Author Topic: What, where and load? (Read 2534 times)

mcwoodduck · « **on:** August 14, 2009, 11:42:14 AM »

Just currious as to what everyone around the country uses to hunt deer,
What caliber do you use?
What action do you use? (Bolt, semi Auto, Pump, single shot)
What sights or scope (peep, Open, scope 3-9X40 do not need brands)
where do you hunt deer? (state and type of terrain)
and what load do you use. (bullet weight and bullet type)
Please use a primary gun, these list can get really long if you put all of your rifles that kill deer here.

While I have a bunch of rifles that will kill deer.
I have two main deer rifles.
both are bolt action .308Win.
I hunt deer mostly in NC in the heavy woods or cut overs where a 30-50 yards is a normal shot
the load for it is a 180 grain round nose and use open sights
the other rifle I use is a scoped, 3-9X50 bolt action that Ihave used out west and shoot a 165 grain soft point out of it.

BRL · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2009, 12:00:34 PM »

Remington 7400 semi auto in .30-06. I bought the rifle when I turned 18...23 years ago. I don't have access to hunting land and will try my luck at public land this year for the first time. But, most of my hunting has been with outfitters in the Southeast for hogs and exotics.

Scope...Bought at the same time as the gun, Redfield low-pro widefield 2X7.

Load...almost always Remington Core-Lokt 150 grain.

Retsof · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2009, 04:17:57 PM »

I use a bolt action in 350 Rem Mag. I have 2 scopes I use regularly: A fixed 4X and a variable 2.5 X 10. The variable power scope (Nikon Monarch) was sent to me free of charge, when I had sent a Nikon Monarch 4X scope in for repair. I guess they must have stopped making them in a fixed 4X. Anyway, I hunt in SW Mississippi, near the Pearl River. The terrain is a mixture of heavy woods and some more open wooded areas. The average shot offered is usually within 100 yards, though there are some areas where a 200 yd shot is possible. We almost always hunt from tree stands with some stalking now and then- no dogs for us. The bullet used is a Speer 220 gr FP, which has worked very well thus far.

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2009, 04:10:15 AM »

My deer hunting is in Wyo. Most of the country is fairly open, a mix of sage brush, aspens, and some hunting in the mountains which is dense dark pine timber, with some cut over areas, and open parks. My main rifle for hunting this country is :
A. .300 mag. with mostly 3-9 scopes with 165 grain Serria hollow point boat tails.
This are my serious big deer rifles. It can kill a buck at 30 yards or 500.

I also keep some sort of close range or spare rifle in the pickup. Often it is a .25-35, 30-30, 300 Sav. or 358.

Also I usually hunt deer in the state of Penna. Here it is a mix of open country strip mines or the steep mts. where shots from one mt. to the other are possible.
Of course much time is spent simply watching runs ways looking for bucks to escape or move from one area to another.

A.for the open country, I often carry one of the .300's from the western hunt. Also, my coyote rifle gets some play, a .25-06 with a custom barrel and 4.5-14 Burris. Its load is 115 grain Nosler BTBT. I usually, have some sort of rifle for watching trails in heavy timber. This year I will probably carry my old 30-06, with a 2.5- 8 Baush and Lomb, that my Grandfather carried on my first deer hunt 50 years ago: I used it to take a bunch of deer years ago. May also carry the .300 Sav. Usually, I take several rifles if I make the trip east for deer.

kevthebassman · « **Reply #4 on:** August 15, 2009, 04:38:12 AM »

Too many rifles to list, but the one that I hope to get the most use out of this year is a .444 Marlin that I just acquired. I'll be shooting the Remington factory 240 grain soft point load until I run across a set of dies and some brass.

highwayman · « **Reply #5 on:** August 15, 2009, 11:10:08 AM »

45-70 cva.3x9 bushnell elite during primitive season. 30-30 xlr 3x9 bushnell elite this is my go to rifle. 270, 7400 3x9 low profile red field had this one almost 30 years now. 14'' 30-30 contender that i call my food plot gun.

ttank0789 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2009, 12:30:54 PM »

I use a 12 gauge Remington 870 with a Hastings barrel. It's topped with a Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 scope. Just last season I started using Winchester Partition Gold Sabot Slugs and they proved to be extremely deadly. There is a possibility it won't see much/any time in the woods this year tho because I got a new muzzleloader this spring and I want to get my first muzzleloader kill. I'm taking it out during the shotgun season because that gives me the 9 days that that's around and then 4 days of the blackpowder season to get one with it. It's a full cammo .50 caliber Traditions Pursuit LT. I'm shooting 300 grain Hornady XTP's with 100 grains of Pyrodex. No optics on it for the time being.

