How to select the right hunting cartridge ~ The perfect caliber for your needs!

With over 80 rifle cartridges being commercially offered, each claiming to be the best, and with countless bullet weights, choosing the right caliber for your deer hunting needs is understandably confusing and intimidating, at best. Let GunBlue490 break things down into very simple and easy choices, that can be interpreted according to your specific needs! Believe it or not, the real choice is simple, from as few as half dozen. Having the right rifle caliber that will take your varmint or game is as easy as watching this video. Don't go it alone!

[@InvisibleMinority]

12:07 - the .17s 12:34 - .204 Ruger 15:51 - .22 Hornet 18:11 - .222 Remington 20:23 - Point-blank range 21:52 - .222 and .223 Remington 23:06 - .220 Swift 23:44 - .22-250 Remington 25:16 - .243 Winchester 31:20 - .257 Roberts 31:36 - .25-06 Remington 32:46 - 6.5mm calibers 33:51 - .270 Winchester 37:59 - 7mm-08 Remington 39:23 - .280 Remington 39:29 - 7mm Remington Magnum 41:26 - .30-30 Winchester 42:54 - .308 Winchester 45:00 - .30-06 Springfield 46:22 - Recap 47:29 - The all-purpose cartridge

[@jeffd5310]

You are a life saver!

[@Max-wd8ox]

Thank you so much

[@DYLANJJK94]

How do you pick the grain weight?

[@Master...deBater]

@@DYLANJJK94: Generally speaking...heavier (longer) for caliber bullets are better for longer ranges but require faster twist rates. So...if I was shooting a 30/06...I'd use 180 grain bullets for longer range...and 150-165 grain bullets for anything closer than 300 yards. That's why the 165 grain bullet is so popular for the 30-06...great velocity with decent range. I shoot 300 Win Mag here in MT...so I use 190-200 grain bullets...180s out of my 30-40 Krag, and 170s out of my 30-30. What cartridge are you considering?

[@thomasK411]

Thank you so much

[@1thor5]

I basically watch your videos because tv sucks. Interesting and awesome information in every one. Thank you!

[@thethirdsealpatriot]

I couldn’t have said it better myself!

[@kyles280]

I do too

[@jamiesloan5902]

Vince Parke I never watch TV, either. You can learn so much more on KZbin.

[@phillipjohnson7583]

Agree, TV isn't worth the time. This GunBlue490 channel, among others, is worth every second.

[@dandetande288]

True about TV!! TV indeed sucks!!

[@WheelsandLevers]

Gunblue490 is a firearms saint. I've learned more from him than all the other internet gun gurus put together.

[@charlierich9840]

For sure. I've been watching and re watching for 3 years now. One need not ask anywhere else. So good.

[@williamvigil2951]

Agreed

[@Charon-5582]

Good practical wisdom from years of experience.

[@terrymcclendon8715]

we'll you are ignorant

[@davefloyd9443]

Perhaps the most informative cartridge lecture on KZbin. Your library of videos will go down as important reference material for historians investigating late twentieth century firearms knowledge. Thank you.

[@tonymcbroom5252]

No matter how many times I watch this, I get something out of it that I didn't the time before. I have a very bad "collector" streak in me and I am always looking at something else that I do not have in my current arsenal. I have 5 high powered rifles, but only 3 of them made the cut in this video. I have a .243, .270, 30-30, .300 Savage and a 30-06, but I am really wanted to get a 7MM-08 or a 6.5x55 Swedish to add to the collection. GunBlue480 always talks me off of that ledge in this video and he has kept me in the good graces of my wife since I discovered his channel. You are a delightful and insightful person and I am blessed that you have chosen to share your wisdom, common sense and pragmatism with all of us! Hope this comment finds you well and here is hoping that this stream of knowledge and entertainment continues for a very long time to come! God Bless!

[@redhawk449]

Interesting information and very helpful. Spot on about fringe calibers. Here in western Colorado I use a 30-06 with 180 grain Sierra game king bullets@ 2730 fps for everything. It is not "perfect" for anything, but it has worked well on everything for 36 years. One gun, one load, one shot concept.

[@cedriccutler4098]

I second that. 30-06 for big game and 223 for varmints.

[@cedriccutler4098]

I second that. 30-06 for big game and 223 for varmints.

[@oldArmyVet]

I used 3006 for 30 years never seemed to be to much on deer to me.. right behind the front shoulder never tore up the back straps ever. And used 110 grain on coyotes.

[@GiantMeteor2024]

I'm a .270 and .243 guy, great to hear your wisdom! Bless you!

[@dintymoore6657]

As with EVERY GB490 video, it takes me 2 hours to watch because I am constantly pausing and switching to a pages/word document I call “GunBlue490 notes and tidbits” to write & keep his wisdom in a place for quick reference. He always presents in a way that provides “light bulb” moments ... take for example, in the middle of this video he takes the time to show the relevance of point blank ... this gentleman is an amazing informational gem.

[@davidkilby1043]

You should share that!

