DEER RIFLES.

[bobt]

I had a 243, and swapped lat year to a 7mm08, one inch high at 100 yds bang on at 200 and 2 inch low at 300yds, nuff said?

 

I got a Tikka synthetic and stainless one,

 

 

I reload so the bullet price/availability isnt a problem.

[JohnGalway]

.

Edited September 4, 2009 by JohnGalway

[Bazooka Joe]

Frank,

 

You know my choice..........22-250 all the way!!!

 

As I only stalk farmland Roe I don't need anything else, it sure does the business.

 

Cheers,

Mark.

 

Got to agree Mark, we only shoot Roe here, & to me the 22-250 is the ideal gun. It's about time the law was changed to the same as Scotland for the smaller species.

 

Bazooka Joe.

[Frank]

Thanks all. It does look like Synthetic.

Keep it comimg.

 

Frank.

[bobt]

thats what it says on the box, I have found it to be true,

 

http://members.tripod.com/sed88/rem7/

[Ears]

25-06 is a great round and does deer well it will do fallow, Roe, even fox well and also Red. But if you want to keep knocking Red over then I would prefer 308. But if i could only choose one 25-06 for me.

[mry716]

Right, for all those who stalk deer, which caliber would you choose?

Please give your reasons why and explain why you have chosen another caliber that is not listed.

I would be greatfull for everyone that votes, to put in a comment.

Cheers,

Frank.

 

Frank,

What made you choose the list you have chosen or why have you perhaps not added other calibres?

 

The calibre that has shot more deer than all the others put together is missing as are all the latest offerings from Winchester and a multitude of the less popular cals.

 

I am a great believer in using bullet weight that has a little ‘extra’ rather than just using the minimum. I also choose a bullet that is mid way in a caliber’s range so as to hopefully get the best from the rifle. For this reason I dislike the 243 for anything above Roe sized deer as the optimum bullet is 75-85gr. I have had a 25-06 for many years now and I find that an excellent replacement for the 243 coping well with bullets in the 85-100grn range. So much so, I sold my last 243 some 7-8 years back and have not missed it at all.

 

The bolt handle of my 25-06, being a RH long action, easily catches (and bloodies) the bridge of my nose because I shoot left-handed and I have now just bought a 25WSSM (SA) to test the performance in comparison to the 25-06. This is a Winchester Featherweight and although only 6lbs I find the recoil less than the 25-06. Further the accuracy is proving excellent with 120grn factory ammo – a bullet weight I would not normally consider the best for this calibre and twist rate. I shall continue to load 85Gr B/Tips when I have some cases ready.

 

I have tended to steer clear of the long actions cals for the above mentioned reason and have never kept a 270, 30-06 or 300mag for very long for that sole reason. My preference is, therefore, for the 308 as it is such a ‘mild’ and easy to shoot round that is only a little behind the 30-06 and will provide all the knockdown power needed for any of our deer species. Again I stay at the optimum 150-165grn bullet weight for the usual US twist rate, normally keeping to the 150gn B/Tips. I like these particular heads and have very few problems with them on UK deer irrespective of calibre or bullet weight. For close range work in dense woodland you just can’t beat the 30-30, often to be used instinctively as a shotgun would be, rather than as a rifle using the sights. I like the Marlin the best but sold it for a WW – but someday I shall get another Marlin.

 

For the occasions I need a heavier bullet weight such as 180grn which some 308s don’t tend to shoot too well (often Key holing as the 100gr 243 will) I have recently bought a Howa 300WSM that I am most impressed with. However, I then chose to rebarrel it to a 325WSM and will be using 180grn heads with this as a norm. Presently I am working up 220gn loads and it really is proving a super calibre. It will shoot 150-220grn, at the moment equally well, and surprisingly it seems to be one of those calibres that will provide a wider bullet weight for a given twist rate than most and for that very reason it could well be my choice for your poll. I am so impressed with the calibre that I have ordered and just received a Montana LH barreled action in the same calibre which I hope and expect to keep for many years – now I am waiting for the stock to arrive but Macmillan is on a 6 month backorder so in the meanwhile I have ordered a Accuracy Innovations laminated one which I shall ultimately use on the other Montana I have now ordered in 300WSM.

 

This new Winchester range of cartridges is a definite step forward in both performance and long range accuracy and I can foresee the 300WSM not only taking honours at 1000yds but at all ranges upwards in the next year.

 

I have always been a fan of the 308, especially if it is a Remington 700, and I don’t suppose I shall ever not have one, but the WSM really is the ‘Bees Knees’ as far as I and lots of others are concerned and therefore my vote for your ‘Poll’ must be a 325WSM - please.

[Frank]

Right, for all those who stalk deer, which caliber would you choose?

Please give your reasons why and explain why you have chosen another caliber that is not listed.

I would be greatfull for everyone that votes, to put in a comment.

Cheers,

Frank.

 

Frank,

What made you choose the list you have chosen or why have you perhaps not added other calibres?

