice

[@KevinHuff23]

.270 has been killing deer for 100 years, despite that and the fact that .270 is virtually ballistically identical to 6.5 creedmoor, for some reason EVERYBODY likes the new modern short action cartridges found in most modern sporting rifles. Give me my Browning X bolt and my .270 ALL DAY, just got back from a hunt in Maine and dropped a 10 pt 215 lb Buck at 360 yards, deer didn't go 5 yards before it dropped.

[@davidedwards8940]

Ballistically similar to 6.5 PRC

[@loganh1998]

@@davidedwards8940yep, better than the creedmoor for hunting

[@colelowenstein1201]

Try 300 to 400 feet per second faster than the creedmoor

[@Burgie_productions]

I like the 30 calibers…308, 30-06, 300mag. Seems to me like they just hit so much harder and are more versatile. 30-06 being the king of versatility in my book. I have taken large black bear, and whitetail. Flat shooting enough for 3-600 yard shots in the west, enough power for larger game like moose, elk and bear, but also light enough for deer and hogs without killing your shoulder or wallet to shoot. Bullet weights from 150-220 grain are a big help…I use 150 grain ballistic tips for deer and black bear, at 300-500 yard ranges in PA successfully

[@Brian-mb6sp]

I’m getting new to hunting, owned fire arms a for years. I’m mostly going to be hunting wild pig occasional deer in ca. my family usually hunts waterfowl But would like to spend the time to take longer shots. I love to shoot paper at ranges. I was looking into 30-06 for different load changes, .308. 6.5. 1 rifle one caliber what do you prefer? Help me gents thanks

[@devildog3246]

@Brian-mb6sp For a pretty much shoot anything cartridge I'd look into the .308 or 30-06. With the large range of weights and bullet types, both are great if you don't feel like getting punched by a magnum. Honestly 7mm Mag is a good choice to, but more expensive to shoot. I've shot antelope, sheep, whitetail, mule deer, black bear and elk with .308 and haven't lost an animal using it yet. For the bigger stuff I wouldn't go less than 165 gr bonded with either. Federal Fusion and Nosler Trophy Grade are my friends. Good luck this season brother.

[@brett9382]

​@Brian-mb6sp I'm a little late but 308 100%. 6.5 cm shoots out its barrel twice as fast as 308 and ammo availability is still kinda difficult, especiallyif your in Ca where you cant order ammo to your door. 30-06 is great but is a dying round. Many companies arent even offering 30-06 anymore so in the long term ammo will become more difficult to find, and it's only better than 308 on paper. It may have 100 more fps that 308 but that means practically nothing under 500 yards (most peoples max hunting distance).

[@diggernash1]

The Howa Mini Carbon Stalker in 6.5 Grendel is an excellent youth rifle here in the East. This little thing is under 6 lbs with scope and sling. My particular rifle bought for the grandkids(oldest is 3, but I had to get it now...lol) is a 1/2 MOA tack driver with Barnes tac-tx bullets over RL 15. Being a bolt gun, you can up the pressure some and get them moving over 2500 fps. My daughter harvested a doe and the terminal effect was good, with minimal meat damage. Deer went a measured 12 yards on a rear lung and liver shot.

[@robthebeekeeper8997]

LOVE the Grendel!!!!!

[@muchachonextdoor5608]

I always tell people to get a grendel or a 6.8 for a kids first deer rifle. Reliable killers with almost zero recoil

[@jeremiahdecker4921]

Agreed! I love the effectiveness of the Grendel so much, I built all 3 of my kids their rifles in Grendel. All 3 took their first deer at 8-9 years old at 100+ yards each with their first shot. None of the three went farther than 30 yards. Perfect youth rifle!

[@Bostonterrier97]

I find 6.5x55 or 7x57 to be pretty flexible and effective deer cartridges. They aren't the flattest shooting cartridges but they're pretty good in a variety of terrain. Or if going out to the middle of nowhere and forgetting ammo (it happens) 30-06 is widely available.

