Originally Posted by
homers brother
There are just too many variables to consider than simply how far a deer goes (or not) after it's been shot.
"Which caliber rifle legal in your state for deer do you shoot the best" would be a better question, IMO. I hunt deer with either a .243 or .30-06. While I certainly don't consider the .30-06 the recoiler my .300 or my .375 are, I shoot the .243 more comfortably and - consequently - I'm more prone to concentrate on putting the shot where it needs to go than I am wondering whether I'll break my collarbone. And, that probably influences in turn how many more bang-flops I've had with a .243 versus any other caliber in my battery.
Homers Brother - Thanks, that is what I wanted to know. So, even if deer run farther with your 243 than your 30-06, that does not bother you at all, because you are confident with the 243. Therefore, you consider the 2 to be equal.
So, I am not sure if your vote would be that distance of travel is not an issue, or you are saying it is one of many variable, but not your top priority, but that is what this poll is getting at.
I have a feeling that the distance of travel after the shot is not the top priority of many other users on this site, and that probably also has something to do with the landscape of where they hunt.