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Originally Posted by bigbulls
(Post 3852332)
If you are worried about meat damage then you need a rifle chambered for a cartridge that fires a heavy for caliber bullet at slow to moderate velocities of about 2000 - 2500 fps.
Such as a 45/70, 30-30, 444 Marlin, 6.5X55, 7mm mauser, .338 Federal, 35 Remington, etc... Big heavy bullets are generally tougher bullets and do not expand nearly as violently as light weight bullets do. Sometimes I take my .338 ultra mag deer hunting here in Florida and you would be surprised how little blood shot meat there is with a 250 grain bullet at nearly 3000 fps. The general misconception is that it would blow the deer in half but just the opposite is true. Last thing you want to do is light grain for caliber for in tight/close shots as suggested a 125gr with the 06. A .270 is a great caliber but it really is designed for further shooting then 50 yards, don't get me wrong loaded with a 150gr bullet it'll dance with any deer from feet to hundreds of yards just saying if this is your only use it may not be the best for you/your situation. Pretty hard to argue with a lever 30/30, .35, .44 or 45 in this case...JMO |
The 30.06 will be fine. If you want something with a little less kick and will kill deer just fine go with a 308.
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Based upon your initial info, with shots in the 50-100 yard range, you'd be served very will with a 30/30 Win. However if you want to get away from the 30/30 Win., then I'd agree with Bigbulls .... and personally lean towards the 45/70 Gov., 35 Rem., or 444 Marlin.
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Here in my neck of the woods I would be lucky to get more than a 50yd shot on anything except for one small pasture that is about 100yds by about 40 yds.
So with this in mind i have elected to use a SKS shooting 125gr soft points. I know a lot of people compare the 7.62x39 to 30/30. So from my standpoint this is just another option for you to consider. Plus you can get cheap plinking ammo to practice with. |
Originally Posted by 1979 buckhunter
(Post 3852667)
The 30.06 will be fine. If you want something with a little less kick and will kill deer just fine go with a 308.
The .308 is also known for it's lethal accuracy! .30-06 .308 .270 etc...etc... The deer won't know any difference. All 3 rounds (and others) will drop a deer in its tracks, if you do your part. For me, I am a fan of the legendary .308 round. There is just something about it... It is available everywhere, and can be cheap priced as well. |
If you hunting in MS.. Look into a Single Shot break open in 35 Rem.. Then you can use it as a primative weapon also.. Other options would be a 7mm-08
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I have to agree with Bigbulls and the others who recommended what are usually called "Brush Guns". With 50 yard average shots and probably in the woods, that is their best area of effectiveness. That is what a "Brush Gun" is for. Since you do not want a 30-30, some of your better choices are:
35 Remington 45-70 444 Marlin 450 Marlin These are big slow bullets that generally knock an animal down with authority. Cor Bon makes more powerful versions for some of them. The idea is to have the bullet expend all it's energy in the animal. Pass throughs may leave a better blood trail but, if you do your part, you will see the deer drop. |
A 44 Mag Carbine would be great too. One of Rugers semi autos or a Marlin or Winchester lever action perhaps. Of course the 35 Remington is a classic medium range deer caliber, more power than a 30-30 but not too destructive on the meat. Heck if your only shooting out to 50 yards a handgun would do just fine.
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If you use factory ammo loaded with bullets like Barnes, Hornady GMX, Or Nosler E-tip's. Effective and no meat loss, You can use whatever cartridge you want and leave the gross overbores for the buffalo hunting they were designed for.:throw:
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Think you will find less meat damage with a slow 45/70, which is farther from overbore than an '06. Even using copper bullets, if you use the weight range for the game, and caliber selected, you will see meat damage, especially at the close ranges the OP wants to shoot at. Better to use the 45/70 cookie cutter thru the deer, then a small bore high velocity round that relies on hydroshock to work. Now if you want a buffalo gun, I have a 375H&H, but you will find minimal meat damage on deer with it as well.
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