[@chrisdaniel1339]

If I could only have one cartridge it would be the 6.5x55 Swede. It does so many things well, I would not hesitate to take a large elk with the Swede loaded with a Barnes TTSX or LRX copper bullet as the 6.5 already penetrates deep the Barnes just increases the penetration for clean, ethical harvesting of large game

[@Bostonterrier97]

@@chrisdaniel1339 Yes! The newer cartridges are Ballistic wonders. But the older cartridges will work very well especially if one hunts (stalks) and gets closer. Shot placement is always critical. But hunting and stalking is a real skill and part of the rules of the game. We have to "EARN" the shot and the quarry.

[@Codgamer657]

I live in West Virginia and I’m using 7mm-08 and this is the first hunting channel that recognized this state

[@The340king]

I have several rifles calibers that I have used. The one that sticks out in memory is the 7 mm magnum. It flat out drops deer. I have taken them with that, a 270 and a 22-250. I have 6.5 CM, 6.5 Grendel, 6 mm ARC, 22-250 and 30-30 available for deer hunting. The 6.5 CM is incredible with the full barrel and Area 419 brake. Nearly zero recoil.

[@hardingdies7811]

For .45-70, use the Henry side-loader. Very accurate right out of the box, American-made, and if you (should) kill on the first round, you can easily and safely unload it through the front of the tube. A little heavier than some, but beautiful and indestructible.

[@TheStone2531]

I love the .45-70, but the only deer I ever shot with one looked like it'd been hit with an artillery shell

[@baraksinz]

If you want the coolest lever action, you need an old Savage 99. Gun was WAY ahead of its time! Proven design and awesome deer gun.

[@joecuillo5005]

My favorite gun chambered in 300. Savage!!! Got my first wall hanger on a mountain in PA with it. So light and fast shooting and I'm usually the only 1 carrying it. Yes to the model 99

[@Bean-ip6wl]

It's a cool gun but Imo it looks more like a bolt action rifle than a classic lever action. It reminds me of the Browning BLR, which is probably based on the savage.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

Yup, you are right. I put a lot of venison on the table and a couple racks on the wall with my old Model 99 Savage in .300 Savage.

[@baraksinz]

@@Bean-ip6wl It’s definitely different, which is why it was ahead of its time and better in many ways than the “classics.” Nothing against the old Marlins, Winchesters, or Henry rifles, but the Savage is the only lever action I’ve ever handled that felt natural. Everyone is different, so to each their own, but the 99 is in a class of its own, and it’s one of the very few guns that carries well in the hand for miles on end.

[@stevej2120]

My first (several) deer were taken with a Savage 99 in 25-35 Winchester. Still have that rifle.

[@1frosty267]

6.5 Grendel is a good close up round to get things done .

[@pauloglesbee9517]

400 is no problem on whitetails with grendel

[@BAbeef01]

I say 270 is better than 6.5 prc because it’s way cheaper and way easier to find. My cousin wanted a 6.5 prc for a long time but never purchased one because every store we looked at over the course of a year never had any 6.5 prc in stock. It’s still a great caliber, but 270 is still way cheaper and way easy to find

[@NatureMan50]

My first deer in Kansas was a 350 yard shot .270 Win Kansas is very open country.

[@ogenmatic]

Lived in the ‘southern tier’ of New York State for years where the requirement was (it has since changed) “shotgun only” so I’ve taken several with a remmy 1187 with a rifled barrel.

[@arogue469]

For the Michigan woods, my Henry X-model in 44 Rem mag.

[@bobhamilton7472]

Yay, for the 25-06. I hope that soon it will be updated with a faster twist and a little heavier bullet.

[@kaptainkechup91]

Never had a deer go more than 20 yards with a .243, but never had a deer go more than a single step with 308. Hunt with both and love them them both

[@timsmallwood5747]

You huntin' those weak yankee deer? Shot a lot of deer with 243 in my youth, i've always had issues with its knock down power even on perfectly placed heart and liver shots. The .243 has however helped me tremendously improve my tracking ability up until the point I put it on the shelf for 25-06 and 270 WSM.

[@01nmuskier]

I've had a double lung shot run 40 yards and not leave a blood trail until the last 12-15 yards. .243 Win is a precision shooters cartridge. I love that it doesn't have peripheral meat damage, but that means a smaller wound channel.

[@daddoo5268]

The 7mm-08 is a nice round but it is very hard to find ammo for.

