What is the easiest and smallest rifle used for deer hunting?

Question

I am new to whitetail hunting and would like to know the easiest
semi auto rifle for hunting or maybe a good all around semi auto and
bullet choices

Answer 1

"Semi-auto" and "easy" don't often go in the same sentence....

Easiest rifles are single shot, then bolt action (w/magazine) then pump action and self-loading semi auto being the most complex (i.e. not at all easy).

Semi auto hunting rifles have sort of fallen out of popularity with hunters due to the expense, the difficult cleaning and maintenence and the fact that they just aren't as accurate.

Minimum caliber is .243, then there's a whole range of good choices.

.30-30, .270, .308 and .30-06 are by far the leading cartridges.

Answer 2

As an avid Hunter with many years of experience, I too recommend the 243 caliber as the best of the Whitetail Deer cartridges, with the 270 caliber as the second place winner. I also agree that the best rifle and most efficient would be a bolt action rifle over a semi-automatic rifle, any day of the week. The 243 caliber has many bullet weights to choose from and a wide variety of factory ammunition you can buy most anywhere. A 243 caliber Bolt Action Rifle like the Remington 700 is literally the short,medium and long range rifle of choice for Whitetails. Semi automatic rifles have a tendency to make hunters to take longer shots,and higher risk shots but in a hurry with less concentration and accuracy. A Bolt Action Rifle forces you to take just enough additional time to insure you make a more accurate and better placed shot. This will also force you to make the first shot count, knowing it will take a few seconds more to chamber another round.

Answer 3

My former wife used a .243 cal. Remington on Antelope, Whitetail, and Mule Deer. She practiced with the rifle, had a decent 3x9 variable scope on it, and did not take shots beyond the capability of the rifle.

This was a bolt action rifle.

If you are looking for an "all around" rifle, the 30-06 is hard to beat. By simply using different bullet weights you can hunt everything from Coyote to Elk. The caliber is widely available in both bolt and semi auto rifles.

Answer 4

The .243 caliber is about the smallest cartridge I'd be confident to hunt deer with. I've heard of people taking deer with the .223, but you need to be able to place your shot accurately. It's better to use a larger caliber to insure a humane kill. You can use the .243 for a variety of small game and deer as well. When hunting deer, use a good soft point bullet so most of the bullet's energy with transfer to the animals vitals. Hollow points are used mainly for small game because they flatten out quickly which is a good thing for such animals as foxes where you don't want to damage the pelts(furs). Since you mentioned that you are new to hunting, you can't go wrong with the .243. The recoil is mild giving you the chance for an accurate followup shot if needed. Another good all-around caliber is the .270 The choice of bullets is much more broader and in fact it shoots flatter than the .243 Heavier bullets cause greater shock to vital organs which means you're more likely to kill than just wound an animal. As far as a specific brand of firearm, you can't go wrong with a Remington semi auto. Another good choice is Wetherby, but I think they cater more to the magnum calibers. Just remember which ever choice you make...practice! practice! practice! Good luck on your first deer hunt.

Answer 5

Used 243 Rifle

Answer 6

You can get a 243 on an AR platform as long as you promise not to be in the same woods with me.
Choosing the smallest caliber and choosing a semi-auto are both, to my way of thinking, just completely wrong-headed for hunting, and I don't know any decent hunters who'd disagree with me. I'll trust somebody with a trapdoor Springfield most any day, but I have a gut reaction to duck for cover when I see some tyro armed the way you're suggesting. Hunting and military situations are totally different propositions.

Answer 7

I would never give a beginner a semi auto rifle.
The first thing you want to accomplish is making sure you take good quality shots. A single shot or bolt action rifle forces the beginner to take the time and concentrate on the shot. I have seen too many beginners with a semi auto and all you hear is bang bang bang bang bang, no deer, or worse yet a wounded deer. And personnally I prefer the 30/30 lever action.

Answer 8

223 is not allowed in all locations. but can bring down a deer, it is also a good varmint round from groundhogs to the two legged ones hid en behind the barn available in semi and bolt actions
A 270 or larger is (I believe ) most widely accepted in all states
I never shot a 243 but I have brought down deer with a 30 carbine in wooded areas short light wt. and maneuverable also a semi-auto.
30-30 lever seems to work OK on horse back also light wt short and provin good. I haven't seen one in semi auto. verious ammo available
30-06 bolt action long range wide verity of rounds very dependable. heavy hitter and good for more than just Whitetail. Bear can be brought down with this if placed well.
300 Weatherby bolt action good for long range also a heavy hitter.

So it realy depinds upon what type of hunting you intend to to

Answer 9

if your new to deer hunting,.forget about a semi auto.go with a bolt action. With a semi auto you will rush the perfect shot placement because you know you have instant 2nd and 3rd shots.If you hunt thick woods or brush,go with a 30/30.If you hunt open fields,good calibers are 243,270,if you want distance without the kick.But if you can handle it go with a 300 win mag(reminton).This gun with a 200 grain bullet can drop any large game in the world.Semies are less accurate and jam in cold weather. 243smallestboltactioneasiest

Answer 10

OKay personally i perfer a 280 remington but i know people who have killed many deer with a 22 check your local laws for smallest caliber rifle to be used...I think the most common here in oregon would be a 243 or a 270