Deer cartridges with minimal recoil

[Skydog]

The 90 grain BT will be just fine if you want to go that way.

The 95 grain Winchester is a NBT, just coated black.

To be completely honest, if you are limiting your range to around 300 yards, the "cheap" factory Federal, Winchester, or Remington ammo with 100 grain Soft Points will be just fine without the "premium" price tag.

In regard to the Accubonds...wouldn't they be even better than the Ballistic Tips? Wouldn't they have all the same expansion/wound characteristics of the BTs, but with less fragmentation, more weight retention, no lead/copper separation, better penetration, etc.? It seems like the bonding would provide some additional insurance for these smaller bullets, especially when a less than perfect broadside shot is not available.

 

[Bugger]

Wouldn't they have all the same expansion/wound characteristics of the BTs, but with less fragmentation

Can’t have the same wound characteristics without the same fragmentation. There’s not a single shot angle I’d take with the accubond that I wouldn’t with a 95BT. It’s a more stout jacket than you’d think.

 

[wind gypsy]

In regard to the Accubonds...wouldn't they be even better than the Ballistic Tips? Wouldn't they have all the same expansion/wound characteristics of the BTs, but with less fragmentation, more weight retention, no lead/copper separation, better penetration, etc.? It seems like the bonding would provide some additional insurance for these smaller bullets, especially when a less than perfect broadside shot is not available.

Less fragmentation means the expansion and wound characteristics are not the same. The BT is a stoutly constructed bullet so if you believe it will penetrate sufficiently (I do), faster expansion and less weight retention generally correspond with larger diameter wounds for a given bullet dia/weight and thus offer more "insurance". To me, the primary reason to choose an accubond over a BT would be to minimize meat damage.

Nosler's own words:
Externally, they look the same except for the tip colors, Ballistic Tip® bullets are color-coded by caliber while all AccuBond® bullets have white tips. Internally the Ballistic Tip® is not bonded and is designed for controlled expansion on medium game with approximately 50-60% weight retention. Conversely, the lead alloy core of the AccuBond® is bonded to the jacket. This bonding increases weight retention (65-70%) and slows expansion resulting in deeper penetration and enhanced bone-breaking potential in larger animals.

 

[Ringbill27]

In opinion, for whatever that is worth, the 243win, 6.5 creed and the 7mm08 are all deer killers. All are more than capable of killing deer to 300yds. I don’t believe that the recoil difference between the three is enough to really be noticeable.

Seems these days the creed is the easy button for heavy bullets, ammo selection, and availability. Followed by the 243(minus the heavy bullets) then the 7mm08. With that being said I’d probably choose the 6.5creed, But!

I love the 7mm08 always have. So I’d pick up a Tikka T3x lite SS chop it, thread it and suppress/brake it. Bam my forever deer rifle.

Suppress/braking any these cartridges will result it very little recoil.

 

[liv3mind]

In opinion, for whatever that is worth, the 243win, 6.5 creed and the 7mm08 are all deer killers. All are more than capable of killing deer to 300yds. I don’t believe that the recoil difference between the three is enough to really be noticeable.

Seems these days the creed is the easy button for heavy bullets, ammo selection, and availability. Followed by the 243(minus the heavy bullets) then the 7mm08. With that being said I’d probably choose the 6.5creed, But!

I love the 7mm08 always have. So I’d pick up a Tikka T3x lite SS chop it, thread it and suppress/brake it. Bam my forever deer rifle.

Suppress/braking any these cartridges will result it very little recoil.

708 is super underrated and is a fantastic choice. Even better if you reload

 

[Pokerface]

243 if you want to be part of the non gun looney crowd. 6.5 Grendel if you want to start getting into the looney crowd. I have not yet reached looney status, but I own and have shot both. Both are very good deer killers... Joe

 

[Skydog]

I'm actually amazed at what all is available that I was totally unaware of. For the last 25+ years I've been perfectly content with my old 1988 model, wood stocked A-bolt in .270 Win. It just worked, so there was no reason to change. Now I'm being forced to change due to health issues. So, I've been somewhat oblivious to all the changes that have taken place and the current trends in rifle designs, new cartridge/bullet development, use of ARs and suppressors, mini-actions, small caliber/light bullets, extreme long-range shooting, etc. It's all very interesting. And I'm sure it's all very effective. But...I'll probably remain "old school" and stick with a classic cartridge like the .243. Not sure if I'll ever reach "looney status".