[@greghintz1848]

Talking about lever guns, Iv never delt with marlin but I have Henry. My mom bought me when I was a kid a 22 from a garage sale. It had a broken hammer when she gave it to me. Fast forward 15 years Iv trapped hunted and done everything with that rifle, including getting a raccoon off my dog. It ended up with broken sight, broken stock, broken hammer, mind you never stopped working. I called Henry and told them I wanted to buy the parts to fix it and the stories of this gun. The girl sent me ALL the parts I needed at NO cost to fix my rifle. I blasted it, cerakoted it and put the new parts on. It means SO much to me having my childhood rifle from my parents back into pristine condition. So for me I will always support Henry because the people there are so amazing.

[@waynemensen4252]

Thanks for sharing. That's awesome. If you don't have any kids, you can leave it to me.😉

[@governmentchicken]

Agreed on the 6.5 PRC. Absolute best balance of velocity/energy/recoil/accuracy. Ballistically identical to .270 with noticeably less recoil. Silver would be 30-06, simply for versatility in hand loads that I'm comfortable headed out with for a huge range of game. Bronze 7mm-08 for its balance and ability to be carried in an absolute featherweight of a rifle and still be comfortable to shoot.

[@chrisdaniel1339]

Why do you need the new fanboy 6.5 PRC when the 6.5 Remington Magnum, the 264 Winchester Magnum, and the 6.5-06 A-Square all equal or exceed the ballistics and case capacity of the PRC and have been around for for decades

[@sauerkrautjr]

​@@chrisdaniel1339factory ammo and rifle selection

[@matthewgrice6902]

I hunt in Michigan. We have a varied type of hunting areas. Farmland can be like hunting out west, 100 - 200 yd shots in open fields. For that I use a .264 Win mag or a .300 Win mag. Then there are areas of swamp, marsh, and heavily wooded areas. For this I have used my fathers old .30-30, a rifled 12 ga., a .44 mag pistol, and a .50 cal muzzleloader. All are effective as long as you put enough time at the range before the season so you know your gun and ammunition are working together. Nothing worse than having to buy ammo at the last minute and what is available isn't anything you have tried before. When that once in a lifetime buck walks out in front of you is not the time to have your shot placement off. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@gfrerking]

I mostly shoot blacktail. I've used the same custom bull barrel Remington Model 700 6mm Rem since 1979 when a friend sold it to me second hand. Love it. Usually drops the deer immediately (good shot placement help, of course). I've been recently thinking about getting a .270 due to lack of 6mm ammo... but so far surviving with hand loading it.

[@lz3572]

The 6mm rem is a great cartridge. I can’t believe it is not very popular. I have one in a model 700 Varmint barrel for over 43 years. I have always hand loaded for it . My father used to make me 80 gr HP with match jackets. I used to shoot gophers out past 300 . And 105 Speer Spitzer for Deer I have taken Deer out to 310 yards (172 whitetail)and Moose out to 110 yards with it. Sub 3/4 in all day. That being said I mostly use my 7mm rem mag for hunting. It’s a bit overkill on close range Deer But past 300 it’s great. 160 Swift Aframe. But I think the 7mm 08. And 6.5 PRC Very good choices for Deer out to 400 plus Elk out to 300 - 350 Just my opinion. Cheers

[@gfrerking]

@@lz3572 love my 6mm and it sounds very similar to yours. I bought it from a a friend of my dad's when I was 16 and I'm now 58. It's got an after market bull barrel and my dad floated the action and barrel and did some other work to it back then. I earned some extra money shooting coyotes for ranchers in the area. I remember one in particular that was at a dead sprint away from me and I managed to nail it on my second shot (friend spotting for me) - just over 400 yds.

