Texas Hunting Forum

What kind of deer rifle?

Posted By: 2Gs

What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 10:54 PM

I just sold a gun and am looking at adding another deer rifle. If you were buying one what would you get and in what caliber?
Posted By: txtrophy85

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:03 PM

Hard to beat a nice wood stocked rifle in .270


For a all around deer gun a ruger, Winchester, browning or Remington in .270 with a 3x9'leupold is about perfect
Posted By: tth_40

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:12 PM

What calibers do you like? What action type do you want? Do you hand load? What is your budgetary limit?

Go look at and handle as many different rifle makes as you can. Get the one that fits and feels best to you.

I like Tikka, Sako, Winchester, Browning, CZ bolt actions. Long action calibers I like are .270 Win., .30-'06 Springfield. Short action I like 7mm-08 Remington. They aren't the only good choices out there. If you want to spend more, go have a custom made. It's hard to make a bad choice with most modern rifles available now.
Posted By: jlsbassman

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:15 PM

If I was buying new, I'd buy a savage 11/111 trophy hunter in 308 or 270. If buying used I'd look for a tang safety ruger 77 in 270.
Posted By: Creedmoor

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:22 PM

Calibers: .270 / 7mm-08 / .308 / .30-06 / any of the 6.5mm variants

Brands: Ruger M77 / Winchester / Browning / Savage / Tikka

Your question is kinda like asking what car would you buy. wink
Posted By: 2Gs

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:27 PM

I know its kind of a broad question but I am not asking what I should buy I am asking what you would buy.
Posted By: tth_40

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:34 PM

Well, in that case...

Tikka T3, Winchester Model 70, Browning X-Bolt in your choice of caliber.

I'd get .270 Win. (esp. If I was buying a Mod. 70 grin)
Posted By: J.G.

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:37 PM

Originally Posted By: 2Gs
I know its kind of a broad question but I am not asking what I should buy I am asking what you would buy.


Tikka 7mm-08
Posted By: RHutch

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:37 PM

I'd build one on a short action, in 6.5 or 7mm sumthin' or other.

If forced to buy off a gun rack, I'd be lost. Maybe a Sako in 260.
Posted By: tth_40

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/03/16 11:39 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: 2Gs
I know its kind of a broad question but I am not asking what I should buy I am asking what you would buy.


Tikka 7mm-08


This too. Got this same advice from the same source. Been happy ever since.
Posted By: ChadTRG42

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 12:19 AM

Tikka T3 in caliber of your choice. It's hard to beat a 308, 7mm-08, 270 Win, 30-06, and the list goes on.
Posted By: Hunter-Steve

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 12:37 AM

In Texas any quality .270 is all you need
Posted By: Jgraider

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 12:45 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: 2Gs
I know its kind of a broad question but I am not asking what I should buy I am asking what you would buy.


Tikka 7mm-08


+1 for a great rifle and caliber
Posted By: Wilhunt

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 12:53 AM

If you are going for one rifle for all hunting go 30-06. Nothing wrong with 270, it would be my second choice.
Posted By: onlysmith&wesson

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 12:55 AM

Really like my newest addition, Tikka CTR in .308. 20" heavy barrel, 10 round mag, over size bolt, floated, great trigger. Very good shooter.
Posted By: ccoker

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 01:01 AM

Got a CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor coming in for review..
Also a custom 17" lightweight custom based on a Savage action in 7mm08. McGowen barrel and McMillan A3 sporter stock is in the works.
Posted By: Cattleman

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 01:19 AM

Tikka 243 or 260 maybe a 308 and I've got a 6.5x 47 Lapua being built right now.
Posted By: Nick1

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 01:21 AM

I got a Tikka T3 stainless in .270. Deadly accurate.
Posted By: P_102

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 02:01 AM

Deer only? 700 ADL or Ruger American in .243. Something I wouldn't worry about beating up or getting beat up by. But that's me. P_102
Posted By: 7x57

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 02:03 AM

Something in 7x57. Either the dakota that's up on hendershots or a NULA.

I guess that's obvious though, lol. If the budget was a little lower the 7/08 would work.
Posted By: cheetah577

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 02:06 AM

Tikka T3 in .270 with a Leupold VX-6 3-18x44mm with illuminated reticle.
Posted By: LandPirate

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 03:00 AM

My last rifle purchase was a Weatherby Mark V in .257 Weatherby Mag. Love it. Gorgeous, classic wooden stock and a hot rod round for long senderos. Can't wait to put it to work.
Posted By: Sirrah243

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 03:26 AM

I'd buy a Remington 700 SPS in 308 Win topped with Nikon glass 3x9 or 4x12 and add a Timney trigger. That would be my choice.
Posted By: booradley

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 03:57 AM

Winchester M70 .270.
Posted By: BIGDOG1956

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 11:06 AM

CZ 550 in, 7mm Mauser.
Posted By: Palehorse

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 12:10 PM

If I had an unlimited budget, a Blaser R8 in something like a 7mm-08 or 7x57. Until I win the lottery though, it ain't happenin.
Posted By: redchevy

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 01:15 PM

What rifle calibers do you already have. What is its intended purpose.

