Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Help finding a new deer rifle

I have no doubt the .243 can do the job and recoil is practically nil. I’ve just had some iffy experiences having to track deer for others even on good shots. Think 200 yard plus, standing in 3’ tall thick CRP grass. If they don’t bleed good or drop right there it’s easy to lose them. Practically non-existent blood trails due to no pass through. How are they out to 300 or so yards? I know that’s a pretty common range where I hunt.

Joined this forum because of a lot of good info I've seen while lurking. Anyway, I need to buy a new deer rifle.

A little background, I bowhunted for decades, shot a little black powder and rifle a few times at deer. My shoulders are shot and I've lost all my bowhunting land, so it will be rifle from here on out. Shots are typically 50-300 yards. I've shot 30-06, .270, and .243 over the years (my Dad's guns) and an 8mm Mauser that was my grandfathers (which I inherited). The 8mm is pretty much a no-go for accuracy at this point being 80+ years old and 2" groups at 100 yards with any ammo I can run through it. So, I need to buy my FIRST deer rifle. My shoulders really can't take the recoil of a 270/30-06 anymore, so I'm looking for something that will have less recoil but still good terminal ballistics. I've been looking at the 6.5 Creedmoor due to its low recoil. I like the idea that I could use it for target shooting at longer distances as well and not have to quit after 6 shots due to pain. I've thought about the .243 as well, but I've seen too many deer lost over the years due to a lack of a blood trail, which is the main concern I have with the 6.5 CM too.

The two rifles at least in 6.5 CM I'm looking at are the X-Bolt HC with brake and the Tikka T3X Lite with a brake. I would only be using the brake for target shooting most likely anyway due to the noise. One thing I can't seem to get a good answer on is if the X-Bolt HC with the brake (Cabela's) is an 18" or 22" barrel and is the twist 1:7 or 1:8. I get different answers from two stores and Browning. Obviously I'll be handling them or others before deciding.

So if anyone has any recommendations I'd appreciate it.


Edit: should put a max $$$ at $1300 and would like thread barrel for a brake to target shoot.

If I was looking for a new rifle strictly for deer and for someone with some recoil sensitivity, I would look at something in .24 to .26 caliber. For someone that is not a handloader, I would look at a .243, 6 mm Rem, .260 Rem, 7 mm 08, or a 6.5 Creedmore (which is basically a .22-250 Improved and necked out to 6.5 mm).

Personally, I would buy a bolt action rifle with a good 1" recoil pad and put a Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x scope on it.

When you are looking for the rifle, ask about the availability of ammo.

I have a 7-08, it's never seen a factory round because I can't remember ever seeing one on the shelf. I love it - absolutely believe it's one killing SOB that just seems to punch well above its weight but I'm loathe to recommend it to anyone who doesn't reload.

I appreciate everyone's input and experience! I'll admit I'm a bit prejudice against the .243 from my past experience, but I will not rule it out as I may find that the gun I pick up fits me perfect. Right now I'm leaning toward the 7-08 and 6.5 CM.

8SNAKE, I'll take a look at that Steyr and see if anyone has one near me. That's a big problem as well. I live in SW KS and there just isn't a lot of selection in stock near me. Wichita is the closest real town with any number on the rack, and then you're looking at Cabelas and Academy mostly. A few other mom-n-pop stores, but they mainly have the AR type stuff with bolt actions sprinkled in here and there in my experience.

Sounds like you have a good handle on it. Anything in the .24-.26 caliber range generating 2500+fps will serve your needs well. I personally would expand those parameters quite a bit but you seem focused there.

As for accuracy, don't turn your nose up at 2moa. Super accuracy is the goal/dream of everyone here (me included) but truth be told a 2" gun will kill stuff all day long (and well into the night😁).

It’s not that much better, just available.

Has your husband given you permission to buy a new rifle?

I have no doubt the .243 can do the job and recoil is practically nil. I’ve just had some iffy experiences having to track deer for others even on good shots. Think 200 yard plus, standing in 3’ tall thick CRP grass. If they don’t bleed good or drop right there it’s easy to lose them. Practically non-existent blood trails due to no pass through. How are they out to 300 or so yards? I know that’s a pretty common range where I hunt.