[@lz3572]

@@gfrerking I was thinking about jumping on the 6.5 Creedmoor Bus But then I realized I have a awesome rifle in my 6mm Rem . So instead of looking for something else. Why not improve what I have. So I am going to replace my old scope with a Leica Amplus 6 As I have one on my 7 mag And it is a great scope. Put in a Trigger Tech trigger. Do more load testing. Should be fun.! Cheers

[@lz3572]

@@gfrerking Hey just wanted to say it’s nice to see that other people like the 6mm It’s a very good cartridge. 400 yards on coyotes 👍👍 I absolutely believe it. Cheers

[@aaronjensen5503]

This yr was my 1st yr deer hunting with a 6.5 creedmoor. Killed 2 bucks. 1 in MN and 1 in Wisconsin. While it got the job done, and neither went far. What I didn't like both hit right in the shoulder. MN buck no blood trail at all. About a 20 yd shot. Deer ran about 25 yds and dropped. Heart shot. Luckily I watched it go down. But not a drop of blood. Daughter even looked at it and said, where did you hit it? That was weird. Then the Wisconsin buck about at 20 yd shot as well. Deer ran about 40 yds disappeared over a hill and dropped on a swamp edge. Double lung shot. No exit wound. Nice entrance wound though. Neither deer had an exit wound and close range shots. I have shot many deer with 270, 30-06 and even a handful with a 243. Never had this problem before. Jury is still out for me on the 6.5 creedmoor. Just my personal experience.

[@charlesrachac1900]

Good luck finding that 65 PRC I can get a 270 at any Mom and Pop Shop anywhere in the country and it's not going to cost me $60 for a box of 20

[@billdont2458]

For wooded areas and 250 yds and in I love the 350 Legend. It's accurate, works on an AR platform and absolutely lays them down where they stand.

[@davidorme1993]

I started with a .243. Great cartridge. Never had any trouble with lethality.

[@JDSFLA]

13:43 So all these years since its introduction in 1923, the 270 is still there at the top. Jack O'Connor would be very satisfied.

[@mtaylor9565]

My go to for youth in the southeast is 7.62x39. In the Ruger American, it's a sub 1" gun with PPU soft points. Cheap to shoot so the kid can practice more, light recoil and good out to 200 yards. Can't ask for more.

[@BM-vj1px]

Just got a Ruger mini-30 chambered in 7.62. Hunting NY and NH. Very low recoil, semi-auto and I think it should be great for short range hunting under 150 yards in the thick woods like I’ll be doing.

[@andrewhurstcars]

Some of you might be interested in U.K. deer cartridge requirements. For England: min. .243 and 1,700ft/lb for red, fallow, sika & roe. For Scotland: min. .243, 100gr, 1,750ft/lb & 2,450ft/s for red & sika. Some exceptions for smaller deer.

[@echampine]

In upstate NY, My choices are 30-06, 45-70 and 6.5 Creedmoor or PRC. I had both of the Rem/Marlin and Henry in 45-70. I traded in my Marlin and kept the Henry all-weather with the side gate. I just felt it was better than my Rem/Marlin. Thanks for the video.

[@foubert45]

For your 45-70, the obvious best is a Winchester 1886. But yes if you’re looking for a more “modern lever action” the Henry X model or the Marlin 1895 guide gun are good choices

[@gsp2west]

Hunting with a pistol. I have a few TC Encore frames with rifle pistol barrels that I hunt with. I took a TC Encore in 7-08 (16 in.) to Africa for planes game and had a blast. I used the Nos 120 gr BT and had shots out to 250yds. I use a tri-pod rest to steady the cross-hairs and it's lights out..

[@Clambelly]

Excellent recommendations. I shoot .25-06 Winchester X-treme model 70 Western Mule Deer. The round is devastating and the rifle shoots 1" groups to 400 yards.

[@darrylpacholko5495]

Range and size of deer, have to be factored in. Up to 300 yds, 243, 6 Creedmoor, 25 06,any size. Up to 500 yds, 270, 6.5 prc, 7mm08.

[@jopal949]

I'm still enjoying my 270wsm. With all the ballistic numbers out there for the 6.5PRC, 6.8 Western and of course the 7mm Rem Mag I'm surprised there isn't more comparisons with the 270wsm. From what I've dug up the 270wsm's #'s are nothing short of impressive, and it has never let me down in the real world!

[@HoneyBeagle]

The 270wsm is a fantastic gun! I killed a pile of deer with one years ago and sold it to move on to “bigger & better”. That was a mistake but live and learn

[@georgeboros263]

I load 110 gr Barnes TTS Bullets in mine and get 3600 fps. Kills everything it hits.

