What is the Best Whitetail Deer Hunting Rifle
71Why this survey?
After searching all sorts of information on the internet and everywhere else, I’ve finally come to a conclusion as to the question of what is the best rifle for hunting whitetail deer. The best rifle to use is what ever rifle the person you asked the question of owns at the time.
Yep, there is no precise answer. There are so many debates on the internet about this one subject and the discussions get rather heated at times, so much so that not much is decided on the subject.
One reason this happens is the different hunting circumstances American whitetail deer hunters experience. Down here in southern Georgia we have swamps and river bottoms with thick undergrowth to contend with in many instances.
Sure, the pick-up truck hunters can still sit around the many corn or peanut fields and get a shot at a trophy buck, but the true hunters will venture into the deep woods and swamps because the monsters bucks haunt these areas of difficult terrain. There also seems to be something more honorable in doing it this way but perhaps this is just my opinion.
Different bucks from same stand with different rifles
What do you think?
I want your opinion
But in other places around the country there are less woodlands and more open areas which entails making a longer shot more important to the whitetail deer hunter. There are other reasons for choosing a particular rifle for whitetail deer hunting.
Tradition is something many whitetail deer hunters honor almost as much as the sport itself. As young hunters they learned to hunt whitetail deer with their fathers or sometimes grandfathers and usually with the particular rifle their teachers used.
The purpose of this article is to take a survey of as many whitetail deer hunters as possible to try and put some perspective on this very controversial subject. You get a chance to give your reasons why you made the choice you made about “The best all around Whitetail Deer hunting rifle.”
Thanks for any input you may have. If your choice is not in the poll capsule please add to the comment capsule. The results will be included in the final count.
Latest Ground Blinds and Ladder stands
 | Best selling-Great price Amazon Price: $170.99 |
 | Also available in 2 person models Amazon Price: $179.99 |
|
VINTAGE SEARS 3X RIFLE SCOPE GREAT USED CONDITION
Current Bid: $32.50
|
|
3-9X40 E R&G mil-dot optics sniper hunting air rifle scope red laser &501B torch
Current Bid: $62.99
|
|
VINTAGE REDFIELD 4X RIFLE SCOPE MILITARY SPEC CROSS HAIR GREAT USED CONDITION
Current Bid: $56.00
|
Time's running out for the 2009 poll!
Yep, the new 2010 best deer rifle poll will be begin at the onset of the firearm hunting season. You may still vote in the 2009 poll for a few short weeks. If you would like to see other choices for best deer rifle in the new poll, please leave a suggestion in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
If enough suggestions for a particular caliber of rifle are made it will be included in the new poll. Please comment on why you like your particular choice of deer rifle after you vote. This poll is intended to aid both novice deer hunters and seasoned pros in making the correct choice of hunting rifle for the many different locations and terrain of our wonderful country.
Deer hunting is an ancient and honorable sport which enables us to understand and support these wonderful animals which have furnished us with, not only food and clothing for so many centuries, but with the excitement and ancient traditions not allowed common men in the Old World. You are part of this legacy!
2009 Best Whitetail Deer Rifle Results
What is the Best Whitetail Deer hunting Rifle
- 9% 243
- 28% 270
- 23% 308
- 11% 30-30
- 29% 30 .06
This poll is now closed to voting.
2010 Best Whitetail Deer Rifle Poll
What is the best whiitetail deer hunting rifle?
See results without votingBest Bore Sighting Tools
 | Amazon Price: $51.43 List Price: $69.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $110.00 |
Great Buys On Rifle Scopes
 | Amazon Price: $229.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $141.20 List Price: $219.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $79.99 List Price: $219.95 |
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (2)
- Beautiful (1)
- Interesting
CommentsLoading...
Huskvarna? That's a type of motorcycle isn't it Gus? Actually there is no information I can find about this rifle when googled. There is a Husqvarna which I suppose you meant. But I'll add it into the mix. Dang Gus, did you do this on purpose?LOL
Thumbs up! I voted for the .308! Definitely my fave when I was hunting. No kick, flat trajectory, long range, plenty of cheap practice ammo.
What, no 7mm-.308? These are really gaining popularity.
Hope your hub does as well as mine on this subject has done!
