Deer,Which Rifle to Use?

ninjatoth · 10-26-2009, 12:20 PM

I am hunting for the 2nd time ever this season,and I own one rifle,but others have offered me the use of their rifles,and I also have a list of possible rifles I can use also.What is the best deer gun out of my choices?.22-250,.243,.25-06,.270 winchester,.270 weatherby mag,.30-30,.300 savage,.444 marlin,20 ga,12 ga.?

338RUM · 10-26-2009, 12:25 PM

which one is yours? that would be my first choice second would be 25-06

ninjatoth · 10-26-2009, 12:28 PM

mine is the .444,and the .270s are the direct offers to me.

ArkansasHunter · 10-26-2009, 12:31 PM

Personaly since you have a pretty good list of rifles to chose from, I would'nt pick a shotgun.
I know my buddy nathandad want like it but drop the 243 LOL and use any of the rifles you've posted, they'll all work just fine.

The 25-06 and the 300 Savage would be nice to use...A.H

Paper · 10-26-2009, 12:35 PM

It completely depends on the terrain you're hunting and how long the shots could possibly be??

Your question is about the same as asking us what color car you should get next..

I hunt in areas where a 44 magnum rifle is overkill as far as range, and the next spot it's 200 yards short on maximum range.

If you want a rifle that'll do anything from 15 yards to 300, go with the .270.. It'll do all those things and you can still get ammo for it at the local Walmart. And that's coming from a guy who doesn't own a .270..

Sportsterboy · 10-26-2009, 03:19 PM

If I had but one choice for situations from close in to 3-400 yards, I would say go with the .270 Winchester. That being said I have taken more deer (probably 50 or more) with a .243 Winchester. Just have to pick your shots, and limit range to about 200 yards at the longest.

nathangdad · 10-26-2009, 04:18 PM

one of my favorite cartridges is the .243 Winchester that is plenty adequate for all game up to and including deer.

I like it because it has great accuracy, not so much recoil, and long range hitting power.

samuel · 10-26-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

Personaly since you have a pretty good list of rifles to chose from, I would'nt pick a shotgun.
I know my buddy nathandad want like it but drop the 243 LOL and use any of the rifles you've posted, they'll all work just fine.

The 25-06 and the 300 Savage would be nice to use...A.H

For years I have seen the 6mm/.243 create bloodclots on both sides of the ribcage on deer/antelope and easily wipe out heart/lung area at 300yds and under.Your .308 won't make them any more dead than that.I like just plain old 100gr flatbase softpoints. ,,,sam.

ninjatoth · 10-26-2009, 05:00 PM

Thanks for the input guys.I wanted to see what others thought for sure,but I am probably going to just use the only deer rifle I actually own which is the .444 marlin.I got some of the Hornady leverevolution ammo for it,and I had it boresighted a week ago.I guess that new ammo will increase my range a bit,yet is safe to go into tube magazines since the pointed tips are flexible.If I happen to miss or something with the .444,I will probably go next door and get my brother in law's .270 win and try again.My 3rd and easiest gun to obtain would be my dad's 30-30,but it is open sights.

unclejer · 10-26-2009, 05:39 PM

In a woods area a 30 30 in open at 150 yards or more .270

texnmidwest · 10-26-2009, 05:52 PM

Some great advice above. ANY of the rifles or shotguns you mentioned will do the job nicely within their range limits.

I agree with you in using your 444. That is if you are comfortable hunting and shooting it. If the recoil is a little uncomfortable then step to the 30-30. The 270 would be primo, I DO own a 270 and love it. But, if you are more confident with a lighter recoiling rifle and your shots are 150 or less, because you are an expert hunter, stalk in close and prefer to brag about the powder burns on the deer instead of the long distance you shot it from, then stick with your lever guns.

But , heck, any choice would have you in the woods with a rifle in your hand! So, what the hay!

Billyz · 10-26-2009, 06:05 PM

Where in the state are you hunting?

ninjatoth · 10-26-2009, 06:22 PM

I live in Michigan

Billyz · 10-26-2009, 06:31 PM

Where in Mi do you live or where are you going to hunt?

