The Ten Best Deer Cartridges: My List vs Yours

[@backfire]

Use code BACKFIRE for 15% off your first order and FREE shipping at fieldofgreens.com

[@soonerfrac4611]

Unfortunately not everyone can build huge stables of hunting rifles. Thus, the 30-06 is by and far the ubiquitous deer cartridge for a myriad of reasons. North Woods guys like it because they have big bodied deer that even with proper shot placement seem to absorb energy. They also like it because they can take it after bear or moose with the same loads. It works down south great as well where brush is thick and we don’t want deer to run far. If recoil is too much drop to 165 or even 150gr, especially for deer those are perfect in the ‘06 for deer. It’s still in the top 3-5 calibers taken to Alaska. As to the potential for a new 25 cal. For a little over 2 years now Hornady has offered their ELDx in .25 @ 110gr. Very curious projectile considering that no current factory chambered rifle has a fast enough twist rate to properly stabilize that heavy and long. I’ve long suspected that Hornady has a 257 PRC in the works.

[@jefflarkins1728]

@backfire 6.5-300 weatherby is the flattest factory cartridge 13” drop at 400yd when zeroed at 200 there is significant more recoil than a 22 creed

[@cooldude-ev6zg]

I was shocked to not see the 257 weatherby mag on this list.

[@daveloucks7589]

I agree! And not only for deer. Coyote, groundhog, antelope. Accurate, low recoil.

[@VK6AB-]

Field of greens turned Ron Spomer into Backfire and brought out the Ackley Improved in him 🤣

[@WillE454]

My go to is 270. I don’t care if it’s seen as “outdated” by some hunters it’s a legendary deer cartridge.

[@RossBoss90]

100% the best all around cartridge for anything.

[@WillyK51]

Don't worry, It's younger than the 30-06If it gets the job done, stick with it👍

[@Charlatan-Parodyman]

I don’t think anyone has ever said that.

[@whodidwhat32]

​@@WillyK51Ballistically .270 Win beats 30-06 Springfield in everyway.

[@travisweldmaster7815]

Best

[@derekm3304]

Not surprised the .270 won. More surprised the .243 didn’t make the top 10 though

[@OutdoorOkie]

Because most people on here are public hunters and think you have to use a Canon to kill whitetail deer.

[@pensnut08]

Because not all deer are itty-bitty Southern deer...

[@OutdoorOkie]

@@pensnut08 i grew up in Ohio. Oklahoma has the same kinda deer. You sound ignorant.

[@codename_unknown2046]

@@pensnut08 then why tf do I drop big PA bucks in the winter with the 243.

[@anadu13]

​@pensnut08 i know guys who elk hunt out in Montana and use 243 all the time.

[@NewTraditionalists]

I’m a traditionalist. Walnut stock 308 and 30-06 rifles just seem like classic deer hunting rifles to me. And 308 and 30-06 ammo have greater versatility, selection, availability, and affordability than most of these other calibers. Anyway, that, along with 308 barrel life, is why for a “deer rifle,” I went with a Bergara B14 Timber in 308.

[@brittakriep2938]

German cartidges are 8x 57 ls, or 9,3 x 62. In Classic break action rifles also other german cartidges appear, if 6,5 or larger.

[@LowcountryMan]

same rifle in the same caliber here. Gotta love that trigger

[@joshmiller1955]

100% agree

[@whatelsecanmynamebe]

same rifle, same caliber. love that rifle

[@onealjones3873]

308win is the way.

[@joshuavillnave3804]

7mm-08 is like a hidden treasure here in the northeast. Oddly seems to be more of a regional popularity. Glad this is now my main deer cartridge.

[@Dusdaddy]

I have one but never use it because ammo is so scarce.

[@erikb7392]

It's become my go to in CO as well!

[@joshrandall3632]

Almost bought one recently. The more I read about it the more I wish I had.

[@cesarrodriguez3369]

My favorite handload.

[@01nmuskier]

Definitely a great deer cartridge...if you can find it.

[@samhunt9380]

Been using the old .270Win since 1965 down here in New Zealand. I'm 77 y/o now and my Carl Gustaf .270 is still my favourite by far. Thanks for a great show.

[@MBCGRS]

Using the 1952 Mannlicher Schonauer 270 win in the central North Island. 50s Redfield 4 - 12 on top...

[@jesusoftheapes]

Long action calibers are pointless for any reason . It is not 1965 we do not have to play with calibers that never added up in the first place and still use a magnum action to even work them without any benefits of an actual magnum . Not for me.

[@MBCGRS]

@jesusoftheapes Tell me you know nothing about rifle actions without saying it...

[@michaeldesantis5846]

Those 1970's carl gustaf rifles are a gem of a rifle. Accurate, well proportioned, and with excellent hunting triggers from factory. You have an heirloom grade piece there!

[@jewfroismymotto]

As an American just wanna say hello! Hope all is well over there!

[@bwilliams915]

My dad bought both his boys (me and my brother) Remington 700's in .243 with 4x scopes in the 60's . He said these bullets are crazy fast and the rifle won't kick much. He was a smart man.

[@thegamingfish547]

both of those guns still kicking?

[@bwilliams915]

@@thegamingfish547 I had to sell both of them a few years back. They were both in excellent condition.

[@cjr4497]

And how many deer did y'all lose?

[@johncmitchell4941]

@@cjr4497 Are you sure he lost any? Why, if you didn't take the shots? Just curious.

[@thegunreviewer5598]

​@@cjr4497.243 is a excellent deer cartridge. Just gotta be competent.

[@thomasholmes9765]

I've been a 30.06 man since my youth. My grandfather gifted my father a Remington 721 upon marrying my mother in 48. I've hunted with it all my life. Plenty accurate! Never attempted any shot past 300yrds because there wasn't any need for it! Never needed any fixing other than regular cleaning after use. I've kept because it seemed a shame to put away a perfectly good tool for another just because of the shine. Me and the grandsons still hunt with it now.

[@markthegunplumber8376]

the 721 and 722 were way better built actions than the 700s their fit and finish was far superior and they shot great.

[@tray8411]

Tried n true cartridge..

[@scottbergt1872]

💯

[@sabretom7594]

Nothing wrong with your deer rifle also being your elk rifle. The fun really starts when your grandsons get into reloading.

[@AFS-ht7bg]

And when it hits, it puts it down.

[@timothycleere4514]

And I'm over here still rocking the 30-06 with modern bullets.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Exactly !

[@eggrolll]

Ya....these lists are so dumb. Needs some new video ideas.

[@charles6952]

Yup Hunt uncles farm in Nebraska. Went to 150 soft points. Fly out to 400 yards effectively. Yet do a clean job at 50 yards.

[@michaelarrington988]

30-06 with 180 grain Remingtin core locks do the job for me

[@fishwhistle9666]

-06 with 150 Speer boat tails

[@e115x525]

243 not being on the list is criminal. People think its too small to kill a 150 pound deer but theyll give their kid a .243 or even a 223 to hunt deer. If its big enough for a 10 year old to kill with, why is it too small for you?