 

The calibre that has shot more deer than all the others put together is missing as are all the latest offerings from Winchester and a multitude of the less popular cals.

 

I am a great believer in using bullet weight that has a little ‘extra’ rather than just using the minimum. I also choose a bullet that is mid way in a caliber’s range so as to hopefully get the best from the rifle. For this reason I dislike the 243 for anything above Roe sized deer as the optimum bullet is 75-85gr. I have had a 25-06 for many years now and I find that an excellent replacement for the 243 coping well with bullets in the 85-100grn range. So much so, I sold my last 243 some 7-8 years back and have not missed it at all.

 

The bolt handle of my 25-06, being a RH long action, easily catches (and bloodies) the bridge of my nose because I shoot left-handed and I have now just bought a 25WSSM (SA) to test the performance in comparison to the 25-06. This is a Winchester featherweight and although only 6lbs I find the recoil less than the 25-06. Further the accuracy is proving excellent with 120grn factory ammo – a bullet weight I would not normally consider the best for this calibre and twist rate. I shall continue to load 85Gr B/Tips when I have some cases ready.

 

I have tended to steer clear of the long actions cals for the above mentioned reason and have never kept a 270, 30-06 or 300mag for very long for that sole reason. My preference is, therefore, for the 308 as it is such a ‘mild’ and easy to shoot round that is only a little behind the 30-06 and will provide all the knockdown power needed for any of our deer species. Again I stay at the optimum 150-165grn bullet weight for the usual US twist rate, normally keeping to the 150gn B/Tips. I like these particular heads and have very few problems with them on UK deer irrespective of calibre or bullet weight. For close range work in dense woodland you just can’t beat the 30-30, often to be used instinctively as a shotgun would be, rather than as a rifle using the sights. I like the Marlin the best but sold it for a WW – but someday I shall get another Marlin.

 

For the occasions I need a heavier bullet weight such as 180grn which some 308s don’t tend to shoot too well (often Key holing as the 100gr 243 will) I have recently bought a Howa 300WSM that I am most impressed with. However, I then chose to rebarrel it to a 325WSM and will be using 180grn heads with this as a norm. Presently I am working up 220gn loads and it really is proving a super calibre. It will shoot 150-220grn, at the moment equally well, and surprisingly it seems to be one of those calibres that will provide a wider bullet weight for a given twist rate than most and for that very reason it could well be my choice for your poll. I am so impressed with the calibre that I have ordered and just received a Montana LH barreled action in the same calibre which I hope and expect to keep for many years – now I am waiting for the stock to arrive but Macmillan is on a 6 month backorder so in the meanwhile I have ordered a Accuracy Innovations laminated one which I shall ultimately use on the other Montana I have now ordered in 300WSM.

 

This new Winchester range of cartridges is a definite step forward in both performance and long range accuracy and I can foresee the 300WSM not only taking honours at 1000yds but at all ranges upwards in the next year.

 

I have always been a fan of the 308, especially if it is a Remington 700, and I don’t suppose I shall ever not have one, but the WSM really is the ‘Bees Knees’ as far as I an lots of others are concerned and therefore must my vote for your Poll – a 325WSM please.

 

Thanks Mry, for that most impsessive info.

As you can see at the bottom of the poll, i have put other. This means, if you have another chosen caliber, then mention it and expalane all about it, as you have done so well.

I have only had experience so far with the common calibers and am still learning, so im sorry if i did not put every single caliber known to man.

Cheers,

Frank.

[sussex lad]

I voted 6.5x55

Had some good news today.

I've been OK,d for a 6.5 and can have my ticket back within a week

But can only have it for fox at the moment until i either find myself a mentor or find myself a DSC1 course a bit sharpish

[henry d]

I tried to vote,but you can`t do 2+ calibres.....I think that .222 .223 .22 250 are gr8 for roe and am lead to believe the 6.5 x 55 is the portion that swings as regards red/fallow/sika/moose/elk/caribou/beaver/bear/marmot/lemming and wolves etc that are about to be released into the wilderness that is Scotland.

[mry716]

I voted 6.5x55 :yp:

Had some good news today.

I've been OK,d for a 6.5 and can have my ticket back within a week

But can only have it for fox at the moment until i either find myself a mentor or find myself a DSC1 course a bit sharpish

 

Sussex lad,

 

Congratulations - now to get out and use it!

 

But the comment re Mentor is not such a bad condition as it may first seem. Deer shooting needs a lot more knowledge and experience than just being able to place a bullet and although once out in the field you will soon gain a lot of experience fairly quickly, isn't it so much better to have a 'friend' pointing you in the right direction?

 

Try advertising on:-

 

http://www.modern-stalking.com/forums/index.php?

or

http://www.guntrader.co.uk/Forum (in the deer/stalking section)

 

to see if anyone local to you would consider taking you out and in return perhaps shoot together on your patch.

 

Good luck and good shooting with your new rifle.

[M ROBSON]

Sadly Modern-Stalking has slowed quite a bit of late.