[@stephenland9361]

When my son asked me for a recommendation on a good, all-round, first hunting rifle cartridge (to be used in BC and Alberta... moose, elk, deer) I offered up three... the .270 Win, the 30-06 and the.308. After a bit of research on his own, he opted for a bolt action rifle in .308. As it happens, I don't have a rifle chambered in .308. I have a .270 Win and a .300 Win Mag. That said, I think he made a very good decision.

[@gman77gas]

30-30, 30-06, 308, 243, 270 Been there forever and always will! One can find ammo and plenty of rifles on the rack.....one can find the right caliber and load in that group for the right job....kinda like 12 ga and 20 ga......

[@dexterlecter7289]

We can hope. I'd like to build a nice 243. I'm hopefully inheriting a 30-30 some day, when that happens I'll have a renewed interest in that cartridge I'm sure. I prefer the 30-06 to the 308 but for no real reasons besides being somewhat counter populous and I feel that the 308 is a great cartridge ballistically and after conversing with GunBlue here, I've found that the 308 is an inherently accurate chambering. I just don't see any need for it personally even though I see the appeal, not to mention some competitions require only use of a 308, sometimes 223 included in there. I've heard that the military (special ops) has been working on a 6.8mm (.277) cartridge which might give some popularity to the 270 one day. I think that research started in 2002 but haven't read anything besides that. For the reasons you mentioned, I am attracted to a 223, simply because of cost of reloading and availability.

[@bigsean2473]

@@dexterlecter7289 i like the 308 over the 30-06 as its a short throw vs long one and ballistics its the same the 30-06 is about 50fps faster thats it.

[@AustrianJager]

For me as an European hunter there are also legendary calibres, which i love and hope they will stay for ever: 5,6x50, 6,5x54MS, 6,5x55, 6,5x57, 6,5x68, 7x57, 7x64, 8x57IS, 8x68S, 9,3x62, 9,3x64, .416Rigby.........

[@Anschutz270]

@@butthorn.2703 While I use either a .243 or .45-70 for all of my coyote+ hunting, I wouldn't hesitate deer hunting in the woods with a bolt gun in 7.62x39. Especially the CZ.

[@DYLANJJK94]

But how do you pick the bloody grain weight lol.... I guess it won’t matter with those guns though

[@Tuxedoestate]

Ive shot many deer with a variety of cartridges. I always seem to gravitate back to the 270 winchester

[@rodneywomack9357]

I took the NRA reloading class and one of the things I learned was that as a reloader you can adjust more by customizing your loads vs having a cabinet full of guns you can't get around to using. I actually have an 8mm Mauser I wouldn't trade for nothing. After listening to you I'm ready to break out my 30 30 and put it to good use. I'm a Virginia hunter.

[@henryware9440]

I've been a gun nut my whole life and I learn so much from this gentleman.

[@jc.1191]

I got hooked since my daisy lever action bb gun. Nothing like taking out a line of cans with a bb gun as a kid.

[@glennsmith7575]

IVE BEEN HUNTING NOW FOR 30 YEARS. I LIKE YOUR INSIGHT. I WISH I KNEW YOU WHEN I WAS A YOUNG BOY. I ALWAYS ADMIRED HUNTERS AND NOW THAT IM GROWN UP I VALUE OPINIONS AND YOU DO TALK ALOT OF COMMON SENCE.THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORT ON YOUR VIDEOES. WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE. GOD BLESS.

[@algow5988]

Sir , I just recently discovered your channel. You have a quality that is sadly too rare these days, you make sense!

[@sylviahofer1246]

How this man remains humble and kind with all that knowledge and wisdom is amazing to me. Moe on my wife's account.

[@jamiesloan5902]

Very useful info, sir. I appreciate your love of firearms, and it shows in your knowledge. You are giving us decades of your own research, and findings for FREE. People shouldn't sneeze at that. I value your opinions, and thank you for your time.

[@patrickslevin6424]

Thanks for that video.....at age 61 it answers questions I've had all my life. I kept a .243 all my adult life and a 30-06 thinking those two calibers would do everything......and they have but I could have trimmed a little and been better off. After growing up on Elmer Keith it's good to hear some reason.

[@jc.1191]

We hunted more small game growing up. I'd say 22lr class and another cartridge for mid sized game. Probably 243 down here or 308.

[@prostudentdriver8907]

This is a good example of critical thinking skills at work. This vid should be shown in schools. Not for the subject matter but the thought processes of deciphering good information and then coming to a fact based reasonable conclusion. I agree w/ most of what was said but I don't agree w/ all of the opinions based on my own biases and regional differences. I respect you're choices because they are fact based conclusions. Again you knocked it out of the park! Best wishes Sir.

[@frankmiller95]

Well said, just like his presentation.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Well said. Any cartridge selection is going to have biases no matter how much critical thinking there is. The statement that the 7MM Rem Mag is not a “good” elk cartridge is an example of this. I know for a fact Mike Eastman, who founded the Eastman Hunting Journal, has extensively used the 7MM Rem Mag shooting 160 Partitions on mature bull elk with great success. What’s more, I’ve done it myself and seen others do it.

[@sisleymichael]

Great video. I have had these type talks with many folks over the last 50 years myself. Listen to this man. You can learn a lot.

