Popular Deer Rifle Calibers: Choosing the Right One for Your Hunt
By Nick55•
Hunters will argue endlessly about which rifle calibre is best for deer hunting. Often, we tend to gravitate to the calibres that our hunting mentors introduced us to when we were learning how to hunt. In addition, often, we get gifted or have rifles handed down to us, which influences which calibre we head afield with.
These days, there are so many rifle calibres to choose from when you are looking to purchase a new deer rifle, so which one should you consider?
## A Quick Overview of Rifle Calibers
When we talk about a rifle's calibre, we are talking about the size of the bore. These are measured in either metric or imperial measurements. For example, when someone says a rifle is 22 calibre, they mean that the bore is .22” in diameter, or if someone says a rifle is 7mm, it means the bore is 7 millimetres in diameter.
## Popular Deer Rifle Calibers
When it comes to hunting big game animals such as deer, several calibres stand out as the most popular choices. While these are not the only calibres that can be used for deer hunting, they are the ones that many hunters use.
### .30-06
The 30-06 has been around for over a hundred years, and that staying power is a testament to its effectiveness as a hunting rifle calibre. The 30-06 has a decent balance of power and recoil. It packs enough punch to take down any big game animals you want to hunt with a recoil that most hunters can handle with relative ease.
The 30-06 is overkill for smaller deer like whitetail, blacktail, or axis deer, but if you are hunting a variety of big game and only want to invest in one gun, it is worth considering.
### .308
The 308 is battle field tested and proven as it was the round that the military adopted to replace the 30-06. It shares many characteristics with the 30-06, and you can trust it to shoot well out to 500 yards. The 308 has great knock down power and high precision which makes it ideal for shots where you need to put the deer down where they stand.
### .243
The 243 calibre is often considered one that is best suited for children as it finds itself listed as the minimum calibre for deer hunting in many states. That reputation is not deserved because it is a fine rifle calibre for both deer and predator hunting.
The 243 has light recoil and is easy to shoot but very accurate and effective. While this is a good calibre for youth hunters, it is also a fine calibre for anyone who hunts deer.
### 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has taken the shooting and hunting world by storm. It has also sparked a lot of debate about its effectiveness as a hunting rifle calibre. While it is a fine calibre for both match shooting and hunting, it only excels when it comes to long-range shots. If you are trying to kill deer at shorter distances, the 6.5 Creedmoor is just as good as the 308.
The 6.5 Creedmoor will take down any deer, even elk, with powerful precision, but if you are not shooting long ranges and already have a 30-06 or 308, you might as well stick with what you know and are used to.
### .270
This is a great deer rifle calibre with a flatter trajectory than 30-06 and less recoil. If you are not a long-range shooter but want a rifle calibre that shoots well and hits hard, the 270 will serve you well.
Many hunters will feel that they are faced with a choice between the 270 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Many hunters will gravitate to the Creedmoor because of its lower recoil and higher accuracy at longer ranges, but the 270 hits harder at shorter ranges.
### .223
The 223 calibre is most associated with the AR-15 rifle, and many hunters consider it too small to kill deer. In fact, many states will not allow it for deer hunting, but in states where it is allowed, it is worth considering in some situations.
223 has a low recoil and is very accurate, but it doesn’t pack the same punch as other calibres on this list. This calibre is not suitable for mountain hunts or any shots at weird angles or slopes. If you’re hunting mule deer in the backcountry, consider another calibre on this list, but for whitetails out of a tree stand or blind, the 223 will serve you well.
## How to Choose the Right Caliber for Your Needs
Choosing a rifle calibre comes down to four factors. Your budget, the type of hunt, the game you plan on hunting, and your skill. Before you settle on a new deer rifle, consider these in your research.
**Budget**- Rifles and ammo are expensive. When you are selecting a calibre, figure out your budget for ammunition and the rifle. You can’t shoot a rifle without ammo, and if you can’t afford the ammo, the rifle becomes an expensive paperweight.
**The Type of Hunt** - Mountain hunting requires a calibre that is good for long ranges, while hunting from a treestand in the hardwoods of the eastern United States needs a calibre suited for shorter ranges while still hitting hard.
**The Game**- If you are hunting all big game animals, a 30-06 is probably going to be the go-to because you need the power. However, if you are exclusively hunting whitetails, you can get away with a 223.
**Your Skill**- There is no point in investing in a long-range rifle if you struggle to shoot past 200 yards.
## Conclusion
Most of us get attached to a rifle calibre and like to stick to it. Rifles are expensive, so it is essential to get one chambered in a calibre that suits your needs and will stick with you throughout all of your hunts.