I gotta use the slug gun and the muzzy because here in Ohio we can't use rifles. The main piece of woods I hunt is relatively thick and 45 yard shot would be long. Periodically I'll sit over a field and if I decide to do that I'll probably carry the slug gun so I can take the further shot if needed. The majority of my time will be spent in the chunk of woods I mentioned before tho because I'm the only person who hunts in that general area and it's full of deer, especially during gun season when the surrounding area turns into a warzone.

spruce · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2009, 01:04:59 PM »

Though I use others too, my main one is a Ruger #1 in .257 Roberts with a Burris 2 3/4X, favorite load is a 117gr Sierra SP with IMR4350.

Hunt in the UP of Michigan, mixed hardwoods and conifers.

jhm · « **Reply #8 on:** August 16, 2009, 04:37:52 AM »

Mostly a Rem. 700 TI in 7mm-08 here in Arkansas, but this year I may give the bean field 240 Weatherby a little play, but like several here just too many to really nail down only one rifle. Jim

Dave in WV · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2009, 12:21:39 PM »

I hunt here in West Virginia. It's hills and hollows with lots of brush and woods. The ranges are from really close to 100 yards but longer ranges are possible.

I have a 7600 pump 7mm-08, a M70 stainless classic 30-06, and a Ruger 77 MKII stainless .243. All three are scoped. I have a Nikon Monarch 2x7 on the pump (my primary gun unless it's really bad weather), a Leupold VX II 3x9 on the 30-06, and a Pentax Lightseeker 2x8 on the .243. The pump and M70 have laminated stocks and the Ruger has the boat paddle stock.

I load 100gr CoreLokts in the .243, 140gr CoreLokts in the 7mm-08, and 165gr Hornady flat based bullets in the 30-06. For now I use H450 in the .243 but it's no longer available. I load H4350 in the 7mm-08 and 30-06 and will use it in the 2.43 when the H450 is gone.

rickt300 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2009, 08:03:54 AM »

I have too many deer rifles and generally try to use several of them a year. I have a 7x57 on a medium Mauser action in an (UGH) Ramline stock topped with a 2x7 Leupold compact this year, previously a Redfield widefield 4x. I load either a 150 gr. Ballistic Tip at 2700 fps or a 140 grain Nosler Partition at 2750 fps out of the rifles 19 inch barrel. This rifle hunts generally in areas where 150 yards is as far as you can see but most of my shots are at around 75 yards. This rifle is painted with two shades of flat grey and it's name is "Ugly" however it is a MOA shooter with an excellent trigger.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2009, 08:20:52 AM »

Until last year I always used a 6mm Rem with 100 sp or a 44 mag pistol with 240 hollow pt, Now I have a 35 Rem lever gun and a brand new 44 mag so if I'm out west(open hill country) I'll prolly use the 35 Rem. here in da woods it'll be the 44(with 240 grain cast or sp.)but the 6mm Rem will be kept warm so to speak!

The longest shot I have ever taken in the past was no more than 170 yards so I dont need a 400 yard rifle but for the occasional coyote

dukkillr · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2009, 11:50:50 AM »

What caliber do you use - .270
What action do you use - Bolt (mauser 98)
What sights or scope - Leopold 3-9x40
where do you hunt deer - Eastern Kansas Mostly ag ground and creek bottoms. Southern Missouri, Ozark Mountains, rugged rocky ground. Southwest Missouri, wetlands and bottom ground.
and what load do you use - Varies but most recently 140 gr accubond.

charles p · « **Reply #13 on:** August 18, 2009, 03:16:22 PM »

I'm 63 now. I've survived the magnum craze and the rapid fire needs. Been there, done that. I have killed nearly 200 whitetails. A simple bolt action does everything I need. I do not skimp on scopes. I think most any cartridge between 25-06 and 30-06 is just fine. I have killed deer with about 12 different calibers plus shotguns. Every deer died of damage to a vital organ or blood loss. Shot placement is the key. Chose the rifle you shoot best. There is absolutely no need for a very large caliber or a magnum caliber. Deer that are shot properly, fall where they stand. They do not run far if at all. The deer on TV shows that run away and have to be tracked, are not shot properly. They are shot too far back.

