What's a good rifle for a newbie deer hunter?

[Boylet_911]

As I prepare for my first deer hunting season, I’m trying to figure out which starter rifle to go for. I’m considering the .30-06, .270, and .308. I’d really appreciate any advice from those who have been in the game longer!

 

[Catt57]

IMHO I'd go with the caliber you are most familiar with. Any of those are going to be adequate. And unless you are looking at distances over 200 yards it won't really matter. If recoil is an issue go with the .270. If going for longer distances then use the 308 or 30-06.

.270 Winchester

• Trajectory: Flatter shooting due to higher velocity with common bullet weights.
• Effective Range: Excellent effective range, especially for deer and mountain game.
• Recoil: Lighter recoil compared to the .30-06.
• Versatility: Good for mid- to large-game at medium to long ranges. It is not well-suited for the largest game like moose and bear.

.30-06 Springfield

• Trajectory: Slightly slower and less flat than the .270, but the difference is negligible at closer ranges.
• Effective Range: Very effective, particularly with heavier bullets at longer distances.
• Recoil: Slightly more recoil than the .270.
• Versatility: A very versatile cartridge, making it suitable for a wide range of game, from deer to larger animals like elk and moose, depending on the bullet weight chosen.

.308 Winchester

• Trajectory: Similar to the .30-06 at medium ranges, with a slightly flatter trajectory overall than the .30-06.
• Effective Range: Good for medium to long-range shooting, similar to the .30-06 in effective range.
• Recoil: Similar to the .30-06, but can have slightly less recoil due to a shorter action and barrel.
• Versatility: A very versatile cartridge, suitable for deer, but often considered to be less effective for larger game than the .30-06 at longer ranges.

 

[cp1969]

I would rank them in this order:

1. .308 aka 7.62 NATO It's still a caliber used by the US armed forces, thus there will be cheap ammo available, which means you can shoot more. Practice makes perfect.

2. ,30-06 Good caliber, but no longer used by the US armed forces, thus more expensive ammo thus less practice.

3. .270 A flat shooting, slightly less recoil caliber that still has relatively cheap ammo. Not as cheap as the 30 caliber rounds but still not all that bad.

 

[Willfully Armed]

Different train of thought here. I was a 3006 guy for a long time, feeling it was the "minimum" I'd ever use. Decades into it now, I honestly believe 3006 and 270 to be overkill. 308 is my heaviest choice for whitetails. I feel that 243 has an edge over 308 just because velocity, and 223 is honestly my favorite choice anymore. 62gr factory Gold Dots, or my load with 64gr Win powerpoints. Theyre both retaining enough mass for pass through shots a recoil just really isnt there. The only negative I've found being that a GD twig 40 yards between you and the target is enough to miss a rowdy 12pter in 2015. (Not that im still butthurt about it)

 

[stainless.banana.peel]

I've never had any issues deer hunting due to the caliber i was using, and I've used a lot. Out of your 3 options listed I'd go with 308 due to price and availability. If you are open to other options, consider 223 (with proper bullets) or 243 or 6.5 creedmore

 

[Boylet_911]

Appreciate the in-depth comparison everyone!

 

[Boylet_911]

I think I’m choosing the .308 simply because it offers a nice mix of manageable recoil, reasonable ammo prices, and good availability. I’ll still check out a few rifles at the shop before I make my decision, but this really helps me focus on what I want for my first season.

 

[Midwestshooter]

You’ll be happy any of those chooses you spoke about. I’d also prolly choose the 308 in that line up. Keep us updated on what you get!