Rifle calibre advice

[Pedro]

Hi folks I'm after some advice on a suitable calibre for a deer rifle.

 

My permission is being overrun with roe deer and the farmer has asked me to cull the numbers down.

 

I appreciate that it's the buck season at the mo, but I've spoken to a local FLO who says that all I need is a letter from the farmer detailing the fact that the deer are causing a problem on the farm. Obviously I'd need to be circumspect as to which ones to shoot - goes without saying really.

 

All the shooting will be from high seats and because of trajectory and backstops, the distances wont be too massive.

 

I've spoken to various people about what calibre and find I'm edging towards a .308 , as this would then give me the possibility of stalking reds in Scotland in the future.

 

Also being considered is a .243 and I've seen what these can do at the ranges I'm talking about and they seem to cope with the job admirably.

 

All input greatfully accepted,

 

P.

[tulkyuk]

6.5 x 55 Will do all of the above and withy less recoil than a 308 :thumbs: , you can also load down to 85grn bullets which are excellent for foxes and you can get em to go 3300 + fps

[Harnser]

Pedro ,

 

There has been a lot of talk recently reff ,stalking calibres . My advice to new stalkers is to go for the .308 .It has the power for all european biggame and enough left over for north american big game . believe me i have been there .

Its an accurate round and is very versitile to load for . It is the original jack of all trades rifle and the master of them all .

Harnser .

[Dunkield]

My advice would be...

 

 

Do a search this subject has been done to death many many times.

 

The short verison is the .308 brigade (can I use that word without ever having served?) will tell you it is the best calibre since sliced bread and the 6.5 brigade will tell you the same.

 

I shot both them before deciding, and bought a 6.5 - I have never once regretted that decision.

[Baldrick]

I'd go for 6.5x55, but that's because I love the mild-mannered nature of the calibre.

 

Harnser's point about the .308 is a good one, as every manufacturer makes a .308 and ammo can be found the world over.

[JRDS]

For a first rifle you may find a 308 a little harsh in a Stalking weight rifle, a 243 is mild mannered and will kill any Deer in the UK without a problem. Accuracy is the most important criteria and you are more likely to shoot well as a novice with a mild mannered rifle. If you do go for one just take advice on the bullets you should use, some use a longer twist that won't shoot 100 grn ammo so just take advice from the shop and buy your ammo accordingly.

Edited May 6, 2008 by JRDS

[Pedro]

I ought to add that I've just finished a two week riflemans course, (failed on the last day 'cos my average grouping was 4mm over the required standard, but that's a whole different bag of marbles).

During the course we fired just under 500 rounds through an AI .762 so, although I appreciate what you mean by novice, I'm a bit more experienced than your average "newbie".

 

P.

[JRDS]

If you felt comfortable and weren't flinching then fine, only you know the answer to that one but you must be capable of shooting to a decent standard from the positions you will use in the field before attempting a live animal.

 

Any of the 3 calibres mentioned will do the job if your shot is accurate, don't attempt head or neck shots.

 

Biggest choice of rifle is in 243 and 308.

 

Your first post gave the impression you were new to the Centrefire game and in the eyes of the law you still maybe despite completing a course. They may try and inflict restrictions on your ticket such as going out with a Mentor etc.

Edited May 6, 2008 by JRDS

[Lloyd90]

Whats the 6.5x55 ? Isnt that a military round ? Sorry I just remember hearing about military rifles in the 6.5x55 NATO rounds.

 

I know that a military M4 can fire normal .223 but a .223 cant fire the M4 rounds because they are enhanced and the guns cant handle the extra pressure. Sorry to steal the post mate I was just wondering.

 

BTW I dont think it will make a huge difference what cal your rifle is , aslong as your comfortable with it. A 308 may have nice power but if you can get the job done with a 243 then that will also do. Try and talk to some people and TRY OUT their rifles. See what you prefer, it doesnt matter if the 308 or even the 243 is a better rifle , you always feel you should of had the one you prefered.

[bob300w]

Pedro ,

 

There has been a lot of talk recently reff ,stalking calibres . My advice to new stalkers is to go for the .308 .It has the power for all european biggame and enough left over for north american big game . believe me i have been there .

Its an accurate round and is very versitile to load for . It is the original jack of all trades rifle and the master of them all .

Harnser .

:thumbs: