Ideal Deer Cartridge For CA

[AAR]

Based on our terrain here in northern California, what would you say is the ideal rifle cartridge for deer hunting? On average, how far are you shooting? For example, in the north east USA, I've heard that 100 yards is a long shot. Based on that information, there's no need for anything larger than a .30-30 Winchester. My definition for ideal would be something without excessive recoil, that doesn't damage too much meat, but will make an efficient kill on game with a well placed shot within the given average expected distance.

The reason for this post is to gather knowledge from the more experienced for the new guys. A lot of new guys tend to go over kill or buy a jack of all trades type of gun when they wont ever need that capability. In my opinion, it's better to have dedicated rifle for the type of game. If you want a deer rifle but plan on hunting elk in the future too, just buy a new rifle for the elk hunt. If you can afford an elk hunt, you can afford a new rifle.

My opinion: .243 Win, .25-06, 6.5 Creedmoor/swede, 7mm-08 or 7mm mauser, .30-30, maybe .308 win, maybe .270 win

[stonefly-2]

All of those would be fine with the .243 maybe less so in brushy country and the .30-30 at a disadvantage where a 200 yd. shot might happen.

With copper bullet requirements none is going to damage as much meat as with lead.

My choice is the Swede and satisfied it has no shortcoming on either end I can obsess over the other bits of gear.

[Hunt]

.270 Winchester does it all. I have whacked a bunch of hogs with it.

[edgerly779]

A caliber that has non lead ammo readily available. .243, any 30 cal. 270.
I handload so ammo no issue for me. I shoot 6.8 spc for hogs and deer. Also have .308, 30/06 amd .300 win mag for bigger game.

[Marlin45-70]

Been hunting with my marlin 45-70 for years with a 1.5-5x leupold mounted on, at 250 yds no problem. If its past 250, I'll get closer. No tracking no meat damage.

[Irishfisher]

The one you can find ammo for and shoot straight out to 300 yards.

[JWHuey]

7.62x39 CZ527 would be worth consideration as well.

[LoadedM333]

.243 win will do, I am getting 7mm-08 as dedicated deer rifle.
.270 win is excessive recoil.


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[Kokopelli]

.243 win will do, I am getting 7mm-08 as dedicated deer rifle.
.270 win is excessive recoil.


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My .308 Winchester had more perceived recoil than my .270 Winchester. However things like fit and recoil pads make a difference. I sold the 308 and kept the 270. My 270 is a pleasure to shoot.

[tsmithson]

[P5Ret]

If I was buying a rifle today, it would be the caliber that has ammo readily available. From my observations that is either a .243 or .270.

[theduracellbigd]

OP, first off, there is no overkill in hunting, they can never be too dead. So shoot what is the biggest caliber/cartridge rifle you can shoot accurately whilst not becoming recoil shy. As far as meat damage, it depends where they are hit and whether bone was hit. You will have enough meat, and likely only damage shoulder/rib meat, so no worries. Most shooters can handle anything up to .308. Your 30/30 is a fine choice however there are new cartridges shooting spitzer bullets that will get better downrange performance if you ever need that, also the bolt actions are generally considered the favored action for new modern hunting rifles for a few reasons(a whole other discussion) So I would say .308, or if you are concerned with recoil then 7mm-08, or .243. All these are short action (.308 family) so your rifle will be a tad bit shorter and lighter. However, if you can find a good used 30-06, .270, or 25-06 they are basically the (30-06 family) long action versions of what I first recommended.

[Kevin11mee]

A .300 Win mag is never the wrong choice, but of course it's more of an elk cartridge. I'd say any of the calibers between a 6.5 mm and 7mm are quite well balanced for deer and shoot high BC bullets. So: 6.5cm, .260 Remington, .270, 6.8 western, 7mm-08, .280 AI, 7mag.

[MJB]

270 with 5 in the mag is hard to beat.

[Oneaudiopro]

.243 win will do, I am getting 7mm-08 as dedicated deer rifle.
.270 win is excessive recoil.


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Excessive recoil??? You better double check to see if you don't own a 30-06. .270 has a mild recoil.