I've been using a Winchester youth .243 since I was about 12. I'm 21 now. Time for a new gun. It still blew the shoulder out of a small West Texas doe this past winter.

my dad uses a Remington 7mm mag. We call it the mini-cannon. Needless to say that deer will die unless he completely misses.

I've been thinking of a 30.06 or possibly a .270/.280. I'd like to do the big game one day as well.

 

yea ive had this .243 since i was 15, ive killed MANY deer with this thing, but im about to turn 20 so its time for somethin else and the 30.06 is TECHNICALLY my daddys gun, i just use it all the time :P so id like to get somethin of my own.

 

If you want big to not too big think about a 300 win mag. I love mine and if I decide to go hunting for well, anything really, I've got a gun that will take em down.

 

ditto here exept it is a winchester 30-30 no better deer/brush gun made ever!!! and now with the new ammo well it can reach out and touch something at well over 200 yards...

 

I usually hunt with a remington 22-250, but every now and then I break out the 30-06. The 22-250 is plenty of gun in most situations for white tail.

 

You are right Buck they are great brush/deer guns. I haven't tried any of the new ammo yet I just cant make my self try anything else other than the Winchester Jacketed Hollow Point that I know is going to do the job I need it to do. The funny thing is I have a just about brand new Browning 30-06 BAR light weight with a scope in the closet at home that never sees the light of day because I love shooting the Marlin so much.

 

I got a 300 Weatherby Mag. I think it is a little much for the deer in Louisiana. I kinda mutalates (sp) them when i shoot them. Im looking for a 30.06. I have to agree that the 30.06 is the most versitile high power rifle out there. I bought the weatherby cause i want to go out west an to alaska and go big game hunting. I have been looking at the Browning x-bolt white lightning. It is a really nice gun.

 

I just run em down with the truck... jk I use a gun.

 

what about a .308??

 

I use a .308. It will take down anything you shoot at.

 

remington 870 12 gauge sureshot. Cause I have to use a shotgun even though there are no houses for miles anywhere

 

This may be just to much gun for a deer IMHO. Why shoot with so much power and risk sooting right through the deer into some hunter/house/car etc... While it is a very nice gun for the rocky mountains and a 500 yard shot..

 

I also like the Rem 22-250! Very fast round

 

You could always buy a Muzzle loader for non-rifle weeks during the deer season.

Get a Thompson Encore .50cal and shoot 245gr or 295gr bullets

 

i use a ruger 300 short mag. or a 300 weatherby, but usually just the ruger since the weatherby is a little overkill.