[@turktalkdude]

Then they updated the cartridge and gained 200fps and now everyone is flocking to it again. Thanks 6 creed

[@JayJay-ii5un]

I'm 58. got my 243 at 12. My only gun my whole life.

[@panitehunter7884]

Not a fan of 243 or the 6.5 dont own either and my kids start out with a 7mm08

[@JayJay-ii5un]

@@panitehunter7884 just trying to point out unless your going out west whatever gun your dad gave is fine. Unless you like pissing money away.

[@aaronbuster2452]

​@@JayJay-ii5unand I bet you're a crack shot at it and know it inside and out. I'd much rather use a tool well than have the theoretically optimized one.

[@johnlong7198]

As a Northwest Piedmont NC hunter, most shots are inside 150 yards, with the majority of those at 80 yards or less. The areas I hunt are in heavily wooded areas with some areas also having an open field. It is my experience that this is the norm in many areas up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Therefore, flat shooting long range cartridges aren't as important here as they are in states with a wide open topography. The exception being long open areas underneath power lines, and the Eastern NC corn & soybean fields which sometimes can be several hundred yard wide. Therefore the standard cartridges (30/30, 243, 308, 270, 30-06) work just fine. You have a fantastic channel and I enjoy each and every presentation!!

[@justinharris6486]

Same here in North Georgia. Those are absolutely the most popular cartridges here.

[@Arizona69420]

@@johnlong7198 492 yards 30-06 NC I watched the shot.

[@LowcountryMan]

308 for the win

[@snowsk8justen]

I live in western NC and I use a 243.

[@cooper57m]

For my then young son, I bypassed the 243 and went with a 6.5x55 Swedish. Light recoiling and yet with enough sectional density in the 140 gr to make sure it makes an exit wound. The 6.5 Creedmore is similar and a little faster as factory loaded but wasn't available then. The Swede never failed to get the job done.

[@zebrobson2639]

I seriously was considering getting one until I realized that x55 SE is different than x55 Swedish and ya can't really tell if the ammo you're buying is for the older pressure chamberings or not because both seem to say '6.5x55 swedish' on the boxes of ammo, so I let it be. It's a darling lil' cartridge from everything else I've seen.

[@cooper57m]

@@zebrobson2639 If used in a modern (non miltary) rifle, there is no concern. If you have an old milsuplus rifle, stick to mild 6.5x55 loads. I have a Model 70 Fwt. No problem with any factory loadings.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

@@zebrobson2639 SE means Swedish so it is the same cartridge

[@jasonforester4572]

​@zebrobson2639 Those are the same. "SE" is just the abbreviation for Swedish. It's the 6.5X55 "Scan" that is loaded to higher pressure. You usually have to look for load data from European sources to find that. But if you have a modern manufactured firearm you don't have to worry. It will easily handle the higher, modern pressure. The lower pressure rounds were for the old, original rifles. Find a Tikka, Sauer, Sako or some limited run Rugers and load with Scan data and you will have a great All Rounder.

[@brendanfitzgeraldd]

@@zebrobson2639I’ve got a 6.5 Swedish Carl gustav made. It was sporterized wth a new stock, and made so you can mount normal stops to it on top of the action, and had a new barrel added to it. I can’t remember the name, but I was told it had a really good barrel. The action is the old, apparently the best ones Carl gustav. Best steel and stuff. Apparently . What I was told. My dad haad old rounds when I was a kid that had a round nose. Nowadays I buy ammmo I iust always buy the stuff that says x55 Swedish. It’s pointy. So I noticed it looked different. Should I not be using this? I assumed where it said Swedish it was good? Can someone update me? Can I use modern 6.5x55 Swedish rounds? I was always told the guys used to hand load them and make them quite quite hot! And that it was the best steel, Carl gustav. Are these older guns made for new rounds?

[@davidball2318]

We owe a lot to the 30-06. The 270 is a necked down 30-06, so is the 25-06. The 280 AI is an Ackley Improved 280 Remington, which is a necked down and stretched out 30-06. I favor the 280 AI due to superior bullet availability in the 7mm (0.284") caliber. The 270 is right there behind it; hindered mostly by bullet availability in 0.277". Maybe the new 6.8 Western will revive bullet Manufacturers to step up options in 0.277".

[@kartchner7]

I hope so on the 6.8 helping .277!

[@keithprinn720]

western not received even mediocre support from industry in 3 years big hope. I think a great option for variety of uses but requires reloading gear, factory ammo and a much bigger varied rifle options. my opinion. Take a 280AI and add a 6 creed that covers so much for a hunter unless specialised requirements. factory ammo options for 6.8 western not being supplied by the ones that so many want.

[@recurrenTopology]

With the XM7 being chambered in a 0.277" round, 6.8×51 (277 Fury), renewed interest in the caliber seems inevitable. Nearly every US service rifle cartridge going back to the 45-70 has become a popular civilian round, the exception being the short lived 30-03 (the 30-40 Krag is waning in popularity now, but was big in its time).

[@Paul-q3m7k]

The 7x57 gave birth to them all

[@Paul-q3m7k]

@@recurrenTopologymeh . It doesn’t do anything that’s mind blowing . I think it will fade away . stupid of the military to do that

[@FurryHater6to9]

I hunt mainly whitetail mule deer and elk so I chose 30-06 just because of how my targets ranged in size and strength

[@mikebrase5161]

Ueah man, Im in the Pacific Northwest.30-06 has been used in my family for deer and elk for at least 100 years. I now have my Grandfathers as my pop is in his late 70's and passed it on.

[@jeremiahjohnson7741]

Can never go wrong with the '06. Boddington's #1 all around choice for anywhere on the planet..

[@jeffreydickson8888]

I am now 77 have been taking my buck in the Adirondacks nearly every year for over 60 years with a Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage. Guess that qualifies as my personal favorite.

[@topbuilder3790]

I share your love of the 99/.300 Savage.

[@Second.Nature.Lawn.Michigan]

My father has a lever action 300. I wonder if it's a 99

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

No .243 Win? This speaks to the age of your audience.

[@augustshades]

pop set me up on 243. one of my favourites of all time. best cartridge imo for smaller boys or wives/gfs etc. super zoom and low kick. lots of kill poetention as long as you hit. just got to respect that its 24 cal vs 30 cal power. 243 is speed, not force. awesome round. very accurate.

[@fascar9]

​@@augustshades compared to my compound it hits like a howitzer

[@chrisbeatty743]

Ive had both the .243 and 6.5 creedmoor, and I think the 6.5 creedmoor has replaced the .243 as the best beginner gun. The 6.5 has just as little recoil, shoots bigger bullets, and it more capable at long range. That being said, the .243 is such an amazing deer cartridge because it wastes so little meat and it forces you to be a good shot.

