Deer rifle choice for eastern woodlands...

[Airsporter]

I usually take a .308, but mostly because of the easy-to-carry rifle I have (Rem Model 7) not the caliber.  I lean towards rimmed cases in the handi's and prefer the ejector barrels. 

[DANNY-L]

My choice would be 270win with 130gr ballistic tips,I've taken alot of deer with that round here in NNY

[ironglow]

Wow ! This is a long-lived post..just look at when I started the thread (2004). I have been rifle hunting big game about 4 years now. I first bought a Remington all-weather pump rifle in .308 Win, while my grandson had bought a Marlin 336 in 30/30. When we took both to the woods to sight them in, we each liked the other's gun better..so we swapped. The 30/30 does the job for me. Here in the "Enchanted Mountains' ranges for shots are usually under 100 yards.
   This year, I may try a .223 Rem with 65 grain Sierra "Game Kings"..just for the fun of it. Then too, I have a .243 barrel for my NEF..to play with also..

[Swampman]

I think you'd be a lot happier with the .30-30.

[ironglow]

I think you'd be a lot happier with the .30-30.

  Swampy;
  I will probably use the 30/30 as my primary rifle..but I just want to try the others. Deer season (rifle) starts Nov 20 and I have permits for 2 does and a buck. Bear season opens Nov 27, I'll probably carry the 30/30 exclusively then.

[wreckhog]

Didn't figure you for Southern Zone. I have many options, but the .270 BLR has to be one, just because if I can see it with 7x binoculars, I can kill it. Not true of just about all of my other top choices. One Handi goes in the truck too. And a 12 gauge USH.

[ironglow]

Yep, western end of the southern zone. lots of hills, ridges, ravines and river/creek bottoms..usually not a lot of "long shots"..

[Swampman]

If were talking boltguns the .308 would be my choice.  I thought we were talking about Handis and that's why I said .30-30.