antelope and mule deer caliber

[Mark Gangl]

looking at what the best mule deer and antelope caliber would be. possibly elk too. so 300+ yd shots with knockdown power. thought about the 7mm ultra mag or .338. any other calibers to consider for long range flat shooting? I use a 30.06 for deer here but would like to step it up a bit

[harvey lee]

I own many different calibers and you will get many answers about which one to shot. I think my most versatile caliber would be my 270 and 7mm.

They both shoot flat and at good ranges. Simply just changes loads for the animal you are chasing.

I have shot many deer in the 250-350 yard range with my 7mm and my 300 mag also.

I do practice quite a bit with different loads and have had some extra work done to these guns also.

I love doing the long range game.

[mrklean]

7mm or .270 are great guns, i think a .338 is a pretty big gun for goats the 7mm and .270 have a number of different size loads to from 120-180 grain so you have a good selection for game.

[Mark Gangl]

well if I went 7mm i have been looking into the 7mm rum or 7mm wsm

for .270 it was the .270 wsm

or the .300 in rum or wsm.

balistically these guns are close with exception of 7mm rum on top by a ways, but I am looking mostly for personal experiance + or - with these calibers.

[RBuker]

I shoot a 7mm rum. While it's more than what's needed for antelope, it'll kill them dead just fine and do it at a very long range. It's a lot of power but I sure enjoy not having to hold over a deer at 400 yards.

[NoWiser]

270 WSM is a great caliber! I've shot one for the last 4 or 5 years and LOVE it! Originally I was looking at getting the 7mm WSM, but after more research it seemed to be a dying caliber so I went with the 270. I would make the same decision again. Have fun!

[big drift]

If you want a caliber .25-06 out of a 24" barrell with 120 gr. quality boolit will flat out take anything you want.

That being said use whatever rifle you are comfortable carrying for long periods, shoot well, very familiar with at long ranges, and has the best glass on it you can get.

[HARDTIMES]

I shoot a .300 wsm.I have take antelope and deer and a elk with it out to 350 yards.All i can say is wow it is a meat wrecker if you hit the shoulder.Wound channel you can put your fist threw.Too much gun i think for deer and antelope I'm useing 150 grain power points with it. My next gun is going to be .25-06 like big drift said.That my 2 cents.

[brmuskie]

To me the distance is more of a factor than the game you will be shooting when choosing a caliber. Like others said, the grain size can be adjusted for smaller antelope or larger elk. I shoot a 270 and a 7mm rum. I wouldn't shoot the 270 at anything over about 300 yards. The drop at that range just makes it too much of a guessing game for me. I would take out the 7mm for the longer shots. With good glass and lots of practice you should be able to shoot accurately at longer range targets.

[Wes Ellis]

My pick would be 7mm, or 325 .

[brittman]

To me the distance is more of a factor than the game you will be shooting when choosing a caliber. Like others said, the grain size can be adjusted for smaller antelope or larger elk. I shoot a 270 and a 7mm rum. I wouldn't shoot the 270 at anything over about 300 yards. The drop at that range just makes it too much of a guessing game for me. I would take out the 7mm for the longer shots. With good glass and lots of practice you should be able to shoot accurately at longer range targets.

My bull caribou dropped dead in its tracks with a .270 at 325 yards.

Select a gun that does not make you regret pulling the trigger. The newer WSMs would be where I would go if I could buy another rifle. My .270 is 28 years old and needs to go another 28 years.