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2009, 05:24:16 AM »

In IA, Traditions Pursuit XLT that I haven't found a real good load for yet $:-\$ ,hunt the early season so most shots are under 100 yds

In NE, 270 WBY VG with Timney trigger, B&C stock, wearing Burris Fullfield shooting Hornady 130 SST's

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #15 on:** August 19, 2009, 05:25:50 AM »

I agree with you, I like bolt cations in standard calibers.
I was just currious what people in different parts of the country use as a deer rifle.
I know mine vary depending on the terrain and weather. And wanted to see what combinations everyone else uses.

BRL · « **Reply #16 on:** August 19, 2009, 07:30:45 AM »

highwayman...what's with the 7400's and Redfield Low Pro scopes of 25 - 30 years ago? That was my first rifle I bought when I turned 18. Guess that was the cat's meow back then. My, have times changed. Although, that is my go to gun as it's success rate 100%, and with 1 shot kills.

statelinerut · « **Reply #17 on:** August 19, 2009, 03:09:19 PM »

Rifle - Stevens 200
Caliber - 243
Optics - Lupy 3-9x40
Ammo - 95gr Fusion

243dave · « **Reply #18 on:** August 19, 2009, 04:29:40 PM »

Started with a 243 bolt with 3x9 and 100gr corelokts(factory loads). Later in life I started using 300mags and 308's(lots of sierra bullets) all bolts with 3x9 scopes. I've killed a few deer with a 22-250 and had great sucess with the barnes x bullet but I really dislike a varmint bullet(killed a couple with ballistic tips, less than impressed). I still go back to the original 243 from time to time(with handloaded 100gr speer grandslams) but as late I use a 45colt trapper with a 1.5x4 power scope on it. I must say I enjoy using this little lever-action more than any gun I've ever hunted with. The hornady 300gr xtp mags will penetrate at any angle and leave a nice exit wound. With a bunch of h-110 I can stretch the range to 150yds but it has the accuracy for double that range but not the trajectory. I hunt in NC and WV and generally hunt in the woods where shots are close. Dave

cleveland48 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 02, 2009, 01:58:33 PM »

Hunt in Northeast Ms. Mainly dog and still hunt. Use a browning abolt .260 with 130gr accubonds and 140gr. hornady interlocks. And a Browning abolt .270 with just about any sp 130gr bullet. Also have a 98 mauser 308 with iron sights that i use alot during the rain dog hunting. I don't reload for this one so it shoots 150gr core-lokts. During stalk season we also do alot of cut over walking around here jumping deer which is probably my next favorite way to hunt behind dog hunting which is a rush.

RaySendero · « **Reply #20 on:** September 02, 2009, 03:10:06 PM »

Quote from: mcwoodduck on August 14, 2009, 11:42:14 AM

Just currious as to what everyone around the country uses to hunt deer,

What caliber do you use?
What action do you use? (Bolt, semi Auto, Pump, single shot)
What sights or scope (peep, Open, scope 3-9X40 do not need brands)
where do you hunt deer? (state and type of terrain)
and what load do you use. (bullet weight and bullet type)

Please use a primary gun, these list can get really long if you put all of your rifles that kill deer here.
.....

mc,

I use my old Enfield as a camp/truck rifle with factory 303 ammo. It has the original peep and lob sight. Good out to about 100 yards.

I pick one of my carry around rifles and use it for the whole deer season. This year I think it will be my Swiss K31 Schmidt-Ruben:

It has a straight pull bolt and a 2.5X scout scope. My reload uses a 165 SGK over IMR-4350. Sighted-in at 150 - It's good to 250 depending on rest/support.

I use my 270 if I'm hunting a beanfield/highline stand that can present a long shot. It's a bolt action topped with an 8x32x40AO. My reload uses a 150 SGK over IMR-4350. With sand bags its good out to as far as I'm willing to shoot.

