Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Dedicated deer rifle

.308

Definitely a .257 of some sort

From the options listed I’d choose the 7mm-08.



P

If you are hunting woods areas then the 308 is hard to beat... Unless you hunt power lines where you get long shots, then a 6.5 is a better gamble.

Personally I like the 260 vs. Creedmoor - I have one chambered in my Sako 85, and I pile them up each year with it.

If you reload, I’d choose the 25-06. If not then I’d take the Creed.

You don't mention handloading. So ammo availability would be my choice. .308 can be found at just about any walmart, hardware store, feed store, etc....

of those I'd pick the 6.5 CM

I have been working on the idea of the perfect deer rifle for most of my adult life. I had just about figured it was a 7mm-08 shooting a 120gr bt or ttsx at 3175 fps from a 700 in a McMillan mtn Rifle stock. If I had to do it again I might go with the creedmoor just due to ammo availability.

In Va most of the shots are 100 yards or less, so I have found myself using a 300 BO more these days.

Go retro, 250-3000.

.257 Roberts

Of those listed- I would go with the .25-06.

Although the 6.5creed is likely the correct answer and the .308 gives you more versatility and ammo is everywhere.

Not a wrong answer in the bunch i suppose.

-Jake

Ditto!, I agree 100%

If TN will let you, use the 223.

6.5 creed or 7mm-08

Handload or no?

Scope choice for connecting beyond zero? (Duplex, BDC, or turrets)

The deer at 300-400yds, are they typically crossing shooting lanes or relaxing in pastures/clearcuts?

All 3 chamberings are good picks, but deciding on the best for your needs requires a bit more info.

Factory ammo only.
75% open field hunting
25% woods hunting

Of your choices, I would take the creedmoor, but if it were me, I would get a 7mm-08.

My heart says .25-06, as I dearly love that cartridge.

My head says 6.5 Creedmoor, as it will be easier on bullets at <100 yards, gives up nothing at long range and will have far more factory ammo options.

308

not on your list but you obviously like the 7mm cal. so, why not stay with a good thing and go 7mm-08 rem???? it just makes too much sense and it really makes sense if'n you load your own ammo.
Big Ed