Best Rifle Caliber For Deer? Top 5 Cartridges PLUS A Bonus Round-My Favorite

[@donniek7182]

My favorite is the 300 wsm 165 gr accubond . Second 7mm magnum in 165 gr. Accurate, hard hitting.

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

My top 5 for deer: 1) 7mm-08 best all around 2) 270WIN for long range/flat 3) 6.5PRC for longer range/flatter 4) 308WIN tree stand/bush 5) 6.5Creedmoor lowest recoil I got a savage 110 hunter in 708 for the kids for deer and shooting training with 150gr ELDX. With a muzzle brake this rifle has proven perfect for my 14yr old who was able to shoot moa groups and ring 12" steel with first round hits out to 400m his very first time ever shooting a firearm! I also have an old Browning BLR in 308 with 150gr TTSX which is a great shorter range bush and tree stand rifle For Moose and Elk I use a Sako A7 in 300WSM with 168gr TTSX which has proven very effective on large moose out to 400m.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Trevor, all excellent choices for deer! I love the fact that you’re using the right caliber for the specific situation you’re in as well as getting the kiddos into the woods! Great job man! Thanks for being here!

[@reb1050]

I have owned both the 7mm-08 and the .308 in a Browning BLR and my experience has shown me that there is very little difference between the two. The .308 had a larger variety of available weight bullets and usually easier to find and less expensive. I always used the 150 gr. in my .308 while my wife used the 140 gr. in her 7mm-08. I don't have the .308 BLR any more. I went to the Ruger Gunsite Scout in the .308 and use it for my longer range shots and a old stand-by Marlin 30-30 for short ranges. As far as a "brush gun", I really don't think any rifle can be considered more of a brush gun that the tried and true .12 ga,. shotgun with slugs or buckshot...especially the buckshot.

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

.243 Winchester. A lot of people don't realize it's a barrel burner and with a particular brand's 100 grain load delivers 900 ft lbs of energy at 400 yards.

[@reb1050]

@@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649 The first rifle I bought my wife was a .243 in a Remington Model 7. She killed a few deer with it but all of them ran...not far, but ran anyway. Every shot was a heart shot. Due to the relative close range (all were under 50 yds.) and the light bullet (100 gr.), she and I both decided to go to something with a heavier bullet to increase knock down. She always like lever actions so our choice was quite limited. We settled on the Browning BLR in the 7mm-08. At the time, all we could find was 120 gr. ammo. However, the 120 gr. 7mm-08 was just about 100 ft. per second slower than the .243 from the muzzle all the way out to 300 yds. The energy was just about 200 ft. lbs. more from the muzzle to 300 yds. The trajectory was within 1/4 inch all the way out to 300 yds. And the recoil difference was minimal. I am not saying the .243 is not a good round...but in my opinion, the 7mm-08 is better. BTW, when we went to the BLR, she was 5'1" and weighed 105 so recoil was important. And, since going to the BLR, no deer has ever taken over 5 steps.

[@garyfortenberry5829]

I’d claim the .30-06 can perform as well in each of the listed categories except #5, and the recoil is not that bad. Plus, the 06 is able to take a much wider range of species with a range of bullet weights second to none.

[@mr.mr.3301]

I lean towards 708 and 308.

[@dominicbenecasa7893]

I was in SD and WY in the late 80’s early 90’s wanted one rifle as I’m not well off three different gun shops told me a .270 I bought a remington 700 stainless laminated wood stock (left handed) and have no regrets or desires for any other rifle for deer, elk and antelope.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Dominic, my very first rifle was a .270. Killed a lot of deer with it! Very versatile round and doesn’t kill you to shoot. Thanks for being here!

[@redhawk449]

All good calibers mentioned along with valid criteria. I grew up hunting white tails in north east MN. I bought a 30-06 back about 40 years ago. I never bought another rifle. That old 30-06 with almost any 180 grain bullet just works for everything considered big game.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Absolutely! That’s why I had to include the 30-06 in my top 5 list, even though I’ve never owned one myself. That caliber has one of the widest selections of bullets available, making it an easy choice for any deer hunter on that basis alone, as well as a wide variety of rifle platforms in that caliber. The ability to take larger game like elk, caribou, and even moose, with the right bullet, is a great perk as well. Thanks for being here!

[@jaybailleaux630]

Aman on the 30-06 and 180grain bullet. The 350 Chevy V-8 of cartridges. It don't destroy as much meat as a 25-06 or 270 . Those 150grain bullets maxed out in the 06 makes a big mess of dear meat.

[@luchovera2464]

The best caliber for deer is the one that you feel comfortable shooting

[@alumniduck]

There are literally dozens of cartridges for deer that are great. The two most important issues are what type of terrain you are going to hunt and what recoil you want to put up with.

[@mrmatt7210]

Skip to the 14min mark if you wish to forward to the top 5 cartridges which were recommended. My Top 5: .308 Winchester. Typically this cartridge has very close to the performance of the 30-06 (velocity within apx 100fps) when comparing 150-165 gr bullets , but it has apx 15% less recoil. 7-08 : Once again, this cartridge performs very close to the .280 Rem , but with less recoil .270 Win: No deer cartridge comparison should do without this cartridge 6.5 Creedmoor: A newer cartridge which is known for it's long distance capability. However, in trajectory comparisons to the previously mentioned cartridges you will need to make a shot beyond what most of us are capable of making to notice this bullets trajectory benefit. I often recommend this cartridge as it has a very mild recoil, is typically very accurate and with a 130-140 gr bullet can hammer a deer. Lastly 30-30 :150-170gr or my choice a 35 Rem : 200gr in a leveraction rifle. There is something nostalgic about hunting with a leveraction rifle and with shots under 200yrds these old cartridges perform perfectly well.

[@jeffreydoebler8367]

For deer I personally prefer the often overlooked fast flat light recoil 25.06 Remington

[@whitetailaffinity]

The .25-06 is a great deer round. It is very similar to my favorite .257 Weatherby. Thanks for watching!

[@robertloeffler1868]

The 30-30. Is my favorite rifle.

[@kesleycottrell1416]

I love the .300 Savage. I hunt NW PA, we have large body deer. Most of my shots rarely is over 50 yards. I hunt woods, swamps and brush. That old Model 99 Savage put a lot of venison on the table.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Kesley, the .300 Savage is another great round for deer! Plenty of power for almost any situation. Thanks for your comment!

[@herman5eight]

My grandfather could drive nails into boards with his Savage Model 99 at 100 yards, open sights

[@josephvoytus3694]

I have my Dad's Savage model 99 three hundred Savage.....it's what I started out on.....much love for this retired gem !