[@mikebeaudette2902]

Varmint round more than it is a whitetail round

[@fascar9]

​@mikebeaudette2902 thats funny ive killed over 30 deer with a .243. I guess you are one of those guys that shows up with a .300 win mag for whitetail

[@ShopHumor]

My list goes from .30-30 to .30-06 because that’s all I’ve got 😂

[@joni5074]

That's all you need

[@ViewlessSquid]

👍

[@ronnybee9920]

Exactly the two that I have!

[@Charlatan-Parodyman]

Love them both

[@blackie1of4]

@@ShopHumor my late father only ever carried one firearm.. his Winchester model 70 chambered in 30-06 Springfield! He'd grumble every time I purchased another firearm.. he definitely didn't agree with having multiple firearms for deer hunting 😁 Waste of money in his eyes.. he did like the 270 Winchester as well.. that's what my grandfather always carried :)

[@randalljeffs7272]

This list shows that people aren’t drinking the industry kool aid. That’s a good thing.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Maybe not in rifles, but in handguns? They can't manufacture kool-aid fast enough.

[@Kross8761]

Because most hunters are fudds, not an insult, that's just true. I'd wager that most replies came from people over the age of 45 (with a possible exception of the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .350 legend) The newer cartridges do the jobs of older cartridges better while also allowing better selection of projectile styles and often more efficiently. The only benefit of more "established" cartridges is that USUALLY the ammo is more available. Notice that I said "usually". I can't find .30-06, .270, or 7mm-08. But I CAN find 6.5 Creedmoor, all of the PRC cartridges, and most of the Nosler cartridges. Literally no one I know below the age of 50 owns a .270 or .30-06, the only reason I have one is because it inherited it from my grandfather and I'll never use it because I can't get replacement parts for it and it's already damaged (not seriously, and nothing that would cause a safety issue, but I'm not eager to make it any worse either) it's a mantelpiece now. Older cartridges will still stick around for a long time because they are already "established" ("entrenched" would be a better word) but newer cartridges do everything they can do better. Most of it isn't marketing hype, these new cartridges are actually better than the older designs, so much so that rifle manufacturers have had to move away from SAAMI specs for old cartridges to make them competitive (Browning offering X-Bolts in faster twist rates for legacy cartridges) our modern cartridge choices are designed specifically for newer long, sleek, high BC bullets, BUT they can still shoot older bullet designs just as well as the older cartridges. Older cartridge designs don't have that compatibility built in without building a custom rifle.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Kross8761 You know what's better than a newly celebrated cartridge that you can find at your local store, and the average age of whatever fudds you're referencing? Making a firearm you already have, chambered in an "entrenched" cartridge more accurate. Free float the barrel. Change the stock. Get a trigger job or replacement trigger. Use better brass, and build custom handloads. Expensive? Not nearly as much as buying a whole new factory platform in a newly celebrated cartridge which provides nearly no guarantee you'll have better accuracy than the thing you already have. There's a dozen factors related to performance of "fudd cartridges", none of them cartridge-related, that can contribute to better accuracy and performance and none of them solved by changing the whole platform to a new caliber/cartridge. Need proof? There's muzzle loader people getting sub-MOA at long range on a regular basis, none of it having anything to do with cartridges. People are always looking to name excuses to spend heaps of money to bypass working on themselves, on their platform improvements, to validate the fact they just want whatever the market is cranking out lately.

[@randalljeffs7272]

@@Kross8761hahahaha someone has FEELINGS. Looks like I struck the nerve of a kool aid drinker.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Kross8761 You know what's better than a newly celebrated cartridge that you can find at your local store, and the average age of whatever fuddoes you're referencing? Making a firearm you already have, chambered in an "entrenched" cartridge more accurate. Free float the barrel. Change the stock. Get a trigger upgrade. Use better brass, and build custom handloads. Expensive? Not nearly as much as buying a whole new factory platform in a newly celebrated cartridge which provides nearly no guarantee you'll have better accuracy than the thing you already have. There's a dozen factors related to performance of "fuddy cartridges", none of them cartridge-related, that can contribute to better accuracy and performance and none of them solved by changing the whole platform to a new caliber and cartridge. Need proof? There's muzzle loader people getting sub-MOA at long range on a regular basis, none of it having anything to do with cartridges. People are always looking to name excuses to spend heaps of money to bypass working on themselves, on their platform improvements, to validate the fact they just want whatever the market is cranking out lately. Low drag projectiles is the result of radar-based R&D at manufacturers, and it requires fast-twist. Also propellants have improved. Otherwise, all other ballistic factors were figured out a century ago. One cannot forget, all cartridges were "new" at some point, you're just observing whatever is new to you, as nothing is inherently that new. Appreciate the history of how everything got here, and what are the best designs from over 100 years ago, and why they haven't gone anywhere. Finally, learn animal anatomy (talk to taxidermists and butchers), learn what it takes to get a swift clean ethical kill on game, it's mostly not what the industry has entrenched everyone to think it is. Caliber means little. Cartridge means little. If you can deliver a projectile to the right spot at a chosen range, the rest isn't really all that hard.

[@DireWolf28]

In Canada the 303 British still has a historic hold on big game hunting. It’s not flashy but it’s a reliable deer killer. Lots old sporterized Lee enfield are still in the hands of deer hunters of the north

[@blackie1of4]

@@DireWolf28 my three brothers and I.. all harvested our first deer with the 303 British :) Still a great choice for deer hunting 😁

[@johncmitchell4941]

My '43 No 4 Mk 1 is the most requested gun for visitors to shoot. Love the sights but the battle/base aperture zeroes at ~ 300 yd. No prob, as raising the ladder and setting it to 100 puts it right in the bull there. I use a slip on pad to gain LOP and hope to mod a mag follower to limit capacity to 3 or 4 rounds.

[@blackie1of4]

@@johncmitchell4941 nice 🙂 My father's is the Jungle Carbine.. with the peep sight and ladder as well. It's my younger brother's now ❤️

[@DireWolf28]

@@blackie1of4 got to love the enfields! Accurate, superbly reliable, and still very affordable when compared to modern rifles.

[@DireWolf28]

@@johncmitchell4941 I have a few sporterized no 4's. Love them

[@Busted-Buzzard]

My old 35 Remington

[@brent2455]

I miss this round so much. I want it to come back

[@mandovapehater6988]

​@@brent2455where did it go? I got one and a few new boxes of ammo with the ability to reload.

[@jesusoftheapes]

It's a weirdo caliber .

[@bearindawoods6399]

I have 12 boxes of 35rem and the ability to reload. 35rem is my go-to for anything over 150 pounds . I do wish they would bring out a new stainless lever in 35rem

[@mandovapehater6988]

@@bearindawoods6399 I'm using a 113 year old Remington model 8 recoil operated semi auto.

