In your opinion what 3-5 rifle cartridges are best for Mule Deer?

[Tobwright]

For me it’s the 6.5 PRC , 7PRC, 300 win, 6.5 creed, 25-06 and also 6.8 western forgot to add the western

 

[rclouse79]

Suppressed 25-06 shooting 115 gr Berger vdl. That is the only one I got, and the only one I am going to need.

 

[azqcman]

For me it’s the 6.5 PRC , 7PRC, 300 win, 6.5 creed, 25-06 and also 6.8 western forgot to add the western

I have used several over the years, but the ones that worked well for shots over 400 yards (hunting out west) are: 7PRC, 300PRC, 7WSM & 300 WM. All delivered instant knockdown power. Some other ones I have used for same distant shots were 6.5CM, 6PRC and did not have the knock down power and required 2 or 3 shot follow ups.

 

[canyonhunter47]

this is rokslide the best cartridges are 223 rem, 5.56, 223 AI, 223 Wylde, 22 creed (oh and 6UM)

 

[KurtR]

I have used several over the years, but the ones that worked well for shots over 400 yards (hunting out west) are: 7PRC, 300PRC, 7WSM & 300 WM. All delivered instant knockdown power. Some other ones I have used for same distant shots were 6.5CM, 6PRC and did not have the knock down power and required 2 or 3 shot follow ups.

You mean wallop factor that’s what you need

 

[CodeMonkey]

We're in an age where there really isn't a "bad" option. Know your gun, know its (and your) limits and you'll be fine.

If I had to choose 3:
1. 7mm-08
2. 6.5 Creedmoor
3. 270 Winchester

 

[Soj51hopeful]

On monstermuleys you didn’t mention the .300 wm or 6.5 creedmore or 25-06.

 

[ChrisA]

this is rokslide the best cartridges are 223 rem, 5.56, 223 AI, 223 Wylde, 22 creed (oh and 6UM)

What about the ARCs, you forgot about the damned ARCs

 

[canyonhunter47]

What about the ARCs, you forgot about the damned ARCs

Fast twist 22-250 too

 

[CMcCormick1805]

My top 3:

1. 7mm Remington Magnum Or 7mm PRC (they are pretty similar to me)
2. 270 Winchester
3. 308 Winchester

 

[dieselchessy]

7mm-08 has been my favorite for many years. It just works. Great balance.

I think a 300 wsm may be a better choice for shorter barrel suppressed. Good mix of bullet weight and speed with a short tube.

280 Ackley is a fine round, so is 30-06, 243, 260, 270, 308, 30-30, 25-05, 45-70, 6.5 creed, 6.5 prc, 6.5 Swede, 300 win mag, 300 savage, and on and on.

 

[Hnthrdr]

You mean wallop factor that’s what you need

You mean they hit with “authority” TM

 

[okie archer]

Shot placement is really the factor of most importance.
Same with the broad head debate.

 

[hiker270]

270 would still be #1

 

[K9kodi]

243
26 nosler
270 win
28 nos
300 win mag
50bmg

 

[Rich M]

243

 

[6mm Remington]

6mm Remington
25-06
7x57 Mauser
280AI
30-06

 

[BuckSmasher]

.177 Air Gun
.22 LR
17 HMR
.22 Short
Straw with Spitwad

Lot of people are consumed with magnumitis. But after dealing with the punishing recoil of a .223, .243 and other big magnum cartridges, I found I can shoot my pellet rifle more often, for cheaper, and since I am not flinching and crying after shooting it, it is so much better. Anyone can shoot a pellet rifle for cheap, ammo is everywhere, and the rifles themselves are super lightweight. Added bonus is I don't need to wear hearing protection or have a can on! My 4 yo can learn to shoot on it, then use it hunt deer and elk.

 

[IDVortex]

I own the 3 rifles, which is great already.
1. 6arc
2. 6.5 CM
3. .223

 

[ChrisAU]

First one I killed was with a 160gr Nosler Accubond out of a 280AI, and it ran 100 yards and bedded up and required a follow up. 75-80 yard shot.

Last two were with my 22CM; 80gr ELDM in 2024 and 77gr TMK in 2025. Neither of those moved in any direction other than down to the ground. Both were right around 300 yards.

The 280AI doesn't get much love lately...