Caliber for Mule deer

[*******]

I carry a .270 but I load it up with 110gr barnes ttx. I run them pretty hot out of my gun and I've never had a problem. Great for the high country but I change to a 130gr round if I know I'm going to an area with heavy brush.

[Jerry]

I guess I'm just old school! I use a 30.06 or a 300 win mag and either use a 150 grain for deer or a 180 grain for elk. To date neither has taken more than one shot for a kill. So it goes without saying, use what you shoot well with. Virtually any modern firearm will do well if you are familiar with it and take the time to become proficient!

[xtreme]

I used the Windchester Ballistic Calculator and Windchester Supreme Silvertip 115 gr with a BC of .446 for the 06. The same bullet 130 gr with a BC of .433 for the 270. Researching again shows the 06 to be the flatter shooter. I hope this is correct.

[mcseal2]

I used the higher BC 140gr accubond when I ran the comparison, that was the difference. The 25-06 is still flatter out quite a ways because it has a higher muzzle velocity and the BC isn't that much lower. Eventually the higher BC bullet will overtake it, but it has to be quite a ways out there before that happens. The trajectorys are very close, the 25 is a little flatter to 500yds and the 270 drifts in the wind a little less, but they are really close.

[iowashedhunter]

Thanks for all the input everyone.I think Im going to go with the 25.06 with a 110 gr. accu-bond. I appreciate all the advice.

[shed]

I like the 270 better, but would hunt with the one that I shot the best.

[wolftalonID]

Both are great choices. I can legally in my state hunt with a .223 and do from time to time on deer. I use 50gr hollow points. Being they put a hole through 3/8 steel plates on my range, I am not afraid of a bone in the path of those rounds. With the smaller bullets, the wind can be a factor, so keep em in close. I dont hunt less than 100 yrds out, but thats the bow hunter in me wanting them close.
Your 25-06 is more than sufficiant for your mule deer. Just keep your shot placement clean and on the money.

IMG00022.jpg This guy got hit at 48 yrds with a 55 grain Hornady Vmax. The rifle in the picture is a weatherby SUBMOA 223 rem. He took two steps and sat right down. Shot placement is key when shooting smaller caliber rounds. If your not certain, practice till you can before you go out in the field.

[iowashedhunter]

Thats a great buck Wolf!! Once again thanks for all the advice and input everyone.

[T43]

Although I prefer larger calibers for Mule deer sized game I have taken one with my 220 Swift and it was a 1 shot drop. If you can put the round where you want it you should have no problems with the 25'06. My 220 is a tack driver, had I not been confident about shot placement I would never have taken it out but just because you have a larger caliber doesn't mean you can afford to make a bad shot. If your 25'06 performs better for you than your 270 it would be a mistake to take the 270 based on ballistics alone.

[bigpapacow]

Both will make dead deer. Take whatever one you are most comfortable with. Also, consider the terrain you will be hunting. Will you be taking long shots or fairly close? Perhaps one rifle performs better for you up close vs. at longer distances. Your accuracy should be your main consideration between the two and how it will apply in your specific hunting conditions. Might want to consider your scope set-ups as well. You wont need a 6-20 power in the lodgepoles, or a 1-4 power at 400 yards...