[@lkoz5800]

You're very smart man thank you for your knowledge and advice, and thank you for making me feel great about my 270 purchase LOL

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

4 years later the 6.5 has really taken its hold in number of rifles chambered due to exceptional marketing. I don’t have much interest in it as it doesn’t do anything my other rifle won’t. Love listening to these discussions on calibers. Thanks from Maine

[@laughingdog185]

Very good descriptions on the best cartridges for deer. It simplifies rifle selection perfectly. My favorite is the 30/06, but given your criteria your selection makes perfect sense. Thank you.

[@munger3897]

Outstanding videos. Simple. No Bull. Common sense. Been a big fan for a while. Please keep them coming.

[@neffofrog]

Such a fantastic video. Thank you!

[@madmullets]

300 Savage guy here in PA woods. It never fails to take a White tail or Black bear every year. Thanks for the great insite your vids provide.

[@PC-uh6hk]

257 Roberts was my first high power rifle I bought before I got out of the military in the early 70's. I hand loaded for woodchucks and deer.

[@showmewhyiamwrong]

Thank you again for your time and valuable experience given so freely. The only 2 things I would add to your well thought-out list would be the 35 remington for woodland deer and of course the ballistic twin of the 30.30 being the 32 special, but of course ammo supply being one of the criteria would probably remove them from the list.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

I think this is the 10th time I have watched this video all the way through. Thank you so much for your sharing your knowledge. My answer to anyone looking for an 'all purpose' cartridge when I am asked, is: Do you have an 'all purpose' vehicle? One that will take the kids to baseball, fetch the groceries, haul wood out of the woods, plow snow, AND race the local track on Sundays? if not, then go with your biggest need and save up for the other needs.

[@thenavidadnative9065]

It takes true talent, experience, and skill to be able to keep one’s attention for 50 minutes. He does so with virtually no props or jazz hands, just outstanding commentary. Great video. I will watch this video again with my children one day.

[@reloader50bmg]

Mohamid has come down from the mountain once again! Thank you for your time and words of wisdom.....

[@_swagmeister]

This video is hugely informative even for an experienced rifle owner. Thank you for uploading it

[@k-sea2042]

Love the .270

[@robertrich2492]

I love your practicality and honesty. You present it in a proffesional manner, with no bias and preference due to current fades. God bless my friend. Keep up the good work.

[@richardbest6588]

I'm so impressed with your depth of knowledge and understanding you show in all your videos. And I really like the straightforward commonsense approach. You're always informative and interesting to listen to. Enormous thanks, you're much appreciated.

[@thomasmackay9264]

Pre 64 WINCHESTER 257 BOB !!! Works for my Antelope deer rifle!!

[@pseudopetrus]

I have watched this video several times. Every time I watch it I learn a little more, lots of good info! Thank you!

[@glenbelanger9897]

right on with that 7mm-08, shot deer in maine at my camp with 7mm mag, 243win,30-30, and another favorite of mine 300 savage. all deer were taken less than 80 yards. Great vids and keep them coming please!!

[@acerman1424]

What a pleasure it is to listen to any topic you discuss. Thank You for the informative and excellent videos.

[@michaelrose1762]

spot on. agree with all but the 06. the 06 is just so common and so versatile that it should be on the list. but I'm a handloader and haven't bought factory ammo for my 06 in 30 yrs. 280 Remington has been a favorite of mine as well.

[@BonaWolf]

Another excellent video, I always learn so much. Thank you for all your time and effort putting them together.

[@randyschaff8939]

Yup exactly right GunBlue 6.5 Creedmoor does absolutely nothing for me. The flavour of the month. My “skinny seven” .270 win. does everything and anything for me.🇨🇦🤠

[@katokhaelan4881]

It's just hypnotic listening to you. So much great info, presented in such a great way. Thanks for doing what you do

[@BigRedPower59]

Again, I thank you for taking your time to produce these videos. They have become my "chatting with a friend" time. A relaxing hour on a cold winters evening with a hot cup of tea and one of "mother's" pecan rolls. My opinion on the subject. A hunter who is equipped with a 7mm-08 and a 270 has his/her bases pretty well covered for everything up to and including elk.

[@uralbob1]

I also own the 1965 Gun Digest. It is a treasure of firearms history. I was only 11 years old in 1965. All my several others have been lost to time. After a lifetime of buying guns up to and including the mighty .300 Win Mag., I've settled on more realistic and relevant (for me) calibers. My interests now lie between the fun .22 K Hornet to very affective 6.5X55 Swedish Mauser, along with old cartridges from .22 rimfire to .45 Colt. I've taken several whitetails with .45 Colt with both pistol (Vaquero) and Mod. 94 Win. carbine. My faithful CZ 550 in 6.5 Swede is my only long range cartridge/gun combo. It's probably all that 90+% of hunters ever need. You young guys should listen to Gunblue490. He will spare you the those mistakes of youth! After a lifetime of buying guns and shooting, I rarely disagree with his sage advice.

[@Ray-og5le]

I bought my Winchester Model 70, .222 Remington based on your excellent review of that cartridge. Thank you for all of your great videos.

[@Jameskenomis3]

The knowledge this man freely gives is wonderful.

[@blackbird_actual]

I always enjoy your take on things, GunBlue. Informative and relaxing.