Thanks Holle. There are too many rifle calibers so I just listed the ones most talked about. But if enough people comment on an unlisted rifle I will add it to the results. Thanks for voting.
We aren't allowed rifles here in Ohio for deer harvesting. Must use shotguns. Lot of deer though and lots of beans for them. We do have a primitive weapons season for muzzle loaders plus the archery season.
What? No deer rifles in Ohio, I did not know that Ralwus. How did this come about? This is surprising to me! Thanks for the info.
The 30:06 is a hard to beat rifle for just about anything in North America. A wee bit of a recoil though, so I am buying my wife a .308. I've popped um with my 30:06, .300 Win. Mag., 50 Cal muzzle loader and my favorite swamp gun the 45:70. In the swamp for those up close and brushy conditions, the 45:70 will plow it's way through the thickest bullet deflecting brush and deliver a buck stopping hit on target with plenty of power to spare. If I encounter an ugly hog in there, well he's in trouble too. Now I have to admit it's no .500 Nitro Express, but even I have limits. Bottom line, it depends on distances and type of terrain, but if I was to get an all around gun at home in the Florid swamp or in Idaho for elk, I'd recommend the .308 for all around performance. The way I see it, if the .308 is's good eneugh for the US Snipers, it's good eneugh for any red blooded american. ( Unless you can afford a .500 Nitro Express of course.)
Thank you for your opinion Will, I agree with your logic and I too have used several different rifles for different terrain. At this point, the .308 is doing well in the poll and it will be interesting to see the results when enough have voted to see the trend. Feel free to comment again.
Yeah I might have to trade in my .270 after reading this hub.
I know MelodyRuto, my hunting buddy Russ is also agonizing about the results so far. But the polling has just begun, so check back from time to time. Thanks for reading!
I voted .308. Best all around caliber ,and easy to practice accuracy with availability of cheaper milsurp ammo. 30-06 is a close second, but I prefer the lower recoil and short action .308 rifles. As soon as there is some extra money in the budget, I'll be going after a new bolt action rifle in this caliber. The new Savages with the AccuTrigger are supposed to be the bees knees.
The .308 seems to be gaining in popularity these days as you have shown. The results at the end of the deer season will be close I'm sure. I appreciate your time and comments Jeffrey>
Trade in your .270?!! Sacrilege! The .270 embodies almost all the preferred traits of the other rifles combined. It shoots flat, it is capable of heavy bullet performance with the right loads (yes, some are available commercially), exceptionally accurate, can be built in a light weight rifle that is quick to handle in thick stuff, recoil is less than most in it's class, can reach out right along side the '06 and shoots flatter. It is a might light for heavy game like big bears, but has consistently been used with success on elk moose, caribou, and black bear. A Winchester or a Marlin lever action might make a better brush gun because of their size, but then they are limited to that nitch. The .270 is all around useful.
Speaking of .270's, Russ bagged another beautiful 8 point this morning .270. Weighed 250+. He loves his .270!
.270 to me is the best cause its flat and i have killed deer long distance off also
Perhaps you are right, Jesse. The .270 has many fans it seems. Thanks for the input!
I have shot an 06 for 15 years now. I just picked up a rem 788 .308 and it is a tackdriver. 200 yds I can shoot 2 inch groups. I live in North East PA and we are known for the biggest black bears on earth. I will be trying it out on a keystone bruin hopefully this year
I wish you luck getting that bear Nick. We don't have many bears around here but we make up for them with gators and wild hogs. Hogzilla was killed in this area. There is no doubt the .308 is a fine rifle. Thank you for commenting and let me know about that bear.
It all depends on where you are hunting, but my choice would be a 30.06 when in open fields or used on a path, but a 30-30 when in brush areas. Thanks for the poll!
Thanks for taking the poll and for the input, everyday living. I'm a fan of both rifles, especially the 30-30 at short range. Welcome to Hubpages!
308 is best even though I'm using a 30-06
Thanks Hunting Videos. The .308 is a great rifle, but so is the 30-06.
I really like the 6mm and .257 .243 caliber's. but my next will be the .708 Rem. Just to try it. That and I just love to try new guns.I have a.22 and a 7mm for moose. I have found that the speer spbt the best for deer and moose. It has good weight retention and the bullet coefficient is the best. The bullet just does great for me. I think the moose hate it. I have reloaded a thousand rounds for hunting deer and moose.The speer is still my favorite. I think it is really great that everyone seems to find what works best for their caliber.If I buy factory I use federal classic rounds because they work good and the chronograph test was best for these.
