what is the best size rifle to get for deer hunting?

Question

im looking for input on what size rifle to get for deer hunting in kansas

Answer 1

Well that all depends on what you're shootin' and at what range. I have found that the 7mm mag has been that round for me. It shoots flatter and longer than a 30-06. But it won't blow your lunch meat all over the scrub brush at 45 yards like the 30-06 will. It shoots fast and flat. So you can take that 400 yard shot with confidence that it will hit the deer hard. Yep, 7mm Rem Mag has been the round for me.

Answer 2

There are many good calibers for a deer rifle. In Kansas I'd want something that shoots pretty flat but is not too light for some the monster deer that are there. I'd personally rule out a .243 as I think they are simply too light to take a large deer at long distances. My daughter hunts with one and as long as we keep her shots under 200 yards it works well enough. However we hunt on our own property and know it well so getting within that range is not normally an issue. Yet even now she wants to move up to somthing bigger.

A 7MM-08 is a dandy little round but ammo is pretty limited. Yet I do like the cartridge.

A .260 Remington is another fair choice and if I were recoil sensitive I'd seriously consider that round.

As has already been stated, .26-06 is a really good choice. It certainly shoots flat and carried enough bullet weight to do the job.

The .270 is also and excellent choice. The case is the exact same as the .270 and the .30-06 with bullet diameter that is about in between. A .270 is tough to beat all around for deer.

The .30-06 and the .308 are always good choices for deer but you normally don't have to have a .30 caliber unless you plan to have the rifle do double duty as an elk rifle too. And normally, all else being equal the .30-06 will recoil more than either a .270 or a .25-06, assuming the rifles weigh the same.

I live in South Dakota and we also have some big mule deer and some long shots. I'm a poor judge of distance so I bought a 7MM Mag since it shoot flatter than most other cartridges did at the time I bought it and I feel it will work for elk even though it wouldn't be my first choice as an elk rifle. These days I use a laser range finder and could happily get by with something else. But I have a lot of faith in my rifle and the recoil doesn't bother me so I see no reason to change.

Picking a new deer rifle is a angonizing luxuary. Take your time, do your research and when finally make that purchase, put a high quality scope on it set in steel rings and then practice, practice and practice some more.

Good luck

Answer 3

You just opened a can of Worms!!!!!

As far as a good deer hunting rifle, many very fine calibers are out there... 30-06, 270, 30-30, 308, 280, 243, the list goes on......

However in Kansas, there is probably a good deal of open country, and I would recommend a good flat shooting caliber such as the 25-06, 270, 280, 7 MM Rem Mag or 30-06. I do stress that all of these fine cartridges have strengths and drawbacks.

The 25-06 is probably the best caliber for a deer and varmint round, and the 30-06 and 7MM Rem Mag are probably great choices if there is bigger game in your future such as elk, moose or bear. However the 7 MM Mag and 30-06 have more recoil than a 25-06. The 270 is also a great cartridge, and may be the best of both worlds. Although I do not own one, but among many hunters I know and read about it is legendary for most types of medium game such as deer, and even adequate for elk. Also ammunition for the .270 is very common to find, and purchase. From Walmart, to Cabelas, and just about any gun store you will probably never have trouble finding ammo.

The best advice is I give to any one is how recoil sensitive you are, and choose the correct caliber based on bullet trajectory, weight, and knock down power for what you are planning to use it for.

Answer 4

What you need is completely middle-of-the-road. A bolt-action with a 22" or 24" barrel length will be your best bet, though a nice single-shot is a consideration. Calibers that would work well for you include some oldies but goodies: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, 7x57 Mauser, 270 Winchester, 280 Remington and 30-06. More modern equivalents such as the 260 Remington, 7mm08 and 308 Winchester would be just as good. There are those who feel a magnum is better for wide-open areas, and you certainly have those in your state, but magnums aren't much of an advantage if you practice as you should, and if you don't practice enough, you'll probably flinch and miss with a nagnum, so I'd stay with the standard deer rounds.They're more pleasant to shoot, they're more efficient, and they're easier on barrel life.

Answer 5

I would go with a 30-06 or 308.
I have both and prefer the 308 in most situations.
Either one I use a 165 grs BTHP.
On those fields in Kansas you can get in to long range and wind.
I have lived and hunted in that state, the deer get to a nice size and you will see some wind that will have a lot of effect on a smaller bullet I would not go below a 7MM and don’t see you need any form of magnum.
The 30-06 and 308 work well in a cross wind you will find in Kansas.

Ok now I have seen a 270, 275, 276 and a 277 but I have never seen or heard of a 273?
270 Winchester
275 Rigby
276 B-J Express
277 Brooks Short Magnum

Answer 6

The .30-06, .308, and .270 are the clear choices. They will perform out to long distance, open field shots. If you are inside thick forest or brush then the .30-30 seems to be the obvious choice however the .308 will also perform well. If you'd like a lighter recoiling load the .243 or 6mm will be fine but those should be the minimum. The .250 Savage, .25-06, .280 Remington, and 7mm-08 will also work great and will be light on the shoulder.

Answer 7

If you're planning 500-600 yard shots in a Kansas corn field, then a .300 Remington Ultra Mag Long Action with a real big scope is the tool for the job. Compare the drop at long range to a Wby. Mag. or Win. Mag. If you're not going to take any super-long shots, a 7mm Mag. (Rem. or Wby. either one) is a sweet deer rifle. Be warned however, the Ultra Mag is not for the weak-shouldered or the penny-pincher (about $2.00 per shot).

Answer 8

Everyone who has suggested a .25-06 made a good choice as far as versatility. However,after shooting several coyotes and a fox with mine, I have determined that it does way too much damage for the pelt to be of any use. It is a sweet round otherwise. I would use a .223 in your situation. You can get a reliable bolt action from Remington, Winchester, Savage, Ruger, etc.... The brand is more of a personal preference than quality. Kind of like Chevy vs Dodge vs Ford.

Answer 9

Caliber wise, nothing smaller than a .243 Winchester. If you can handled it I'd recommend the .270 Winchester. Rifle size, well... At least a 22" barrel.

H

Answer 10

Bound's Hubby has an excellent suggestion with .2506. It is a flat shooter, plenty of knockdown power, and is versatile enough for varminting, long range target shooting, etc.. Since it seems you don't own any larger caliber rifles, you might want to look at .30-06. If you're only going to have one, the .30-06 is perhaps the most versatile rifle ever, offering the widest variety of factory loads. If you went with the larger .30-06, you're covered if you decide to go after larger game. It will however be a little harder on your shoulder though. Good luck,, happy hunting.