Buying a new deer rifle, caliber choice.. - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buying a new deer rifle, caliber choice..

Posted: 10/18/2014 12:15:13 PM EDT

I am buying a new rifle to hunt deer with. This will replace my M700 AAC-SD in a McRee chassis that I lugged last year. At 11.5lbs it's too heavy. I put the Hogue stock back on it and only shed a pound.

Looking at a lighter replacement. The Ruger American has caught my attention. It's cheap, light and launches a bullet. Just so happens tomorrow a local store is having a sale on them..under $300.

I am stuck on caliber. I have a 308 already (and ammo). But I was thinking about the 7mm-08. Range will be under 200yrds.

If I get the 308 I already have ammo and ammo is easy to find.
If I get the 7mm-08 it will presumably be a lighter recoiling gun that my Wife can shoot. But ammo is not as common.

Thoughts??

Posted: 10/18/2014 2:14:40 PM EDT

[#1]

Have you considered getting a .243?

Posted: 10/18/2014 3:03:52 PM EDT

[#2]

KISS go with the .308. I have a Ruger American in 06 and wish I had a .308. Bought out of spite.

Ruger also has the Predator version with a threaded barrel (hard to find). That's assuming you already have a can.

Posted: 10/18/2014 3:26:24 PM EDT

[#3]

I would say 243 also if you want lower recoil.
savage has a rebate going on now might check there website for details looks like 50 on axis and 75 on trophy hunter package might find they may be in your budget also.

Posted: 10/18/2014 3:27:36 PM EDT

[#4]

Keep your logistics as simple as possible and buy a lighter weight .308. As for your wife, start reloading and load up some low or mild recoiling ammo using 125+ grain bullets. Either do that or go the arfcom way and simply get both----a .308 for yourself and a smaller caliber rifle for her.

Posted: 10/18/2014 3:36:08 PM EDT

[#5]

7mm-08 for you, and one for the wife too. Thank me later with pics. Rules you know.

Posted: 10/18/2014 4:48:26 PM EDT

[#6]

Thought about .243 but ruled it out.

I'll look into the Savage models but this store is having a sale on the Rugers for $280. Pretty hard to beat that price for a rifle that is cheap and gets decent reviews.

So back to 7mm-08 or 308. I suppose I could put a limbsaver recoil pad on a 308 if she decides to hunt with it.

Realistically how much difference in recoil is there between the two? Anyone shot the American in both calibers?

Thanks for the replies!!

Posted: 10/18/2014 5:59:19 PM EDT

[#7]

Is there any specific reason you ruled out the .243? I can assure you, they are more than capable of taking any PA whitetail within the range you specified.

Posted: 10/18/2014 6:28:42 PM EDT

[#8]

the ruger looks a lot better rifle than the axis would be if you have a scope already, the savage 11/111 has a few more caliber choices packaged with a Nikon scope and 75 dollar rebate there both good options buy the time you added a comparable scope to the ruger the price is going to be close.

Posted: 10/18/2014 6:35:35 PM EDT

[#9]

11.5lbs........they have this thing called a gym, use it and save your money. Plus the other health benefits will become apparent within a few weeks.

Posted: 10/18/2014 6:54:19 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
Is there any specific reason you ruled out the .243? I can assure you, they are more than capable of taking any PA whitetail within the range you specified.

View Quote

Concern of lethality. I've read a .243 will take a deer but, I don't know. Never used one or personally know of anyone who used one.

alan, I have no problems in getting the gun in either caliber. Don't need more choices with the Savages.

Hit the gym....ppfftt

Posted: 10/18/2014 7:30:48 PM EDT

[#11]

Do you reload? If not, then I can agree that 7mm-08 isn't as common to find on shelves as .308. Assuming you don't reload, why not look into factory reduced recoil .308 loads for your wife? I imagine someone makes some. Probably not cheap, but you can offset the cost by shooting the .308 ammo you already own.

ETA: Hornady makes reduced recoil .308 with their125 gr SST bullet, which should be good to go for deer sized game.

ETA2: So do Remington and Federal.

Posted: 10/18/2014 8:07:55 PM EDT

[#12]

There isn't a nickle's worth of difference between a 150 gr 308 and the typical 140 7mm-08. Choose 308 to keep it simple. Then, buy one of the available factory low-recoil loads for the wife.

Your problem wont be caliber. It will be stock length. Unless your wife is a big strappin gal, the typical rifle is too long in the stock. And usual female upper body strength limits mean that they are shooting unbalanced which increases perceived recoil. You need stock with a reduced length of pull. Instead of 13.5 inches, a more appropriate LOP is more like 12 ". Look for a model with a youth stock (or contact Ruger and buy a second youth stock so you can swap out between std and youth stocks. Point of impact will change).

If you reload, then stuff a 150 flat point for a .30-30 into a .308 case, top it with enough H4198 (they publish youth data) to drive it to 2200-2300 fps and it'll flatten deer with modest recoil. Or opt for a 125 grn Ballistic Tip and down load to about 2300 fps. It will work well with lower recoil.