[@kvonzwild8979]

7mm Mauser I've experience with and its great. 7-08 is nearly a duplicate given you hand load the mauser. So for deer 7-08 for the win. Big .270 fan, used it a lot. Muzzle blast can be bothersome for some. 6.5 is solid. 243/6mm can be great on deer but use the right bullet. Partitions are superior in it. Great article here. The great thing about deer hunting is deer are reasonably easy to take given reasonable shot placement with a decent bullet. This allows the forever argument regarding best cartridge because many work well. It also allows the hunter to go with what they enjoy and that's a great thing.

[@leland2h144]

I was shocked .243 wasnt on there also. For deer, yotes, and hogs i use a Redington 660 6mm rem and its always worked shooting a 85gr sierra gameking bthp.

[@ryancooper3629]

As a new hunter who has yet to go out on his first hunt, I went with 308 for my first hunting rifle. I mainly was listening to the wisdom of an experienced friend who’s logic was: “Its not the best cartridge at anything but its availability and versatility is what makes it the best choice. You can walk into any tiny little hunting supply store hundreds of miles away from the city and be almost certain that they will stock 308. Its big enough to take larger game but also fine for smaller stuff and the price per shot is about as good as it gets for a cartridge of that size”

[@keithprinn720]

exactly why works for many but not for long years unless minor hobby.

[@Mj-CWO4]

@@ryancooper3629 good first rifle choice, it’s like the 3006 very versatile.

[@harleyrider883]

I'll bet a lot of money that you won't ever regret the purchase. You may branch out over time out of curiosity or other reasons, but you'll never regret having the 308.

[@AussieInCA11]

I did the same. Don't regret the decision at all! It's such a flexible caliber.

[@DreamConundrum]

I’m sure you will be happy with your choice. Anecdotally, during ammo shortages, I have almost always been able to find 270, even when 308 is sold out.

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

Love the 270. I remember Jack O’Connor. Very effective on Red Deer, Sika deer and Fallow deer here in Ireland. I have a 308 win calibre (Benelli ARGO S/A) rifle for driven Boar hunting in other Euro countries. Great video.

[@drobertsone]

257 Roberts. I've harvested both elk and deer with no issues.

[@Miguelneyney]

270 win works for me. Have taken deer bear pigs and Elk with no problems 👍🏼

[@BlutigeTranen]

My old man took a moose with his as well

[@notapplicable531]

270 for caribou in Quebec when there was still a season for them.

[@johnschoonmaker1840]

As a handloader I can tailor all the rounds in your favorites list,but my favorite is 7mm Mauser in my M70 featherweight. Working like magic since 1892!

[@ryanreinshagen245]

Amen. We could've stopped making new cartridges when that one came out. It is my favorite as well

[@Simobunjevac]

7x64 brenneke is better

[@luchacefox259]

.264 Win Mag better than both. 🎉​@@Simobunjevac

[@troyellison8552]

I think the reason 30/06 is so popular is it's a do everything Caliper you can take whitetail in the deep South and also perfectly able to take a elk and other large game.

[@michaelsinclair7253]

I saw someone load 120 grain bullets in 30-06 and get over 3,200 fps. From that, all the way up to 220 grainers, it locks it in as a top choice for another 100 years.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

The 26-06 is ideal​@@michaelsinclair7253

[@jesusoftheapes]

Its outdated . The .308 WIN is the same rifle caliber and is short action goodness. The 8mm variants are to old and are not worth buying new anymore . If you find an old -06 and like it that is one thing but if you are buying rifles in 30-06 in 2024 you are making a huge mistake.

[@michaelsinclair7253]

@@jesusoftheapes It depends. .308 is a fantastic cartridge. However, if I want to load something about 180 grains, the case volume of 30-06 is much larger. It also has a long neck compared to the .308. With modern powders, I can be on the heels of 300 Win Mag, using the same bullet weight as the magnum, where the .308 can’t get anywhere near that. In the 150 to 180 grain range, they’re about equal. Above that, you’re not loading 212 to 220 grain bullets in a .308 case.

[@RalphNowell-j3y]

350 is the no.1 gun

[@danitaga5591]

6 ARC in a Howa mini action in the hands of my 11 yo is an absolute death stick on eastern whitetails… 95gr LRX with 32.5 gr of LVR is running just a hair under 3K. Extremely underrated cartridge from a public perception standpoint I feel like. I’ve had a gas gun for yotes for a couple of years now and I think everyone still thinks of it as an AR first round, but reloading it for a bolt gun is THE WAY.

[@ChrisBurton-wk9ie]

270. has taken a lot of deer. Some might say it's "outdated" but last i checked the deer ain't changed any more than the round has.

[@jaythewhizdog3842]

I own and have hunted a 30-30, 25-06, 270, 6.5 cm and 308 and I have narrowed my deer gun down to a 308 Remington 700 I custom built. No matter what else I have shot, I always come back to the 308 for deer and have exclusively shot that for deer for the last few years. It’s a hammer, it’s accurate at distance, and it suppresses well without losing the accuracy. Ammo is easy to get and reloading it is the best to dial it in. I use the same gun to target shoot 400 yards sub MOA. The only complaint I have is the weight, but I’m walking a relatively short distance to a blind anyway.

[@lawrencesears7255]

Unfortunately, a lot of states don't allow .22 caliber rifles for big game. .243 is the minimum in many states.

[@G_moneyy]

We can only use straight-walled cartridges here in Ohio 😢

[@stevenbaker8184]

Va too. Literally it states that the smallest caliber is .243 Winchester. You cannot hunt here with even 5.45mm Soviet or 5.56mm NATO cartridges. The ones specifically banned from hunting deer with are .17HMR, .221 swift, .222, .223, 5.45 Soviet ,5.56 NATO, get caught doing it and jail time here. Even on private land. Luckily it's either a fine and lose privilege for 1 year probation 6 months jail time with multiple offenses. Even using the 50cal pellet air rifles until 6 years ago were same van. NOT now. And some locations it's using shotguns only. Depending on area. And you cannot hunt in Fairfax or Arlington County's without a special permit. And then that's only with bows.

[@davidcoleman4941]

Hi from Australia, we have a tendency to go for 308 for just about everything. Love your show

[@samstone6267]

@@davidcoleman4941 do they allow you to hunt down under? Thought you guys had your guns taken from you?

[@staywoke2198]

@@samstone6267they use mostly lever, bolt, and pump action to hunt in Australia. No semi autos allowed

[@samstone6267]

@staywoke2198 all ya need.

[@staywoke2198]

@@samstone6267 debatable. Hunting - meh, sort of. You should see the large groups of hogs we encounter in Texas. Self defense - trend in America is for 3+ attackers. Rather have more capacity and quicker shots in a gun fight

[@samstone6267]

@staywoke2198 couldn't agree more. I know I won't run out.God bless the USA!

[@JimYeats]

Top Five is more unambiguous. In no particular order; 30-06, 270 Win, 308 Win, 30-30, 243 Win, bonus 6.5 Creed. I don’t think anyone can really argue much with those.

[@curteaton]

@@JimYeats It's the internet, so someone can argue, but I think you nailed it. Those are the best.

