Author Topic: Best caliber for PA Whitetails and NC White (Read 2001 times)

alien319 · « **on:** April 01, 2006, 08:48:54 PM »

I am currently in the military and am stationed in NC and I am from PA. I plan to hunt in both states and am looking for a good round for both areas. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Slamfire · « **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2006, 11:46:57 PM »

Find yourself a nice 6.5x55 or .260, and have at it. Then when you decide to hunt them NC elk, just get a heavier bullet. :wink:

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 02, 2006, 01:36:22 AM »

7mm08 to 30-06.

jro45 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 02, 2006, 03:18:18 AM »

A 257 WBY Mag or the 270 will put the deer down.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** April 02, 2006, 03:28:14 AM »

30.30 is all you need.....

PA-Joe · « **Reply #5 on:** April 02, 2006, 03:40:23 AM »

7mm 08

alien319 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 02, 2006, 07:02:07 AM »

I have a Winchester Model 94 in .30-30 but I am looking for a affordable bolt action. I am thinking .270 but I have heard some great things about 6.5x55. I have shot many different rifles but I have never hunted with them. In NC I will be hunting either in the open or in a small wooded area. In PA it will be almost the same.

Daks · « **Reply #7 on:** April 02, 2006, 07:11:44 AM »

Mostly open - 30-06. I love a 30/30 or a .35 Remington for hardwords, but if the terrain can change to more open, I lean towards a 30-06. You can get a danged nice bolt action gun in this caliber for low bucks at any of a number of places, ammo can be found almost everywhere, bullet weights are found from 100 to 220 grains, it is a really good generalist caliber.

nomosendero · « **Reply #8 on:** April 02, 2006, 08:50:31 AM »

Yes, Daks I agree. Picking an '06 for this type of hunting is allways a safe bet!

22rimfan · « **Reply #9 on:** April 02, 2006, 05:39:47 PM »

I don't know where you plan on hunting in NC, but my dad used to live in Castalia (about 30 min from Rocky Mount and 1hr North of Raleigh) and they required all rifle hunters to be in a tree stand 15 feet off the ground. That said a 30-06, or, from what I have heard, the 6.5x55 would be great. Have fun and good luck, just make sure to check the regs on hunting with a rifle.
Aaron

JD338 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 02, 2006, 06:22:14 PM »

I would suggest the 280 Remington.

JD338

Don Fischer · « **Reply #11 on:** April 03, 2006, 12:19:04 AM »

As usual, the water is muddy. To many real good choices in cartridges. The 30-06 is always a safe bet as is the 308. After that you could pretty much close your eyes and pick something from 243, damn that was hard to say, up and it'll work. My own choice would be one of several; a 25 cal, a 6.5/260 cal, a 27 cal, a 28 cal or a 30 cal. Personally wouldn't choose a magnum of any kind. Been there, done that, ain't necessary!

More important is the rifle and sights. Now, I like a rifle about 8#, not much more. Don't care for the real light ones. I like lower power scopes, 2 3/4x to 4x. They keep the package trimmer, give all the magnification you really need for hunting and really give a large field of view and gather lot's of light. For a hunting rifle The 20" and 22" barrel rifles are lot's better handling than the longer barrels. For 308 based cases, 243, 260, 7-08, I'ed opt for either length. For 30-06 size cases, 25-06, 6.5x55, 270, 280, I'ed opt for 22" barrel. The 6.5x55 is not a 30-06 case but is of more capacity than the 308 and can use the barrel it you handload.

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #12 on:** April 03, 2006, 01:56:32 AM »

If you have no specific preference, my suggestion would be to keep the choice simple. Choose a caliber that assures capatability in both areas (and anything in between). And can be used for a variety of game.

Take a hard look at the .270, 308 or .30-06. Each are inexpensive to shoot. You can use each for varmint up to the larger big game (I would be a little reluctant to use the .270 & .308 for the big bears, but there is an awful lot of game up to that point). Ammo can be purchased virtually anywhere. Each is a caliber that is offered in just about any make of rifle. They have been made forever, so the chance of picking up a decent used version for a good price is exellent. For the same reason, they are offered in the inexpensive new rifles such as the Mossberg 100 ATR and Stevens 200. Each has a different lever of recoil, yet all will pretty much do the same job. And, if you should ever have the opportunity to hunt in the western states, each will serve you well in that environment.

Good Luck!

EVOC ONE

victorcharlie · « **Reply #13 on:** April 03, 2006, 03:44:37 AM »

My thinking is that deer hunting in NC isn't that different from deer hunting in PA. Mostly hilly to mountainous in thick hardwoods where most shots are less than 100 yards. Pretty much standard east coast hunting and any caliber 24 or larger and most muzzleloader above .45 caliber would work just fine. Being in the military leads me to believe you don't really know a lot of farmers like a local would and you'll probably hunt the base or on state land?