Finding a stock that fits will make a greater difference than choosing between 7mm08 and 308.

Fro

Posted: 10/18/2014 9:16:21 PM EDT

[#13]

Like others have said, if you go with the .308, you can get reduced recoil loads for your wife to shoot. They are still plenty lethal as I can attest. When my son starting deer hunting a few years ago, the only suitable center fire hunting rifle I had was a 7mm Magnum and couldn't afford a second rifle at the time. I bought the Remington managed recoil loads and they really tamed that gun. We still took deer out to 225 yards with it, no problem.

Posted: 10/19/2014 12:14:07 AM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
There isn't a nickle's worth of difference between a 150 gr 308 and the typical 140 7mm-08. Choose 308 to keep it simple. Then, buy one of the available factory low-recoil loads for the wife.

Your problem wont be caliber. It will be stock length. Unless your wife is a big strappin gal, the typical rifle is too long in the stock. And usual female upper body strength limits mean that they are shooting unbalanced which increases perceived recoil. You need stock with a reduced length of pull. Instead of 13.5 inches, a more appropriate LOP is more like 12 ". Look for a model with a youth stock (or contact Ruger and buy a second youth stock so you can swap out between std and youth stocks. Point of impact will change).

If you reload, then stuff a 150 flat point for a .30-30 into a .308 case, top it with enough H4198 (they publish youth data) to drive it to 2200-2300 fps and it'll flatten deer with modest recoil. Or opt for a 125 grn Ballistic Tip and down load to about 2300 fps. It will work well with lower recoil.

Finding a stock that fits will make a greater difference than choosing between 7mm08 and 308.

Fro

View Quote

This. A 243 will work well too.

Posted: 10/19/2014 12:32:23 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Thought about .243 but ruled it out.

I'll look into the Savage models but this store is having a sale on the Rugers for $280. Pretty hard to beat that price for a rifle that is cheap and gets decent reviews.

So back to 7mm-08 or 308. I suppose I could put a limbsaver recoil pad on a 308 if she decides to hunt with it.

Realistically how much difference in recoil is there between the two? Anyone shot the American in both calibers?

Thanks for the replies!!

View Quote

If you reload, you can always make reduced recoil rounds for the .308.

But, if you're concerned about a .243 taking a deer, don't be. It's perfectly up to the task.

Posted: 10/19/2014 12:33:25 AM EDT

[#16]

6.8 SPC AR.

Posted: 10/19/2014 12:48:32 AM EDT

[#17]

.243 is a damn fine deer caliber. How big do your whitetails get? My wife took this one at 0745 today with a remington model 7 youth in .243. He was about 220 lbs on the hoof.

You got whitetail elk or something?

Posted: 10/19/2014 5:42:13 AM EDT

[#18]

Well I went to bed early last night with the thoughts of eliminating the 7mm-08 and going either 308 or 243. I knew about the reduced recoil 308 loads but I don't recall seeing any locally, maybe have to go to Cabelas or GM. As far as 243 availability I would assume it's common but I've never checked.

I do not reload.

243 or 308?

Posted: 10/19/2014 9:21:09 AM EDT

[#19]

They were sold out of the 243, I got the 308. If my Wife decides to hunt I will get the reduced recoil loads and put the limbsaver on it if needed.

Thanks all for the replies.

Posted: 10/19/2014 11:04:41 AM EDT

[#20]

Good choice, congrats on the new rifle.

Posted: 10/19/2014 12:06:35 PM EDT

[#21]

Thanks!

Just found a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 with the accurange reticle for under $200 too.

I was going to get the Nikon Prostaff but decided to try the Redfield.

My only criticism so far is the scope mount screws. They are a T10 Torx bit. You can't apply much torque on a T10. I snapped two bits trying to remove and reinstall the scope bases. I managed to get the pieces out of the screws with a magnet though. So if anyone tries to R&R the bases, my recommendation to you is to get good T10 bits. Chinese bits will snap for sure.

Posted: 10/19/2014 2:19:51 PM EDT

[#22]

Ruger American in .308 with a Redfield 3x9 sounds like a great combination for deer hunting. Watch the major online retailer's and I'm sure you can find some reduced recoil rounds. A lot of places are running free of discounted shipping deals right now.

Posted: 10/19/2014 2:51:46 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:

Is there any specific reason you ruled out the .243? I can assure you, they are more than capable of taking any PA whitetail within the range you specified.

View Quote

I've had good success with my model 700 .243 down here in south georgia, too. I do make it a point, however, to use heavy, 100 grain, bullets in mine as I'm not sure how much I would trust any .24 caliber bullet that was lighter than 95 grains on a deer sized animal. I also reload my own ammo so its tailor made for the task at hand (which, in this case, is deer hunting).

Posted: 10/19/2014 5:07:10 PM EDT

[#24]

243 with an 85 TSX is death on cervids.

I'm running 105 A-max's in my 243 over a stout load of H4350 ad have no qualms about our upper midwest deer. I punch shoulders too.

Posted: 10/19/2014 5:16:27 PM EDT

[#25]

I would go .308. You already have it and it is plenty of gun for 200 yards.