[@379exth]

Love my 6.5 creedmoore

[@raz636man]

I’ve taken deer with everything on your list except the 30-30. Plus another 7 cartridges. Bonus bonus modern 6.5 x 55 which is my opening day rifle.

[@stevenmontoya7275]

The 257 Bob is my go to, its old but its a shooter and doesn't ruin meat

[@NebraskaPharmer]

My personal fav as well. 100gr at 3000 dead right there

[@CarlR-h5x]

I LOVE THE " BOB " 👍

[@derickgower2322]

I run a 243! Love it. Agree with everything you said about it. Also double as a good coyote or variant gun.

[@aaronlambeth6605]

Good video, interesting to see the choices that represent guys around the country. Something not mentioned- 30-30 is a good deer gun for still hunting especially in thicker woods. The short length is great for quick sighting. My 336 marlin is great, but my Winchester 94 trapper is the most comfortable and fun gun to carry in the woods. Great job!

[@thehoneybadger8089]

Col. Townsend Whelen said, "The .30-'06 is never a mistake."

[@fishy7110]

I'm new to hunting and picked the 270. I didn't see anything wrong with other cartridges and was originally going to get a 7mm-08 because of Ron Spomer but came across a great deal on a .270. Flat shooting and ammo isn't insanely expensive.

[@billgates3776]

Youll love it. If some day your going to hunt in some thick stuff with less than 75 yard shot all around then get some heavier ammo for that situation. You will get better expansion with it at close range. Never hurts to keep some heavier shells around. Just dont mix em up

[@chrisbradford6062]

Flat estimate shooting round I've seen

[@adamdrouin2295]

​@@Dougarrowheadsays some random guy on the internet. What are your qualifications?

[@adamdrouin2295]

@@Dougarrowhead so no qualifications whatsoever. Got it. You have nothing

[@Dougarrowhead]

@@adamdrouin2295 im a gunsmith that builds custom rifles that are on a level way above anything either of these two or you will ever hold. 2 time state champion, i have won every regional tournament ive ever shot in. I have way more trigger time than you and those two combined. I have killed more big game animals and have thousands of hours more hunt time than the 3 of you combined. My kids are even on a level above anything that ron, banana boy or you will ever see. Ive been traveling all over north america hunting for over 30 years. I hunt over 100 days per year. I would embarrass you if you ever competed against me at anything. I have the time, money and resources to do whatever i want went it comes to shooting and hunting. There are a lot more folks out there like me that sportswriters like ron spomer, banana boy and you will never even come close to skill wise. I have also won every single trap shooting tournament i have ever entered. I turned down a position to shoot in the 98 summer olympics because i dont fly. You dont have a clue son. Its a shame you look up to fools like ron and banana.

[@corypope7400]

Thanks for the 243 callout. One of the best calibers of all time

[@jesusoftheapes]

6mm remington was better and is still better. The marketing failure of 6mm remington does not mean it is a bad caliber though. The 6mm is a great deer caliber if you do not like blood trails . But they kill great and normally do not wound deer.

[@billmiller13]

Love my 270wsm. Deer, elk, hogs, it hasn’t failed me yet.

[@Bobman450]

Do you reload or can you find ammo?

[@billmiller13]

@ I used to. I need to start up again. Midwest is about the only outfit I’ve been able to consistently find ammo at. It ain’t cheep but I love this rifle and how it and Hornady ELDX performs.

[@southpaw7169]

Midway USA

[@billmiller13]

@@southpaw7169 thanks! I meant Midway.😬

[@andrewwarren3891]

I bet 99% of the people who put the 280 AI probably haven’t even shot a 280 AI

[@texpatriot8462]

@@andrewwarren3891 I have one and if is awesome . For deer, I load it light for less recoil. For my Nilgai hunt, it will be loaded to nearly 7 PRC velocity.

[@joatmon1857]

Never shot a AI but own a 280 Rem and it's my #1 so it only makes sense a 280 AI would be on here too...

[@technicaldifficulties2522]

I've never seen it tbh..

[@lynn7463]

I own one and I use it every month. And PO Ackleys gun shop was inSLC UT I remember seeing it when I was a kid . I like it for reloading. And it shoots great I have shot rock chucks at 960yds

[@MegaLostOne]

I didn't vote but I am looking at the 280AI myself. I have a 7mm/08 and a 7mm Rem mag. Reason why I am looking at it is it's easier on the brass to reload than the 7 mag/less recoil and gives more punch/range than the 7mm/08. It's a logical choice for me to consider. As far as shooting one, no I haven't but I also have bought other calibers before ever shooting them and been happy with them. I'm not sure if you are knocking the 280AI but if you aren't happy with it tell us why.

[@michaelcheney2347]

Glad to see the .270 get some love!

[@jesusoftheapes]

the .270 and all long action non magnums are all antique rounds that could go away in truth . Better rounds have been invented since and these are just old and dumb.

[@Alex-it5ej]

Love the content on this channel. Im a 308 guy all day specially in 1:8 twist. 110gr vmax, 130gr ttsx, 150gr sst, 168 eld-m, 178 eld-x & 194gr lehigh max expansion subsonic

[@southernbiker4728]

My first rifle was a 270, and it’s traveled through the woods with me for the last 30+ years. That being said, I’ve been carrying a 257 weatherby quite a bit recently and absolutely love this cartridge.

[@orr89rocz]

As a PA woods deer hunter, its always been 30/30, 308, 270, 30-06, 243. Thats mainly all i ever seen and known guys to use. Any ammo store always has those in large amounts. They work extremely well. 25-06 is up there, maybe some 7 rem mag in farmlands. Flat shooting stuff. But most dont shoot over 100-150 yrds here if not hunting ag fields. So none of the fancy stuff is needed. That said i hunt with mostly unconventional stuff lol 28 nos, 300 wsm for ag fields. 458 win for woods. 6mm rem or 257 bob for light duty

[@dovonovich]

As I was looking into building a rifle, I was *amazed* at the ammo prices AND barrel life for the 30-06 cartridge… that’s why it’s the greatest.

[@SammyMoore-tg5gs]

How many barrels have you burned out?

[@Jacob-jc2gr]

​@@SammyMoore-tg5gs Not about me burning out the barrel, its about my grandkids burning a barrel. I have a 1955 m70 that still shoots 3/4 inch on a bad day.

[@sheagiesler]

3006 is great for north America lol, good choice

[@SammyMoore-tg5gs]

@@Jacob-jc2gr then you don’t shoot enough to take advantage of the rifle’s capabilities.

[@SammyMoore-tg5gs]

@@redacted2618 I’m not a magnum fan either. I have a .280 ai, the best of all the .30-06 offspring, a 6 arc and a 6 creedmoor. The .280 ai sees most of its action during spring bear season, where a 600+ yd shot or a 300+ yd shot in stiff wind are not uncommon and the ballistics of the 7mm come to the fore. The 6 creedmoor does all my other hunting. Deer, elk, wolves, unlucky coyotes, etc. The 6 arc is the one that gets the most use as it’s my target gun. It is built exactly the same as my 6 cm and my .280 ai, so all the basics from rifle to rifle is transferable. It gets 1500-2000 rnds a year. The 6 cm gets 100-150 rpy, and the .280 ai gets 300-400 rnds a year.