[@williammoore4380]

This is an example of a well thought out choice- range, size of game and terrain. I have killed Virginia Whitetail with 20/12guage, .223, .243, 250-3000, 257, 6.5X55, 7X57, 270 and 308. All did exactly what they should have done. If I could afford a custom for just Whitetail here, I would shoot .250-3000. Short action, mild recoil, 20" barrel works well for velocity range and I can handload. My next rifle will be either 243 or 6.5CM- based on factory rifle availability. I do not currently hunt but like to shoot and want that option open.

[@jackgriffith9229]

Short range thick brush spooky Deer 🦌……… Marlin 336 .30-30 Hornady Leverevolution 160 grain …… perfect!

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jack, the 30-30 is a tried and true short range, thick brush deer killer! Thanks for your comment!

[@bearmeat898]

This is one of the very few videos where the narrator actually considers at least most relevant factors. Good job in presenting information in a comprehensive way.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Bear Meat, thank you! I’m trying my best to make quality videos with the limited equipment that I have.

[@MrHubbard738]

I started with a 30-30 when I was in the 5th grade or 10 years old. And I killed a deer the opening day in Missouri that was in 1967 and I used that 30-30 for 6 years it was a borrowed gun from a neighbor that had bought it new in 1957 the same year I was born. A Winchester 94 that I passed on to my son that also killed a deer his first hunt with a gun setting in a deer stand with me. Then I bought my first high powered rifle a 30-06 same as my dad used, he was a WW2 vet and he believed if it was good enough to kill Germans it would be fine for deer. So I hunted with that caliber for 30 more years, then I started wanting to use or try a new caliber every year. Last year I used a 350 Legend even though its not a true legend. I have come to the conclusion that almost any caliber will work fine on deer size animals as long as you hunt with them in the range of the caliber.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Tracy, I hunted with my great grandpa’s model 94 30-30 for a few years when I was old enough to use a gun in the woods legally. That is an awesome brush-busting cartridge, one of the timeless classic deer hunting rounds in my opinion! Your backstory is really cool and the fact you’re trying out new and different calibers is also awesome to see. My focus in this video was on your regular centerfire cartridges, but I was already thinking that I should cover the straight-wall cartridges as well, given their growing popularity with states allowing them in shotgun-only zones. So I will work on that for sure. The effective range of the caliber, like you said, is the most important factor when deciding on a hunting rifle and/or where and when to use a given gun. Thanks for your input and for being here, I really hope I’m helping everyone out in some way or another.

[@jamesherron9969]

You’re definitely correct sir it’s all about using the proper tool for the proper setting for a gun is a tool design for a Particular task

[@petermurdoch3001]

My Uncle bought a Win 94 30-30 the day i was born , July 1958, it was given to me when i turned 12, that was my Deer rifle for years, for open area i bring 1 of my 7mmRemMag , Win 70 , or Parker-hale ,

[@whitetailaffinity]

Peter, both excellent choices for different applications. I love it! Thanks for being here!

[@stevebutler8387]

30-06. Bought my first rifle in 1972. Have upgraded guns several times but always 30-06 in 180 grain. Shoulder shots and never, ever had one take a step. Shock nails them to the ground

[@whitetailaffinity]

Steve, exactly why the 30-06 is on the list! Thanks for your comment!

[@garyscheer8017]

I have used several thru the years and have come back to the 30-06 and if a lever gun the 444 Marlin

[@whitetailaffinity]

Gary, both great choices in their respective applications. Thanks for being here!

[@tomprice3513]

I use a 95 grain federal fusion in my 243 Winchester that fusion is a great bullet I shot a big 8 point last year at 90 yards he was facing straight at me hit I’m dead center of chest and went all the way through him and out his ass he never took another step he was 200lbs plus I don’t know how anyone can say that 243 isn’t enough gun it definitely gets the job done

[@whitetailaffinity]

Tom, I agree 💯! A well placed bullet is better than a bigger bullet any day! And you don’t need a cannon if your situation doesn’t call for it. Thanks for being here!

[@johnmnorris9397]

Heavy brush you can't beat the 45/70 and it's hard to beat the 25 06 for long range.

[@whitetailaffinity]

John, the 45-70 is an excellent brush round and the 25-06 was a close 2nd in my favorite choice; the .257 Weatherby has the edge on it in terms of ballistics and terminal performance. Thanks for your comment!

[@malachiwhite356]

The brush-buster bullet theory has been discredited. Sorry 45-70.

[@johnmnorris9397]

@@malachiwhite356 Where's the facts?

[@malachiwhite356]

@@johnmnorris9397 The popular shooting and hunting press for the past 30 years.

[@johnmnorris9397]

@@malachiwhite356 Go watch IV 8888 what makes a brush gun video where he shoots lite calibers and heavy calibers. then you will know that it's not a myth.

[@RafaelPerez-fw6vq]

I have 270, and 243 win and222 rem too. Tamaulipas México.

[@jimparker7778]

A .280 or a .270 has the knockdown power for most Whitetails

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jim, both excellent choices for deer! The first rifle I ever bought was a .270 and I killed many deer with that gun. Thanks for your comment!

[@garryherron9081]

3OO Savage 99 1940s 24,, barrel lever action.One of the best rifle ever made.All round rifle,one of a kind.it has harder hitting power than a 30.6.it has a high pressurized steel barrel.it has the good rifleing in the barrel.Well balanced to carry.Has a pistol grip and checkerd,and forearm.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Garry, if that’s the rifle that’s best for you and your situation, that’s the one you should use! Thanks for your comment!

[@paulsimmons5726]

223, 243 257Rob, 6.5 Sweed, 6.5Cr, 7x57 270Win 30-06, 308 7RM, 300WM * I’d probably go with the 223Rem over the 243Win because of availability. * 6.5Cr, again for availability. These are all pleasant to shoot and perform about the same when shot within ethical distances but 6.5Cr is on every shelf these days. The 7x57, my personal favorite of the entire list, runs a distant 2nd for availability. * The 270Win is still riding the mythological trail due to Professor O’Connor… And for good reason! * 30-06 vs 308Win? If you buy your ammo in a box, the 308 is great! If you hand load, pick the 30-06 for greater case capacity, especially for larger heavier game. * 7RM v 300WM, I’m leaning towards the 7RM because I’ve owned and hunted with both and the deer don’t know the difference but I always liked the 7RM because it was a bit easier on my shoulder. I currently own neither because my wife’s 30-06 can replicate their abilities at less than 300yds with far less recoil and cost. At the end of it, any caliber that the hunter has confidence in is going to be that perfect round!

[@gsnicholas8522]

You and I think very similarly. I’d add a 22-250 into the 223, 243 category. Subtract the 6.5cr from that category. I realize that it’s a good little deer cartridge at moderate ranges, but I can’t stand all the false hype and crap that surrounds it. I’m not a fan of the 308, but it is a good deer cartridge. Lastly I’d exchange your 7rm and 300wm for a 264wm and 300HH just because I like being different.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Paul, the 7mm is almost the perfect round, especially if you hunt anything bigger than deer too. One of the reasons the 30-06 is on the list is because it has one of the widest selections of bullet designs and weights. You can hunt anything from deer up to moose with the right bullets. Thanks for your comment!