 

[ElPollo]

250 savage is my favorite deer round, 110 gr eldx @2850 is deadly in my custom Ruger No.1.

That’s the original, old school small bore big game cartridge.

 

[Deere_Man]

I’ve picked up some of the 90gr Nosler Ballistic Tips for my 243 Win that are supposed to be perfectly matched with a 1:10” twist, where as the 95gr is more iffy unless you are at 1:9 or 1:8”.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I’ve picked up some of the 90gr Nosler Ballistic Tips for my 243 Win that are supposed to be perfectly matched with a 1:10” twist, where as the 95gr is more iffy unless you are at 1:9 or 1:8”.

The 95 grain Winchester Silvertips are just fine in a 1:10". As are the 100 grain Core-loct from Remington, and the 100 grain Federal SPs.

@Skydog , in regards to your question about the Accubond over the BT, the guys have already pretty much answered the question, but I will chime in to say I agree with them wholeheartedly. If you want "insurance" then choose the BT over the AB. In regards to "shot angle", there is no ethical shot angle where the AB will outperform the BT, and I would go so far as to say there is not shot angle at all. I only put "ethical" in there because some folks seem to think it is OK to take a TX heart shot or a back of the head shot as long as the animal is a "lifetime" animal.

 

[Skydog]

The 95 grain Winchester Silvertips are just fine in a 1:10". As are the 100 grain Core-loct from Remington, and the 100 grain Federal SPs.

@Skydog , in regards to your question about the Accubond over the BT, the guys have already pretty much answered the question, but I will chime in to say I agree with them wholeheartedly. If you want "insurance" then choose the BT over the AB. In regards to "shot angle", there is no ethical shot angle where the AB will outperform the BT, and I would go so far as to say there is not shot angle at all. I only put "ethical" in there because some folks seem to think it is OK to take a TX heart shot or a back of the head shot as long as the animal is a "lifetime" animal.

I fully agree with your comments about ethical shot angles. I prefer broadside shots through the lungs and preserving as much meat as possible. The only angle I was thinking about is when you don't have that perfect broadside shot and the angle of the shot hits the far side shoulder/bone. I was wondering if the AB would be a better bullet in that situation.

 

[Ringbill27]

708 is super underrated and is a fantastic choice. Even better if you reload

Yep that 120gr ttsx with stout load of big game is almost magic.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I fully agree with your comments about ethical shot angles. I prefer broadside shots through the lungs and preserving as much meat as possible. The only angle I was thinking about is when you don't have that perfect broadside shot and the angle of the shot hits the far side shoulder/bone. I was wondering if the AB would be a better bullet in that situation.

I honestly don't think you would be able to tell the difference.

The BT will punch right though.

 

[Unckebob]

In regard to the Accubonds...wouldn't they be even better than the Ballistic Tips? Wouldn't they have all the same expansion/wound characteristics of the BTs, but with less fragmentation, more weight retention, no lead/copper separation, better penetration, etc.? It seems like the bonding would provide some additional insurance for these smaller bullets, especially when a less than perfect broadside shot is not available.

Deer do not need deep penetrating bonded bullets or all copper bullets.

Both will work fine, but they are not necessarily "better" than a good, modern tipped cup and core bullet like the Nosler BT, the Sierra tipped game king, or Hornady SST or ELDx.

The extra penetration of bonded and all copper bullets mean there is a smaller, deeper wound channel.

People have been killing deer for over a century with simple cup and core soft points like the Winchester Power Point.

 

[nubbin]

Go buy you a Weatherby Vanguard sporter in .243. It will be 8lbs after you scope it. With the walnut stock, 22” barrel and weight of the gun, recoil will be a non factor. Shoot 100gr loads and deer will die. You’re gonna get millions of 6mm answers and 223, but with your parameters the .243 win is the easy button.