[@Ben-cb3lu]

Depending on distance : 30-30, 6.5 creed, 308, 270. They are all probably the cheapest too. They are also common for a reason. All these new exotic cartridges are a waste of money for the same effect, just less availability. Not worth it.

[@jesusoftheapes]

unless you reload this has always been true.

[@gatorflea2788]

The .284 projectile is the king from way back !

[@CharlesWintters]

My grandfather who raised me got me a .243 win model 100 when I was 12 been hunting with it ever since I'm 55 now

[@redleg13a5s5]

Awesome rifle, my uncle has one and my dad bought the lever model 88. Those two rifles have dispatched a lot of whitetail bucks.

[@jophoto934]

When .243 is not on the list, you know that list is from KZbinrs, not experienced hunters.

[@BrettRyan06]

Half decent round. No knockdown no blood trail. When you’re in thick brush it’s terrible. I’ve seen multiple people hit lung and they run a ways with no blood making it aids to track

[@johnstruewing1164]

Actually more younger people would pick the 243. It surprises me that the 257 Robert’s wasn’t in the running.

[@denisleblanc4506]

Here in Atlantic Canada, we don't have that many long range opportunities. Our mature bucks field dress at over 200 pounds. I also consider 243 as minimum for our big deer. Then if you look at factory load availability that pretty much eliminates everything on your list except 30-30, 270 Win, 25-06, 6.5 Creed and 6.5 PRC. All of the eliminated calibers have traditional popular calibers that best them. I understand you want something with lighter recoil for deer, but something like 22 Creed is far from ideal for bigger deer. I could understand if you want less recoil than a 308 Win and flatter trajectory than 30-30. That's the beauty of 7mm-08. You like to use 150 grain loads in your tables, but 120 or 140 grain bullet will do the job on deer and have less recoil. Back east, we don't have the luxury of broadside shots very often or even dialing a scope and setting up a solid rest. You will often have an angled snap shot and then you want penetration. So any of the traditional calibers between 243 and 30-06 will do the job and you pick the most powerful you can still shoot well in a light handy rifle and you're good to go.

[@jorgeherter]

The .270 130 for deer 150 for elk. My brother got an elk at almost 400 yard in an snow storm so bad we thought he missed because the carcass was nearly covered by the time we got to it.

[@captjim007]

You are spot on.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

I just split the difference and use the 140 for both deer & elk. One load I have to buy components for, and one load I have to sight in.

[@mollybug9325]

30-06 with a 25 inch match barrel, my load is measured at 3015 fps 165 grain Speer spitzer, bc of 5.2. It is perfect for deer, and elk. 100 yards 2832 fps, energy is 2937. at 400 yrds energy is 1978, and drop is about 24 in. That works for my hunting.

[@carsonelliott6522]

I picked the 6.5CM when putting together my own deer rig. It hit the sweet spot between established cartridge (been around for 17 years now), available ammo (I've never been anywhere that doesn't stock it), and new/cool factor for me. Factory loads really aren't more expensive than 308 factory hunting loads, especially considering I don't stock 1000s of rounds. Maybe this will change decades down the road, but so far I have no regrets.

[@Stu650Zuk]

My first deer rifle was a sporterized Mauser 98 chambered in 7x57 Mauser when I was 14yrs. old in 1983. Bought it myself with my farming money as well as a Bushnell 3-9x32 scope for it. I just used Rem Core Lokt 140gr factory loadings. It wasn't the best grouping rifle in the world but it averaged 1.5"-1.75" at 100yds. It was very well used, but safe to use. All I know is it was like magic pills those 7MM bullets. I dropped many deer with that rifle growing up until I had enough money and bought a Remington 7600 pump action in .270 Win. Honestly being a pump action it didn't really group any better than the old Mauser bolt gun, but it dropped a ton of deer too for many years. I loved the extra flat shooting range it gave me using 130gr bullets in those days. No fancy scopes or rangefinders in those days. If we wanted to know how long a field was or practice certain ranges we paced it off..lol! I liked 270 a lot as it shot flat like a 7 Rem Mag without the expense of the ammo or heft of a 24" barreled bolt gun back then. 7 Rem Mag is an awesome caliber in its own right however I goofed and sold my Remington Model 7 stainless in 7MM-08 a few years back. It was a great all around lightweight mountain rifle for deer hunting. Been using just a plain old .308 Win. in a TC Venture 2 and a Savage 110 Tactical bench rifle bolt gun ever since as it was the most available ammo around here for a few years. I've never had a deer walk away from a hit with that caliber either. 9 times out of 10 it dropped mature northern bucks in their tracks with boring old .308 according to some writers these days, and if you know your drops it doesn't really matter if its a little more or less in normal hunting ranges as long as you know where your bullets are hitting, its on you, not the caliber. All the standard calibers will get the job done I guess is what I'm saying. Shoot what you like and have and practice with it at all ranges you could possibly shoot while hunting to know your drops and hold as well as learn your wind drifts, or lead if needed and it will get the job done.

[@1776_Reasons]

Great list. I have hunted with 30-30s, 5.56, and 308 (ar10) in WI, and both Winchesters were flawless. Since moving to AZ, the ballistics and lighter recoil of the 6.5s, 7mm-08, and the 270 have me wanting to try them, too. I reload, so I think they're all great additions. They're like chips... you can't have just one...😂

[@marcusseirer1367]

My go to is the 257 WBY Mag. Roy got it right with the speed demon!!!

[@LynnJynh9315]

Taken several deer with 270Win. Can confirm, excellent for deer.

[@solosniper86a1]

Same, the 270 is a legendary round

[@jesusoftheapes]

the 303 Brit kills about the same as the 270 too. Just because it works does not mean it belongs on a list.

[@LynnJynh9315]

It wasn't on the list. It topped it.

[@wuzet2yu945]

Good list of options. Horses for courses. Not the same shooting a small blacktail or whitetail inside 100 yards as a 300+ pound muley at 500 yards or more. I use a 300WM most often when deer hunting in B.C. Not because I need it for deer, but sometimes I'm hunting moose, elk, or bear at the same time and also often have the potential for Grizzly encounters. The 22CM or other small cartridges are not going to cut it then, for me. 😅 Nice to shoot small cartridges when you can though.

[@christopheranderson2769]

The best rifle for deer is the one I ironically tape to a truck grill before going to my favorite hunting spot.... next to the "beware of deer crossing" sign. Honestly, the insurance companys public records for deer related auto claims may in fact be the most comprehensive "hunting" guide ever published.

[@TheRealJBMcMunn]

That's seriously creative thinking! 😎

[@bobdittloff5966]

6 5 Mercury has killed alot of deer. Lol

[@TheCodyO]

This list is showing that the people that watch this channel are all a bunch of gun nerds like myself 😊 all of them are great, and work like a charm on deer.

