Deer/Pronghorn/Sheep/Mule Deer Caliber

[pchrisla]

I'm going to beat this dead horse some more. I have a lone peak/proof custom 300 win mag for elk and moose, but I'm wanting to upgrade my smaller game rifle. I just shoot a slightly modded 700 in 308 currently. My first thought was 6.5 PRC or 26 Nosler but thinking more and more of getting the (inferior) 6.5 CM to be able to run a shorter barrel and easy ammo availability. I don't think I want to build this rifle so will be a 1000-1800 dollar buy. From a Kimber Hunter to maybe a Christensen ridgeline. What's your thoughts on a small large game caliber to keep the 300 for only the largest game?

 

[LazyV]

Not trying to talk a guy out of buying a new rifle, but what's wrong with using the 300WM for the "small" stuff?

 

[slvrslngr]

Tikka in 6.5 creed. Put a good scope on it and go fill tags.

 

[pchrisla]

Nothing in wrong with using the 300, but if not shooting a 90 lb doe or antelope with my 300 is an excuse for getting another rifle then I'll take it.

 

[LazyV]

Gotcha, I like the 7mm/08 personally, but frankly killing deer and antelope at reasonable ranges is something you could throw a dart at a cartridge list and probably be fine.

 

[bowtech840]

I like the 25-06 for deer sized game.


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[slick]

Im in the same boat. Would like a dedicated deer rifle, and a rifle for the lady to use. Thinking I’ll go the 7-08 tikka route.

 

[Ridge Ghost]

What do you expect your effective range to be?

 

[slvrslngr]

Gotcha, I like the 7mm/08 personally, but frankly killing deer and antelope at reasonable ranges is something you could throw a dart at a cartridge list and probably be fine.

The end of this statement pretty much nails it. You could roll with 270, 25/06, 280, 7/08, 260, 243, 6 creed, 6mm rem, and a few others that fit the bill, they all do the same thing out to reasonable hunting ranges. I really like the 7-08 but ammo availability and quality for the 6.5 creed is way better. Don’t overthink it...

 

[6mm Remington]

I really like the 6mm Remington for the animals you list. It's got great ballistics and is very mild in the recoil department. I've taken a lot of deer, antelope, and an elk with it. The 25-06 is another great cartridge as is the 280 Remington or 280 AI.

 

[Luvbowhuntn]

As much as I like my Creedmoor, I like my 7mm-08’s better. That’s one caliber that’s perfectly at home in your situation and would be a great caliber to go along with your .300WM.


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[eamyrick]

After looking at everything I just got a Tikka 270 in stainless. Great flat shooting till 500 where I would probably limit my shots anyway. Premium ammo is 25 a box and available anywhere. Tikka's are built on long actions so mine as well shoot 270 over 6.5 if going that route.

 

[Coulee Kid]

I really like my 20-06 for deer sized game.

 

[idig4au]

I like the 6.5 x 257 wby. Just a 257 wby case resized to 6.5 mm....

 

[N2TRKYS]

I'd sell the 300wm and use the 308 for everything. Cut the 308 to a 20" barrel or sell both and just buy a Model Seven SS in 7-08 or 308.

 

[WoodDuck]

I’m in the same boat as well. Been thinking about it for a couple months, and think I have decided to go Tikka 7-08. Can swap out the bolt stop and get LA mags to load bullets long and can push a 140 grain 2900fps. Can also load heavier if the situation calls for it.

 

[roadrunner]

.270 is tough to beat. If you want a short bolt throw, look at a WSM.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I’m in the same boat as well. Been thinking about it for a couple months, and think I have decided to go Tikka 7-08. Can swap out the bolt stop and get LA mags to load bullets long and can push a 140 grain 2900fps. Can also load heavier if the situation calls for it.

You shouldn't need to go long to get 2900fps. I'm getting 2870fps with 140 grain Partitions in my 7-08 with a 20" barrel. 3000fps with 120 grain NBTs.

I load my bullets to 2.80" COAL.

 

[Kotaman]

Love the 6.5 PRC for those animals.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The 243 works well for all of those for me.