I was wondering what you guys think is the most popular caliber gun for deer hunting. Also what caliber gun do you think you should use for bigger game animals.

The .30-06 is king. There are other chamberings that sell almost as well, but the '06 has been on top for a while. One reason is that it is capable of handling anything you'd come across in North America (with proper placement, of course), all the way up to the big bears. Unless you're going to face charging grizzlies in the Alaskan interior, it should take care ofjust about all of your needs.

There was an article in either Sports Afield or Outdoor Life recently (Oct. or Nov.) about deer cartridges. The 2 most used, seemed to be the 30/06 and the 308. Both very similar in ballastics with the 308 having a little flatter trajectory.

Go with a 30-06 for deer and close range big game. The .06 will take down everything from deer to bear to elk and even moose. Although, the shots should be limited to 200 - 300 yards. I wouldn't try for a moose more than 100 yards. If you want to go after deer, and you don't have to or want to shoot a long ways, the 30-30 is the perfect gun. It's inexpensive to shoot, no recoil, and can kill a deer easily up to 150 yards.

I personally don't shoot 06's, only because everyone and their mothers shot them. i like to be different. i have a 30-30 i use sometimes but mostly my 6mm. i've never read articles about it but i would guess for sure the 06 is the most popular, everyone uses them that i know.

30 odd hands down

10 years ago I would have said 30/06 or 30/30..

Today I would say that hands down THE most popluar calibre gun for hunting whitetails due too populated areas, rifle restrictions, and just recently the extreme accuracy, reliability and special seasons,, its the .50 cal muzzleloader!

.30-06 is by far the most popular, readily mentioned caliber that I have heard in the present. the .30-.30 has taken more deer than any other caliber through out history. The 7mm-08, .270 and .243 are also very popular calibers. All are very good with the .30-.30 being more of a short to medium range caliber.

Assuming that you are using the same weight bullet, the .308 spits it out about 100 fps slower. How could it possibly have a little flatter trajectory?


I was at the rifle range a couple weeks ago to sight in my .243, and Iwalked down the line to see what the other guys were shooting. The vast plurality were shooting .270's.

What's a 30 odd?