Best Rifles and Calibers For Deer Hunting
Caliber: I’ve shot whitetails, mule deer and a few blacktails with a dozen different cartridges over the years, and from those experiences I’ve drawn the following simple yet practical conclusion: Choose a rifle caliber that shoots a 130- to 165-grain bullet accurately out to 300 yards and you’ll be in great shape for deer anywhere in North America. Five time-tested standbys--.270, .308, .30-06, 7mm-08 and 7mm Rem. Mag.--fit that criteria and, all things considered, are my top choices for straight up mule deer hunting and whitetail hunting. Quick note about the .270: I have shot a bunch of bucks with this cartridge, and I prefer the added weight and anchoring power of the 150-grain bullet over the 130-grainer. Quick note [...]