[@armedhippy7685]

I appreciate all the time and energy that you put into all your videos! Thanks for making all of them. I've been carving and listening to you as I work. All the best to you.

[@donlockhart2587]

So glad I found this channel, so much information and a great to listen to over a cup of coffee.

[@mikeleschber33]

It never ceases to amaze me how many experts there are on any subject. I also like how the best caliber is always the one you have.....

[@831POCHO]

Thanks for the free education,it was worth every minute of my free time.

[@robertwickey7194]

Thank you that was right on. My first deer gun was a30-30 I now use a 7mm-08 never failed me. I've been on only a couple of Elk hunts and outfitters preferred you use 30-06 or higher not even a 308. I myself like the 300 win. for Elk. Thanks again God bless

[@alanw1775]

Appreciate all the talk about rifles. On the .30-06-it was the first centerfire rifle i ever had. When i was a teen i thought it was a shoulder puncher. But now that i have shot it so much, the recoil doesnt feel like much at all anymore. I have shot the .270 and the .243, i felt like the .270 kicked almost like the 06 with lighter bullets. Even with the .243, without good control i could still flinch. I believe recoil can be tolerated. I agree for deer the 06 is not needed when a 7-08 can do it with less recoil. But there may be some more confidence with a more powerful cartridge that you can shoot just as well.

[@lesfoster4364]

Hi GunBlue, It is very relaxing to sit at the computer at night and listen to your videos. Good Job. You talk about .222 rem and I smile. My father passed down to me a Belgium Browning Safari in .222, built in Finland by Sako in the 60s with beautiful wood. It has the super short action to just fit the length of the cartridge. For those that have not seen one, it is not a 22-250/.243 length action. It is the first centrefire that my son learned to shoot on. Cheers, Les

[@Tiger351]

Awesome rifles, my dad had one of those as well as a Tikka .243. Gotta love Finnish made rifles.

[@jensgodskesen5193]

Sakos are beautiful very accurate rifles. I own a Sako vixen varmint special from the mid 70es 222rem mag from the factory, burned the barrel out. and installed a 223 barrel instead from German Lothar Walther 1-7 tvist. Shoots even the heaviest very accurate-

[@calebdoner]

Extremely practical advice. I have been deer hunting with a 30-06 my entire life because it is what my dad bought me when I was 14. Yes, it was way too much gun for a teenager, but it sure did punch a hole through the deer and I killed a lot of them with it. Looking to elk hunt this year and realizing that I need to bump up to heavier bullets. Part of me wishes I just had a nice lightweight 308.

[@ericsmith5919]

You could always handload your 30-06 down into .308 territory for lighter recoil on the range and for deer hunting. The ability to drive heavier bullets is the thing that gives the 30-06 a real advantage over .308 if you're only willing to have one or the other. Of course, you could always get a .308 in addition to your 30-06 and just use whichever cartridge fits the situation.

[@ironmikehallowween]

A 30-06 can always be made into a 308 it not vise versa.

[@strat1080]

Absolutely amazing video. Totally agree on the 30-06. I think most people would be better served with a .24-28 bore for deer in a lighter recoiling flatter shooting cartridge. Then when it comes to bigger game step up to a 300 win mag. I actually prefer the 30-06 over 308 because I do think the 30-06 is a legit 400 yard Elk cartridge whereas the the 308 is starting to run out of steam to ensure proper bullet upset at those ranges. Too many people only focus on the trajectory and dont realize bullets need 1900-2000 fps to expand. I love my 300 win mag with 180 and 200 gr nosler partitions for larger game likr Elk and Moose but it’s also good for deer as well in a pinch.

[@johnevert3043]

i think you didn't recommend the 30-06 because you don't see an ideal use for it. Yes i agree with everything you mentioned. the 270 is an ideal deer cartridge for both western hunts and woodland. I love the 243 win. for a dual use cartridge. But what about a moose hunt in Ontario. It closer range. No need for a 300 win mag. The 30-06 is ideal in this is situation.

[@leonardmorgan5066]

John Evert I can agree but up here in Alaska on the big bull moose you need to be careful with a 270 and 30.06 and use proper bullets and also will need to be a good marksman. With a 300 win mag it's more reliable. Not saying a 270 or 30.06 can't take down a big Alaskan bull moose I have taken 2 moose with a 270 and 2 with a 30.06. I think they did fine all things considered. But I'd feel much better with a 300 especially with big bears around too.

[@strat1080]

The 300 Win Mag isn’t only useful at long range. You can load up 200-220 gr bullets and still maintain the velocity of a 150 gr 308 load but with more penetration ability. I think the 30-06 and 300 Win Mag are great for people that live out west that do combination mule deer/elk hunts. I agree with gunblue that so many people buy a 30-06 that don’t really have a use for it. I think a combination of a 7mm-08 or 270 rifle for deer/pronghorn paired with a 30-06 or 300 win mag for elk/moose is an excellent combination. I’m personally not a fan of the 308

[@jordancorriveau7312]

Or the 308

[@jc.1191]

243 is pretty good for a variety of situations.

[@toddjohnson271]

He likes the 270 but the 30-06 basically outperforms it outside of lower recoil. Plus, it can take larger game, heavier bullets.