 

Have a look on here also,

 

http://s11.invisionfree.com/Passion_For_Stalking/index.php

 

Cheers,

Mark.

[Dunkield]

I voted 6.5x55

Had some good news today.

I've been OK,d for a 6.5 :yp: and can have my ticket back within a week

But can only have it for fox at the moment until i either find myself a mentor or find myself a DSC1 course a bit sharpish

 

 

SL,

 

 

Firstly, congratulations on the variation

 

Secondly, waiting for the DSC1 comment to be noticed by the "tell plod to get stuffed they can't tell you to do that" brigade

[Frank]

I voted 6.5x55 :yp:

Had some good news today.

I've been OK,d for a 6.5 and can have my ticket back within a week

But can only have it for fox at the moment until i either find myself a mentor or find myself a DSC1 course a bit sharpish

 

Thats great news SL.

Congratulations.

Hope yopu get out after some deer soon .

Frank.

[sussex lad]

Thanks guys ,

Sadly the misses wasn't quite so enthralled with the news ,she just asked how much is that going to cost :yp:

At this point i change the subject a bit sharpish

 

I quite fancy a Sako 75 stainless synthetic,T8 and S&B 3-12X50

 

Let the good times roll

[dunganick]

thats a fine setup you have planned there mate.

 

The 6.5 is a serious fox tool, i would imagine it will keep you happy on your foxing trips for the time being. And having to have a 'mentor' isnt so bad. The time will fly by

 

good luck with it, the 6.5 is one of the best rounds ever in my opinion, you made a great choice.

[Dunkield]

Thanks guys ,

Sadly the misses wasn't quite so enthralled with the news ,she just asked how much is that going to cost

At this point i change the subject a bit sharpish

 

I quite fancy a Sako 75 stainless synthetic,T8 and S&B 3-12X50

 

Let the good times roll

 

So about £1.5K then! - hope she isn't a PW member :o

 

Tell you are saving money, get your *** up to F A Andersons ASAP they have got a special on those S&B's they are doing them for £595, and they only have 50 at that price :yp:

[Frank]

 

 

 

 

 

 

those S&B's they are doing them for £595, and they only have 50 at that price

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

I can get S & B 8 x 56 over here at 550 Euro and the 6 x 42 for 500, both German. That works out at £378 for the 8 x 56 and £345 for the 6 x 42 :yp:

[The Bear]

So buy some and sell to us at a profit then frank. Thats if anybody wants one without a valid warranty.

[Frank]

So buy some and sell to us at a profit then frank. Thats if anybody wants one without a valid warranty.

 

Naaa, cant be *****.

 

For your info fister, they are brand spanking new and have their warranty sir. :yp:

[M ROBSON]

Better still........buy them from Germany! :yp:

 

Rip-off Brittain!

 

Mark.

[Frank]

Better still........buy them from Germany!

 

Rip-off Brittain!

 

Mark.

 

Your right Mark, they are far cheaper in Germany. :yp:

I get them cheap off my local firearms dealer.

Frank.

[Frank]

So buy some and sell to us at a profit then frank. Thats if anybody wants one without a valid warranty.

 

Naaa, cant be *****.

 

For your info fister, they are brand spanking new and have their warranty sir.

 

I know they are new Frank but when they come Via a different distributor, another distributor in another country MAY not warranty them.

 

e.g. berretta comes into ireland via a different route and are cheaper but try getting GMK to honor that warranty. SAme with Swarovski, if yoiu have a UK improt serial number, they will give you a full length body rub but if you havent they might just put the phone down.

 

Not criticising, just adding a point.

 

S&B would probably honor the warranty if they got it back there.

 

Thanks for that Fister.

Frank.

[sussex lad]

Thanks guys ,

Sadly the misses wasn't quite so enthralled with the news ,she just asked how much is that going to cost

At this point i change the subject a bit sharpish

 

I quite fancy a Sako 75 stainless synthetic,T8 and S&B 3-12X50

 

Let the good times roll

 

So about £1.5K then! - hope she isn't a PW member

 

Tell you are saving money, get your *** up to F A Andersons ASAP they have got a special on those S&B's they are doing them for £595, and they only have 50 at that price

I know its a whole lot of cash to be throwing around but when i gets the i wants i must have

Starting to think about flogging the AR-15 not sure how much use it would get!!! once i have the SAKO

Popping up to Andersons in the morning while the misses is at work whos knows what i might come home with

[deadeye ive]

I know its a whole lot of cash to be throwing around but when i gets the i wants i must have

Starting to think about flogging the AR-15 not sure how much use it would get!!! once i have the SAKO

Popping up to Andersons in the morning while the misses is at work whos knows what i might come home with

 

 

Always a problem when you visit a sweety shop ..................You have to buy something !.......Once bought a muffler for a T8 because I could'nt leave empty handed

 

 

Don't know whether to say good luck with the rifle or good luck with your mrs .........Either way SL hope the outcome is a positive one