[@diggernash1]

As is the 7 WSM. It's failure to stay relevant shocked me. think I will get a 7mm PRC though. The tighter chambers on the PRC and Creedmoors make them easy to get under 1 moa with reloads. Much easier than my .308, and other cartridges from yesteryear.

[@DanielBoone337]

I've hunted and killed everything from white tail deer to elk with a 270WSM... lots of people get caught up in these new cartridges me included but I still like dusting off my ol 270WSM from time to time and make a hunt with it. It's still a phenomenal cartridge!!

[@perrinayebarra]

Can’t load the heaviest for caliber bullets with factory twist rates so it’s fading away……

[@johnknouse8846]

Hunting in South Texas, where the longest shot is I’m gonna take is always less than 200 yards. But, I use to be the guy who had to shoot .30 caliber, and 30.06 was my go to. Then I worked up a fantastic load for my .270 using Hornadys GMX copper bullet, and that became my go to. THEN I bit on the 6.5 craze, and fell in love! First shot drops, and hardly any recoil! Well…….. last month I put together a 6mm creedmoor, and it’s going to the stand with me this year! Would love to drop a deer or hog with my 8 3/8” barreled, Smith and Wesson Model 29-2, 44 magnum or my Glock 20 10mm.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Carry either a G40 MOS 10mm or stainless Ruger super Blackhawk 44 for back up or unexpected close range opportunities. Had a 7 point buck that would have been perfect for a pistol shot two weeks ago. Sadly it was still muzzleloader season lol. He still got his neck and both ears pierced, but it would have been nice if it had been with the pistol

[@waynemensen4252]

Coppers are incredible. Almost every animal I've shot has been passed through, with blood spraying out both sides.

[@jokzyyy]

I love my 243. It’s a Remington 700 BDL and it’s amazing at shooting. I have a 308 also which is very good shooting as-well. I really like old Remington 700s. They don’t make them the same anymore. My dads favorite rifle for deer is the 308 and 6.5 creedmore. He got his during Covid and paid like $500 bucks for like 100 rounds of 6.5 ammo.

[@tacticalmattfoley]

I really appreciated that opening statement. There can be so many varied deer hunting habitats within one hunting club that I've literally carried a shotgun and two different rifles not knowing where I might "pin-in" that day. I might be in a bottom land looking at a 100yd shot one hunt and on the edge of a soybean field the next hunt where a person could make a 400yd shot.

[@waynemensen4252]

30-06 and carry bullets for different situations. If you know your zero for each, you can carry extra bullets instead of extra guns.

[@tacticalmattfoley]

@@waynemensen4252 Sure. I had the guns and wanted to use them.

[@mattthaxton2064]

I'm from WV I shot a 12 point last year with a 6.5 PRC love that caliber flat shooter Lil light but still did pretty darn good in the thick woods here.

[@415gman]

My tried and true 30-06 has been my go to since I started to hunt 18 years ago. Recently I moved to the 300 win mag for the reason of I can go lighter loads for deer and hogs but if I want I can up the bullet to a load suitable for beer and elk. Both calibers are top tier in my opinion especially here out west.

[@robertporter7081]

I like the 308 and 30.06 over the smaller calibers for the kids out west. I like blood trails. The little cartridges kill the deer. But often lack a blood trail.

[@bradbo3]

I hunt in the woods of western NY….we were shotgun only up until 10 years ago. Now its anything .223 and up. Ive used 45-70 ,30-30 , 7mm08 308 , 12 gauge, 20 gauge. I suggest anything you can get and handle the recoil. Gold for me is the 308…because you can get it. Silver to slugs , Bronze to 30-30…..ive have stashes of ammo and never in trouble…but many of my friends come calling for ammo cause they cant find it anywhere.

[@travisdeacon5283]

I've shot one gun my whole life. (Deer, elk, antelope, etc.) The Remington 600 chambered in 308. It was my great grandpa's and it's never let me down. Would love to see you get your hands on a Rem. 600/ mohawk. They are pretty rare these days.