[@Sirlants_alot]

I haven’t been able to find 6.5 cm anywhere in a year

[@dannymcneal]

Thanks for a great review! So with the .223, you said shot placement is everything. I agree! For this small round, where is the perfect shot placement to guarantee a quick drop? Is it just behind the upper front leg, going right into the heart? Or is it right through the shoulder blade (where a number of nerves congregate) as another KZbin reviewer states? Also, I have a Sig Sauer M400 Elite, chambered for both 5.56 and .223-I’m assuming this rifle will accommodate that deer-killing round? Thanks for your insight!

[@whitetailaffinity]

@Danny McNeal I’ve shot many deer in many places with my .223. Neck shots are my personal favorite! They’re dead before they hit the ground, there’s minimal loss of meat, and there’s no track job. The other spot I like is high lung, just behind the shoulder. Basically if you drew a straight line up from the back of the front leg, about 1/3 of the way down from the spine. Sometimes that drops them too. I’ve shot the heart, double lung, and quartering, but the only problem is there usually isn’t a lot of blood for tracking, so expect that. I’ve never had one run further than 100 yds however, they’re usually dead inside 50 with vital body shots. I would advise against shoulders shots with it, even with bonded ammo, because I either want the deer to drop or run a short distance before dying. Shoulder shots with a .223 run the risk of single-lung hits and/or only an entry hole and no exit, and you want to risk neither with a round that small because of minimal blood as it is. If your rifle is chambered in 5.56, you can shoot any .223 round, so you are good to go! I hope this helps you and thanks for being here!

[@stevewalker4638]

Bullet placement is the key

[@miketyson8933]

100%!!

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

I’ve had many rifles throughout the years and have taken deer with just about all of them … .300 WM , .300 WSM , 7MM REM Mag , .30-06 , .280 Remington, .270 , .308 , .243 , and .223. I used to elk hunt out in Colorado but no longer do , so I sold all of the big magnums and I kept my .223, .243 , .308 and .280 Remington . I just hunt whitetail in Michigan, these all work well . Like you said, it’s good to have options .

[@whitetailaffinity]

Bruin, you can’t go wrong with any of the calibers you mentioned and yes, having options is awesome! 😆 That .280 will cover you in just about any scenario! Thanks for being here!

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

@@whitetailaffinity You’re absolutely right about that.280 ! And that’s precisely why it stays in my arsenal of firearms , and the big heavy hitters had to go . My .280 Remington is in a Winchester model 70 featherweight. Super accurate, well balanced sweet handling rifle . I was wise enough to stockpile a nice cache of ammunition for it too before all this craziness happened. I have some really rare Corbon 140 grain all copper tipped DPX moving along just over 3,000 fps ( I bought their last 10 boxes of production ) and some Federal Vital Shock 150 grain Nosler Partitions moving at 2,890 fps , and either one of those loads in that .280 will kill an elk just as quick as any of my .300 Magnums or 7mm Mag would . It’s a dam shame that the.280 Remington never gained the popularity of the .270 or .30-06 ( it performs better than either of those as far as my experience goes with all three ) it’s a hand loaders dream to top it off , very tolerant cartridge to load , and a heck of a lot of 7mm projectiles out there , as well as brass and components and loading data ( which is where the .280 really shines when you work up hand loads to its true potential) because Remington totally screwed it up by poor marketing strategies when it first debuted, they ran productions of semiautomatic rifles , and back in those days they had to keep the pressures low to accommodate those rifles , even still today , production ammo manufactured for the .280 is watered down to keep the pressures safe for those older semiautomatic rifles that are still in circulation. It’s a splendid cartridge and only those who own them know it’s true potential and performance.

[@davidzakrzewicz707]

Totally agree with your remarks on the .280. I bought one for my daughter years ago, a Remington 700 mountain rifle, and she has put it to good use over the years. I handload her ammo

[@davidzakrzewicz707]

@@NorthwoodsNomad sent that before I finished. In the .280 I’ve stuck with 140 gr. bullets for deer and all have been effective, but I finally settled on 140 gr CombinedTechnologies Ballistic Silvertips. They are a black coated bullet that I load in nickel plated Winchester cases. Women love fashion and when my daughter first saw them she said, “Dad, I could wear these for jewelry!” She affectionately calls them her “bling bullets.” She has helped me keep the freezer stocked with venison and has total confidence in her ammo. Of all the rifles in our family arsenal , hers is my favorite. I carried it when she was deployed to the Middle East and at times when she can’t hunt. I haven’t had the chance to shoot a deer with it yet but it put plenty of them in the freezer in her hands.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

@John Gallagher Your 270 ends right at the 150 gr pill . This is where the .280 just begins to outshine the .270 ( when you start pushing 150 grains and up … as I stated above “ when you handload the cartridge to its true potential “) you’re just reading factory SAAMI specs ( that are watered down factory loads AS I SAID ABOVE ☝️ because they had to keep the pressures down to accommodate the semiautomatic rifles that were being chambered for the .280 back in those days ) I always giggle when the .270 fan boys get all butt hurt when they come to the realization that their .270’s can’t match the performance of a .280 Denial … ain’t just a River in Africa ! LOL 😆 “ giggling “ 🤭

[@jacobmullins3644]

Here's my list of great deer calibers 30-06 3030 270 308 7mm-08 300 wsm 243 win 25-06 Honorable mention 6.5 swed

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jacob, all excellent choices for deer! Thanks for your comment!

[@64samsky]

I love the 243 and the 7mm-08

[@whitetailaffinity]

64samsky, both great choices for deer! Plenty of ammo options and easy to manage. Thanks for being here!

[@robertbertagna1672]

i have hunted california only deer my 2 rifles were rem 7mm mag for combination open country with scope snd 300 savage open shght for brush country in california most deer are under 200 pounds field dressed they filled the bill for me .thank you bob.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Bob, both great calibers for deer in their respective applications! Thanks for your comment!

[@tS-sn7jt]

308 win that is all you will ever need.

[@TXLorenzo]

Yep, with all the bullet choices in 30 cal, you can go shoot flatter with a 130 grn or go heavy with a 190 grn when required.

[@kentapley9315]

Correct

[@matthewhorn124]

That's what I use

[@titomish5914]

A nice 4x4 chevy truck is all you need but guess what???

[@toddkohut5993]

I’m just getting into all this so I’ve watched a few videos like this. It seems to me that there is no perfect calibre b/c theres many factors like you said. Great video and thanks for the sharing your knowledge.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@Todd Kohut there are so many to choose from that are all great choices. If you can, shoot a few different rounds before you buy! Thanks for your support and if you need help deciding, please let me know if I can help in any way!