 

[Skydog]

Go buy you a Weatherby Vanguard sporter in .243. It will be 8lbs after you scope it. With the walnut stock, 22” barrel and weight of the gun, recoil will be a non factor. Shoot 100gr loads and deer will die. You’re gonna get millions of 6mm answers and 223, but with your parameters the .243 win is the easy button.

I've actually been leaning toward a Howa 1500 Super Deluxe Walnut, or even just their standard walnut. I prefer the looks and stock profile of the Howa much more than the Vanguard sporter. I know they are both based on the same Howa 1500 action. Are there any disadvantages to the Howa as compared to the Vanguard?

I also like the Browning X-bolts.

Super Deluxe Walnut - Howa USA

PERFECT FOR SUPPRESSORS SUPER DELUXE WALNUT Looking for a classic walnut rifle to add to your collection? With the Super Deluxe Walnut, you won't be disappointed – includes a beautiful premium Turkish Walnut Stock and all of the qualities of a Howa you love! Pick between Stainless Steel and...

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Walnut Rifle - Howa USA

TRADITIONAL WALNUT STOCK WALNUT HUNTER RIFLE SERIES The Walnut Hunter brings you multiple colors, calibers, and barrel lengths. Pick between Stainless Steel and Standard Barrels to fit your needs. Below you will see the features for each. FEATURES Available Calibers: Mini Action Calibers: .223...

www.howausa.com

 

[6mm Remington]

If you handloaded I would tell you 6mm Remington although you can usually find some Remington or Hornady factory loads in sporting goods stores.

 

[BigBelle]

I raised my kids using a Rem 700 ADL in 308 with reduced loads. When it came to shooting a cow elk it was with Federal fusion 180 gr. loads. Back then the rifles were readily available and affordable.
Now I believe the best affordable rifles that shoot well and are durable enough are the Ruger American rifles. I now shoot a couple of centerfire rifles for practice and they definitely are accurate rifles at sub MOA at 100 yards. The kids also shoot Ruger Americans at the 4H shoots which are just as accurate as the Anshchutz.

 

[Skydog]

If you handloaded I would tell you 6mm Remington although you can usually find some Remington or Hornady factory loads in sporting goods stores.

I live about 1/2 hour from a Cabela's. Just out of curiosity, I checked their website for rifle and ammo availability:

Rifles:
42 in .243
1 in 6 ARC
2 in 6.5 Grendel
1 in 6 Creedmoor

Ammo options:
25 in .243
4 in 6 ARC
4 in 6.5 Grendel
10 in 6 Creedmoor

 

[nubbin]

I've actually been leaning toward a Howa 1500 Super Deluxe Walnut, or even just their standard walnut. I prefer the looks and stock profile of the Howa much more than the Vanguard sporter. I know they are both based on the same Howa 1500 action. Are there any disadvantages to the Howa as compared to the Vanguard?

I also like the Browning X-bolts.

Super Deluxe Walnut - Howa USA

PERFECT FOR SUPPRESSORS SUPER DELUXE WALNUT Looking for a classic walnut rifle to add to your collection? With the Super Deluxe Walnut, you won't be disappointed – includes a beautiful premium Turkish Walnut Stock and all of the qualities of a Howa you love! Pick between Stainless Steel and...

www.howausa.com

Walnut Rifle - Howa USA

TRADITIONAL WALNUT STOCK WALNUT HUNTER RIFLE SERIES The Walnut Hunter brings you multiple colors, calibers, and barrel lengths. Pick between Stainless Steel and Standard Barrels to fit your needs. Below you will see the features for each. FEATURES Available Calibers: Mini Action Calibers: .223...

www.howausa.com

Guns are are like vehicles. Find the one that catches your eye, meets your needs, and drives the way you think it should drive. I don’t own any Howa/vanguard rifles, but I’ve always liked the looks and feel of them. I think their sporters are very nice looking guns. Browning medallions and Winchester super grades are beautiful guns also.