Smoke T/A

Hello All!

I was wondering what a good caliber rife for deer hunitng??? My longest shot will only be 150-200 yards mostly less than 150. I'm serisously liking the tikka guns but I'm not sure which one would be a good choice. Most people that I hunt with have a 30-06 or a .270 for deer. Thanks for your response. If it helps I'm in Texas.

Joe

UncleNorby

You have a lot to choose from. Anything from a .243 on up will work fine for shots within 150. Texas deer generally aren't real big bodied critters, usually less than 200 lbs dressed. Like always, shot placement is the key. I'd pick a caliber that you will be able to shoot comfortably as far as recoil goes. Lots of guys buy a gun based on what everybody else has, but having a gun you can really shoot well is more important. If you are recoil sensitive, try something in the range of .243 - 7/08. If you are not shy of recoil, then go up to .308 on up. I like the .30/06 over the .270, but not for any real reason.

Smoke T/A

Recoil is really not a factor for me I turkey hunt with a 870 express super mag (3 1/2 shells) Fully choked. The kick really dosen't bother me. I just want somthing that is a good all around gun. Thanks for your reply.

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UncleNorby

Well heck, if recoil isn't an issue, and you really don't need long range, try something like a 358 Win, 375 Win, 35 Whelen, 444 Marlin, 450 Marlin or 45/70, just to be different. That's half the fun of shooting anyway. None of these will kick like your 870 setup.

Don't know which, if any, of these are chambered by Tikka, but there are lots of rifles out there to choose from.

I have a marlin 1895SS in 45/70 that is a blast to shoot, and is plenty accurate, and flat enough, out to 150-200 for deer hunting. I load mine with Hornady 300 gr JHP to just shy of 2000 fps. Recoil is noticeable but not bad.

Smoke T/A

I might just try the 30/06 a lot of people I know use it. Is the ammo for the 30/06 eaisy to find and cheap? This will be my first rifle purchase and I don't want to make a costly mistake.

Moose_Maximus

I don't see how you can go wrong with a 30-06. Ammunition is available everywhere; even Wal-Mart will have at least half-a-dozen different types to choose from.

If your heart isn't set on a Tikka, and money is an issue (it always is for me), there are lots of used rifles in 30-06 to choose from; I've seen a couple of nice Savage package rifles for sale on AuctionArms for under $250.

Lately, I've seen some nice 30-06 rifles for sale in pawn shops, too.

Good luck! I'm planning on taking my first deer hunt this fall, also.

Bugeaters

i have a T3 lite in 25-06 that i love that is a real tack driver..

bow_huntr

Go to Wal-Mart and see if they have any Weatherby rifles. They have a .300 at the store here for $475. Im looking into a 7mm though.

Smoke T/A

I found a deal on a 7mm tikka whitetail hunter. Are these any better than the new t3 series? Would this be a better choice than the 30/06