[@minutemanqvs]

Hey I bought a .222 after your video, a Tikka T3x. It's the most enjoyable and precise firearm I have and the most "entertaining" to reload and test new loads with :)

[@64samsky]

Thank you for being an awesome teacher! I love your videos, and the knowledge that you give. May God bless you, and give you the strength to keep on going.

[@GunBlue490]

64samsky Yes, thanks, with God's help and grace, I will.

[@robgreene1776]

Thank you. i'm real partial to my .22-250, .260 Rem, .270 Win and 7mm Rem Mag rifles. The .22-250 is for varmints and plinking/practice; the .260 has become my fave all around cartridge, retiring my .270, and i reserve my big 7 for Wapiti. Thanks again !

[@oscarmike3195]

New subscriber...like your channel. I've already benefitted from viewing your videos. At 55 yrs old, ex military, I am pretty much a novice at handguns. I do have my concealed carry license and own a couple of handguns and have learned good habits and info from you. Thanks.

[@randywhite6468]

I have been hunting, shooting, and reloading for the better part of 50 years now. Even built a few wildcats in my time. I live out it the Texas Panhandle, wide open area, and flat as a frying pan. I think your just about spot on with every single recommendation you made. I have one comment, out here it is so open and flat that the 25-06 is truly a specialized round that works very well for us for one reason. Wind,,, the 25-06 is very good about reaching way out there, and it does a fantastic job in the wind. But just as you said, its a specialized round and we happen to be in one of those special areas where it just happens to work very well..... Great info that everyone that uses a rifle should take as Gospel......Kudo's GunBlue490

[@abelincoln7473]

spot on comment, to a spot on discussion of practical calibers and their applications. I live in a hilly and heavily wooded region, the .30-30 and .45-70 reign supreme here

[@service1956]

You sir are a wealth of information. Living in North America, I feel that the .270 & .30.30 is enough for white tail deer. I consider the farthest shot in the woods would be 75yds at the most. For larger game such as moose or grizzly bear, I would step it up a bit with a .300 win mag. Those are my personal choices.

[@ChitFromChinola]

Excellent video. Thanks for posting (I just discovered it.) Very gutsy to knock off the 30/06, but well reasoned. Props to the 7mm-08 - doesn’t get enough love. I’m gonna predict that the 6.5 Creedmoor will have a long life because it is a moderate recoil, long-range round that is right-sized for most American game. Moderate recoil is the key that makes it fun for target shooters and hunters alike . . . but time will tell.

[@ironmikehallowween]

Yeah. The Creedmoor isn’t going anywhere.

[@titomish5914]

Yea I think it’s here and will stay

[@POLYMATHSORTA]

Here in May 2020. I’m just glad to see a gun channel still monetized on KZbin.👍

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

a very good video like you choices I agree with you on the 306 as the 308 will do it with a lot less recoil and if you need more go to the 300 win mag. But one round I like in a rifle for the bush is the 44 mag. it is one of those rounds people just like to shoot at the range as well as hunting in the heavy woods. When friends come over for a shoot, they all want to shoot the Ruger 77/44 and the more practice the better.

[@clintleffingwell8129]

I've always been a fan of the 7mm-08 and would probably have bought one by now, but I inherited a few 7x57's (aka 7mm Mauser) that are accurate, beautiful, pleasant to shoot, and darn near the same ballistics. When the ammo panic of 2020 kicked it, it was nice to be able to find and buy 7x57 for the normal price (at least for a few months); sometimes there's an advantage to a less-common caliber. Three cheers for the non-magnum 7mm's. :-)

[@martinstiastny7679]

Your videos with a cup of coffee equals an enjoyable hour. Though I don't like it, I do agree with you for the most part. Since I handload, I do keep a 257 Roberts and prefer it to a 243. I've used the 25/06 in South Africa but prefer the 257 Weatherby. The 6.5's are all winners, but in this country (excluding 7mm), the "mm" cartridges just don't cut it here. ** I do hunt in different states and countries, so my choices are a little different then yours. *** For the basic audience, hunting in the east, the lever action cartridges work. Moving to other locals, this video needs to change. And a final note, the 30/06 has been used in 1000 yard matches.

[@canonlygoupfromhereet5166]

Iv been watchig gun videos for a year now and sir yours are the very best. I have learbed so so so much. I hope some day i can know half of what you do! So far i own a 308 7600 gamemaster and just got a super deal on a 243 tc compass brand new. Now to decide what to use for this years deer...

[@AimSmall101]

Nice video, my first deer rifle was a 30-30, 1st rifle I bought for my son was .308, 1st rifle I bought for my daughter was 7mm-08. All of my nice Trophy deer hangers...Ruger M77R w/tang safety in 25-06. Love that gun. Thanks for sharing.

[@johncain1624]

I love to watch you and learn. Your voice is very easy and calming as I rock my daughter to sleep. Thanks for that. Thought you might like to know that your helping us both. Her to sleep and me to learn.

