Mule Deer Cartridge

[Hyknull]

IMHO! Choose 6.5 PRC: flatter shooting, less recoil, excellent for Colorado mule deer distances overall hunts.

 

[Sliverslinger]

I have several choices each time I go out. I was a 300WSM guy until I got my 6.5 prc about 18 months ago. After dialing in a load with 156s, my 300wsms haven't left the safe. I shoot it to targets 1200-1500 yds often. It's lethal and crazy accurate with better wind bucking than my 300s, plus I can spot my own shots. Last year I took a large boar at 564 yds, a good bull at 350 yds, a deer at 70 yds, and a cougar at 5 yards. Flawless performance in every instance. 6.5 PRC will be my #1 choice from here on out.

 

[TradLife406]

If you don't want to swap barrels and knowing what I know now and id go fast twist 243. 6.5 PRC is pretty slick. I really liked mine.
But a fast 6mm or 22 cal is flat deadly. And easy to shoot.

 

[Matt5266]

If you don't want to swap barrels and knowing what I know now and id go fast twist 243. 6.5 PRC is pretty slick. I really liked mine.
But a fast 6mm or 22 cal is flat deadly. And easy to shoot.

This is where I landed

 

[glock233]

243 fast twist. 6 creed. 22 creed. 25 creed. 6.5 creed. 6.5 PRC if you plan on shooting over 600 yards.

 

[Dcook1318]

I’d say if you’re only hunting mule deer 6.5prc all day. If you potentially may hunt elk or anything else 7prc.

 

[Eric Burden]

If you are not going to upgrade your 308 it seems to me you are wanting a new rifle. The 6.5 PRC or 7 PRC are both Great calibers and would do you very well in just about any hunting situation in the US or Africa. The question is which one both have great bullet selections but the 7mm will have a bit heavier bullets then the 6.5 but both will do you very well. Good Luck

 

[Hoglad]

For Colorado mule deer, I’d go 6.5 PRC— plenty of power, super accurate, easier on follow-up shots.

 

[Eric Mooney]

Man I am all about small caliber bullets. I currently have a 270 win but if I was in the market for a new rifle i'd do any small caliber options. I love my father in laws 6 creed, that thing paired with an eld-X blew a mule deer up last year. I personally like Weatherby rifles so the next one I get will be a 243 win that I reload with high bc bullets and is almost the same as a 6 creed (needs to have a fast twist barrel) but I think 25 creed is another great option too. The smaller the caliber the lighter the recoil. That means you're only going to shoot more accurate, which is what puts meat in the freezer.

 

[PanhandlePilgrim]

You need something flat shooting with moderate recoil and a high BC bullet. 300 RUM at a minimum but i'd look in to a 33 XC or 338 Terminator.

 

[MeatMissile]

You need something flat shooting with moderate recoil and a high BC bullet. 300 RUM at a minimum but i'd look in to a 33 XC or 338 Terminator.

THIS. The 30-378 WBY is an effective mule deer cartridge and you don’t have to say “no” at any angle. My buddy shoots a 338 Edge and can say the same.

 

[ZAK13]

I have a RAP in .308. At first I was unimpressed with the accuracy from it. But then the barrel settled down after 30 rounds and a cleaning, and now it shoots with incredible accuracy. Not a fan of the stock, or the heavy bolt lift, but I can work with it. As for adding another horse to your stable, go for it. I would tend to lean towards the 6.5 over the 7 for your needs at the moment.