Poll

If you could only own one rifle for varmint and deer what would it be?

223 Remington
2 (1.8%)
22-250 Remington
1 (0.9%)
243 Winchester
34 (29.8%)
6mm Remington
3 (2.6%)
257 Roberts
9 (7.9%)
25-06 Remington
22 (19.3%)
260 Remington
4 (3.5%)
270 Winchester
3 (2.6%)
280 Remington
2 (1.8%)
7MM 08 Remington
4 (3.5%)
30-30 Winchester
7 (6.1%)
308 Winchester
4 (3.5%)
30-06 Springfield
14 (12.3%)
357 Mag
2 (1.8%)
35 Whelen
0 (0%)
444 Marlin
0 (0%)
450 Marlin
0 (0%)
45-70 Government
1 (0.9%)
50 BMG
2 (1.8%)

Total Members Voted: 114

Voting closed: September 25, 2007, 03:14:08 PM

Author Topic: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.  (Read 2464 times)

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Offline DalesCarpentry

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Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« on: September 11, 2007, 03:14:08 PM »
 I am kind of bored and was wondering if I could only have one rifle for Varmints and deer what would it be? I am kind of thinking of the 25-06 or the 260 Remington. I would like to know what you guy's think and why. Thanks for voting Dale.
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Offline BANG_OW

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2007, 03:27:48 PM »
The .308 and .45-70 were absent, so I voted for the .25-06.     What?    Varmints die just as dead when they get hit with a bullet that warrants it's own zipcode. A clean hit or a clean miss, no fuzz on this peach.

Offline cattleskinner

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2007, 03:30:44 PM »
I've been contemplating that for the past couple of years.  I have decided that a 7mm-08 works for everything I will need it for up to and including elk.  I hunt groundhogs all the time in Ohio, and since I reload, can use the v-max's from Hornady, or tnt bullets from Speer.  Going to MI for deer, I can use any regular 140-150gr. loads, and things bigger, can either switch to a bonded style bullet, or go to a heavier 160-170gr. bullet.  I'm also branching out from cast bullets with revolvers, and am trying them out in that 7-08 rifle too.  Haven't had alot of time to work on them this past year because of the military, but once I get things worked out, they will make a very cheap practice load/varmint round.  Would work on deer as well.  Just my thoughts on the matter.

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Offline FourBee

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2007, 03:42:04 PM »
Hi Dale:   There's nothing wrong with any of those rifles.   I've owned a Remington 700  .270 for many years and its always performed impressively for me, both on coyote as well as Big White tailed Bucks.    Nothing has ever run away yet after being hit by a bullet out of this gun.    From 100 out to 300 + yards they drop in their tracks.   Very impressive.
Enjoy your rights to keep and bear arms.

Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2007, 03:49:32 PM »
I had no idea that you guy's might want such a large caliber for both. So I added a few more big ones. You can go back and change your vote if you like.  Dale
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Offline mitchell

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2007, 03:50:14 PM »
one word :  WHY!!!!!!


but if i had to the 243 it will kill deer dead as dirt with a 95 grainer and with the 55 you have about the best varmint gun ever. and if your going to be shooting a lot of varmints your shoulder will thanks you at the end of the day when you went with the 243 instead of the 25-06
curiosity killed the cat , but i was lead suspect for a while

Offline FourBee

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2007, 03:56:07 PM »
Have to agree with mitchell on the .243.  I've studied up on them, and they're salty as can be.
Enjoy your rights to keep and bear arms.

Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2007, 03:58:09 PM »
one word :  WHY!!!!!!


but if i had to the 243 it will kill deer dead as dirt with a 95 grainer and with the 55 you have about the best varmint gun ever
The reason why is I was just wondering whitch would be the best for both with on rifle.  Dale
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2007, 04:00:11 PM »
I voted for 257 Roberts. Kinda surprised you choose to include it. Its a WONDERFUL caliber for the hand-loader.