[@eribertoacedo9505]

Thank you sir I own a 3030 Winchester and a 308 that’s all I need the rifles that I do have there for plinking and teaching the proper use and safety of these rifles thank you again really love your presentation and the way you present it I’m a fan and I’ll be watching more thank you again and God bless you sir!✝️

[@gregwalker4236]

wow, i thought i knew a little bit after collecting for almost 60 years, but i am a little bit numbed by your mastery. so enjoyable to hear such a well informed enthusiast. i'll be looking for more, more, and more. i have lovingly studied and restudied hunting books and reloading manuals, sometimes to the exclusion of everyday chores--i'm enjoying a brew and cigar right now--as i know you do!

[@philippefrater2000]

The 222 is my favorite cartridge. Smooth, flat, fast and silent if suppressed. I love it! Aim, shoot, hit...

[@Kman31ca]

Very good pragmatic view on calibers. Ya I love my 270. 2 deer this year with 2 shots. And both dropped on the spot. Actually the big white tail doe I shot looked dead before it hit the ground. That was only a 70 yard shot which entered right in front of the right shoulder and came out the left shoulder. Not the best shot placement but the whole season was windy as hell and It was a quick shot with the wind swaying my rifle. But at 70 yards and it was such a big meat deer I took the shot. I even took it out hunting coyotes. Basically cause my Tikka is so dang accurate with cheap ammo. And coyotes up here in the prairies in Alberta like to hang up at 400 yards and I'm not looking for pelts. Took one at just over 400 and it dropped instantly. But up here the attitude is that a 270 is kind of a wimp caliber. Lol. My younger brother bought a 300 mag for hunting when he doesn't like the recoil on his Chinese wanna be M1A. Ah I'm glad I was born a pragmatic thinker. Just makes too much sense to own a 270. My tikka, off a bench groups about 1/2 MOA. Recoil is a non issue for me. Plus it loves the 130g Hornandy Whitetail ammo. Which I got 6 boxes for 26$ a piece Canadian. Rather than plus 50 for run of the mill 300 mag. And my Brother shot his 300 once and wouldn't touch it again till he got a monster muzzle brake on it. But I am looking at a 300 mag for some Elk hunts we are planning next year in Grizzly territory. The Grizzlies up here have been on a moratorium for a while and the numbers are way up and due to those dumb arse tourists that throw food out for them in the Banff area. From what I here is they are losing their fear of humans. Not good. I know a couple archery hunters in that area. And most Archery guys are packing shotguns on the way to their stands. And on top of that the wolf population is out of control out there. And due to all the Tree huggers the government has been just ignoring it. The Caribou got hit real hard from the wolves. Plus talking to some guys who have hunted WMUs in that area that used to be just swarming with deer,Elk, Moose are saying the ungulate numbers are way down. Not good. Hopefully when the Liberal government we have in Office in AB gets voted out in the next election we'll get some ppl with common sense and get a cull going. Not saying I like to see animals culled. But it's just necessary. Which these tree huggers would understand that. Well sorry about my rant,lol. Another great video. Keep em up. Really enjoy these no BS videos.

[@ewc58]

This man is an American treasure.

[@majohnson73]

I could sit down with a cup of coffee and bs with you on guns for days!! Good job sir!

[@stephenhair5501]

Great insights and rationale on gun calibers. My first gun, the venerable 270. Love it. I am sort of a classic buff and I also purchased a 257 Roberts years ago. I hand load for it and that's what my son took his first deer with at the age of 9. I never would sell it, so not really concerned about how popular it may or may not be. Great videos Sir! Really enjoy them and your wisdom is much appreciated. Keep em coming!!

[@rbcooke3010]

I felt as though I were a young man who'd been summoned by a wise father to be ushered into manhood. I am the person who purchased his first gun many years ago, a 30-06, for all of the reasons you mentioned. Thank you for the terrific video, I'll be sure to have this fire side chat with my 16 year old son.

[@win300mag1]

The great equalizer in all of these cartridges whether or not the make the cut for the deer hunter initially is hand loading. I can take even large cartridges such as the 7mm Remington magnum and load it with 160 grain bullets with extraordinary SDs and BCs and keep the velocities down at reasonable levels. In the factory skins of many of the larger cartridges, they can be very destructive but remember that if your a hand loader, that all purpose rifle cartridge gets much closer to a reality. Now I fully understand that most folks who are buying their first rifle won’t be buying a full set of reloading equipment but it’s something to keep in mind for folks who are veterans shooters or hunters and would like to explore the full potential of their cartridges.

[@GunBlue490]

That's certainly true for the handloader. However, the vast majority of hunters are not tailoring handloads, and need some guidance for the basics.

[@win300mag1]

@@GunBlue490 I fully agree. I purchased my 15 year old son’s first deer rifle last Christmas in 7mm-08 and it is a fine cartridge. I will most likely be switching to that cartridge myself in the near future and as my case of magnumitis is starting to wear off as I get older and I rarely shoot deer beyond archery ranges here in the woods of NC. Thank you for all of the guidance and insight. It’s certainly a breath of fresh air in this crazy world of marketing gimmicks!

[@raymondrich6720]

I finally found something I can argue about, the 30/06 is my favorite go to. So many times i left it home and regretted it, just always seemed to do the job so much easier.

