Mule Deer Rifle

[Elkoholic87]

What do most of you guys like to use for a mule deer rifle? I won't be taking shots over 400 yards. Was thinking about getting a 308.


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[handwerk]

.308 will work fine, for me it's either a .270 win. or my 280 AI. lots of great mule deer rifles out there...

 

[Jakebarnts]

I second the .280AI.


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[EastMT]

I love the 308 at moderate ranges, I have a self imposed limit of 300 yards with my short barrel. I shoot 180gr partitions as I like heavy bullets, killed everything from coyote, bear, caribou. Easy to find brass or ammo.


"If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."

 

[mtnwrunner]

That will work just fine.

Randy

 

[jimmy33]

6.5 Creedmoor


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[MNTNHUNTER284]

Any Moderate centerfire cartridge will do fine, any magnum will too but not needed. I would stay a bit stronger than .243 but hell that kills em too.

 

[iseebucks]

I use and highly recommend the Christensen Arms Ridgeline chambered in 7mm Rem Mag.

 

[mdfanatic]

I have 7mm Rem Mag. Been looking at the 6.5x284 and/or 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[MuleyFever]

Deer rifles are like shoes. By what fits you, what you like and you will be just fine. The .308 would be an excellent choice.

 

[bigmoose]

I like the 7mm Remington Mag but there is nothing wrong with a 308.

 

[5MilesBack]

I've used a 7mag most of my life but got a 6.5 CM a couple years ago and my daughter used it for deer in 2016. In 2017 I picked up my first .270 in a Ruger American. I am loving that gun and thinking about ditching the 6.5 CM. That .270 has less recoil than the braked 6.5 CM. .270 would be my choice.

 

[Sako76]

308, 270, 280 (AI), 30-06 or 7mm RM all would work. Don't forget about the Creedmoor, 25-06 and 270 WSM. Good luck.

 

[JustHunt]

300 Rem Ultra Mag

 

[Jimss]

I bought a 300 WSM in Sako Finnlight a few years ago for a sheep hunt and love it. It is 30 cal and hardly kicks and puts'em on the ground! It also is relatively light weight for hauling up and down steep mtns. It is plenty big for elk, moose, sheep, deer, antelope....a great all round caliber!

 

[GregB]

.270 WIN used it for about 20 years for everything from antelope to elk. It shoots flat and doesn't ruin a lot of meat.

 

[mfllood3800]

Your 308 choice is a good choice.
I have killed them with 243, 30-06, 300 WM ( wont ever use that again), 7mm, 8mm, 30-30, 12 Ga slug. Anything at or under a 30-06 is a solid choice- some ammo is easier to get than others, some rifles are lighter, some kick more etc.. My 300 WM just tore up too much meat. Some cal's have more forgiveness built into a not so perfect shot.
Your 308 is a solid choice

 

[George]

I bought a Savage 116 in .308 this past summer, no complaints. My first 3 shot group with Hornady ammo fit under a nickel.



G

 

[pumatom]

Good choice

 

[Macegl]

I used a .270 for a number of years and it served me well. Got a little grass is greener syndrome and ended up sending it down the road and got a 7mm-08, and honestly I think I have found my ideal deer rifle. Less powder, less recoil, and in a shorter barrel the ballistics are similar to my 270.

In all reality there are a lot of great mule deer cartridges, the .308 you mentioned in th OP being one of them. Find one that’s enjoyable to shoot, in a gun that fits and I think you’ll have your ideal mule deer rifle.