I have, in the past, kept around a .270 and a .375 H+H magnum thinking that the two guns covered any large animal on earth and could be used for anything. I have, over time, culled out the .375 (for now).
I am now looking on the other end of the spectrum. I live in Michigan. The biggest game I am going to take are whitetail deer. If I go out west chances are my .270 goes with me and I count that as adequate for anything in the continental 48.
But what about the other way. I am hesitant to use the word "marginal" but I am looking for the smaller end that can comfortably take whitetail deer. At some point my young children will learn to hunt and I intend to start them with a deer rifle that does not develop a flinch nor make them overconfident in the rifles ability to take deer even with a questionable shot. Because I enjoy single shots I will be leaning towards a Ruger No 1 (though I am not committed to it)
So what is the lightest recoiling "modest" deer caliber for taking deer with well placed shots. I intend to limit shots to a couple hundred yards though would like the ability, if I ever hunt speed goats, to go beyond this though I realize this may be asking too much for one rifle.
The .243 currently peaks my interest but I admit to not having studied the issue thoroughly and don't want to miss on "better" options. Reloading is not a concern as I can do it if needed for the right caliber though I do like off the shelf options
I am now looking on the other end of the spectrum. I live in Michigan. The biggest game I am going to take are whitetail deer. If I go out west chances are my .270 goes with me and I count that as adequate for anything in the continental 48.
But what about the other way. I am hesitant to use the word "marginal" but I am looking for the smaller end that can comfortably take whitetail deer. At some point my young children will learn to hunt and I intend to start them with a deer rifle that does not develop a flinch nor make them overconfident in the rifles ability to take deer even with a questionable shot. Because I enjoy single shots I will be leaning towards a Ruger No 1 (though I am not committed to it)
So what is the lightest recoiling "modest" deer caliber for taking deer with well placed shots. I intend to limit shots to a couple hundred yards though would like the ability, if I ever hunt speed goats, to go beyond this though I realize this may be asking too much for one rifle.
The .243 currently peaks my interest but I admit to not having studied the issue thoroughly and don't want to miss on "better" options. Reloading is not a concern as I can do it if needed for the right caliber though I do like off the shelf options