what calibre deer rifle?

[AL8]

[/quote]Having read your post right through and with no other information it certainly isn't asking too much of one gun and I'd say go straight to .308.

If there's more information to be had I'd ask:

1. Have you shot live prey before or is all this completely new to you? If so I'd strongly recommend limiting your shooting distance to 100 yards.
2. Where are you hoping to shoot deer? Woodland? Fields? Essex? Scottish hills?
3. What kind of target shooting discipline?
4. What distance and on which ranges? You might have to concern yourself with MoD muzzle energy limits which could shut out Christel's suggested 6.5 x .284 for example.
5. You've not done any reloading before now? I wouldn't stop you having a hobby but don't think you're going to save money unless you're going to shovel thousands of rounds downrange.[/quote]



1. I have shoot live prey before but only with shotguns/air rifles. I will limit the distance until my skills are good enough
2. Hoping to shoot in Essex at first
3. nothing serious
4. At the moment on MOD ranges at 100 to 600yards, depending on the range used
5. I have started to reload for my K31

[Christel]

Just would like to add that we are fine shooting at MOD ranges with our .284

Ovenpaa...that youtube video we were watching?
Post a link?

[ovenpaa]

The 6,5-284 does comes inside both the MoD HME and MV limits with the 123 and 139 Scenar and similar. Christels S&L is running N560 behind the 139 at just under 2900fps and it works. The 139's could be pushed a lot harder but as it is shot three position we have no desire to add another 100fps. For the record it is probably the nicest rifle/cartridge I have ever shot and is a firm favourite for me.

This is Thomas Haugland, a Norwegian hunter, his videos are very good and well worth watching.

[Christel]

Pretty sure it is a Blazer, just look at when he cycles it, lovely.

[Ronin]

I used to have the same predicament.

I wanted a "do all" rifle.

I used to use 6.5x284 for both target comps and deer stalking.

I had (have) several other rifles in various calibres - 22-205 AI, 25-06, 284, 308, 338 etc etc etc

Anyway, now on my third barrel with the 6.5x284....


No longer gets used for target.

However, its my "go to" rifle for stalking.

Using 130 TSX, it levels anything with minimal damage.

I shoot alot of reds, well alot in my eyes (25 - 30 annually), several roe and numerous fallow.

Its the best (in my view) all round calibre there is, excellent accuracy, easy recoil and minimal damage with my chosen bullet.

Ok, not cheap to run, but when the return is 100% the value of each bullet, who cares....

Ask the same question of 100 stalkers and you'll get 100 different replies.

You may also consider 6.5x47 and 308

I have those too, they also work very well.....


Shot placement is what counts, the deer doent know the difference.

[AL8]

thanks ovenpaa
I would rather be overgunned than undergunned. I know dead is dead but I would rather make sure and do the job properly

[Ronin]

Any calibre, which meets the 1700 ft lb energy limit and min .240" bore diameter will do the job.

Shot placement is all that counts.

[kennyc]

you could always use the K31 :P

[ovenpaa]

Any calibre, which meets the 1700 ft lb energy limit and min .240" bore diameter will do the job.

Shot placement is all that counts.

Agreed. I certainly know more hunters in DK than here in the UK and they all without an exception shoot a 6,5 something for the majority of time, in fact I cannot think of any who are running a .308 and use it for any reason other than to shoot at longer distances and that is only a handful.

[Sim G]

I'm to throw something else into the mix for fun.....

My FEO stalks with a particular calibre and I think Dromia does as well, now and again. This one is more than suitable for target work as well and may even fit in with your tastes.....

The good, old .303!!