Best Caliber for Deer for 200+ Yard Shots?

[Elk-fanatic91]

Another vote for the 7mm-08. Idk about the best, but If you do your part, it’ll sure knock em dead.

 

[Bado20]

I would go with either the 6.5 CM or the 7mm-08. That approximate bullet diameter and powder capacity hits a sweet spot IMO.

 

[Ynothunt41]

I think the bullet is more important then the caliber but my vote is the 6.5cm with the 143 ELDX bullet. I have shot a bunch of animals including a elk and they don't move. Shot placement is king!!

 

[Centralcoastca]

There’s a lot of calibers that can easily do that well. If you don’t like recoil head that direction, if it’s going to be possibly a rifle you’ll use for other stuff and don’t mind recoil head that direction. I like a .280 myself for deer and pigs. It’s a nice middle ground to me with enough range and enough energy. .280ai is getting popular again so rifles and ammo are around. If you end up going for something bigger like elk it’d do that too.

 

[Rich M]

7mm08, 308, 270, 6.5 cm

Something that doesnt kick too bad or go boom really loud. Keep your bullets over say 125 gr.

 

[long hunter]

My go to in order 30-06 - 7mm - 308 - 257 Roberts - 450 bushmaster, .62 cal. flint lock long rifle,in my neck of the woods a 200 yd. shot is a pipe dream, out west 300 win. mag 6.5 CM

 

[Docpk]

6.5CM with 143 eldx. Flat, deadly and barely kicks.

 

[c670809]

As many have said, most will work at under 400 yards. If you haven't read the .223 thread, you might consider it. It is eye opening.

 

[chicoredneck]

If keeping shots under 300 yards - 223 is my top pick. For going longer, I want something with higher BCs and more gas. I like any of the 6.5 creedmoor or 308 derived cartridges.

 

[Rich M]

As many have said, most will work at under 400 yards. If you haven't read the .223 thread, you might consider it. It is eye opening.

It is illegal to hunt big game w less than .243 in many states.

 

[MeatMissile]

I don’t think it really matters until shots will routinely exceed 350 yards. Most standard cartridges from 6mm to 338 will allow you to hold on hair and hit a deer (with a 200 yard zero).

I’ve got a 243, 6.5 Creedtard, 270, 7mm-08, 7x57, 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, and a 338 Win Mag. I’d be okay with any of those within the parameters given in the OP.

 

[jge340456]

It is illegal to hunt big game w less than .243 in many states.

here in ky it only has to be a centerfire cartridge. .223 bolt action is my go to gun for groundhogs to deer. use a 77gr hp and never had one run more then 30yrd. most drop where they stand. that said not sure i’d take a shot over 200yrds personally. more a personal skill limit then the gun or cartridge limit.

 

[Rich M]

here in ky it only has to be a centerfire cartridge. .223 bolt action is my go to gun for groundhogs to deer. use a 77gr hp and never had one run more then 30yrd. most drop where they stand. that said not sure i’d take a shot over 200yrds personally. more a personal skill limit then the gun or cartridge limit.

The worst tracks ive had were kids w 243. Never had any problems when an experienced hunter shoots one w 243. Prolly be the same for 223.

Most of the young guys went from 243 to 270 and the lost deer stopped. Was it a bigger gun thing or more experience?

 

[Newtosavage]

Only two deer I've ever seen lost after being shot with a rifle were both shot with a .223. No thanks. If you're going to hunt deer, get a round designed for the task. For an adult, there is literally zero reason to choose a .223 over a 6.5 CM or .243.

This tacticool crowd is gonna be the death of hunting as we know it.

 

[jmyers]

Mine is a 7-06 Ackley shooting 168gr Berger HVLDs at 3000 fps. It can't get much better than this

 

[stevevan]

Mine is a 7-06 Ackley shooting 168gr Berger HVLDs at 3000 fps. It can't get much better than this

Lots of choices. My preference is the 257 Bee.

 

[TheArdentOutdoorsman]

I've bounced around and owned my share of deer rifles but always find myself going back to the 270 win for deer

 

[Danny Hoey]

I'm considering a new gun for the upcoming season due to the new lease I was lucky enough to stumble on. It has some nice flat, open fields and I'm looking at some 200+ yard shots. What is your favorite caliber for deer for those 200+ yard shots?

What gun do you shoot now? Chances are, it'll probably work just fine.

 

[ORfish]

What gun do you shoot now? Chances are, it'll probably work just fine.

I can't really think of any need for a new gun for a deer in 200-400. Most modern centerfire rifles will be fine.

The real discussion would be what calibers wont work. Like too small .17 or too slow for distance 45-70. Any .257/6.0/6.5/270/7/.30/.338/.375 is fine

 

[Stevek]

I shot a whole lot of whitetails and mule deer with either my .270 or .280 over the last 42 yrs now. I can only recommend what I have used.... but I do with confidence because I now how well both have worked.