Cyrano · 10-26-2009, 06:55 PM

I'd say as much depends on the cover and terrain you're hunting as on how comfrotable you are with the rifle. I must say a .444 Marlin with the now Leverevolution ammo will certainly have enough power out to 300 yards to take a deer; and in the kind of close cover I visualize when I think of the Michigan woods I've seen in travelogues, it will work nicely for you. I'd say you can get a DRT shot every time with that kind of power to command.

If you are comfortable with it, stick with it. I would.

samuel · 10-26-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjatoth

Thanks for the input guys.I wanted to see what others thought for sure,but I am probably going to just use the only deer rifle I actually own which is the .444 marlin.I got some of the Hornady leverevolution ammo for it,and I had it boresighted a week ago.I guess that new ammo will increase my range a bit,yet is safe to go into tube magazines since the pointed tips are flexible.If I happen to miss or something with the .444,I will probably go next door and get my brother in law's .270 win and try again.My 3rd and easiest gun to obtain would be my dad's 30-30,but it is open sights.

I hope you understand boresighting "DOES NOT" mean it is sighted in.Boresighting only gets you on paper.You still need to sight in.If properly boresighted it only takes a few rounds to zero in. ,,,sam.

G. Green · 10-26-2009, 07:54 PM

If it was me I'd use all the rifles ('ceptin' "maybe" the .250-3000 necked to .22 caliber) BEFORE I used any of the shotguns. All those rifle calibers will work just fine. Pick the rifle that you shoot best, fits best, and you like best. Personally it wouldn't bother me if a feller had an old English double rifle in .600 nitro express if he loved it and could make a clean kill with it.

samuel · 10-27-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrano

I'd say as much depends on the cover and terrain you're hunting as on how comfrotable you are with the rifle. I must say a .444 Marlin with the now Leverevolution ammo will certainly have enough power out to 300 yards to take a deer; and in the kind of close cover I visualize when I think of the Michigan woods I've seen in travelogues, it will work nicely for you. I'd say you can get a DRT shot every time with that kind of power to command.

If you are comfortable with it, stick with it. I would.

Acording to DNR in Mich.,the average shot for deer is 18yds. ,,,sam.

ninjatoth · 10-27-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

I hope you understand boresighting "DOES NOT" mean it is sighted in.Boresighting only gets you on paper.You still need to sight in.If properly boresighted it only takes a few rounds to zero in. ,,,sam.

I actually didn't know that.I guess it makes sense why the guy that did it said that it was on paper at 25 yards.I shot a few shots and they were all high,or left.I guess I should use my 7 rounds I have left to dial it in,and buy another box of ammo.$35 for 20 sucks,but it's better than that .270 weatherby,that gun is like $80 for 20.

338RUM · 10-27-2009, 09:38 AM

What ya doin with the brass pieces? I could use some more reloading supplies.

10-26-2009, 12:20 PM	#1
ninjatoth Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 66	Deer,Which Rifle to Use? I am hunting for the 2nd time ever this season,and I own one rifle,but others have offered me the use of their rifles,and I also have a list of possible rifles I can use also.What is the best deer gun out of my choices?.22-250,.243,.25-06,.270 winchester,.270 weatherby mag,.30-30,.300 savage,.444 marlin,20 ga,12 ga.?

10-26-2009, 12:25 PM	#2
338RUM Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Lonaconing, MD Posts: 1,025	which one is yours? that would be my first choice second would be 25-06 __________________ diaper fetishist, gay ,neo Nazi ,slaves give me hope for the versatility of the human race. -Billy

10-26-2009, 12:31 PM	#4
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	Personaly since you have a pretty good list of rifles to chose from, I would'nt pick a shotgun. I know my buddy nathandad want like it but drop the 243 LOL and use any of the rifles you've posted, they'll all work just fine. The 25-06 and the 300 Savage would be nice to use...A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

10-26-2009, 12:35 PM	#5
Paper Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: IL/WI Border Posts: 1,913	It completely depends on the terrain you're hunting and how long the shots could possibly be?? Your question is about the same as asking us what color car you should get next.. I hunt in areas where a 44 magnum rifle is overkill as far as range, and the next spot it's 200 yards short on maximum range. If you want a rifle that'll do anything from 15 yards to 300, go with the .270.. It'll do all those things and you can still get ammo for it at the local Walmart. And that's coming from a guy who doesn't own a .270.. __________________ I'm on vacation!!!

