James B

I am a fan of the 308 as well. I have two. A Browning A-Bolt Stalker and the 700 Classic in 308. It is in the group of about the five best deer rifles.Although it would be tough to limit it to only five.

chronic hntr

30.06 hands down

antlergetter

I'm going to say a .270 gets the job done just right. My remington .270 ADL is suited for any terrain I hit in my area.

Split-Hoof

The "best" caliber varies from person to person. For me, the .30-06 is what I'm used to and I shoot it well. You can't go wrong with the '06 as long as you can handle the recoil. For most people the recoil isn't an issue, but some may find it too much.

If you have friends that own several calibers and are willing to let you shoot them, then that would be the best thing to do, to find which is best for you.

TomFromTheShade

If you were looking for a rifle for pure whitetail deer hunting, a rifle that wouldn't be used for any other game, then I would recommend the .243 Winchester. This would be my reasoning.

1. The .243 has more than enough power to take whitetails cleanly at all reasonable hunting distances. You will have more than enough velocity and energy to reliably harvest deer out to 300 yards.

2. There is a huge selection of factory ammunition available for the .243 that is suitable for whitetail deer. With the dozen or so common factory offerings you will be able to find at least one that shoots great in your rifle.

3. The short action of the .243 rifle will allow you to use a shorter, lighter, handier gun in the field. This translates into a more pleasurable hunting situation for you if you have to carry your rifle any considerable distance.

4. The very light recoil of the .243 makes it fun to shoot, and a pleasure to practice with. This means that you will be more accurate with your rifle and you will be able to make better shots on deer sized game.

Based on these observations I think that you really have a great whitetail caliber. I would couple this chambering with a nice bolt action rifle with a synthetic stock and a 24 inch barrel. A simple 3-9x40mm scope would be an excellent tool to aid in aiming your rifle, and a sling and/or bipod would be a great addition as well.

Realistically, the list of "perfect" hunting rifles goes on and on, but I don't think that the .243 is a bad choice for hunting whitetails.

Yivin

Well there are alot of different kinds and makes of guns.You have to try a couple to determine what works best for the individual. As long as I hunt I like to use different kinds. It always keeps you thinking and more enjoyable. Heck use a shotgun with a slug. This puts alotmore work into a hunt and makes it rewarding. If your looking for a challenge use a bow...

SSgt.Bill Page

I go for a 22-250 with reload Ballistic tips. Every deer I have ever shot just melted in its tracks. I have hunted with 33-06, 30-30, 270, 7mm, 243, and 300 win mag. In My opinion, its all overkill that ruins the meat. But thats my opinion.

lswoody

For me it's the 30-06. Can't go wrong with anything in the 308-7mmmagrange. There are other good ones too. I'd say 243 would be the smallest and unless you are making 300 yard plus shots there is no need for a 300 mag or larger calibers.
Scott Woody

A.D.D. BOY

Wear i hunt at the best caliber is the trusty 12 gauge. Cause cant hunt with rifles and 12 gauge can stop anything that comes near it.