For texas deer hunting I would be happy with anything from a 243 up to a 7 mag or so. I'm partial to remingtons and wbys.
Posted By: Tex68w

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 02:03 PM

Tikka is best bang for your buck. Off the rack Sako and Weatherby come in at the top of my list. I'd go custom if funds allow. For hunting here in Texas, .270./6.5CM/7mm08/25-06/300WM. I just picked up a Weatherby Mark V Accumark in 300WM this year in hopes of taking an Axis this November.
Posted By: TxYoteHunter

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 08:25 PM

I have had mostly Remington 700's for many years. Last 2 or 3 years I've been adding older Winchester model 70's to the herd. I like the 30.06 as a good go to gun. Have others but that round just seems to work on everything. Nothing wrong with the .270 though for reaching out there too.
Posted By: charlesb

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 08:37 PM

I'm all fixed up for deer with my model 70 in 270WSM.

If I need 270 Winchester velocity for smaller deer - I just use 270WSM starting loads with 130 grain bullets. This rifle is good for the little whitetails - and it will do quite well for elk with full-power 150 grain loads at 3150 fps.



I've been practicing off-hand shooting, and last time I hit the eight inch gong at 100 yards fifteen times out of seventeen shots. - Still not as good as I would like, but I am getting better with it. Shots where you do not have time to sit down or find a rest are usually pretty close, so I figure practicing off-hand at 100 yards is good enough.


Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 09:19 PM

Browning A-bolt or X-bolt in 270 stainless
Posted By: Palehorse

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 09:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
Browning A-bolt or X-bolt in 270 stainless


Fine rifle. I have an A-bolt Stainless Stalker in 7 mag. Named it Buck. Many a deer and hog has met their demise by that rifle.
Posted By: 7x57

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 09:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Palehorse
Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
Browning A-bolt or X-bolt in 270 stainless


Fine rifle. I have an A-bolt Stainless Stalker in 7 mag. Named it Buck. Many a deer and hog has met their demise by that rifle.

My dad has an a-bolt in 7RM that he loves too.

Don't think I'll ever get it, he might just ask to be buried with it.
Posted By: charlesb

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 09:53 PM

I like the X-bolt but to be honest, I like a A-bolt better.
Posted By: 7x57

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 09:56 PM

I don't like how fat the x-bolt's fore-end feels. I don't have small hands or anything, but it just feels bulky, which is a shame because they're beautiful rifles.
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 10:15 PM

Remington 700 in 30-06
Posted By: jeffbird

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 10:19 PM

Montana Rifle Company X2 or Mauser 12 Extreme. 308 or 30-06, take your pick. Same/same to the deer, but the 308 is more pleasant to shoot.

Current vintage Win M70's seem nice. Have not shot a Nosler, but they look nice.

The Browning A/X bolts kick like a mule to me. They are among my least favorite to have to shoot.

Posted By: Gone to Texas

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 10:32 PM

Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08.
Posted By: tth_40

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/04/16 10:36 PM

Originally Posted By: charlesb
I like the X-bolt but to be honest, I like a A-bolt better.



Just curious, what do you like better about the A Bolt over the X Bolt?
Posted By: rex47

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/05/16 02:34 PM

Ruger American "predator" 308 18" heavier barrel,threaded
Posted By: aggiehunter03

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/05/16 02:47 PM

If I bought one right now it would be this in 243, 260, or 7-08:

http://www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-85/85-varmint-stainless
Posted By: rtp

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/06/16 12:53 AM

Something custom in .308
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/06/16 01:07 AM

Kimber Longmaster in 308
Posted By: MS1454

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/06/16 01:20 AM

Marlin xl7 best bang for your buck
Posted By: shotgunag

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/06/16 03:08 PM

I would get a savage rifle with the Accu-Trigger in 308 and an optic with a 50mm objective..
Posted By: tth_40

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/07/16 12:57 AM

Originally Posted By: aggiehunter03
If I bought one right now it would be this in 243, 260, or 7-08:

http://www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-85/85-varmint-stainless



Beautiful rifle right there. cheers
Posted By: sig226fan (Rguns.com)

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/07/16 01:06 AM

Savage 10Fp, 20 inch suppressor ready, in 308
Posted By: Ranch Dog

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/07/16 11:22 AM

Savage 14 American Classic 308 Win with a Weaver Classic V2-7x32 or Classic K6
Posted By: Slow Drifter

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/07/16 12:38 PM

Originally Posted By: 2Gs
I just sold a gun and am looking at adding another deer rifle. If you were buying one what would you get and in what caliber?


What did you sell (deer rifle?) and by "another deer rifle," what do you have now? If you sold your deer rifle, knowing what it was may help us narrow down what we would buy. If you have other deer rifles as well, that would also help us narrow down what we would buy.
Posted By: Bigfoot

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/07/16 01:18 PM

My Sako 85 with 20.5 in barrel, synthetic stock and 3-9X40 Trijicon Accupoint is in my opinion the perfect all around hunting weapon. I would be happy with 308 270 or 30-06 but mine is 30-06. Limbsaver recoil pad is a must and with it she has very little kick. Just got it last year and I dont see myself ever needing another hunting rifle since it will cover every situation in North America.