[@aaronsabin8868]

I see a lot of people passionately defending their favorite cartridge, particularly if it didn't make the list based on this one man's opinion. Look, it's not rocket science. If you've hunted deer with 270, 30-06, 257 roberts, 300 savage, 30-30, 35 rem, 45 govt, whatever, and have had success with them, then keep using it. Nobody is "wrong" here. Guns are like golf clubs, nobody uses a driver to putt, and nobody uses a putter to drive. Use the tool best suited for your hunting, be it typically close-range, or longer range, big northern deer or smaller southern deer. Use what's best for you....because, at the end of the day, a good shot = a dead deer.

[@aaronsabin8868]

Oh and as far as coolest......ninja star, slingshot + flechette, or lightsaber....

[@lrac7751]

Had never heard of the creedmoor until about 6 years ago, salesman said I absolutely had to have it. He was right, have yet to have an animal take more than 3 steps from where I shot it.

[@markthomas6274]

What bullets you shoot in your creedmoor

[@jacktrout5807]

Been our experience as well on animals up to cow elk. Haven't shot a bull with it yet.

[@lrac7751]

@@markthomas6274 125 grain Winchester deer season xp

[@englehartd13]

I hunt the piney woods of East Texas and hands down my favorite rifle is a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39. I’ve shot 5 bucks with it and it smokes them. All shots 75 yards or less.

[@jwjenkins421]

I have a 270 win. I've had a few seasons with it and it has performed quite well on deer and elk out to 465 yards here in Utah. I've looked at the 6.5 prc but it is so similar to the 270 that I've not been able to justify making a change. If I decide to change, I would probably consider the new 7mm prc, 7mm rem mag. I've also looked at the 6.8 western, but the industry's lack of support for that otherwise awesome cartridge.

[@waynemensen4252]

Sounds like you don't need to change a thing. It might be 4 years before you can find ammo for the PRC. Your best chance is reloading! I'm not sure about dies. If you change, go 7mag. You can get all the supplies now. Stock up!

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this excellent comparison and discussion. I shoot a .300 Win Mag. It will kill any animal native to North America. It can be handloaded for an incredible variety of situations, if the commercial ammo does not suit you. Shot placement? The .300 Win Mag spent many years winning long-range competitions and, even at 1,000 yards, it can lay the smack down. Oh, and the recoil is there but it is manageable. If it is still too much recoil for you, then step down to the .30-'06, or maybe even the .30-'30. Need a bit more oomph? Step up to the .300 Wby Mag. Disclosure: I own and have hunted with all of these and have found each to be excellent in the right circumstances.

[@captainsjournal]

Having recently taken a boar with 6mm ARC I can tell you it’s a legit deer cartridge. Also .44 Magnum out of a lever gun would be cool. The OBVIOUS answer to the question of Marlin versus Henry 45-70 is to get one of each. Why wouldn’t that occur to you? Then you can comment on which one you like the best. Cheers.

[@bbarker5766]

I use a .244 Remington which was the predecessor to the 6mm Remington and it's dropped every deer that it was used for. I've also used a 22 Hornet for close up deer as well. My brother's had a 260Rem, 270 Win, 30-30 Win Model 94 (took my first deer with it), and a 25-06.

[@Steven-rw8zr]

Jim, it would be neat if you had a section or included briefly barrel life in these. Knowing which calibers you can get the most out of for taking to the range and handing down through the generations would be really nice to see also. Like a 6.5 PRC is such a good caliber, but the barrel life if you want to use it as a range + hunting gun most likely suffers. Being new to guns this is not something I had any idea of, but found out it can be an important factor when purchasing a firearm if you don't plan on having multiple (good luck to anybody with that mindset on following that! haha)

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

great comments. I'm glad you have the rifle that works for you. my first deer was with 22LR on the run pinpoint behind the ear. Dropped in his tracks.

[@gabepearl5661]

In TN and Ohio where I mostly hunt it's thick. The 450 BM offers much better resistance to brush deflection, and knocks down what it hits. I will probably switch to 8.6 next year using all copper

[@dragonlord2451]

If you do a pistol hunt i highly recommend a 10mm over a 9mm. the 10mm has the oomf and the higher speed to break through bone and gristle with more reliability than 9mms.