10-26-2009, 04:18 PM	#7
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5,172	Personally, one of my favorite cartridges is the .243 Winchester that is plenty adequate for all game up to and including deer. I like it because it has great accuracy, not so much recoil, and long range hitting power.

10-26-2009, 12:28 PM	#3
ninjatoth Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 66	mine is the .444,and the .270s are the direct offers to me.

10-26-2009, 03:19 PM	#6
Sportsterboy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 123	If I had but one choice for situations from close in to 3-400 yards, I would say go with the .270 Winchester. That being said I have taken more deer (probably 50 or more) with a .243 Winchester. Just have to pick your shots, and limit range to about 200 yards at the longest.

10-26-2009, 05:00 PM	#9
ninjatoth Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 66	Thanks for the input guys.I wanted to see what others thought for sure,but I am probably going to just use the only deer rifle I actually own which is the .444 marlin.I got some of the Hornady leverevolution ammo for it,and I had it boresighted a week ago.I guess that new ammo will increase my range a bit,yet is safe to go into tube magazines since the pointed tips are flexible.If I happen to miss or something with the .444,I will probably go next door and get my brother in law's .270 win and try again.My 3rd and easiest gun to obtain would be my dad's 30-30,but it is open sights.

10-26-2009, 05:39 PM	#10
unclejer Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 139	In a woods area a 30 30 in open at 150 yards or more .270

10-26-2009, 05:52 PM	#11
texnmidwest Some People's kids.... Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South east Wisconsin Posts: 6,978	Some great advice above. ANY of the rifles or shotguns you mentioned will do the job nicely within their range limits. I agree with you in using your 444. That is if you are comfortable hunting and shooting it. If the recoil is a little uncomfortable then step to the 30-30. The 270 would be primo, I DO own a 270 and love it. But, if you are more confident with a lighter recoiling rifle and your shots are 150 or less, because you are an expert hunter, stalk in close and prefer to brag about the powder burns on the deer instead of the long distance you shot it from, then stick with your lever guns. But , heck, any choice would have you in the woods with a rifle in your hand! So, what the hay! __________________ never pass up a bathroom, never waste a ** , and never trust a fart.

10-26-2009, 06:05 PM	#12
Billyz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 241	Where in the state are you hunting? __________________ COG #47

10-26-2009, 06:22 PM	#13
ninjatoth Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 66	I live in Michigan

10-26-2009, 06:31 PM	#14
Billyz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 241	Where in Mi do you live or where are you going to hunt? __________________ COG #47

10-26-2009, 06:55 PM	#15
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 6,931	I'd say as much depends on the cover and terrain you're hunting as on how comfrotable you are with the rifle. I must say a .444 Marlin with the now Leverevolution ammo will certainly have enough power out to 300 yards to take a deer; and in the kind of close cover I visualize when I think of the Michigan woods I've seen in travelogues, it will work nicely for you. I'd say you can get a DRT shot every time with that kind of power to command. If you are comfortable with it, stick with it. I would.

10-26-2009, 07:54 PM	#17
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 464	If it was me I'd use all the rifles ('ceptin' "maybe" the .250-3000 necked to .22 caliber) BEFORE I used any of the shotguns. All those rifle calibers will work just fine. Pick the rifle that you shoot best, fits best, and you like best. Personally it wouldn't bother me if a feller had an old English double rifle in .600 nitro express if he loved it and could make a clean kill with it.

10-27-2009, 09:38 AM	#20
338RUM Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Lonaconing, MD Posts: 1,025	What ya doin with the brass pieces? I could use some more reloading supplies. __________________ diaper fetishist, gay ,neo Nazi ,slaves give me hope for the versatility of the human race. -Billy