Good long-range deer calibers. - Page 2

thndrchiken · 10-29-2005, 08:56 PM

The biggest advantage to the 06 is the variety and availability of factory loads as opposed to the magnums, wsm's and some of the others. The 06 will do anything the 300 will just a little slower.

stubblejumper · 10-29-2005, 09:20 PM

Quote:

The 06 will do anything the 300 will just a little slower.

using that theory

the 308win will do anything that the 30-06 will just a little slower

the 300savage will do anything that the 308win will just a little slower

the 30-30 will do anything that the 300 savage will just a little slower

therefore we must conclude that the 30-30 will do anything that the 300winmag will just slower

James B · 10-29-2005, 09:23 PM

The 270 and 280 are made for the tasks you wish to perform. I also like the 25-06.

Jeff Ovington · 10-29-2005, 09:45 PM

ANY of these calibers mentioned will fit nicely into the long range
deer category.
The main thing is to sight your gun in so that the point of impact
at a hundred yrds, is sighted in as such that it will maximize your
point blank range..
Meaning that your bullet will never fall above or below your line of sight by more than 3 inches,all the way out to 300yrds yards...
This allows you to hold dead on with any big game animal out to that distance.
Once you've established that,practice at ranges 350 -500yrds....
Bottem line most INEXPERIENCED SHOOTERS,that practice long range shooting end up shooting over there target at closer ranges..

Virginia7 · 10-29-2005, 11:20 PM

Some good long range cartridges for deer "on up" would include the 280Remington, 30-06, and 7mm Remington Mag. IMO, the .30cal. mags don't offer enough over the old '06 to make 'em worthwhile. If more power is wanted or needed, then move on up to the 338Win.Mag.
BTW, I completely agree with your assesment of the 243Win. - minimal for deer, and too small for anything larger.
As noted, a good bolt action rifle would be your best choice as opposed to a semi-auto. The Winchester Featherweight is an excellent choice. You might also want to look into the Remington 700 CDL.
Good luck.

ps: The Featherweight is also available now in stainless with a walnut stock. Good lookin' rifle.
Link: http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=966&cat=001C

CanWoodsman · 10-30-2005, 05:43 AM

Virginia7 summed it up pretty good. I am a 25.06 fan but when you stated "deer on up" the calibers listed by Virginia7 are abetter choice. Tough to beat the 25.06 on "deer and smaller sized game".

Good Luck

ejpaul1 · 10-30-2005, 08:06 AM

50 BMG. EJ

T-bird · 10-30-2005, 09:27 AM

I'm glad to see I'm not the only .30-06 fan left in the world!! I've shot a Winchester M70 for over 25 years, and taken deer as close as 10 steps and as far as 329 yds with it. It's never missed, and never lost a deer, so I think the old -06 is a fine long range caliber. I got the bug and bought another Model 70 in .300 WSM about 4 years ago, and I really enjoy it, but I don't think it'll do anything my .30-06 won't do.

tykempster · 10-30-2005, 10:13 AM

How much does ammunition for a .257 Weatherby cost? Weatherby Catalog says $41 for 20 but I know WalMart usually has ammo cheaper. 30-06 is sounding like the best choice, or maybe 7mm. Definatly not .338 I don't wanna wind up off the bench when I fire it.

stubblejumper · 10-30-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

I've shot a Winchester M70 for over 25 years, and taken deer as close as 10 steps and as far as 329 yds with it. It's never missed, and never lost a deer, so I think the old -06 is a fine long range caliber.

Long range is a relative term.To me it means 400 to 500 yards or more.While 329 yards iscertainly not close range many of us would not considerit long range either.