You are correct, Butch. We each have our own preferences and particular reasons for doing so. There is no perfectly clear winner. Thanks for your opinion and for reading!
I like my 30-06, but my wife uses a smaller gauge.
Thanks,tbutcher6! The 30-06 is one of my favorite rifles!
Great Hub Randy, I don't hunt but I still enjoyed your article and my vote goes for the 308. Like that particular caliber for the inherent accuracy of the round. It seems to work well for military and police snipers alike. My favorite gun for his caliber is an M1A1 or M14.
The .308 is becoming a very popular choice for hunting and for peacekeeping functions also, dgicre! It will be included in this year's poll for most popular deer hunting rifles. Thanks for the input!
338 win mag, gets the job done quick fast and in a hurry. Long open fields, thickets and evrywhere inbetween.
Another great choice, Ted! I may include it in the 2010-11 survey as a choice. The season is looming closer, especially for the bow hunters in the area. Thanks for the input!
I'd have to say that there is a Caliber for each hunt, depending on where you are hunting, how open/brushed filled the fields/woods are, the distances shots in the area are typically made, and of course the size of the game. I personally like my .30-30 in brushy areas because I have the Winchester Model 94 Trapper which is a very short brush gun, at the same time in brush I also like to use my .20 GA Mossberg 500 Pump-Action with 3" mag. slugs or buckshot the same. For the purpose of Hunting in New Hampshire, a .50 Caliber Muzzleloader can hunt in ANY zone just like a shot gun, but the In-Line muzzleloader have ranges of 250 yards, with tons of Knock-Down power, and great accuracy, but also good for close shots too!, last year I got my Buck with my CVA Kodiak .50 Cal. Mag. Muzzleloader at 15 yards is some thickets (I bought the gun less than one month before shooting my deer and sighted it in @ 160 yards and made 2 bulls-eyes before calling it Sighted). However, if you want ONE ALL AROUND GREAT CALIBER, I would use the .308 Win. I use this Caliber out of all my guns, probably the very most!. I have it in a Mossberg 100 ATR Synthetic/Blued rifle with a 50mm Scope, I use 150 grain Winchester Power Max Bonded Hollow Point Bullets.. I would say if you wanted to but one great gun to do all of your hunting with, the .308 Win. Would def. be my pick. I know many people that have the .308, some do argue over which is better, the .308 or the .30-06, but for me it is Hands down the .308!
Hope this helps!..
A good example of using different rifles for different situations and experiences, Bernie! But it is great there are so many different viewpoints and opinions on this controversial topic.
I would bet the Native American hunters argued over what type of wood made the best bow or arrows and the best shape of their arrowheads. There sure are many types of those to indicate this!
Thanks for the informative comments!
I would have to agree, Randy. My Dad uses his .30-30 the most and has gotten his deers with the .30-30 and the .308. He does have many other calibers like the .270, .50 cal. muzzleloader, .30-06, 300 win. mag. 12 ga pump, 12 ga semi, but he seems to pretty much stick with his Marlic 338C lever-action .30-30, my Grandfather hunted his whole life and used the same .30-30 win. and said nothing but great things about it, I too love the .30-30, but my preference is the .308 win. Because you can sight that gun out to 200 or 300 yards and still take great clean close kills with it, the same as at 200+ yards. I guess for each dog it's own, some like milk bones, and some like jerky treats either way, if your happy with your pick, and it's getting the job done, then there is no wrong answer.. But again, I HAVE to Recommend the .308 Winchester! :)
I love my old Marlin .30-30 and would have to go with it if I had to choose one rifle for all around use! But I enjoy hunting with old rifles anyway! I still hunt with iron sights occasionally, but not as much as I used to!
I agree the .308 Winchester is a very good choice!