[@Saa45MIV]

The farther I get into my hunting career the more I’m starting to realize that what cartridge your shooting isn’t what really matters.. as long as your shooting a good bullet at a high enough velocity to make it work and your shot placement is good. That critter is going in your deep freeze.

[@jk-kr8jt]

Using logic and reason on the internet, will get you banned.

[@Saa45MIV]

@@jk-kr8jt you are absolutely right 😆😃

[@soonerfrac4611]

The reality is the caliber/cartridge wars are really only a way to increase gun sales. Sure, guys are gonna buy ammo but if you’re inheriting a rifle or only need one gun to hunt everything you possibly could, then gun sales go down. So we’re told that the ‘06 is too big for deer but not enough for elk. So you need something for each.

[@Saa45MIV]

@@soonerfrac4611 couldn’t agree more.. it’s all just a big marketing scheme.. I’ve killed a lot of animals ranging with cartridges from .243 to .375 and they are all still dead. Most run 30 yards.. some drop in their tracks. The end result is the same.

[@thesaltysierra5202]

@@jk-kr8jt Triggered, I'm calling the thought police. It'll teach him to use his critical thinking skills here, RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!

[@michaellewis5624]

I'm a 308 guy but 2years or so I got on the 6.5cm bandwagon and I have been very pleased. I hunt the south east. Shots are 300 max. I've taken 3 good bucks and several hogs with the 6.5cm and I am very pleased. I shoot the 143gr ELD X ammo and none have went more than 10-20 yards.

[@leewhitmoyer4692]

For overall I would think you have to include 30-06 just because of popularity and versatility

[@mikemcreynolds6236]

I love my .270, 7 Rem and my 300 RUM. If I was new to the sort I would definitely have the 6.5, 7 and 300 prc and never look back.

[@hispeedbullet2661]

My vote for coolest cartridge for deer would go to the 45-70 loaded with blackpowder and a cast bullet in a single shot rifle with aperture sights. I used that combination in a Browning 1885 to take a bison years ago and dropped him with a single bullet. For the best all-around hunting cartridge, I would vote for the 280 AI. It shoots just as flat as the 270 Winchester with a similar level of recoil but can use heavier bullets. I have never had to track any deer or elk that I shot with that cartridge. For the easiest to find cartridge, I vote for the 308 Winchester. Within reasonable ranges, it cleanly took everything I’ve ever shot with it, including deer, wildebeest, impala, blesbok, kudu and zebra. My favorite bullet for it is the 180 grain Barnes TTSX.

[@stevenmiller184]

Jesus dude, the voice of experience. thumbs up!

[@christopherbeddoe406]

I shoot a 270 win, dad shoots 30-06, brother shoots .308. All effective deer guns. I think I'm going to build an 6.5 creedmoor AR-10 for fun. As low of recoil as you can get with long range accuracy for deer. Will be a great versatile gun to shoot with some energy. The 6.8 western and 6.5 PRC look like some interesting loads to but I'd take those in a bolt action.

[@rossbaker5034]

I'd like to see your top three + honorable mention in long action calibers next.

[@markthomas6274]

What bullets you shoot in your creedmoor

[@adampennington8954]

His top 3 would be 7mm PRC, .300 PRC, and the next big PRC they invent 🤣

[@PiedmontFoodForest-kz9fi]

Cool category: my grandfather's 1898 30-40 Krag carbine. First rifle I ever shot and now sitting in my safe. Tree stand or ground blind: my other grandfather's 1949 Winchester Model 94 30-30, also in my safe. Odds & Ends: my crossbow, an air rifle, my 1963 Remington 521T .22 with Aguila SSS 60 gr.

[@samuelberryhill2804]

Thanks for video man I was surprised you didn't mention the 30-06 in the video it has stood the test of time for a hunting cartridge. My list would be 308 for gold 280AI or 30-06 for silver and for bronze 7mm-08 in my opinion you can't go wrong with any of these you can through 270 win in there as well.thanks again keep up the good work and God bless

[@David-bb7mt]

30-06 and 270, and everything up have been always been overkill

[@tenntech40]

We're in Tennessee/Alabama, I use a Remington 700 in .308Win, my wife uses a Savage in .243Win. Honestly at 200yards and in, her .243 is perfect. Light recoil, and we're not shooting at super long distances. I'd say my .308 is a bit more forgiving if the shot placement isn't perfect. I'd like to try a 6.5Creed at some point. I actually do have an old Mosin M91/30 that I've been meaning to hunt with. Especially for something like wild hog where that 7.62x54r would just obliterate a boar and we wouldn't have to worry about it charging if we were up close. The hunting rounds I have for it are 150gr with decent velocity for that old of a cartridge. It turns watermelons into pink mist.

