Deer hunting, as it goes without saying, is invariably the most popular big game animal hunting in the United States.

As it occurs, the famous campfire stories around deer hunting and choice of rifle often witnessed friends falling out over a debate involving the efficiency of a 6MM Remington against a 243.

Some hunters also choose to tag a nickname to their favorite rifle, like “Big Joe” for somebody’s favorite Remington Magnum.

Hence, it makes sense to form a definitive idea about your hunting rifle, especially the rifle caliber and rifle cartridges to be used.

While some might have had some experience, there are people who are pretty much lost in the woods as they put on their hunting shoes for the very first time. 

Fret not! You are looking at the right place!

This post takes into consideration the basics one needs to know and a comprehensive account of the best cartridges and calibers for hunting, ammunition, and everything in between. 

 

Getting past the caliber conundrum 

Perhaps one of the longest-running debates among hunters is what caliber rifle is the perfect pick for a big game kill? 

By all means, there’s no easy answer to that question. Essentially, it boils down to one’s personal preference and comfort level. 

However, there are a handful of trusted options in the business that have stood the test of time. But, before you check them out, let’s mull over some basics to form a clear understanding of rifle terminologies that otherwise might leave you baffled. 

 

Bullets, cartridges, and caliber

Regrettably, several politicians, anti-gun groups, as well as biased media, often take to using terms incorrectly. Well, they are not entirely to be blamed, as they lack the industry-specific knowledge. 

However, there are cases where the references pulled are deliberate and bear malicious intent. 

As a rifle owner, it certainly binds you to the responsibility of using the terminologies right. Let’s start by understanding the differences. 

Have you ever walked into a gun and ammo store and heard someone looking for a box of .30-06 bullets? 

Well, there’s your cue. The man is asking for cartridges, plain and simple. Let’s take a closer look at each one of them. 

• Bullets – Contrary to what most people do, bullets should never be confused with cartridges as an interchangeable term. Simply put, a bullet is a component of a cartridge; they are the projectile exiting the barrel. Technically speaking, it’s a mass (non-spherical) of copper and lead that finds its way inside a rifle barrel. The caliber pertaining to the bullet is nothing but an approx. numerical expression for the diameter of the bullet, either expressed in hundredths of an inch or in millimeters.
• Cartridges – Invented with the sole idea of breech-loading firearms, cartridge is the name given to a pre-assembled ammunition pack that combines the projectile (the bullet), the primer, and a propellant (in powder form), along with a case (metal or plastic). Cartridges without projectiles are termed as “blanks”. Essentially, it is the cartridge that sums up the ammunition required for your rifle as it takes into account the diameter, the length, and other specifications applicable to the round.
• Caliber– When buying ammo for your rifle, the caliber is generally the first point of consideration. The caliber is nothing but the measure for the diameter of a bullet. In other words, the higher your caliber reads, the bigger bullet it uses. Thus, with a higher caliber rifle you can practically aim for bigger animals. No matter what rifle you choose to use, you should stick to using the same cartridge that’s imprinted on the receiver or the barrel. Not adhering to the specific cartridge type might lead to a fatal injury, and can also cause significant damage to the rifle itself. For instance, if it reads, “300 Win. Mag.,” one must specifically use the same. Remember, .300 Rem. Ultra Mag, or 300 Win. Short Mag, is not the right pick. 

Cartridges meant for the big Game—the best of the Lot 

Much to the chagrin of Americans and their hard-boiled pontification for one gun solution, there is much to rejoice compared to tax audits and other significant matters. When it comes to Big Game hunting, here’s a list of the finest cartridges that you can’t afford to miss. 

 

.270 WINCHESTER

Designed and released in 1920, the .270 Winchester soars the popularity charts as one of best cartridges for deer hunting, courtesy of the outdoor writer, the legendary Jack O’Connor.

 

It uses a .30-06 case and houses a comparatively tight neck that easily allows smaller bullets to slip in. Thus, it promises a much higher velocity. Its original muzzle velocity stood at 3,000 fps, and later it coined its fame for using a 130-grain bullet, which to date is the finest bullet weight for perfect North American Big Game hunting. 

 

The best recommended rifle to go with .270 Winchester would be the Winchester XPR Hunter, and the Winchester Deer Season XP 130-grain be the recommended ammunition. 

 

.30-06 SPRINGFIELD

Another popular choice among all whitetail deer hunting cartridges, the 0.30-06 Springfield has a proud history surpassing more than a hundred years. 

It is perfectly capable of holding a .30-caliber round (bullet diameter = 308 inch), soon becoming the standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military, way back in 1906. 

It facilitates long-range shooting with a more streamlined and lightweight bullet (150-grain). What’s more, the 30-06 cartridge is uniquely versatile, as it makes space for the lowest bullet weight (100 grains) and can go up to accommodating real heavy ones (220 grains).

 

The Savage 110 Lightweight Storm rifle, along with Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 165-grain bullets, is highly recommended to be used with .30-06 Springfield cartridges. 

 

7mm Remington Magnum

Clearly, one of the best names in the list of calibers suitable or required for big game hunting. The 7mm Remington Magnum uses a flat-base trajectory achieved via high muzzle velocity, allowing comfortable shots past a distance of 250 yards and more. Nevertheless, surprisingly, it has very little recoil compared to the .300 Winchester Magnum, which does explain its widespread popularity. 

 

.30-30 Winchester

Originally developed to grace the Winchester Model 94 rifle, the .30-30 Winchester is a trusted cartridge for deer hunting at a range of 150 yards or less. Given its quick-pointing lever action and handy fit, the .30-30 Winchester is one of the most preferred cartridges reserved for deer hunting across the Eastern and Southern American outdoors.

.308 Winchester

A product of World War II, the .308 Winchester was aimed at being a worthy replacement for the mighty .30-06 Springfield.

Notwithstanding the fact that there are several better choices in the market that are more powerful, the .308 packs in comparatively less recoil and can be used across short-action rifles. This puts the .308 Winchester a step ahead of the .30-06, as the latter can only be used in long-action rifles.

.35 Remington

Clearly among the most underrated deer hunting cartridges, the .35 Remington graces single lever-action rifles. Take Marlin 336 for instance. Outright a hard hitter, the .35 Remington can not only take down deer but also several other Big Game animals like brown and black bears, moose, and elk too. 

 

6.5 Creedmoor

Meant for long-range shootouts, the 6.5 Creedmoor is clearly among the best American cartridges that have had a fair amount of success over the past decades. Essentially a flat-shooting cartridge, the 6.5 Creedmoor promises comparatively minimal recoil while aiming at long ranges (way beyond 500 yards). It supports bullets for up to 140 grains, which by all means is a big jump from anyone using .243 Win. that supports bullets for upto 100 grains. 

So, there you go with a close round-up of the best cartridges for hunting rifles, aimed at making your Big game experience a rather grand one.

From Winchesters to Remingtons to Creedmoors, each one of them has a definite purpose to serve, and only you can be the best judge as to which one you should pick to have maximum impact.

Happy hunting, folks!