[@HEMIReese]

What is your opinion on using a .204 ruger for whitetail in the south east in a state where it is legal? I’ve saw many videos and forums of people using it for deer. I know shot placement is key. I’ve had this particular 204 for nine years and have put roughly 700 rounds through the gun in that time period. I can comfortably put 5 rounds in a 1/4 inch group at 200 yards using a 40 grain expanding round. All shots would be under 100 yards.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@Chris Reese the .204 is a potent little round. If it’s legal for you, and you’re that accurate with it, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it. That being said, I would do everything possible to only take neck shots with it. At that range and with that accuracy, you should have no problem taking neck shots like I do with my .223, negating the chances of a shoulder hit or tracking with the minimal blood you would have with almost any other ribcage shot. I hope this helps!

[@billwotruba9432]

What I shoot: In the brush & swamp - 450 Bushmaster, In the hardwoods - .308, In open fields - 300 WM. Obviously, I don't shy away from recoil or muzzle blast, these get the job done for me and the ammo is very available. You made a good argument for the 223, I would caution against it for novice hunters where shot placement may be inconsistent, the .243 is probably optimal for the beginner. Thanks for not mentioning the 6.5 Creedmore.😂

[@whitetailaffinity]

@Bill Wotruba it’s good to see you have different rifles for different applications; exactly the point of this video! The 6.5 is I’m sure a great option, but honestly I think it’s overhyped, so no mention there lol. Thanks for being here!

[@josephvoytus3694]

Nice video ! I'd love to get a 257 WBY mag (MarkV tho) as it's about the only one I really like but don't have. The 270 Win is my fave, followed by the 300 WBY mag & 25-06. For summer groundhogs my favorite caliber overall, the 22-250 !

[@whitetailaffinity]

Joseph, I REALLY wanted the Mark V! It was just that $2600 price tag that stopped me from getting it. One day! The other calibers you mentioned are perfect for deer. Thanks for being here!

[@Titan-iw7xv]

Love my 257 weatherby! One simple stroke of the trigger and its lights out

[@jonathansheeder5153]

I got a good old .308 for deer in the southeast. Never hunt much. Ammo availability is huge though.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jonathan, .308 is a great choice as well. Thanks for being here!

[@donbenson5292]

12 guage 1 oz slug in the brush. 223 is for those who are precision hunters and know the limits. I like the 65gr Sierra spbt. 243 and up to a 300 Wbymag for long long distances.

[@swampdonkey3278]

I have used a single shot h&r 223 for about 25 years hunting doe in south texas i use a 55 grain nosler ballistic tip and have always dropped them in their tracks but it has always been a head shot or high in the neck shot it is one of my favorite guns it will do the job but know it's limitations i would not shoot over 300 yards with it

[@whitetailaffinity]

@swampdonkey neck shots with the .223 are my favorite! They’re dead before they hit the ground and you hardly lose any meat. Thanks for being here!

[@jackcann360]

All depends on where you hunt. Open areas you need flat shooting round. Heavy bush, you need a brush gun 30-30 or 35 rem.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jack, this is exactly the whole point of this video! You nailed it; hunt with the right caliber for your hunting scenarios. Thanks for your comment!

[@Mike-ik7dl]

All great rounds and good job I was cringing waiting to hear the 6.5 Creedmore thank God you didn't include that round

[@whitetailaffinity]

Mike, although I won’t argue the viability of the 6.5 as a great deer killing round, I do think it has been way overhyped. Guys bragging about shooting deer at 700 yds with it, the accuracy at long ranges, etc is easily obtainable with many other tried and true calibers. I think it is a great round, but feel also that it is a fad that will surely go away when the next “6.5 creedmore” comes out. Thanks for your comment!

[@TXLorenzo]

But it has all those high BC bullets! LOL

[@daithi1966]

My top 5 (not necessarily in this order) would be--- 1) .243 Win 2) 6.5 Creedmoor 3) .270 Win (my favorite) 4) .308 Win 5) .30-06 Springfield

[@whitetailaffinity]

@DavidIvey also a great top 5! I just looked for ammo again today and there is no short supply for .308 or 6.5 creedmore! Thanks for being here!

[@zacharyboswell9221]

Not a fan personally of the 6.5 creed. But a good list 👌 .308 is essentially a .30-06 just slower and fits in a short action yet super available.

[@daithi1966]

@@zacharyboswell9221 After I wrote my list, I realized that I forgot to mention the .30-30, and everyone should have a lever action .30-30 just to pay homage to grandpa and John Wayne. So feel free to replace the 6.5 Creedmoor with the .30-30 (Plus I think the 6.5 PRC is better than the Creedmoor too, but no denying that it is available and popular.)

[@jasonstone5987]

I've taken many deer with a 243 using 100gr hornady American whitetail ammo. All dropped on the spot.

[@whitetailaffinity]

There’s no substitute for a well placed bullet! The euro mount 10 point on my right side in the video was taken with a .243 and he was dead before his head hit the ground. Thanks for commenting and being here!

[@Deanvandam]

@@whitetailaffinity where on a deer is the best shot placement?, for a .243 I thinking about getting one. I’m 55 and have had some trouble with my shoulder, so I’m not able to handle heavy recoil

[@atomicwedgie8176]

@@Deanvandam Aim small, miss small...aim for the top half of the heart. Go tag your deer.

[@mr.mr.3301]

The theme is sturdy bullets. Partition, bonded, copper penetrate best.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@Mr.Mr. This is what I’ve been saying for a long time, especially with the lighter calibers. The right bullet and a well placed shot gets them every time. Thanks for the comment and thanks for being here!

[@brandonthomashartney9813]

I'm in Africa and I hunt everything from small duiker and Steenbuck to Eland. I'm not into the big game (elephant, hippo, lion etc) as I eat what I kill. I hunt with seven other guys throughout the hunting season and between us we have every calibre you can imagine. Each of us has our favourites. The go to calibres for most of us are the 7mm rem mag or the 300. Win mag. It's heart lung on bigger game (not to say we don't also do headshots) and almost always head shots on small game. I personally love the 7mm rem mag because it's the calibe I've used most. 308 is nice in the bush because of the shorter action and length so it's easy to move around. 6.5 all, 243, 223 etc are all okay but when you come across a heard of wilderbeest in the middle of a long walk I'm less confident (from experience). I've probably killed more impala and wilderbeest with the 30-06 then all my other calibres, but when I need to take a 300+ meter shot, I always hope to have my 7mm rem mag on hand, it's the calibre that does it all for me. Mine (Ruger m77 markii) has a suppressor so the recoil is negligible, but damn it's a long rifle to carry in the thick bush.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Brandon, hello from across the pond! The calibers you mentioned are all on my list because of the reasons you mentioned. They’re powerful, versatile, and manageable. Thanks for your comment!