I must say that the .30-30 win. are awesome Whitetail guns, the only reason I choose the .308 win. over it is because, Most days when My Friends/Family and I go out Hunting we typically hunt in one spot for a few hours and then go to another, using 1 vehicle to make less travel and noise; So as a result I never know if I am going to be hunting in a part of woods that we refer to as Old Stingy (where there is very thick brush, and the fursthest distance seen is only out maybe 35-50 yards) and the other refer to as the Apple Orchard or "the Ponderosa" (where it two wide open field, the back field has many, many hills, and you can see way out to about 1,000+ yrds.) So, my reasoning for the .308win. is at the Orchard, I need as much distance at times as I can get, with that said, when I know I am going to a single location to sit and hunt for the day I would choose a suitable gun and if that location was old Stingy, I would def. be carrying my .30-30win.
The .30-30 win. is probably one of the most Popular calibers out there for Hunters who hunt Whitetail Deer, and Gun Enthusiasts the same. The .30-30 win. has probably takin' more Deer in the U.S. than any other caliber.
For your situation you make the correct choice! I always know whether I am going into the swamps or will be hunting an open area around the fields or pastures, so I arm myself accordingly!
I don't know why, but holding an old Winchester or Marlin
30-30 gives me a different feeling than the modern rifles do! Perhaps it's merely nostalgia!
Haha, I will agree with that. Holdin' an Old Lever-Action makes you feel like a "Cowboy" so to speak, or atleast it does for me lol.. I do, of course, love my Modern .308, but I know exactly what you mean.
I still occasionally use my old 6.72X 54 Mosin-Nagant when I feel froggy! The old rifles seem to have more character than the new ones! But give the modern rifles 50 years or so and they will be appreciated even more! Thanks Bernie, and be sure to comeback and vote again when I reset the poll on opening day of gun season!
It has been a Pleasure discussing guns with you, Randy. And thank you for a great poll!. I have decided to Join this site and start my own hub, which you can find under my profile name "RutBuck" lol
This is great news, Bernie! Welcome to HubPages! I hope you signed up through my referral! HA! I hope to be your first follower!
Randy
Bernie and Randy, great points on the use of many firearms and their uses as a deer gun.
I also enjoy my .308 Weatherby, using match grade ammo, a led sled on a bench rest I can cut the same hole at 200 yards.
To change the subject for a moment, I also like, the use of synthetic stocks and matte finishes on todays firearms, but I must admit the finish on my old Remington model 700 BDL looks much better. High polished blueing and the walnut stock is a thing of the past, I am afraid.
The great thing and also the vexing thing about your poll Randy, is for me anyway. I have only been hunting whitetails since the late 1970's.
I started using my old Savage over and under .22 rimfire / 20 gage shotgun my father gave me on my first Christmas.
After using it for one season and harvesting my first deer. It was time for me to make a change. My father offered me the use of his Marlin 336 30-30. Which worked flawlessly for several years.
Since that time I have become some what of a high power rifle whore, I like to collect and use hunting rifles. I have used .243, 6mm, 7mm, 35 Remington, 30-30, 308, 300 win mag, 338 win mag, 300 ultra mag, 444 marlin, 45 long colt, and the list goes on.
The truth in my mind, they all work on whitetail deer, as long as a hunter remembers, sight picture, sight alignment, trigger control, or maybe I should just remind everyone of (BRASS)...
I understand what you mean, Ted! One's personal preferences are based on their own experiences and merely what they find enjoyable. History beauty, efficiency, all of these things play a role in a hunter's choice of weapons! Even superstition may come into play for some! LOL! Thanks for your own personal reasons and viewpoints!
Using a .270 while shooting 130 grain premium bullets is easily the greatest calibre/load combination...check out the ballistics on any bullet manufacturing site and you might be amazed.
My friend Russ would certainly agree with you and he has the trophies to prove it! Certainly one of the most popular whitetail deer rifles!
Thanks for the input!
Great topic Randy! I will tailor my response to the novice. My advice to a novice would be to give serious consideration to the 30-06 because it is just so versatile. The novice would be selecting a caliber capable of hunting whitetails all over the country, from smaller Florida deer to the big bruisers of northern Maine. While in Maine, if a big bear were to show itself, the novice would not be under-gunned.
The 30-06 is available in every available rifle action, making it easier to purchase a nice used gun. Ammunition is readily available everywhere whitetails are hunted. Standard factory loads range from 125 to 220 grains.