In my mind only a couple fit what I would consider a varmint/deer gun.

 BANG OW  is spot on! Though most will not initially think as he does. Self included. Being from the east, a varmint is something with a pelt. Buyers don't like big holes in the pelts. So small calibers or FMJ bullets are a must.

CW
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Offline ncsurveyor

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2007, 04:05:39 PM »
I voted for 257 Roberts. Kinda surprised you choose to include it. Its a WONDERFUL caliber for the hand-loader.

In my mind only a couple fit what I would consider a varmint/deer gun.

 BANG OW  is spot on! Though most will not initially think as he does. Self included. Being from the east, a varmint is something with a pelt. Buyers don't like big holes in the pelts. So small calibers or FMJ bullets are a must.

CW


I voted for Bob also.  So far, I haven't found a factory round yet that mine doesn't like.  100gr, 117 and 120.  Busting bunnies up to 225 yards so far.  But I'd like to begin reloading. 

Cw, if you got a pet load for Mr. Roberts, hook a brother up.  I've got a fast twist, so if you got a heavy load, let me know.

Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2007, 04:14:00 PM »
I do believe that most of these are available in the Handi. If not the Handi could be re-chambered to any of them except the 50 BMG. Dale
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Offline Bob A

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2007, 04:35:52 PM »
One of the 24 or 25 caliber rounds would seem like the logical choice, but if I had only one gun left it would be my 30-30.
Kills coyotes just as dead as a .243  or a 25-06 (you just have to get a little closer)

Bob A

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #12 on: September 11, 2007, 05:34:06 PM »
I do believe that most of these are available in the Handi. If not the Handi could be re-chambered to any of them except the 50 BMG. Dale

A couple would have to be rebored as well as rechambered, there's no 6.5mm Handi to do the 260, 6mm Rem is only doable as an AI from a 243, 6mm won't clean up the chamber, there's no 257 Roberts without a rebore from a 223, to do the 260 or 257 would add $300 to the cost of the rifle for the rebore. ;)

Tim
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #13 on: September 11, 2007, 07:09:33 PM »


I chose 25-06...for a few reason.....What I can have it made into...How good the 25-06 is on bigger game...I hunt more big game than varmints...With a good recoil pad & cheek piece and I can shoot a hundred rounds in a day and still not flinch...Of the 26" barrels which are my favorites...the best choice is it over the 35 Whelen if I could find one...and the 280...With the 243 I am limited to a 24" barrel..

Mac
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Offline MnMike

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #14 on: September 11, 2007, 07:27:51 PM »
My vote would go to the .243 or the 25-06. The varmints die, the deer require careful shooting.

mike
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Offline demented

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #15 on: September 11, 2007, 08:17:48 PM »
 I don't do much varmint hunting other than the occasional Coyote that offers a shot.  I do deer hunt, sometimes with a .243 loaded with 100 grain Nosler Partition bullets.  I can say that with this bullet, out to 300 yards, the .243 kills just as dead as my .308 Winchester or my 7MM Rem. Mag.  (These loaded with non-premium bullets)
On a broadside standing shot, I broke both shoulders on an 8 point buck with the Nosler bullet

Offline buckslugger

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #16 on: September 11, 2007, 11:25:00 PM »
30-30  and a leeloader gets me everywhere i need to go , light to heavy and fun

roy
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #17 on: September 12, 2007, 12:49:30 AM »
I choose as if I would be hunting large deer as there are in Maine where I do most of my deer hunting. Throwing possible long shots at coyotes and varmints into the mix and being able to choose the BEST for those two jobs, I also choose the 25-06, a great caliber....<><....:)


--------------------------------------------------------25-06----------------------------------------------------

The .280 would be a great choice also as well as the 7x57 Mauser which was not included.
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Offline NONYA

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #18 on: September 12, 2007, 01:16:28 AM »
Add 7mm RM to the list and Ill vote.
If it aint fair chase its FOUL,and illegal in my state!
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Offline Scibaer