1marty · « **Reply #21 on:** September 02, 2009, 03:12:44 PM »

hunt in NY. When I set up near some power lines shots are about 100 yards. I have a rem 700 sps in 7-08 with a Monarch 2x7 scope. If, I decide to hunt in the thick woods I use my win 94 30-30 with iron sights-my dad gave me the gun over 50 years ago and it still is super accurate.

lostintexas · « **Reply #22 on:** September 02, 2009, 05:38:20 PM »

Caliber - .270 Winchester
Action - Bolt
Sights - scope 3-9X40
Where - Texas - pineywoods, river bottoms and oak flats
Load - 150 grain accu-bond

rebAL · « **Reply #23 on:** September 03, 2009, 02:36:04 AM »

In Adirondacks of NY I use Rem 760-K (Carbine) & 2.5X Tasco 30-06 & 150 grain psp during deer rifle season; Will be breaking in new CVA Wolf for B/P season shooting 80 grains BH-209 & 338 grain platinum powerbelts. When hunting non rifle counties Rem 870 with fully rifled cantilever barrel & 2.5X tasco. Still experimenting with sabot slugs. For early bear I'll be carrying T/C Encore 45/70 with open sights & leverevolution ammo.

Swampman · « **Reply #24 on:** September 03, 2009, 03:16:21 AM »

This year I'll mostly use my Glenfield 30

Caliber - ..30-30
Action - Lever
Sights - scope 1.5-4.5X32
Where - Florida, Alabama, North Carolina - pineywoods, swamps, & river bottoms
Load - 170 grain Remington Core-Lokt

Shiner · « **Reply #25 on:** September 05, 2009, 02:21:45 AM »

Rifle - Ruger 77MKII Left Hand Bolt Action
Caliber - .270
Optics - 3-9X40 Nikon ProStaff
Ammo - 130 Grain Federal Power Shok SP
Location- East and Central TX

wackmaster · « **Reply #26 on:** September 06, 2009, 06:45:28 AM »

I shoot a 27-338 ultra wacker 130 b-tip moly 3615 405yrd piont blank 26" creger fluted
rem 700ss jewl trigger 2.0 lbs leupold 4.5-14 with knobs this rifle waighs 7.0 lbs loaded.

The long shot 338-300 ultra 225 interbonds 3250 fps custom taper bbl 28" lilja
rem 700 jewl trigger 14oz HS Pro. stock bipod leupold 6.5-20 with mk4 knobs

backup rifle is a 338 ultra wacker ruger 77ss 225 sst 3025 fps. 25" hart bbl.
timmny triger 2.5lbs leupold 4.5-14 352yrd point blank

6.5-338 ultra wacker rem 700ss jewel trigger 2lbs leupod 4.5-14 with knobs 26" shilin bbl 130 accubonds 3608 fps 415yrd point blank
rifle waighs 7.0 lbs loaded

charles p · « **Reply #27 on:** September 06, 2009, 04:31:47 PM »

I also hunt in NC and use a rifle. I hunt in the east without dogs. We call this still hunting, but it is actually stand hunting, often from elevated stands.

A rifle in the 270,280,30-06 range is ideal for all ranges. I have used 243 and 25-06 with success and 7mm Rem mag to 300 WSM with success. The rifles in the middle are just sweet, and the 7mm-8 is about perfect. For very long ranges I have a custom 280AI.

All my rifles carry scopes with Leupold optics.

I freeze and eat a lot of venison burger every year.

I am not a trophy hunter. I only shoot doe deer for the table and leave the bucks for the kids. My next buck will have to be a very high quality animal.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #28 on:** September 06, 2009, 05:11:51 PM »

Caliber - 6.8 SPC
Action - Semi auto AR15
Sights - 3x9 Leopold Rifleman
Where - Northern Wisconsin
Load - 100 Grain Remington Soft Point over a max charge of of AA2230

Also

Caliber - 7mm Remington Magnum
Action - Bolt Browning Abolt
Sights - 3.5x10 VariX 3 Leopold
Where - Northern Wisconsin
Load - 150 grain Ballistic Tip over a max charge of RL-22

Cheese

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #29 on:** September 06, 2009, 05:16:35 PM »

To nite if filled my first whitetail doe permit.

Used my Marlin with a custom barrel in .25-35 117 grain Horn. RN over H4895 dropped her in the much loved bang/flop shot. ::)The reason it was a bang/flop is a high shoulder shot that takes out the spine and also the lungs. Deadly. I have a 3-9 on this rifle. Not for range, but exact bullet placement.