Posted: 10/20/2014 12:49:05 AM EDT

[#26]

I really enjoy my 25-.06. I've killed two doe and one 200 lb field dressed 160 1/8in whitetail with it and all have dropped right in their tracks.
....308 is a simple great round though. Hard to argue against it.

Posted: 10/20/2014 3:21:48 PM EDT

[#27]

7mm-08 is the finest deer caliber available.

A little more forgiving than a .243, and faster and flatter than a .308 with less recoil, and better BCO bullets.

All 3 will get the job done just fine, 7mm-08 is just the perfect combination of the other 2.

Posted: 10/20/2014 5:53:20 PM EDT

[#28]

I had ruled out .243 Win.too. I though it was just a coyote gun, but my buddy that is a gunsmith convinced me to take mine with me on a recent mule deer hunt b/c I could hit small targets with it at 200 yards. He would call the shots and I would hit them with this little rifle.

I used the XP3 Winchester Supreme 95gr with the red tip. Shot a 220 lb mule deer at 198 yards and dumped him DRT. Impressive exit wound. I'm a believer in the .243. I like shooting it. No recoil and plentiful ammo selection and availability. It's now my go to western deer rifle.

Posted: 10/21/2014 7:40:24 AM EDT

[#29]

I think some of the bad press with the 243 had to do with using the wrong bullets. Especially with the premium bullets available now I consider it to be a completely viable choice.

Posted: 10/21/2014 7:51:49 AM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
I am buying a new rifle to hunt deer with. This will replace my M700 AAC-SD in a McRee chassis that I lugged last year. At 11.5lbs it's too heavy. I put the Hogue stock back on it and only shed a pound.

Looking at a lighter replacement. The Ruger American has caught my attention. It's cheap, light and launches a bullet. Just so happens tomorrow a local store is having a sale on them..under $300.

I am stuck on caliber. I have a 308 already (and ammo). But I was thinking about the 7mm-08. Range will be under 200yrds.

If I get the 308 I already have ammo and ammo is easy to find.
If I get the 7mm-08 it will presumably be a lighter recoiling gun that my Wife can shoot. But ammo is not as common.

Thoughts??

View Quote

savage hog hunter in 308 fills your bill perfectly.

Posted: 10/22/2014 8:31:18 AM EDT

[#31]

I am thinking my next deer rifle will be a savage Axix Camo in .308.Not to expensive and with lighter trigger spring should be a good shooter.

Posted: 10/22/2014 12:13:40 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
I am thinking my next deer rifle will be a savage Axix Camo in .308.Not to expensive and with lighter trigger spring should be a good shooter.

View Quote

I saw a sale on these for $169.00 seemed like a good deal.

Posted: 10/22/2014 3:45:03 PM EDT

[#33]

Deer only gun I would go with 243 Winchester.

Posted: 11/5/2014 12:18:40 AM EDT

[#34]

Though I've used various calibers over the years on deer, the last 1/2 dozen elk have all been with the .308.

Deer, elk, coyotes, rockchucks, whatever, the .308 gets it done with ease.

Posted: 11/5/2014 1:41:46 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Have you considered getting a .243?

View Quote

I absolutely LOVE the 243 for eastern whitetails. Killed one last weekend right before I deployed with mine- number 15 with that rifle I think. I've killed them with slugs, 3030, 308, 7.62x39, and even 223 but the my wal mart 700 in 243 is my go-to. Also the ammo is available at wal mart- a rule for ANY gun I buy. I have had a few people comment that my little 243 is a "beginner's gun", or a "kid's gun", or a "girl's gun". They say this before I show up with a very nice very dead deer, though. Assuming any of this shit is true, how is this logic applied to a dead deer? if it wasn't sufficient to kill one, it would probably be illegal to use many places. Also, do weaker deer limit themselves to the stands of beginners, children, and women, while the more robust ones frequent the stands of expert "he-men" to keep things on a more even keel? The 7-08 is a great caliber too, I just prefer the 243 for ammo availability and because it works so great.

Posted: 11/5/2014 2:59:04 PM EDT

[#36]

I have a .270 win I absolutely love on whitetails with the 130gr Fusion bullets. It's the Winchester Model 70 Featherwieght and carries Leupold glass. Sub MOA gun. And quick and light to hunt with. Mine is an older model and was given to me by my ex father in law.

Dead accurate and turns them to jelly on the inside.

Also another vote for the .243. My oldest son shot his first deer with 100gr Hornady and dropped it like a stone.

Bigger exit hole then my .270.

Posted: 11/6/2014 11:46:51 PM EDT

[#37]

308

Posted: 11/12/2014 2:15:03 PM EDT

[#38]

.30-06, .308, .30-30 or .270. Because "Merica.

Seriously, though, these calibers are the most commonly available and least expensive hunting ammo in Walmart or your local country store.

Posted: 11/12/2014 6:47:15 PM EDT

[#39]

I hunt with 5.56 or .223

works fine

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buying a new deer rifle, caliber choice..

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