[@williamgoldston5803]

1. 7mm-08 Remington 2. 30-06 3. 270 win 4. 35 whelen 5. 308 win 6. 25-06 7. 6.5 PRC 8. 6mm CM 9. 243 win 10. 45-70

[@АлакПатрова]

7mm-08 is the GOAT

[@markwilsdon9141]

Yes, I am going to change from 30'06 to a 25'06. As I get older recoils bother me.

[@DuddyTales]

300 savage and 35 Remington

[@jeremygourde9880]

Glad to see someone else giving the shoutout to 35 whelen, .45-70. .35 Remington is another one of my favorites

[@hotchihuahua1546]

@@markwilsdon9141 the need to try the Hornady 125 gr. SST Custom Lite # 81066

[@Drakehilt]

Took my buck this year in SC with 350 legend. With how dense the areas the deer live here are, 350 legend is perfect. The shot was at about 30 yards

[@williamgaines9784]

A grandson took a doe today using 350 Legend from my CVA Scout. 75 yards. Sub-X took her heart and opposite leg out of service, but she still ran 65 yards.

[@Drakehilt]

@williamgaines9784 mine went about 100 yards but it stepped and turned as u shot so it won't from a broadside shot to a hard quartering away

[@williamgaines9784]

@@Drakehilt I shot one end of last season, 1st of this year, with Win CopperXP at the same distance - almost exact spot- and it whent down like a 16 ton weight fell on it, not even a twitch...high shoulder puts their lights right out. The 65 yard run took an hour of chopping through briars to get to her. I think the grandson will try to keep his next shot in the high shoulder.😉

[@jacobianmail]

Also in SC. I've dropped 2 bucks with .350 legend this year. 1st one at 70 yards(ran 50 yards) and the 2nd one at 30 yards(ran 15 yards). Easy blood trail. Very happy with the performance. Thumps hard, minimal meat wasted.

[@PEETY666]

Thanks!

[@chrisweber4450]

Love my 270 with 130gr tsx. Browning xbolt hells canyon. Topped with leupold vx3hd. Tough to beat!

[@andqt]

I can use every one of them. Max distance is 200 yards. Currently using 270. Works like a charm. All i have hit, dropped on the spot

[@ZeroXSEED]

My tier list 1. 308 (Can't fail with this) 2. 30-06 (Too powerful sometimes but nothing it can't kill) I literally don't know what the rest are

[@Freedommanbutthesecond2]

Where’s my 6.5 prc or creed?

[@tehclefty5317]

​@@Freedommanbutthesecond2 Left on the shelf where it should be.

[@Freedommanbutthesecond2]

@@tehclefty5317 too good to use

[@garywoodlief1976]

After reading some of the comments i think a lot of people have not hunted enough to be making a good decision.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

I’m SHOCKED that the .243 didn’t make it! It’s been my #1 for western mule deer now for 26 years!

[@ChriEl-g4v]

I think one thing some people forget with 308 vs 7mm-08 is 308 is going to have more energy than 7mm-08 and there’s so many different options in 308. You can get 308 in Barnes VOR-TX 130grain is 3,125fps and in the Hornady superformance sst 308 in 150grain is 3,000fps these are just some examples and obviously these numbers can change based off barrel length or grain weight .yes 7mm-08 is generally speaking gonna have better BC because it is a smaller diameter but for deer hunting it’s really not gonna make a big difference cause most shots are within 400 yards and since the 308 is generally speaking a heavier bullet it’s gonna carry more energy down range and you can shoot a lighter bullet in a 308 and it’s gonna go faster than a 7mm-08 and 308 is going to carry more momentum down range too because it is a heavier bullet and before somebody says it yes 7mm-08 is still a good cartridge but I just think people make it seem like 7mm-08 is better than 308 when in reality you can get a 308 load that shoot a heavier bullet faster than a 7mm-08 can shot or a lighter bullet and that what makes 308 so versatile is the different grain weights at which velocity. You can make them go and get.

[@davidransom4476]

Have 2 Marlin 336's. One in 30-30, but that one usually sat at home. My second favorite was the 35 Remington, reloaded with a Speer 180 gr Grand Slam. Also occasionally carried the 30-30, or my older Ruger Model 77 with the tang safety in 30-06. My number one choice, originally being from the southern part of the Lower Peninsula in Michigan, is 12 guage.

[@MegaLostOne]

Waiting for that 280AI video thats coming. I have the 7mm Rem mag and 7mm/08 but once I get myself a 280AI I will let the other two go. I have noticed there doesn't seem to be a lot of middle ground when it comes to the 280, it seems to be either budget or top of the line. I would love the see the T3x have it.

[@АлакПатрова]

Same

[@kylecomeaux7880]

Why would you get rid of the 7 rem mag, when its ballistics stomp the .280 AI in every category???

[@MegaLostOne]

@@kylecomeaux7880 reloading, a lot easier to reload without the belt. 280AI is more than enough to take elk, less recoil. 280AI, while not quite as much punch as a 7mm rem can be close if reloaded towards the upper end. On average 2” shorter barrel, plus in a T3x with laminated stock is lighter than my Weatherby Vanguard.

[@kylecomeaux7880]

@@MegaLostOnei mean i guess, im one of those crazy mofos that has enough bullets to outlast the gun barrels life though 🤷🏻‍♂️. So reloading aint a big deal to me.

[@MegaLostOne]

@@kylecomeaux7880 I understand. I guess that's why they make so many different flavors. Besides it's only a dream on my part for the T3x to be offered in it and I have considered getting a long action and having it rebarreled in it. Who knows what manufacturer it will be that he shows until it is uploaded.

[@michaellewis5624]

I have or have had just about everything. But my favorite is 257 Weatherby for open country or long range and the 35 whelen for everything else.

[@Gary-q8q]

I think it really comes down to where you live and hunt. For me here in Appalachian Kentucky we have a lot of steep hills and thick underbrush and my preference is slinging a boat anchor ( 444 Marlin) . Our hunting around here 100 yards is a long shot. Lol, that always does the job and no tracking required.

[@Devon-c2g]

Good to see the 270 on the list

[@stevanrivas9562]

I've yet to go hunting, but I'm eager to try out the bolt action 30-30 my fiance recently got a couple of weeks ago. At the range though it's a beautiful work of art, kicks slightly more than my 300 B.O. and is absolutely accurate with the iron sights ❤️

[@michaelbrewer5814]

For me, 243 is a top gun for whitetail.

[@daviddunning8357]

A the Native guide in Saskatchewan heard his clients argue about the best calibre ,they asked him and he said,” Any gun good ,shootum good. “They also asked him about whether a pump or lever or bolt or auto was better. He said, “one shot good, two shots not so good, Three shots ,forget it man.” The clients noticed the monster buck on the wall and asked, what’s the best way to get a Buck like that. He said “AT NIGHT”.

