Rifles for Hunting Big Mule Deer

[2Stamp]

My favorite mule deer rifle is my X-bolt in 25-06. Light to carry, quick bullets. I love to hunt with it.

 

[Article 4]

I have a 6CM running 115s that has never let me down. So far its an Antelope, Whitey, Coues rifle - with some LR javelina and coyotes mixed in.

If I know I am headed into big body buck country - e.g. 200lb plus and the potential for longer shots, I up to a 6.5 or 7 running bigger bullets. Prefer a 135+ grain for it.

 

[Brandon.miller.4]

Shortest range buck kill 80 yards
Furthest buck kill 300ish

Elk/bear/pronghorn seem to be a different story ranging from 230 to 595.

I have been using a chassis for the last couple years and I think it cost me a close range cow elk while tracking in the snow through deadfall. I had it strapped to my pack (uncomfortable and awkward to hand carry) and i felt as though the terrain was open enough for me to see a decent ways ahead. Well I was wrong, elk stood up at 60ish yards and gave me a second to get a shot off....I wasn't ready. It has me rethinking the chassis gun. I love it for alot of reasons but there is times a reasonable weight stock that is comfortable in the hands can be beneficial.

 

[robby denning]

Shortest range buck kill 80 yards
Furthest buck kill 300ish

Elk/bear/pronghorn seem to be a different story ranging from 230 to 595.

INTERESTING difference ^

I have been using a chassis for the last couple years and I think it cost me a close range cow elk while tracking in the snow through deadfall. I had it strapped to my pack (uncomfortable and awkward to hand carry) and i felt as though the terrain was open enough for me to see a decent ways ahead. Well I was wrong, elk stood up at 60ish yards and gave me a second to get a shot off....I wasn't ready. It has me rethinking the chassis gun. I love it for alot of reasons but there is times a reasonable weight stock that is comfortable in the hands can be beneficial.

Those hurt^