Gotta have a backup rifle that is what the AR6.8 is for.

Death list- 1 coyote at 165 yards and 1 Doe at 135 yards. More to come this fall.
Posted By: bholt

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/08/16 11:01 AM

I like smaller calibers, I like wood stocks, I hunt out of a blind, I like Remington BDL's, but that's just me. I have a 25-06 and .243 That I will never let go of because they drive nails, others could be had. I see lots of names and calibers suggested but take a look at the Weatherby Vanguard S2. I recently bought a S2 Deluxe (wood stock) in a.270 win. It is beautiful unlike plastic, it's not light but shoots like a dream.
To me being a dinosaur I like wood, it has character, like me it gets nicks and dings over the years, but there a memory and a story behind each one. Plastic is cool today and if you want ultra-cool get a AR. I want a rifle that I can get shells for almost anywhere, Put out by an American Company and that is accurate. I understand that we have budgets, or should have. I just have always been one to do without and save up for what I want rather than settle, thus wood over plastic. Take your time, figure out what you may want to hunt with it, get what you want.
Posted By: charlesb

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 12:14 AM

Winchester model 70 Featherweight in .243 Winchester. Leupold 2-7x34 compact scope on Leupold double-dovetail mounts and low rings.

- Because I already have a 270WSM.
Posted By: Grizz

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 02:54 AM

My two favorite deer rifles in my safe are my Tikka T3 Lite .308 and Browning A Bolt II Composite Stalker 7mm-08, so I would suggests either of those. You can mix and match the rifles and cartridges. My only regret with the Tikka is getting the synthetic stock model instead of the wood stock, but I still love that rifle.
Posted By: Nathan Nelson

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 03:08 AM

308 Suppressor ready.

I like my Browning X-Bolt and, I am having a couple of Ruger 77(s) cut down to 18 inches and threaded.

The Tikka is also a good choice. I wish the regular Tikka would come threaded from the factory.
Posted By: okstatefan

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 05:25 AM

It really depends on the hunt.

For stalking around known grounds and working in the brush, I'll take a lever action Model 92 in .357 or .44 with iron sights up to 100yd. Although, not owning one YET; I would also consider a Ruger Scout in .308 for the same purpose.

If hunting from a stand, probably a bolt action in whichever .30 caliber that tickles your fancy. Mine is a Savage 10 in .308 with a Vortex 4-16x50.

I like to keep my calibers consolidated and really don't like to add a firearm that I don't already load and keep ammo for; so I keep away from wildcat and custom loads. They are likely superior to shelf ammo; but I simple don't have the time or money to invest in them.

If I could only have one round to harvest anything around the places I'm likely to hunt, I might consider either 30-06 or 300WM.
Posted By: westexhunt

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 06:05 AM

Short action mag fed short barrel with a suppressor. The 270 is mentioned multiple times in this thread and at one time I might have suggested the same but a short action bolt gun in 6.5 creed, 260, 7/08, or even 308 is a better option for Texas game. I will draw some criticism for this one but a fast twist 223 is adequate for 95% of Texas hunting.
Posted By: charlesb

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 12:24 PM

Yes, I disagree about the .223 - but I do not see why I should criticize you over your opinion.

Lots of hunters think that the .223 is adequate.

They are wrong, of course, except in cases where everything goes just right.

Personally, I am not willing to roll the dice on everything working out just right during a hunt. - I like to have a little insurance, just in case.

The mule deer, the Barbary sheep, the pigs, the distant pronghorns and the enormous elk are all Texas game animals that one would be ill-advised to go after with a .223. - There's a lot more to Texas than anemic whitetails at fifty yards, not much bigger than the family dog.

Posted By: westexhunt

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 03:07 PM

Originally Posted By: charlesb
Yes, I disagree about the .223 - but I do not see why I should criticize you over your opinion.

Lots of hunters think that the .223 is adequate.

They are wrong, of course, except in cases where everything goes just right.

Personally, I am not willing to roll the dice on everything working out just right during a hunt. - I like to have a little insurance, just in case.

The mule deer, the Barbary sheep, the pigs, the distant pronghorns and the enormous elk are all Texas game animals that one would be ill-advised to go after with a .223. - There's a lot more to Texas than anemic whitetails at fifty yards, not much bigger than the family dog.



I agree and I won't shoot trophy whitetail with a 223 either. I will shoot any size hog with 223 and any cull deer or does within a reasonable distance. Still 90%+ of Texas game is 223 size. I used to carry 223 and 270 or 25-06 (in the truck) when hunting trophy whitetail. Now I just carry a 6.5 creed if a trophy buck is on the list.
Posted By: Creedmoor

Re: What kind of deer rifle? - 10/09/16 05:40 PM

Originally Posted By: charlesb


- Because I already have a 270WSM.


Charles, how do you like the 270WSM? My son is wanting one but I can't see the advantages over a 7/08. For hunting at moderate ranges ... not shooting paper.
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