What's the Best Cartridge for Deer Hunting?

Firearm Reviews & Recommendations
1

I’ve been doing a bit of research on the best cartridges for deer hunting and wanted to gather some insights from this community. There are so many options out there, and I want to make sure I choose the right one for the upcoming season.

Factors to Consider

When selecting a cartridge, here are a few factors I think are important:

  • Caliber: What caliber do you think is most effective for deer? I’ve heard a lot about .308 Win and .30-06 Springfield. Are there any others I should consider?
  • Range: How far do you typically shoot? I usually keep it under 200 yards, but some folks in my area shoot longer distances.
  • Bullet Type: Does the type of bullet (e.g., hollow point, soft point, polymer-tipped) make a significant difference in performance?
  • Power and Recoil: How do these cartridges stack up in terms of recoil? I want something that’s manageable for a long day in the field.

Seeking Recommendations

If you’ve used different cartridges for deer hunting, I’d love to hear your experiences. Specifically, I’m interested in:

  • Recommendations for first-time hunters: If you’re new to the sport, which cartridge would you suggest starting with?
  • Personal experiences: What worked well for you? Any particular brands or loads that stood out?

Conclusion

Thanks in advance for your help! I’m really looking to gain as much knowledge as I can before I head out this season. Let’s hear what everyone thinks!

1 Like
2

I think the .30-06 is one of the best options for deer hunting. It’s versatile and has a great range. Perfect for both close and long-distance shots.

1 Like
3

I agree! I’ve used the .308 and found it to be very effective as well. It’s got less recoil than the .30-06, which is nice for follow-up shots.

3 Likes
4

.243 is another great choice! Less recoil means you can shoot it all day without getting sore. Ideal for younger or smaller hunters too.

5

True, but I also think the .30-06 hits harder. It all really depends on what you’re comfortable with and the distance you expect to shoot.

6

How does everyone feel about the range of .243 for deer hunting? I’ve heard mixed opinions about it handling larger deer.

7

I’ve taken deer with a .243 and it did the job. Just ensure the shot placement is right, and you should be fine.

8

.30-06 for the win! I love the punch it delivers and how it performs at longer ranges. It’s classic for a reason!

9

Exactly! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of calibers. You can’t go wrong with a .30-06.

10

What about ammo availability? I find .308 and .30-06 much easier to find than .243 in my area.

11

I’ve faced the same issue, @hollandbrandon. I usually go for .308 because it’s widely available, especially with the choices for bullet weights.

12

Don’t overlook the recoil though! I had a buddy who switched to .243 for that reason but regretted it with larger deer.

7 Likes
13

That’s very valid! A .30-06 might send a deer to the moon but it does wonder for confidence on the range!

4 Likes
14

In the end, I think it’s personal preference. Just make sure you’re comfortable with whatever caliber you choose. Happy hunting!

8 Likes
15

When it comes to deer hunting, I think soft point bullets are a great choice for quick expansion and energy transfer. They penetrate well without fragmenting too much. What do you all think?

16

I agree, soft points are awesome! Have you tried any specific brands? I’ve had good luck with Winchester’s Power-Point.

17

Don’t overlook bonded bullets! They’re designed to hold together upon impact, which can be crucial for bigger game. The performance can really depend on the distance you’re shooting too.

5 Likes
18

That’s true! They can be great for larger deer. I usually go for a 150-grain bullet for optimal performance at medium distances.

19

I’ve always used full metal jackets for practice, but I’m curious if anyone has used them for actual deer hunting. Are they effective at all?

20

Generally, FMJs are not recommended for hunting due to their tendency to pass through without causing enough damage. Stick with expanding bullets.