[@onearmedbandit6936]

The 25 cals are the most slept on for deer…. I have all those other calibers but when I bought my 257 wby I haven’t touched any of the others

[@whitetailaffinity]

One Armed Bandit, so you know first hand why I love that caliber so much! It’s a breeze to shoot and hits like a train for a 25 cal. Thanks for being here!

[@onearmedbandit6936]

@@whitetailaffinity yes sir. No problem

[@twolak1972]

I got a 25/06 which runs pretty close to 257 weatherby velocity with IMR 4831 and its deadly on deer . 1 shot and watch them drop. Excellent caliber.

[@matagorda9601]

Scricco bonded 180 grain in a Ruger m77

[@merlin767]

30 30 great bush gun under Hundred yards all I use up here in Canada 🇨🇦

[@AT502]

Dale Earnhardt would approve of this message. 😀 BTW, Being from the southeastern United States and doing 98% of my hunting in the same area my go-to deer/hog rifles are my Winchester Model 94 30-30, Marlin 1895GBL 45-70 or my Winchester Model 70 in .270 win and occasionally my suppressed .300 BLK AR15 pistol. I handload all of my ammo and cast the bullets for 30-30 and 45-70 ... all of these cartridges have worked well for me in the deer woods for years and years.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@AT502 I love the man in black 😎 the calibers you mentioned are great options for deer and it’s good to see you have a wide selection to choose from! Thanks for your comment!

[@christopher.smith537]

I recently bought a Browning X bolt, 6.5 Creedmoor, finally shot my first buck with it this weekend. Great shot, double lung, no blood trail, stumbled onto it 50 yards away from the stand. Not sure what to think. Bullet did it's job internally, but I'm use to a bow kill blood trail like a horror film. Love shooting the rifle.

[@whitetailaffinity]

CSmith23, there’s some factors at play here but the two I think are the biggest are bullet type and target distance. If the animal was close and you’re using a good bonded bullet, chances are it blew right through without time to expand properly. I’ve had that happen before using partitions if the animal is 100 yds or less. Could also be that you just didn’t hit any major blood vessels through there, hit high, etc. The 6.5 is a great round for deer, but if you’re not liking the performance of the bullet, try playing around with a few if you can. Good luck and thanks for being here!

[@christopher.smith537]

@@whitetailaffinity the deer was quartering away a lithe more than I thought. The whole thing was maybe 3 minutes. I hit a little back going through the lung and bullet was wedged on the backside of the shoulder and barely punctured the skin... but it did a lot of damage internally.

[@shanehebert396]

@@christopher.smith537 yeah... that's why I much prefer two holes. You get *much* better blood trails that way... and where we hunt, if you don't have a blood trail, you are in for a long day of searching... sometimes even with a blood trail it can take a long time... took us 45 minutes to find a deer that ran about 65 yards once and that was *with* a blood trail. That said, I've hunted with a .260Rem for a while and it's been absolutely deadly. It has practically identical ballistics to the 6.5CM. I ended up getting a 6.5CM a couple years ago because of ammo availability (just couldn't find any in .260Rem and I don't reload). With the .260Rem, I was using 140gr Remington Core-Lokts and always got a passthrough (2 holes) even through both shoulders. I've started using 129gr with the 6.5CM (the Hornady Whitetail shoot really well in my rifle) so we'll see how those go.

[@toddjohnson271]

No real answer......but at my ranges I love the 35 Remington. Does such a great job.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Todd, if that round works and performs well for you, that is exactly what you should use then! Thanks for your comment!

[@corysonnier3248]

Where I hunt we can't have a running deer. Cliffs drop off 300 ft and a wounded deer will always head that way. We have to drop them on the spot. My Remington 30-06 with hornady ballistic tips does the job everytime.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@cory sonnier exactly why the 30-06 is on the list! Thanks for your comment!

[@jonquirk9582]

Need a video like this for more restricted states. Here in Michigan, we can't use any of these top 5 in the southern half of the state.

[@whitetailaffinity]

I will definitely work on a video covering the straight wall cartridges for states and parts of states that rifles are prohibited in. Thanks for your input!

[@robbyrobinson4500]

It also depends on location of hunt. Are you looking over a huge prairie, or hunting heavy woods in Louisiana. Half the places I've hunted in Louisiana you don't necessarily need anything other than a 30-30. In that situation a 300wm is just to say you have on cause you feel it makes you cool

[@wrcoe]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Thanks Randy! Appreciate you being here!

[@commonconservative7551]

hornady has 7.5 x 55 for deer 150 gr. ? -never tried it yet though

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great, well thought out video. In the western US, in most circumstances, it’s either a 280 Rem shooting a high quality 140 bullet grain or a 270 shooting a high quality 130 grain bullet. But if I had to choose just one, it would be the 280 Rem. There are times when a cartridge similar to the 7MM Rem Mag shooting a 160 bullet makes sense. Hunting mulies in the high country or in sage brush flats are two great examples since 400+ yard shots and higher winds are to be expected. I typically use a 7MM Rem Mag shooting a 160 Accubond since I hunt elk shortly before or concurrently with deer season. EDIT: That Weatherby is a sharp looking rifle and you should take it on a pronghorn hunt sometime. What grain bullet are you shooting?

[@whitetailaffinity]

nmelkhunter1, the .280 is a potent round as well. The 160 Accubond was what I used in my 7mm as well and it is an awesome bullet! Thank you about the Weatherby, I plan on using either the 100gr Hornady Interlock or the 100gr Barnes TTSX, but haven’t decided yet. Id love to get out west for pronghorn one day! Thanks for the comment!

[@gregorypace2641]

.308 is the cheapest most available round, you can find it anywhere they sell bullets, even today. For a smaller person or for less kick, the 7MM-08, .243, or 6.5 Creedmore are good choices. Nosler Partition is the best bullet I have ever shot game with. In my state, a .223 is illegal for deer so check your local regulations. I have had too much meat lost with a .300 Win Mag

[@whitetailaffinity]

Gregory, all very good choices for deer. Thanks for your comment!

[@drunkingsailor2359]

I have the 7mm mag rem powerful gun even at 700 yrds+

[@miketyson8933]

Out West we have massive clear cuts we need 500 yard rifles! The 6.8 Western is the new BEST round out here for deer it's an updated .270 WSM and it hits 17% harder at 500 yards then a 6.5 PRC and 34% harder then the 6.5 Creedmore!!!

[@whitetailaffinity]

Mike, I’ve heard of the 6.8 but haven’t had the chance to be around one yet. It looks to be a great deer hunting caliber!