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #19 on: September 12, 2007, 02:16:46 AM »
I only have 3 rifles, a 35whelen, .243Win and a .22rl and i can and do hunt alot of different game from squirrels to black bear. these calibers do what i need them to do. sure you can offer up alot of different choices that would work just as well,and its nice to have more guns, but these 3 do it for me very well. but out of them, the .243 is the most versatile.
so that was my pick. and had NEF not fixed my whelen, i'd have gotten the 45-70. but i'll admit the 30-06 may be a better choice, having longer range abilities.
just my .02, Glenn

Offline mgeorge

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #20 on: September 12, 2007, 02:44:22 AM »
I picked the .243 Win, but not because of experience...  It's the caliber I have my eye on for next spring...  I want a better varmint gun than my 10/22, and I'd like the rifle (even if I cannot :)) to be able to kill 'chucks at 300+ yards.  I live in the shotgun zone of MI (and I LOVE my 12ga. Ultra Slug Hunter Deluxe), but if I get a chance to go north someday I can use the .243 on the white-tailed rats up there, too.

I am looking for a single rifle to do both because I don't have much budget in the gun hobby (6 kids and one income :)) right now...

Sorry, selling/trading is only allowed in the Classified forums.

Tim


Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #21 on: September 12, 2007, 03:03:19 AM »
Add 7mm RM to the list and Ill vote.
The 280 is listed and is very close in ballistics to the 7MM.    Dale
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Offline PartsMan

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #22 on: September 12, 2007, 03:17:34 AM »
No matter what anyone says.
The first 7 on that list would work fine.
I voted for the 243 because it is best suited.
My brother hunted deer and coyote with his for years.
Not only that but he used one bullet the whole time.
70g ballistic tip. I think it is lite but he never lost a deer.

Offline NONYA

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #23 on: September 12, 2007, 04:01:46 AM »
Yhe well its not a .284
If it aint fair chase its FOUL,and illegal in my state!
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Offline eskimo36

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #24 on: September 12, 2007, 04:34:11 AM »
I use the lightest Ballistic Tip in 243 for just about everything including deer.  But on deer I only shoot broadside standing shots on food plots through the ribs at 200 or less yards.  All of those have been bang flops.   I have shot many coyotes with that gun (Vanguard) also...it puts them DOWN!!!
"one shot is usually enough"

Offline wtroger

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #25 on: September 12, 2007, 04:43:13 AM »
I my case the 243/6mm bullet is the first caliber that is Deer legal in my State. I have a 243 win that will move the 55 grain Nosler at 4000 fps and believe me a hit on a varmit is impressive and I have 100 grain loads that work very well on deer.

Offline fanner50

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #26 on: September 12, 2007, 04:52:40 AM »
Just climbing on here. I use my .243 Ultra Varmint Fluted for both. 55gr ct for gophers, P dogs and yottes. 95 gr ct for WT and Mullies. and if I saw a nice Cinnamon bear while deer hunting I wouldn't pass a good clean shot. Having only one rifle is absurd(he who dies with the most wins!) but don't have a collection without a .243. JMHO - F%)

Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #27 on: September 12, 2007, 05:04:15 AM »
24 or so years ago i made the choice the 25-06 rem. it will out shoot the 243 , the kick is not that bad , mine will give 1/2 groups at 100  yards ! i still like my choice , shoot one bullet 100 gr bt never let me down , i know where it shoots and what it will do !
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #28 on: September 12, 2007, 06:25:15 AM »
I put the 50 BMG in there as a joke. I wonder who voted for it. LOL  ;D
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Offline Graybeard

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Re: Only one round for Varmints up to deer.
« Reply #29 on: September 12, 2007, 06:45:29 AM »
I put the 50 BMG in there as a joke. I wonder who voted for it. LOL  ;D

Prolly Nonya.  :o


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