As your in the military, and uncle Sam isn't exactly lining your pockets with gold, maybe you can shop by price? If you decide on a Remington 700, and the store can make you a really good deal on a .270 or 30.06 then that might be the best way to go. Ammo for a 30.06, 308, 270, 30-30, or .243 is going to be a little cheaper and somewhat more available than say a .257 roberts. That's not to say that you can't find ammo for the roberts as you can, and the roberts is a great deer rifle. If your money's tight then think about the cost of shooting the rifle and figure that into your decision.

Most any caliber .24 or above will do a pretty good job. Does the PX still sell rifles? Also, if your up for the all expenses paid trip across the water, can you take the rifle with you, and what can you hunt when you get there?

You've stated you've already got a .30-30 and your leaning toward a .270. The .270 would be an excellent choice and while it's a little big for varmits, You could still kill an occasional crow or groundhog with it. I've got two .270 myself.

killdeer · « **Reply #14 on:** April 03, 2006, 06:35:30 AM »

.270 or 30-06.........ammo is readily available, variety is extensive and it costs much less than most. On game performance doesn't get much better.

KD

flintlock · « **Reply #15 on:** April 03, 2006, 08:48:47 AM »

Alien...Welcome to the state...NC is not like PA hunting...Eastern NC looks more like Iowa...flat, black soil, some of the richest in the US...Fields can stretch for miles....row crops are cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts...Eastern NC also has some thick, black water swamps, spanish moss, huge cypress trees, filled with snakes, wood ducks, deer and bear...It is not unusual for eastern NC bear to reach over 500 pounds, largest I have ever personally seen was 610 pounds....I have killed them up to 400....

So part of this decision is where will you be hunting??? I have killed deer as close as 3 steps away, and as far as 300 yards....and while I don't spend alot of time bear hunting, I have killed a few that were digging up our peanuts....

I have no love lost for cartridges like the 25-06, .280 or .260...they don't do any better than a 7mm-08, .270 or a 30-06 and, when you get east of I-95 NC is rural, very rural, the county that I grew up in still has one stoplight and you still have to drive 30 miles to go to a movie...You will not find a box of .260 shells at the county store...If this is your first big game rifle I would stick to a 7mm-08, a .270 or a 30-06...With the edge going to a .270 or a 30-06 in ammo avaliability...The biggest advantage to a 7mm-08 is a little less recoil over a .270 or a '06 and about a inch shorter rifle with all else equal...I would also buy only a bolt action, they are stronger, more raliable and most important their trigger can be adjusted to your taste...Equipped with a 3x9x40 Leupold and you have a rig that will last for your lifetime...Pick your bullets properly and it can be used for anything from deer to elk.

alien319 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 03, 2006, 09:06:23 AM »

Thanks fellas! And Flintlock, I will be hunting basically from east of Fayetteville as I am stationed in Jacksonville. I think I have made a decision and I am going to get a .270. Now it is just trying to find the right .270 for the right price. I am thinking maybe a nice used bolt action. As Victorcharlie said. I am not exactly living with gold and what not. I have heard that you can find some good Savages used for pretty nice prices. Also some pretty nice Remingtons. Thanks for your help.

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #17 on:** April 03, 2006, 09:24:45 AM »

Alien319: Just like above, you'll probably get several recommendation for a rifle. There are many to choose from. So let me be the first.

I agree with your comment of finding a used Savage. I just aquired a Mod 110 from a pawn/gun shop in .30-06 for $230 with a Simmons 3X9X40. Its not the best scope and if it doesn't work, I can get a decent one and still not have a lot of money in the outfit.

I also have a Mossberg 100ATR. Its an exellent rifle. It shoots factory Rem, Win, and PMP very well. They are $244 at Walmart. It comes with a synthetic stock and Weaver bases. I hear good things about the Stevens 200, but don't have one. They are a little bit more than the Mossberg, but its reported to be a re-named Savage 110.

You will be surprised what you will see when you start looking. You may well choose another caliber other than the .270, based on a particular deal. So decide on the calibers you would/could be happy with. Generally you'll see more used .270, .308 and .30-06's than anything else, but the "nice" deal could be for either. If your steadfast for a .270, then you may limit your options. Just keep an open mind.

Now the fun begins ... choosing a new rifle. Get out there and haunt the pawn shops, gun shops and gun shows. Remember, pawn shops generally pay low prices for what they buy, so there will probably be some negotiating room. Also, this is the time to pay the tax man. Fellows are getting rid of their guns to either pay the bill or use the refund to get a new rifle and sell the old one.

Good Luck and have fun!