[@Sirlants_alot]

I’d like to see more offerings in this round. Still only browning and Winchester. But at least it’s available. There’s no 6.5 cm or 6.5 prc anywhere around here. I’ve never seen 270 wsm, which i was also looking at. But the 6.8 seems good for everything.

[@kellycollins3752]

The best white tail caliber is what ever I have at the time.

[@yooper7753]

Great video. I set my daughter up with a Thompson Center Encore 24 Inch 223 Remington rifle barrel using my reloaded Nosler 60 grain Partition bullets. Devastating performance on Upper Peninsula of Michigan White-tailed deer. I've killed a lot of deer and antelope with a 243 Winchester using my reloaded Nosler 100 grain Partition bullet.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Yooper, exactly the load I was using until I had to get the fusions. Awesome performance and kills every time! You don’t have to have a cannon for whitetails; a well placed bullet always wins! Thanks for the comment and thanks for being here!

[@yooper7753]

@@whitetailaffinity It's good the know Federal 62 grain Fusion bullets worked for you if I see them on the shelf. I have quite a few Nosler 60 grain Partition bullets left, but I also have Nosler 64 grain Bonded Performance bullets. I haven't tried the 64 grain bullets yet, but they seem to be similar to the 62 grain Fusions. Nosler 64 grain Bonded Performance bullets are shorter than the 60 grain Partition bullets. Nosler has loaded data for the 64 grain bullets out of a 22-250 Remington with a 1-14 inch rifling twist rate. I have a Remington model 700 in 22-250 Remington that I'll have to try on deer.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@yooper_man the fusions worked great. Still sad to switch from the partitions because they performed so well. I was actually able to get one out of the hide of a deer and it was perfectly mushroomed and retained almost all of its material.

[@twolak1972]

The 243 is about as PERFECT a antelope and deer round as you can get providing the deer are not in the 250 / 300 pound range like in Alberta. There you need something with a lot more SNORT.

[@lukethibodaux790]

30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, and certainly the 300 Win Mag are all an exercise in overkill on whitetail, you would have to be shooting some pretty crazy ranges for either of the two magnums to make any sense, take it from someone who has owned plenty of them. Nowadays I mostly reach for my 7mm-08 or 6.5x55 are they are MUCH more logical at the ranges that I actually shoot and they have performed ever bit as well as any belted magnum ever did, I can only recommend the 6.5x55 if you handload but if you don't the 6.5 Creedmoor is a solid alternative. The 270 is the one gun solution as it has really solid long range trajectory while not being quite as overpowered as the 30-06 when woods hunting, I still prefer the 7mm-08 at that power level because it is so much more pleasant to shoot but it does give up a little trajectory to the 270 so if I had more of a long range focus that might change that ranking.

[@garyk76]

I agree with you but I would add a 308 and a 7 mm08 in with them

[@yz85risktaker]

Killed tons of deer with 223. 55 gr soft point out to 300 yards. One of my favorites. Also used 40 gr hollow point and 50 gr v max. Never had one get away.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Phil, the .223 is an absolute deer killing machine! Love it for deer! Thanks for being here!

[@jeremiahbass4418]

Some of the things a person may want to think about is where they hunt when choosing their caliber I know for example in Nebraska there is a lot of open areas with not much cover there for blinds and tree stand has no use and with the hunter orange requirements your easier to see to both hunters and animals so you need a caliber with higher range ability I know several Hunter's choices are 300 win mag 7 mm mag 500 nitro. Weapons that will reach out far and still have a lot of knock down force

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jeremiah, that is the most important factor, I think, is considering where the weapon will be used most. Out west, 4-500yd shots are commonplace and like you said, you need a caliber capable of making shots like that accurately and with as much retained energy as possible. 7mm and .300 win mag are great choices, as well as .257 and up Weatherby calibers, and 30-06 and .280 Rem can’t be forgotten either. Thanks for your comment!

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

.25-06 Rem holds it own with the 6.5 Creed out to 500 yards. Most can't shoot well enough to hit at 300.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Short range, long range, swamp, mountains, plains ?? Well, 3006 WILL DO IT ALL. Period. 👍👍

[@whitetailaffinity]

@Roger ramjet exactly why it made my list! Thanks for your comment 👍

[@RandySmith-ci8eu]

I agree I have been using the 30 06 since the 70s. I've owned a lot of different caliber's 223 to 300 weatherby mag. I'll stick with the 30:06.

[@michaelbarlow6062]

I think the best deer gun is any bolt action with a synthetic stock that shoots .30 cal bullets👍

[@whitetailaffinity]

Michael, just about all of the .30 cals are excellent for deer! Thanks for your comment!

[@ciscokidkid6580]

For me 30-06.

[@twolak1972]

Can,t go wrong with the 06. STILL THE STANDARD ALL OTHERS ARE MEASURED BY, AS IT DESERVES TO BE. I BET MORE GAME HAS FALLEN TO THE 30/06 THAN ALL OTHER CALIBERS COMBINED. IT JUST FLAT OUT GETS THE JOB DONE. MY DEER LOAD IS A HORNANDY 150 GR SP. INTERLOCK BEHIND IMR 4350 POWDER. BLOOD TRAIL LIKE YOU,VE NEVER SEEN.

[@dozierlester3971]

Where do you place your shot on a deer with a .223? Thanks,

[@whitetailaffinity]

Dozier, my absolute favorite place to shoot them with a .223 is right in the neck. Ruins minimal amounts of meat and they’re dead before they hit the ground! Now I only do this if the deer is under 100 yards and I have a rock solid rest. Other than that, high in the lungs does the job every time; top third of the body, right behind the shoulder. I hope this helps!

[@dozierlester3971]

@@whitetailaffinity Thanks, pretty much what I was thinking. I like a high should shot, when I can, but lower neck or lungs make sense, at closer ranges of course.

[@michaellewis5624]

223 with the 64gr power point is great for small deer (125-175lb) out to about 125 yards. Further than that I think is unethical. JMHO

[@blackie1of4]

Love the video and the way you presented the information! If I'm asked the question about what cartridge is a great whitetail choice.. I too know there's so many to choose from a new hunter without any direction could get overwhelmed! Anyways.. here's my top five.. 1) 7mm-08 Remington 2) 270 Winchester 3) 6.5 Creedmoor 4) 243 Winchester 5) 350 Legend Honorable mention 30-30 Winchester The best thing about nowadays is once you buy one.. you'll eventually get another! It's not like it was thirty years ago. So.. along with available ammo and price.. I'd say get yourself the nicest rifle that you can afford. They do have layaway at most gun shops :) Beautiful rifle btw.. definitely a heirloom ❤️

[@whitetailaffinity]

Third Blackie Boy, all great choices for deer! Thank you for your comment!

