What medium caliber in X-Bolt for deer?

Of all the post on this topic, this makes the most sense:

By the way, why rule out .308 just because you are thinking of getting a target rifle in that caliber later? Having a deer rifle in the same caliber MAY allow you to use bullets with the same down range ballistics and save you a bit of memorization when it comes to long shots, and if you ever do get into handloading, you could most likely use the same dies and save some cash and/or clutter.
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Biker
 
I don't know where in Illinois you are planning on going but you had better bring your shotgun.
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Old Grump,
Why is that? You've peaked my curiosity.

Of all the post on this topic, this makes the most sense:
By the way, why rule out .308 just because you are thinking of getting a target rifle in that caliber later? Having a deer rifle in the same caliber MAY allow you to use bullets with the same down range ballistics and save you a bit of memorization when it comes to long shots, and if you ever do get into handloading, you could most likely use the same dies and save some cash and/or clutter.
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I does make very good sense. However as I stated, I'm not looking for another .30 cal at this point. I have many friends that each have multiple .308s and they are constantly buying, and trading for new ones, old ones etc, and I usually have first dibs on anything they are getting rid of. Usually for a steal of a price. And I'm admittedly somewhat of a gear whore when it comes to hunting/shooting equipment, and therefore I sure as heck don't mind having extra stuff around either, should I choose to start reloading down the road. One thing I don't mind spending money on is hunting/shooting hobbies. It keeps me sane.:D It also keeps me very busy.
 
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Monty, the point I was making about recoil was the recoil velocity - that's where the pain is. Look at your chart. The recoil velocity of a 130gr 270 is about 1.5# less than the 300 150. I've not been able to tell the difference between my 7mmRM, 30-06, 280, 6.5-06, or 338-06.
 
I've never been a big fan of the 25'06 just because everyone I know that has had one and shot it on a regular basis has told me that after a little while it starts to lose accuracy as the barrel wears faster.
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Not as bad as .257 Weatherby Magnum.. Keep it clean and don't get it hot and it will last...
 
Monty, the point I was making about recoil was the recoil velocity - that's where the pain is. Look at your chart. The recoil velocity of a 130gr 270 is about 1.5# less than the 300 150. I've not been able to tell the difference between my 7mmRM, 30-06, 280, 6.5-06, or 338-06.
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True. I see your point, however this also depends on the rifle your shooting, and ones perception of the recoil. And with the X Bolt you get Brownings Inflex Technology recoil pad. And let me tell you, boy does that technology work. I have the Browning Maxus in 12ga. which I routinely shoot 3in and 3 1/2 magnums out of, and its the softest shooting shotgun I have ever owned, or experienced.
 
#42
MontyCop05
Senior Member

Join Date: October 2, 2005
Location: NJ



I don't know where in Illinois you are planning on going but you had better bring your shotgun.
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Old Grump,
Why is that? You've peaked my curiosity.
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Because depending on where you are and when you are there you are restricted to handgun, muzzle loader, archery or shotgun. No rifles.

I won't send you the whole set of regulations, you will get that when you apply for your permit but just applying for the permit pretty much tells the story.
http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/deer/deerseasondates.htm

Most of Illinois is unwooded prairie and a centerfire bullet can go a long way. Farmers don't like 30 caliber bullets poking holes in their silos when they are working on top of the silo...or at any other time come to think of it. There are places where a rifle would be a reasonable firearm but they passed one law fits all instead of trying to zone rifle permitted vs shotgun only zones.

Most of the Illinois rifle hunters go up to Wisconsin to do their hunting. To bad because parts of Illinois have a real deer over population problem and it shows in the lack of forage available to them and their stunted growth in some areas. Corn and grain farmers pay a heavy toll in lost crops because of deer depredation.
 
I'm in a similar boat with the thread starter, and have decided on the .243 as my next rifle. For WI deer hunting, the .243 has plenty of power, and will be deadly accurate for the ranges I'll be taking them in. It'll also double as a longer-range target shooter for fun. Now I've just gotta pick the rifle...
 
I like a little heavier than is recommended so 243 seems to small to me. I like a little lee way in case of unforseen circumstances. 27 cal and above for me. Just my opinion though.
 
.270

The .270 is the best of the ones you mentioned. The others are fine too, it is just that the .270 does what they do, just better.
 
300magman said:
As long as you can still shoot a slightly larger rifle equally well, I would not recomment a 5.56 or 6mm or perhaps even 6.5mm rifle for deer. (though I know they can be used effectively I believe moderate 7mms and 30s have an advantage)
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Emphasis mine.

Really?!?! I will readily concede the fact that you are somewhat limited with the .223 & .243, and that 7mm's and .30's have a distinct advantage against them in some areas...

But the 6.5mm being too small for deer???? My .260 is devastating on deer and hogs and when I get a chance for caribou and black bear, that .260 will be in my hand without hesitation.

The differences between the 6.5mm & 7mm's is so small, the only real deciding factor is shooter preference.

Please tell me what advantage the .30 cal's have over the 6.5mm's... I'm dying to hear them, but I already know much of what you'll say, so I'll counter your arguments now...

1. The 6.5mm's are too light for deer.
Shenannigins.... There are plenty of people on this board that advocate 140gr (even 130gr) loads for .270 Win rifles... My .260 shoots 140gr bullets just fine and they hit deer like Thor's hammer.

2. The 6.5mm's don't have enough energy down-range.
Comparing cartridges with identical casings: .260 Rem vs. .308 Win

.308 Winchester
Load: 165gr Sierra GameKing @ 2840fps muzzle velocity
Muzzle Energy: 2686 ft/lb.
350yd Energy: 1424 ft/lb.

.260 Remington
Load: 140gr Nosler Partition @ 2725fps muzzle velocity
Muzzle Energy: 2308 ft/lb.
350yd Energy: 1395 ft/lb.

Man, 29 ft/lb. of energy at 350yds... The .308 clearly has the serious advantage here....

3. The .30's buck the wind better.
Wrong. Just plain wrong... Using the same loads as above, here they are head-to-head with a 10mph @ 90 degrees. Range: 350yds.
.308 Win: 11.2" of wind drift.
.260 Rem: 9.17" of wind drift.

4. The .30's will penetrate more because they're heavier.
Using the premise that the 6.5mm cartridges in question have sufficient velocity (I belive that has been established), the other factor to penetration is sectional density. Here's a break-down of .264" vs. .308"...
Sectional Density
6.5mm/.264"
140gr: .287

.308"
140gr: .211
165gr: .248
180gr: .271
190gr: .286
200gr: .301

Hmmmmm..... Seems like a 140gr 6.5mm has better sectional density than a 190gr .308" projectile... It takes a 200gr .308" to better the 6.5mm 140gr in the SD department...

No, you won't find 6.5x47, 6.5x55 Swede, .260 Rem, or 6.5 Creedmoor ammo on every shelf of every gun shop in america like you will with the .308 Win, .30/06, or .300 Win Mag. However, there are plenty of loads available to those who see and appreciate the true value of these "Puny" "little" 6.5mm's... It sounds like you don't, given your apparent affection for .300 Magnums... However the 6.5mm cartridges are PLENTY for deer and have been the mainstay of moose hunting rifles in Eurpoe for decades...
 
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As long as you can still shoot a slightly larger rifle equally well, I would not recomment a 5.56 or 6mm or perhaps even 6.5mm rifle for deer. (though I know they can be used effectively I believe moderate 7mms and 30s have an advantage)
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It's all you need. 223 is a little on the small side but 6mm are plenty and anything over 6.5mm is probably overkill. 6mm-7mm is all gravy for deer; deer are what most of them are designed for.
 
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