[@toddjohnson271]

I don't quite agree with his logic of 270 over 30-06. I get he likes it...perhaps recoil.

[@RickNethery]

​@@toddjohnson271 I've never lost a backstrap on a deer by shooting it through rhe lungs with a 30 06 either. 👍

[@SanjuroSeaCow]

I'm out here watching this like "my .30-06 is gonna be different" until he absolutely READS me at the end 😭

[@SanjuroSeaCow]

I've decided to get a 7mm-08 for my first hunting rifle now.

[@blackie1of4]

@@SanjuroSeaCow if you didn't get one yet... I recommend a Tikka T3x. They're accurate! I picked mine up for $720... It's the Hunter model with the walnut stock. Hit the range with three brands of factory ammo. Winchester Ballistic Silver tips - .55 inches at 100 yards Norma Whitetail Ammunition - .67 inches at 100 yards Hornady American Whitetail - 1.37 inches at 100 yards Definitely excited and happy about the purchase!

[@islayporkers3529]

You’re unbelievably kind for the information that you share.

[@tazdog4528]

Love your videos always spot on. I was surprised by your comment on the 06 but i respect your input. I have seen similar results with the 06 for deer it can be over kill but and i say but. This is something i seen back when i was alot younger around 13 or 14 if i remember correctly. My cousin went deer hunting with his Springfield Sporter in 06. He was using 180 grain Silver Tips from what i remember shot a really nice buck like 6 or 7 times all in the vitals and still had to track the animal for over half mile. When he skinned it out you could see every entrance and exit wound all in the rib cage, all in the vitals. To this day i still remember that though rare as it may be things like that can happen. I have used the 06 for over 40 years with mixed results. Sometimes i thought it was a little much because when id skin the deer id have bloodshot meat. There were other times when i thought the cartridge was just right. Last year i used the 308, a friend of mine used 1 for years on deer and swears by it. The 308 imo is probably the best of the 30 cal deer rounds. I,m still a fan of the 06 for versititly. I thought your input about that was spot on as well most who get it for that purpose will actually never use it for that. I like it because if i go into heavy brush and really need to anchor a animal in its place or need to hunt something really big its hard to beat those 220. My thing is if i could only own 1 gun it would be the 06 but lets face it when you get bitten by the shooting/hunting bug your gonna get more than 1 gun so i see your point about the 06. I think all the rounds you mention are great deer/varmint rounds.

[@rollin-troll]

I'm just gonna say it again, great work. I love the information you have to share, wish I had a buddy like you to share some campfire conversations with.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Your logic and explanations were certainly on point, especially for the 270Win! "If the shooter does his part, the 270 will do the rest!"

[@dring219]

Great video , super informative , THANKS !!! When I got my new reloading equipment , I didn't own and still don't at this time , but I bought dies for .308 . I am glad to hear you approve of the NATO round for deer also . Have a 30-30 , and love shooting it but was looking to get an all round cartridge , so I figured the .308 would fit the bill . Here in East Tennessee so many gun shops have almost endless selections , Bass Pro and Gander Mountain don't hold back on what they sell . I guess it would be the same if we had a Cabella's here too . And YES , I know I bought the cart before I got the horse when I bought reloading supplies for a cartridge that I have no fun for , was trying to think ahead a bit . Saved on shipping for one .

[@brandyjackson6990]

Thank you sir for passing on your knowledge it is a pleasure to listen to you.

[@wayne3340]

I really enjoyed the video GunBlue. Where I grew up in northern BC it was kind of the opposite. Everybody hunted moose, and only the real good hunters ever got a deer. Real elusive. Most people used a 30-06, 303, 30-30 or a 270. Now most of my brothers shoot 300 win mag. But I learned a lot, thx.

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

I love your videos. It's like having my Dad here for advice. Two cartridges you omitted likely wouldn't make the list but I would like to hear you speak on are; the 303 British and the 250 Savage.

[@GunBlue490]

Well, I may do something on those two excellent rounds some day. The 250 Savage had two iterations during its life. The first, with a 1:14 twist would only stabilize shorter bullets up to 90 grains or so, depending on length. It was later improved with a 1:10 twist that would handle any standard 25 caliber bullets up to 120 grains. As I've mentioned before, stability is a length issue, not necessarily a weight issue, as some light bullets are quite long and vice versa, but it's a rule that generally holds true that the earlier Savage 99s could only shoot 87 grain factory loads. It was in that era that the cartridge was known as the 250-3000, based on the 87 grain factory velocity of 3,000 feet per second. The 250 Savage is a very fine deer round that is only about 150 fps behind the original 257 Roberts loads which succeeded and eventually supplanted the 250. The 303 British is a very solid performer that is pretty similar to the 308 ballistically.

[@thanielsommers4500]

There again I like your videos so much I re watch them. I’m still between the 270 winchester and the 7mm 08. 7mm08 appeals to me because right now I’m hunting east coast woods more than anything and you can get it in a shorter barrel. Tho none of the stores around me cary them, mainly 308s and 243, and a few 270s but they sell pretty quick. At least I’ve got it narrowed done to 2 and enter one will work well

[@PC-uh6hk]

I've always liked the 7mm08 and own a 20" barreled rifle for here in NH and a 24" barreled rifle for the plains. Hand loading is the way to go if you can't find the rounds you need for your applications. GunBlue and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to what's what concerning deer guns and varmint rounds.