[@blackie1of4]

@@whitetailaffinity you're welcome and thanks for replying I subbed to watch you grow.. and I'm sure your channel will

[@ReelinTension]

No order but my top 5 whitetail calibers would be 25-06, 257 wby, 270wsm, .308, 7mm

[@whitetailaffinity]

Reelin, all great rounds for deer! Thanks for being here!

[@landmark4928]

What was used on jfk assination what would of you used

[@joztunes69]

30-06, .308, 6.5 creedmoor, 7mm rem mag but use .308 or 6.5cm more

[@whitetailaffinity]

Joz, all very reputable cartridges! Of those, whatever you’re most comfortable shooting and ability to find ammo would be the deciding factors. Thanks for your comment!

[@kevincraig6407]

keep in mind when hunting down south, you want to lay them still, you don't want to (cant) leave them over night when it doesn't get real cold, so even in places where the deer are smaller, up north type calibers should be used imho.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@kevincraig that’s definitely something to consider. In my experience, a shoulder/double lung/ heart shot has them dead within 100 yards, usually less, and neck shots are instant with the .223. Nothing beats a well placed bullet! Thanks for being here!

[@chadwhite7290]

30.06 270 7mm08 25-06 243

[@whitetailaffinity]

Chad, all excellent choices for deer! Thanks for your comment!

[@leemencacci3420]

Is the laminate stock stock in this video a Boyd's? If so, which model is it?

[@whitetailaffinity]

Yes it is a Boyd’s stock! It’s the Weatherby Vanguard Laminate Sporter. Thanks for watching!

[@garyk76]

And I personally like a 300 wsm alot

[@shockwave6213]

50 BMG. Because when your preferred hunting rounds (Soft Points/Hollow/Ballistic tip) already cost $3 per round at most sporting goods stores, then you may as well go all out

[@whitetailaffinity]

@Shockwave lol I don’t think there would be any meat left!

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@whitetailaffinity There's meat left. I sighted in a .50 BMG for a friend who bought one for antelope hunting. Sighted in at 500 yards it still had over 10,000 pounds of energy. He never shot an antelope but he did shoot a whitetail doe with it. Entry whole was .5 inches and the exit whole was measured with his forearm. At 34 pounds it was not a stalking rifle.

[@larrymiller5171]

270

[@samstone8772]

What's a good barrel length for deer hunting. I am thinking of getting it in 308 Winchester.

[@bobjohnson7207]

Get a Browning BLR and never look back even if you go for Moose.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Sam, generally the longer the barrel, the more accurate the rifle. I had a 7mm that had a 28” barrel, my .257 has a 26”, and my old .270 had a 24”. It depends on the caliber you want and the distances you shoot. In my opinion, if your longest shot is 300 yds or less, barrel length really isn’t a huge factor. Once you get into shooting long range, say 4-5-6-7-800+ yds, then you’d want a longer barrel for accuracy. But the caliber has to be able to perform at those distances too, so I wouldn’t trust a .223 at 500 yds on deer, but I would a 7mm or 300 win mag. I hope this helps!

[@yooper7753]

You can select any barrel length you desire. I've shot deer with a Thompson Center Encore 15 inch 308 Winchester pistol barrel. You won't need any barrel longer than 22 inches.

[@jeffsnider7842]

If you are a smaller person or have kids that will use it to hunt as well, check out a Remington model Seven. 20” barrel, short length of pull. Dead nuts accurate. My wife has one in 308 and i have one in 7mm-08.

[@williamgaines9784]

On a rifle, you must have a 16 inch minimum barrel length. There should be plenty of information about the ballistcs of the 308 with that length barrel(serveral AR platform 308 use that length) and longer. Most ammo mfgs. state a barrel length they test their ammo with, so you can "guesstimate" about what velocity you might get with a longer or shorter barrel. The velocity of the bullet, along with its ballistic coefficient gives you a reasonable idea of your limit of how far you can take game efficiently within the bullet's performance parameters. Hitting the target in the vital area is always the duty of the shooter. If you are using an optic, scope or illuminated dot, the length of the barrel is not a factor in accuracy other than how the rifle may balance. Where you are hunting will have more affect on how long a rifle you might be able to use. In wide open spaces a long barrel won't be a hindrance, except the few ounces of weight, whereas some of the places I hunt anything longer than a machete is hard maneuver with. .308 Win is an excellent cartridge, ammunition is plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Find a rifle that fits you and your hunting needs and shoot it enough to become proficient with it in various shooting positions that you may encounter afield. Good luck, obey the firearm safety rules, the hunting laws where you hunt, and have fun in nature.

[@jpoll4824]

Best deer caliber depend if is for body shot to save more meat or head shot to save the entire deer

[@whitetailaffinity]

JPOLL, although that plays in to a choice of rifle caliber, I’d only recommend shoulder/behind the shoulder shots as they are the most effective at killing an animal and not all shooters have the skill and ability to consistently execute head shots. Thanks for your reply!

[@Error-4-0-4-]

My go here lately has been 300blk extremely light gun and little to no recoil. The round has been a deer killing machine for me.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Random Guy, the 300 AAC is a great little round. With plenty of power and ammo everywhere for it, it’s a solid choice for short to medium range deer hunting! Thanks for being here!

[@johnsurface2080]

7mm08 is great on deer

[@whitetailaffinity]

John, 7mm08 is an excellent choice! Plenty of ammo to choose from and easy to manage. Thanks for your comment!

[@tjames525]

Rifle zone ... 25-06 Shotgun zone- AR pistol chambered in 6.8 SPC

[@whitetailaffinity]

T James, the 25-06 is a great deer round! I haven’t had any experience with a 6.8 SPC, but if it performs well for the situation at hand and you enjoy shooting it, that’s exactly what you should use! Thanks for your comment!

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

.270 win is. But hard to go wrong with any bottle-neck 6mm to 8mm, or for close range .44 or more.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Fishermandancrook, the calibers in the ranges you mentioned are perfect for deer. Thanks for your feedback!

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

@@whitetailaffinity For deer top 5, I would say .270win, 7mm-08rem, .308win, .243win, and .300winmag in that order..... but obviously theres a bajillion cartridges for varying circumstances out there that are great like .44rem mag, .223rem, .257wtby, .338 fed, 25-45sharps, 47-70govt, 25-06, 6.5cm, 6.5sm, 6mm mauser, 300/7mm/ WSM, 30-06sprg, 30-30wcf, 7.62-39, 7.62-54R, .280rem/.280AI, .243AI, .257rbts, .338wm, .444marlin, .450ME, .450BM, .350L, .32WS, .35rem ....... and the list goes on

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

The reason I chose .270 win is because it is good even for moose, similar recoil to .308, very flat shooting, commonly available, kills things fast, wide range of bullet selection, can be necked out to make 30-06 can neck 30-06 to make .270, and is proven.