[@Blackdiamond2]

What's your opinion on 6mm ARC or 6.5 Grendel out of a bolt gun for youth shooters? I think you won't get much better capability-to-recoil ratio than either of those two.

[@waynemensen4252]

Copper bullets dialed in will take them out. I'm working on a load for my ARC with 95 Barnes LRX. It shoots the 103 Eldx well already, but I've heard a few complaints about those breaking apart, not retaining their weight for penetration. It also shoots the 58 vmax well for coyotes.

[@perrinayebarra]

Those are plenty. Especially if they can shoot it better than a larger chambering.

[@hardball107]

I agree almost 100% and my fav's are the 7mm/08 or the 6.5 Creed but remove the 6mm Creed, you've already got that covered with the 243. I would substitute the a AR based 450 Bushmaster or in a lever gun the 35 Remington or 444 Marlin. Here in NY the North country is the densest woods you've ever seen and the Southern Tier is hilly gulches', swails and hardwoods with heavy underbrush and IMHO you need a good brush cartridge. Often shots are less than 100 yards and the 30/30, 300 Whisper/BO or a 44 Magnum revolver is more than enough. Around here the Ruger semi auto 44 Magnum 99/44 is king, you can't buy one for love nor money.

[@mrzrog]

I have used 270 with great success. I recently started loading the Barnes 130gr TTSX in my 30-06 and that is amazing. 6.5 PRC is also really good. I was given a 243 Win and I’m trying that for the first time this year using an 87gr VLD Hunter. Most of my shots are sub 50 yards… I typically use a handgun, 44 or 500 magnum using copper solids. Works just fine too. Good luck this year.

[@big_bad_buff4897]

I use a 7mm mag for most of my deer hunting. I have a 450 bushmaster upper for my AR I use for the brush/thicket an under 150 yard spots an the 300 weatherby if I don’t feel like tracking 😂

[@J-Plata-84]

I don't think the 25-06 gets enough respect. I drop everything in South Texas with it. The furthest anything has ran was maybe 15 yards if they didn't drop in their tracks. I've seen Elk, Mule deer, moose, Polar Bear and the plains game of Africa taken with it.

[@mattaltieri4130]

The Henry action is the smoothest level I've ever felt!

[@stevemcquesten9911]

It's funny I live in Idaho and the farthest shot I've taken on deer was 125 yards, and I'd say 90% of the deer I've shot I could have shot with my bow. When people talk about hunting the west it's not all open country, here in the panhandle it's pretty thick with timber and brush.

[@WayStedYou]

3:42 in other words 95 or 100 grain for deer, the 80 grainers are hit and miss being varmint type thin walled. (80 grain all copper is obv fairly common though)

[@walt8993]

I think maybe the 6.8 western would be a good one to have in there

[@E1337Jerk]

I think your sleeping on the 06. 110 to 220gr 165 is amazing all-round with a nosler partition or barnes ttx.

[@waynemensen4252]

ttsx is money!

[@thebestblainejohnson]

Actually great picks. Read some recent sales data last week. .243 is STILL the top selling hunting caliber of all time. I certainly would not have thought that.

[@joecuillo5005]

I like them for the duo purpose aspect and I think others do also. Great coyote gun and still kills deer dead. I know there's better calibers for both but then you have to buy more guns. A 243 does it all with different bullet weights and construction

[@brookslide4692]

@@joecuillo5005 Totally agree

[@etienneschoeman5393]

Here in Southern Africa, our most popular cartridges for hunting... 308, 30-06, 375 (for the biggest like Buffalo and Eland). But then again, most of our species are "bigger" game. Smaller bucks here, we use 243 and the 6.5cr is making a big splash here. We don't however have the variety here that you guys enjoy.