[@shawnhulke7385]

I have the same gun digest and I too read it front to back several times. And still enjoy it.

[@christerhauknes6840]

My first center fire rifle was a 222 rem. And after 20 years of not having one in my gun cabinet. I now have two. The Howa mini and a Churchill combination 222Rem-20/76. The accuracy i get from the 222 rem is just fantastic. And these two guns are going to be used on varmints like crows and fox, its excellent for scandinavian deer(lot smaller than their american cousins) and with FMJ bullets i can use it on grouse up in the mountains at winter. As for large bore caliber I must stay with my trusty M98 30.06. It's just a fantastic caliber for scandinavian moose. I do hope that you can do a similar video on shotgun calibers. Personally I have retired my 12/76 and are now using the 16 and 20 calibers with winchester superspeed cartridges with great results on geese, deer , foxes, grouse. etc etc.

[@700Strat]

Thanks for the thoughtful take on cartridges. As always very well said and put into proper context for DEER and varmints. Based on what you said I agree with every choice and "You are the Coach". For anybody getting in to rifle shooting you had very good and sage advice. That said: I have a safe full of guns and reload for them all. I guess I have the "ONE of EACH syndrome". I have the luxury of being able too select the rifle for the task. I love to work up loads and fined what works best and why. It's all good. My go to Rifle is a Col. Jeff Cooper inspired and Gunsite built 308 Win Scout rifle. It is a happy compromise that works across the board. Not perfect but then nothing ever is. Thanks gain for your service: Vet, retired LE Caption and You Tube Professor/Mentor! I try and answer as many question as I can for locals who ask and now I direct them too your channel as well for the best information out there. It's that good.

[@kathynelson1960]

It would be great if you would do a video about the Marlin 336 chambered in the 35 Remington. Talk about the 35 Remington, and how it compares to the 30-30 and other cartridges chambered in the lever guns.

[@jacklowe3788]

Rem 35 is a Great VA. Woods deer & black bear Cartridge - Will put the smack down on em inside 100yds hits harder & more frontal bullet area plus 30gr more weight- It don't get the attention the Win 30-30 but it'll out perform it any day - I own several 30-30's & tote one daily on farm it's great gun & great round in which I've harvested more deer than I can remember - But I love the Rem 35 & it's like lot of other unappreciated calipers & even some that are now mostly gone-

[@larrywilley3697]

Practicality, in the evolutionary impractical world, is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the exploration of many firearm subjects that have become obscured by those who haven't paid life's dues. Agree with Brittany Bennie - in good company.

[@LANewspace]

Great video! I respect your approach of only recommending long-established/readily available cartridges. That said, I believe that the 6.5 CM has a bright future, especially if its military role expands (the USSOCOM has adopted it this year for their precision rifles).

[@GunBlue490]

Yes, the Creedmoor has a future. There's no magic in it, except its sexy name, and the successful promotion and sales program. It has absolutely identical ballistics to the 20 year old 260 Remington, and the 125 year old 6.5 Swede, which has even better potential with a more generous case. I don't get stary eyed by military recognition, because the same sales people that put it in the American market are the ones who play violins in front of soldiers and generals. Arms manufacturers work very hard to get those military alphabets, so it will capture a large civilian imagination. It did for you. It doesn't change how bullets fly. It's a series of bullets sized halfway between 6mm and 7mm that go downrange. Any bullet diameter can be configured with the same ballistic coefficients as the other, and can be engineered to travel at a given velocity that will perform identically. Ten years ago, Remington couldn't get anyone to buy their 6.5 bore 260 Remington, which has a name that sounds like a half baked 270. It shoots identically in all respects. Hornady released the Creedmoor when everyone was gaga over the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendell, and called it the "most balanced" round ever designed, gave it a name with American shooting mystique, and the Paparazzi swarmed it. It's a terrific round, but it's no more or less terrific than countless others at the end of the day.

[@LANewspace]

@@GunBlue490 I don't disagree with your points. I got into the 6.5 CM as a long-range enthusiast and I'm just a 6.5 fan in general. The caliber is not magical, but it offers a nice balance of high BC bullets at reasonable weights with high sectional density. I don't get starry-eyed by the military adoption, but just recognize that if they do adopt a cartridge there's going to be production ammo available. Of course none of that really matters much if one reloads, which I do. Thanks again for the great videos! Also, so glad to hear that Benny rallied!

[@davidjohnson4451]

Where I go THE cartridge right now is 6.5 Creedmore. Used in both range and hunting! I own two now after careful selection!

[@toddjohnson271]

@@GunBlue490 Agreed.....I see very little difference for Creedmoor to the 100 plus year old 6.5x55 Swede. They didn't invent anything here, just rebranded.

[@anton1949]

Remington Model 7 7mm-08 here.

[@jeremys8360]

anton1949 Cva hunter break action 7mm-08 is what I’m handloading for today

[@kieranh2005]

Zastava mauser 98 in .270 here. Have a TC Dimension 7mm08 waiting for me to have time to play with.