[@robertkennelly228]

They only kick the shit out of you when it’s only paper in the cross hairs. When it’s a white tail out front there is very little to no kick at all.

[@sturisa]

Just recently bought a Ruger American in .243 Win. with a Vortex Crossfire II scope. Haven't hunted with it yet, but after sight in at 100 yds, deadly accurate and tight groups with 3 different brands of 100 grain ammo. I tried Winchester Powerpoints, Federal Powershok's and Hornady American Whitetail and the best groups were with the Hornady and Winchester.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@SJSturiale sounds like an awesome setup! Those American Whitetail bullets are awesome and don’t break the bank. You should have meat in the freezer and hopefully bone to hang on the wall this year for sure! Thanks for the comment!

[@jaythus3181]

I started with a .243 win and I've moved on to other calibers as i got older. I had trouble out of Winchester ammo not expanding, zipped straight through a deer on me. I was lucky i was able to hit it another time or else i would've had to track it a while considering it ran another 25 yards after the second shot and probably ran 50 yards after the 1st shot before i got the second hit. This was probably 7-8 years ago but ive been hesitant to use Winchester ammo for anything except for range ammo since, although the older stuff I used before that box was good. Maybe i got a bad box, but I prefer remington core-lokts, federal ammo, hornady, and handloads since then personally. Good luck this year, hope you do well.

[@sturisa]

@@jaythus3181 Thanks, I’m leaning towards the Hornady ammo myself. I’ve heard pretty good things about that Hornady American Whitetail.

[@philippefrater2000]

243 is my caliber of choice. Not hunting but for long range shooting it's really accurate for me using 100/105 grains . I guess it would drop anything between 200/300 pounds for sure with a good shot placement... 🖖🏻🇫🇷😎🇫🇷😎🇫🇷🖖🏻

[@sturisa]

@@philippefrater2000 Yep good for Whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn out to 300 yards since it still has about 1000 ft. pounds of energy. With the right bullet it’s also good on feral hogs at closer ranges.

[@larryamerson5043]

I can't condone 223. Simply because an inexperienced shooter may not always make the best shot. I personally think it makes tracking difficult. You may like it but I would never let my 10 yr old hunt with it. Especially when there are many rifles with threaded barrels and some have muzzle brakes already on them. My 10 yr old hs shot a 30/30 350 legend, 243, and 7mm08 and shot goo with them.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Larry I agree 100% that an inexperienced shooter should not use a .223 for deer, or any rifle for that matter. Practicing before hunting should go without saying. You make some very valid points and I agree with them, but I stand by my little p-shooter as a legit killing machine in the hands of a seasoned hunter. I hope you have had a successful season this year and a great new year!

[@davidteague5461]

The too small thing I’ve ran into with people a lot lol. I’ve killed several deer in my life . But most of the ones I’ve got on the wall or the bigger ones . We’re killed with 223 or 204 or an old reliable 30/30. Even though I have the 7 mags and 30/06s I think a well placed bullet with a small gun is better than a bad placed one with a large caliber. Lol

[@whitetailaffinity]

David, I absolutely 100% agree. It’s amazing how much more accurate and fun it is to shoot a smaller caliber that you don’t have to wrangle like a bull. A good, well placed bullet will kill them every time. Thanks for being here!

[@joetamaccio9475]

The.375 H&H magnum is good for deer . I wish yo would elaborate on the power of. This all conquering instrument . ( because I have one )

[@whitetailaffinity]

Joe, I’m sure the .375 is a great performer. The reasons I wouldn’t select it for a “top 5” list would be shooter management of that large of a round as well as ammo affordability and availability. Thanks for being here!

[@MrHuntermikey]

25-06 Remington

[@whitetailaffinity]

MrHuntermikey, the 25-06 is an excellent choice! Flat shooting, easy on the shooter, and plenty of ammo choices available. Thanks for your comment!

[@Dougarrowhead]

Georgia black belt region produces deer over 300 pounds every year.

[@kitbruttig1995]

7mm08, 6.5 Creedmoor are also wonderful calibers for White tail. flat shooting and mild recoil🤩

[@whitetailaffinity]

Kit, both excellent choices for deer! Thanks for your comment!

[@jerad4336]

My top 5 for whitetail deer: 1. 7mm-08 2. 270 3. 308 4. 6.5 Creedmoor 5. 7mm rem magnum

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jerad, all excellent choices as well! Thanks for stopping by!

[@Rooftroop]

Agree with 99% of all of your assessment. Just the over kill I don’t agree with. You can’t over kill something. The object is to not have an animal suffer. Do I think a 338 is appropriate for coyote hunting. No. Have I used it for it a time or 2. Indeed. Had a few places they dogs would hang up out of my comfort zone with a 223. So I stepped up to get them logging dogs.

[@whitetailaffinity]

Garry, I agree with overkill on an animal; I was mostly referring to overkill for the shooter. If you’re scared of a gun, you will not be as accurate compared to an easier to handle round. Thanks for your comment!

[@backwoodsman4854]

My daddy killed several deer with a 22 jet (rifle) right behind the front legs using a massive 45 grain conventional lead tipped bullet! It’s where you hit them and getting close enough to do the job!

[@whitetailaffinity]

Backwoodsman, shot placement is key!

[@jacksonbeverly3250]

7mm08

[@whitetailaffinity]

Jackson, the 7mm08 is an excellent round for deer, especially for smaller hunters like women and kids. Plenty of bullet choices as well. Thanks for being here!

[@DB-oz2ki]

308 win because that's what I have. I feel my 300win mag and 7mm mag are just too Big.

[@whitetailaffinity]

@D B if that’s the round that fits all of your needs, that’s exactly the one you should use! Thanks for your comment!

[@dgreenapple]

Important constraint: "...if it's legal where you hunt...". In the state of CT (as in some others), .223 is illegal to hunt deer. I would love to use it, but can't! I love my low-recoil, 150 Grain 300 BLK @ 1900 FPS -- it's highly accurate and easy to shoot. Great for deer.

[@whitetailaffinity]

David, as long as you’re chasing them with the best legal caliber for your hunting situations, that’s all that matters! Thanks for your comment!

[@johnkizziah108]

We have 13 boys and girls that hunt deer elk and pronghorn in my family. We all load and shoot 270 winchester for hunting. And we're all fat from eating game..

[@dominicbenecasa7893]

❤❤❤❤

[@whitetailaffinity]

John, my very first rifle was chambered in .270 win. It was a killing machine and a joy to shoot. Thanks for your comment!

[@johnkizziah108]

@@whitetailaffinity good info my friend.

[@miketyson8933]

.270, .270 WSM, 6.8 Western, .308, 30.06, those rounds are great rounds! But if you're going out to 500 yards plus then bump up to a 7mm.

[@robbyrobinson4500]

Anyone of the calibers you mentioned are good out to 500 if you know your gun