EVOC ONE

beemanbeme · « **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2006, 10:57:35 AM »

7-08. 140gr NP

Don Fischer · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2006, 11:57:57 AM »

Don't you guys have a Rod & Gun club on base? We did when I was in the service. Prices on guns were a lot cheaper thru them. Some bases without R&G's sold guns thru the PX.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #20 on:** April 03, 2006, 02:17:06 PM »

Quote from: Don Fischer

Don't you guys have a Rod & Gun club on base? We did when I was in the service. Prices on guns were a lot cheaper thru them. Some bases without R&G's sold guns thru the PX.

Don, We had free cigarettes in every box of C rations and K rations......the PX sold guns back then and several of my friends stationed in Germany brought back some very nice styers and such with double set triggers, fancy walnut, etc. etc.

Jack Daniels was 25 cents a shot, and the class six store sold liquor without any tax and at very low prices. Cigarettes were $1.50 a carton......

I think times have changed and the military is politically correct to an extent. No more 2 beers at lunch, no more free cigs......no more guns in the PX...and no more rod and gun clubs.....Gay's ok if you don't tell........not sure on this but that's what I'm hearing.

Alien, go to walmart and find the sporting goods manager and strike up a conversation. Ask if they have any rifles on clearance or when they might be clearanced. My local manager told me they clearance here in July. I bought a new in the box Savage 110 package gun in .270 win with cheap simmons scope for $250. Let him or her know your military and they may knock a few more dollars off that. I was suprised as I made a comment about can't you knock a few dollars more off a clearanced item and darned if they didn't.............it wasn't a rifle, but now that I know they will I'll not be ashamed to dicker a bit. If your patient and keep checking I think you might get a new Savage for around what you can by a used on at a pawn shop.

We still love our soldiers around here.......If I knew how to get it to you I'd make you a real deal on the Savage I have.......

kudzu · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2006, 02:31:15 PM »

If startin from scratch - 270WSM

flintlock · « **Reply #22 on:** April 03, 2006, 02:47:13 PM »

Quote from: dancoman

If startin from scratch - 270WSM

On a Marines salary....$28 bucks a pop for a box...I don't think so.

Its also not needed...our deer are corn fed...but a good sized doe runs about 100 pounds...

Lead Poison · « **Reply #23 on:** April 03, 2006, 02:58:12 PM »

Anything between the 260 Rem. and the 7mm Rem. Mag.

My favorites:
(short action) 7mm-08 Rem. and 308 Win.
(long action) 30-06 Spfd. and 280 Rem.
(short mag) 270 WSM
(standard magnum) 7mm Rem. Mag.

alien319 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 03, 2006, 03:19:01 PM »

Victor Charlie what type of Savage do you shoot?

kudzu · « **Reply #25 on:** April 03, 2006, 03:58:20 PM »

Flintlock,what part of NC r u in. I'm in Union co.
Still stickin to 270wsm. Some places here u can shoot as far as u want to.
270wsm seems a lot more reasonable than a lot of others that people shoot around here. A good shootin anything with a 100 to 150 gr bullet should be ok. What I don't understand is ones bullet choice rather than cal.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #26 on:** April 04, 2006, 06:42:11 AM »

Quote

Don, We had free cigarettes in every box of C rations and K rations......the PX sold guns back then and several of my friends stationed in Germany brought back some very nice styers and such with double set triggers, fancy walnut, etc. etc.

Jack Daniels was 25 cents a shot, and the class six store sold liquor without any tax and at very low prices. Cigarettes were $1.50 a carton

Other than you and I I wonder haw many guys have seen Lucky Strikes in a green 4 pack? How about Ham and Lima Beans with beans the size of golf balls! And that wonderful 6 yrs old white bread in a can. The peanut butter was great to put poison in to get the rats!

Maybe we need a thread on the good (?) old days!

By the way, I bought two L61R Sakos back with me that cost $89 each.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #27 on:** April 04, 2006, 08:39:48 AM »

Quote from: alien319

Victor Charlie what type of Savage do you shoot?

I have a 110 in .270.

Gregory · « **Reply #28 on:** April 04, 2006, 12:52:02 PM »

alien319

I'm assuming you will be buying factory ammo, so you can't go wrong with a
.270, 30/06, or .308. All effective rounds and ammo is everywhere.

Another round that is often forgotten is the 7x57 or 7mm Mauser. Ammo is everywhere, but finding a rifle is this caliber today is the hard part. If you run across one at a bargain price it would make a dandy bear and deer gun. The 7mm-08 is a ballistic twin, but I'll see ammo in out of the way gunshops in 7x57 but not 7mm-08.

grousehunter · « **Reply #29 on:** April 04, 2006, 03:03:17 PM »

Alien, one thing you oughtta check out is the reg's on base! back 30 plus yrs ago when I was at Cherry Point the Regs. were diff. from the outside world and there is some of the best hunting, right on base! The whitetait population was phenominal on CP! and it was SHOTGUN & BUCKSHOT ONLY!!!!!!!!!