LlindeX

I have hunted mulies in three different Rocky Mtn. states for over 40 years now, and I can say that any good rifle of 243 caliber or better will definitely get the job done if you do yours and put the lead in the boiler room. I just consider the type of terrain and the type of hunting I'm most likely to encounter in the area I'm going to be hunting, then pick the caliber I prefer for the situation out of the safe. I use several different rifles that I've accumulated over the years, and each one has its positives and negatives depending upon the specific situation I'm hunting in. All of them will do the job, however, now that I'm getting a bit older and slowing down some, I quite often select the old Winchester 70 Ultralight in 7X57 caliber for my muley hunts. It shoots straight and plenty flat for me with my 140 gr. handloads. It is a light carry, I can shoot it well, & it has never failed to put a buck down for me yet. (I have big game rifles all the way from 300 savage up to and including a custom 30-338 Wildcat. If I'm going after elk or something bigger, I either go with the 7MM mag, 300 Win.,or the 30-338. If I'm hunting antelope out the the flats of Wyoming,I'll usethe 7mm mag. If it's muleys in the sagebrush, I'll use the 30-06 or 270. When its my typical muley hunt in semi open terrain, the little 7X57 suits me fine out to about 250 yrds.) The ole' saying of use the rifle you shoot best is definitely applicable! Any of these calibers will do the job if you can be patient enough to get within good shooting range and then put the bullet where it is supposed to go. None of them will do the job for you if you shoot from a distance or in conditions which prevent you from hitting the right spot. Know your rifle, and know your own capabilities with it. A 400 gr. slug out of a 45/70 won't drop a coyote in his tracks if you put it in his left hind foot! A 75 gr. slug out of a 243 will drop a moose if you put it in his left ear!

Regards, & Good Huntin',
LlindeX