What is your most popular deer rifle caliber?

[maloy]

Here in Ohio it is either shotgun slug, muzzle loader .38 cal or larger, and handgun in a straight wall case .357 or larger.

So I either use a 12ga. slug, .58 cal muzzle loader, or .45 Colt in a handgun.

Maloy

[Jake3501]

I have used .270, 30-30 and 25-06. My first deer was taken with a .270 in the Ruger M-77 at 280 yards with a fixed 4 power Weaver.

The 25-06 is a Ruger M-77 also. Today, I would still use the .270 if mule deer hunting. My youngest son took his first deer with a Marlin 336 30-30 at 180 yards.

[RichO]

For rifles, I prefer 30-30 for deer hunting, but growing up in a "Shotgun Only" area, I also love my 12ga 870 just as much.

[mfrank84]

Was just at the local Academy Sports yesterday and had a Marlin 336W in my hand, trying to decide if I wanted to get it. Had a Model 94 back in the 70's that I absolutely loved. Had to sell it to finance my divorce. I'm probably going back to get it. They have the cheapest price as well, $359 everyday. Also looked at a Mossberg 4X4 30.06. Decent price at $339 but it was a synthetic stock and I just can't find the love for synthetic stocks. They do make one in a walnut stock for about $120 more that I will look closely at. Those two would satisfy my remaining long gun urges. Also looked at the new Ruger American in 30.06 ($379) but it had the synthetic stock as well and was about $40 more than the Mossberg. Any thoughts or opinions?

[A-TEAM 513]

25-06 and .22-250 but only in KY. of course, OH. wolnt allow it.

[badge851]

Been using a 30/30 for deer since 1976 & I see no reason to change at this late date.

[ozzy]

.270 Winchester

[granjack]

6.8mm SPC in a Thompson Center pistol or carbine. One shot kills and easy recoil, what more can you ask for.

[CJS3]

30-06 might be the most popular, but more deer are taken with the 30-30.

Having said that, my 336 is beginning to show her age, so I decided to put it back for my grandkids, and bought a Mossberg 4x4 in 30-06 for hunting season this year.

[texastaurusguy]

30-06 might be the most popular, but more deer are taken with the 30-30.

More deer have been taken in North America with the 30-30 than many, many calibers combined. Its a truly American round, made popular by the rifle that John Moses Browning created and made an American legend. When I shoot my Marlin, it's not lost on me the history behind this great cartridge.

By the way - I also own a 30-06 and would not hesitate to use it for deer.