What calibers have you used?

[mi650]

I'll start, in no particular order:

12 gage 00
7 RM
30-06
308
7-08
35 Rem
30-30
6.5G
6.5C
6.8 SPC
45-70, subs & supers
44 Mag
50 cal ML

Probably missing a couple. Over the years, I've been far more successful with archery gear, like 8-1 more successful.

It seems like I've always chased the next great thing. For the last couple seasons, I've been using 45-70 subs suppressed. I've shot a few with them, and haven't lost any, but the results weren't what I expected/hoped for. They don't expand much, but a 45 doesn't shrink. I shot one last season thru both shoulders at 50 yards, and he plowed a path thru the snow almost right to me. He died about 10 yards to my left.

Opposite of that, I haven't had to track any I've killed with either 30-30 or 6.8 SPC. They've all been DRT, so why the hell would I switch? I don't even own a 30-30 anymore. I still have the 6.8, and plenty of the load that I used. Even suppressed it's pretty loud, and for no particular reason, I'm trying to keep things quiet.

I have the idea stuck in my head that I need to try 300blk subs. I have a few boxes of 194 gr Underwoods that look they'd tear an ugly hole thru a deer, provided they open up.


Anyway, chime in! What have you used, what did you like, what didn't you like?

 

[mad_angler]

I'll play...

12 gauge slug
30-06 (majority)
300 win mag
32 winchester special
7mm Rem mag

 

[KenLee]

Good Lord, probably 30 different rounds. 12 ga lem damn hunnert and x-bolt 300 wizz-um would be my choices if I only got 2.

 

[AntelopeEater]

Well, I live in Nevada and haven't yet had the chance to hunt whitetail yet, but I have harvested a total of three deer so far in my middle-aged adult onset hunting career: A blacktail deer in Cali; and Two mule deer in NV.

My first mule deer was with a .50 cal muzzleloader, used 90 grains Hogdon Triple Seven and a copper Thor sabot slug. My first shot was a little off and wounded it, probably fatally, as I hit it in the neck, but I wanted to make sure, and also reduce its suffering as it was stumbling around, and so I broke the ramrod while hurriedly loading a second shot, but managed a second shot that took it out.

The CA blacktail was blasted down with my then new to me "elephant gun", a .375 Ruger, using a 270 grain copper Hornady loading. I hit that one a little high in the upper back and broke its spine, paralyzing and dropping it, I put a second shot through its heart when I got closer to end it.

My most recent mule deer was taken with what is my now favorite hunting rifle, a .308 Browning BAR, one shot though the boiler room with a 162 grain copper Sako powerhead blade dropped it ding dong dead instantly.