[@Dougarrowhead]

@@daviddunning8357 wow did you make that up?

[@daviddunning8357]

@@Dougarrowhead no but it was worth remembering 😆

[@scottl9308]

Love my savage 99 lever in 300 savage.

[@corvettefan91]

My coworker sold his rifles and uses a muzzleloader exclusively, we have an early and late muzzleloading season in my part of the country.

[@gregbryant8712]

If I still had bear dogs where sometimes things get a little western I would have a 760 game master barreled in 35 whelen A.I..

[@paulmoss7940]

I know you absolutely hate to hear it...but all you need for North America is a 30/06. Never failed me, and I harvest more game than 95% of your readers over the last 50 years. Literally hundreds of deer and 12 black bears.

[@jordanknute2029]

My older friend has a very old Springfield M1 garande and when we are at our range, and he dumps 8+1 downrange at a big stump, the destruction is honestly something to behold lol.

[@toddjohnson271]

I chose others for fun or specific advantages but there is no more versatile centerfire round than 30-06

[@HS4L]

Ain’t bad for an old round, but why drive a Honda when I own a Raptor?

[@wardyachtsales]

How did the .243 NOT make this list?? That's insane. My list starts with the .243 for light recoil and factory ammo availability, 280 AI for the light recoil, BC, and reload friendliness, 6.5CM for reaching out further, and the 7mm-08 for the relatively light recoil and versatility on game from sheep to elk. I have not fired the .22CM, but WOW, the BC and speed are insane. 600fps faster than the 22-250 inside of 500 yards WITH a heavier grain bullet capable of taking medium game. Will be interesting to see if the cartridge takes off in popularity, but it certainly has potential.

[@Robert-o2h9j]

Only time I don't carry my 243 it's because I grab the 270

[@garnieross9958]

Can't believe that .243 didn't make this list. I live in rural Mannitoba. Have my .243 with me everyday. Wicked caliber for both coyotes and deer. Federal 80 gr. is the perfect load. 3330 ft/sec. Nice!

[@samhouston5217]

300 WSM, 243, 28 Nosler. but I have cleanly killed black tails with 556 even.... so it's all preference and state laws, and distance to what you guys choose. Great show, as always. Thank you.

[@John_439]

Yah most of us can't afford 10 different hunting rifles. 308, 3006, 270 all can shoot almost anything

[@CamBrann]

Gotta work hard to play hard.

[@AJohnson0325]

and a deer or hog won’t be able to tell the difference.

[@John_439]

@@CamBrann you gotta work hard just to afford a house and raise a family. Play comes like 5th on the list of importance

[@CamBrann]

@@John_439 I get that, I guess it’s just how one decides to set his life up. For instance I commercial fish most of the year then guide in the off season.

[@surfingtothestars]

as long as you're 150 yards and in, just about anything will get the job done.

[@jerrymartin5100]

Best woods 150 yard rifle is the 35 Remington.

[@fredlarsen7011]

I agree. 243 is fantastic

[@jmc3994]

Got my first .270 a couple years ago. Browning X Bolt. I only wish I'd started with it years ago. What a great cartridge!

[@sergeantsanta138]

All in all good list. I like the fact 243 wasn't on it. From all I've seen it just doesn't have the power. Last year my sister used her 243 when 2 deer walked into her sights. She hit both in the shoulder blade, (not the best shot i know) but right at the heart and both ran. The one found my other sister with a 12gauge and the 243 didn't penetrant the shoulder. The other we tracked all night with micro drops and a week later brother shot with 6.5 creedmoor, and Again had a big black hole on its shoulder but didn't go through the cartilage of the shoulder. So I'm going to stick with my 30-06 with 180grain. As my grandpa said no such think as overkill as long as it's a kill.

[@dudleytalley5448]

Other than recoil the 7mag beats it in every way. Man love your content but you are definitely hung up on the latest and greatest. All the pistol grip stocks with flush cups and recoil pads and new cartridges that you always talk about I reckon are nice but my 1992 savage with my cheap Remington ammo seems to work good for the 5-10 deer I shoot a year and haven’t tracked a deer in 11 years🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@klintstout1477]

Thanks for featuring my comment/vote on the .270... made my day

[@JohnSprague-d5w]

Love my 280 ai. Set up for 195gr bergers., but not for deer. My deer catridge is a 257 roberts.

[@craiglinderman5249]

257 Robert's rocks!

[@phillippal.6923]

Absolutely ❤

[@Revolver_68]

257 Roberts is my favorite.

[@slogue77]

I am a 47 Aussie and just taken my first Deer 😱what a rush. I have just got into hunting in last couple of years. Used a Tikka 300 win mag , so that is my favourite cartridge forever now , haha ....

[@kimmichaels899]

Good didn't know you folks could own guns,, congrats! I use a ar 47 with 762x39 cartridge ,out of a 1-8 twist 16" barrel,123 gr. underwood hp 2700 ftps

[@Hadlor]

I deer hunt with my 1943 M1 Garand and 70s made Remington 700 both in 30-06. 30-06 is cheap where I live and stores carry wide offerings to find out what my guns liked. Both REALLY liked 150gr Hornady American Whitetail. My Rem700 grouped just under an inch at 100yd with it and my M1 Garand grouped 2.1 MOA. Anyone who shoots an M1 knows that an m1 grouping under 3moa without handloading is more than acceptable for the platform, and my old 300$ pawnshop rem700 was surprising with the old 4x Redfield scope on it.

[@HighDragLowSpeed365]

“You grandpas that have been killing deer since I was in diapers are wrong, get a brand new cartridge and gun cause my sponsors sell them!”

[@joztunes69]

I'm from the midwest 1- 30-06 2- 308 win 3- 300 WSM 4- 243 win 5- 6,5 CM 6- 25-06 7- 7mm REM Mag 8- 260 Rem 9- 220 swift 10- 22-250

[@jesusoftheapes]

why magnums ? Magnums are NOT good deer calibers and are made for much larger game. They are not deer calibers.

[@chengsterboi07]

My list is a little different. 1. 270win 2. 6.5 prc 3. 7mm-08 4. 308win 5. 7rem mag

[@jesusoftheapes]

Mags have no place for Deer. Magnum calibers are for dangerous game and do not belong on any list for deer. PERIOD.

[@hunterbasselite6826]

I agree with you 100% on the 243 … 243 is GREAT , people who don’t know about ballistics will say it’s not “powerful” enough , but most people don’t understand it’s a SHORT action. It has GREAT ballistics , it’s soo versatile, you can shoot 4000fps with vmax , and then 90-100gr at 3000+ fps , and still have wonderful energy at 100+ yds.. However the 270 is so/so , I would pick a 308 168gr alll day over a 270, long actions in general idrc for.. The 308 and 243 would be my all around #1 picks .. the 2nd would be a 6.5prc 3rd would be 45/70 (once you use levers you get addicted ) My top 3 ^ for DEER that is..