Factory-loaded "Light Magnum" rounds step the 30-06 up to 300 Winchester magnum levels, further increasing the versatility.
I recently began experimenting with 30-06 "Reduced Recoil" loads from Federal (and others). The claim is that recoil is reduced to that of a .243. As I don't own a .243 I have no way of judging this, but I can attest to much lighter recoil with these rounds, opening the 30-06 door to women and others wishing for less of a kick.
My second choice isn't on your list and I apologize if you feel it is off-topic. Many a novice is just getting into hunting in general, not just deer hunting, and cash might be tight. For this I recommend the 12 gauge shotgun with a rifled barrel. I'm partial to the Remington 870 pump. Buy one with a cantilevered scope mount on the barrel, or, if the novice already owns the shotgun, see if a cantilevered barrel is available for it. Then get a nice low-power scope and experiment with different brands of sabot slugs until you get rifle-like accuracy. Many states including some areas I hunt restrict rifles but allow rifled slug barrels and sabot slugs, so I find myself grabbing this set-up quite often and never feel handicapped. As an added bonus, pick up a smooth-bore barrel for the same shotgun and stay in the woods before and after deer season stalking rabbits and squirrels.
Thanks so much for your input, Larry! I agree with much you say. I didn't include shotguns, but they are indeed required for some areas instead of using rifles. A shotgun may be the best all around firearm for all types of game hunting!
Thanks again!
Randy
I have to go with what I know works. Take heed in these words of wisdom . Rem. .308 VTR with the right scope , you will be canoeing a whitetails head from 250yds- knockem backwards upto 1000yds. Any opinion on Swift Scopes
As you say fladaddy, go with what you know! Thanks for the input. Never used a Swift scope but they get good reviews for the price range.
Randy
Excellnet article. I favor the old tried and true 30-30 lever action when hunting deer. Here in upstate NY in the Northern areas such as the adirondak mtns I have found I like it the best especially in thick brush. It isnt heavy to carry, loads easy and fairly accurate.
Me too, mlesniewski! My old Marlin is hard to beat, especially in the thick swamps and woods in my area. thanks for sharing your experience!
Randy
Hi Randy..Marlins are nice. all the best..Matt
I have a 243,308,44mag. and a 270, It,s a tire between the 243 and 270, both shoot flat with plenty of range I never had to make a aecond shot with ether one.
Thanks for the input, CT. It also takes a steady hand and sharp eye to get the best results. Apparently you have both. :)
Randy
If I had to just have one rifle it would be the 30-06, packs a huge punch and flies flat at the ranges I would need in PA, a perfect whitetail rifle that could also be used on larger game if the opportunity arises.
Although right now, I'm kind of stuck on my Hoyt anf having good success with 100g Muzzy's.
EOS, I love the 30-06 too as it's, no doubt, one of the all time favorites of us old time deer hunters. We have so many choices these days it sorta takes some of the fun out of it. LOL!
But not much, as it's fun to try them all. Thanks for the comments and for stopping by.
Randy
The best deer rifle is vague to say the least. I use a Ruger 44 Magnum for my woods hunting. I have also used a 30-06, 308 Winchester, 444 Marlin, 30-30, 243 SSM, and my handguns. I have reloaded for years for many deer hunters. The 243 Winchester round is good, but only for those good enough to properly place their shot. With the right bullet many calibers are fine choices. I personally think the 7-08 has the attributes to be the best all around cartrige. Low recoil, compact rifles, flat shooting, and plenty of energy for deer sized game.
@Mike Jordan--Vague indeed, Mike! But is is interesting to hear the opinions of a cross section of today's deer hunters.
We like what we like for a variety of reasons and hunters are no exception. I'm sure our ancient ancestors argued about the the best shape for a spear point while sitting around the fire thousands of years ago.
At least I hope so anyway. LOL! Thanks for your own perspective on the subject and for stopping by. :)
Randy Godwin
I got a sako finnbear 30-06 and boy it's accurate for a od6
243,6mm,270,280,308,30-06,7mm mag or 300 mag no diff. all you need is one good one in the pumper. no more no less.
SHORT and SWEET, the 308 and 30.06 are hard to beat!!!
Just saw this one. I'm sort of saddened by the way I can't see what the poll votes are actually for.
Just to jerk your chain a bit, Sir, my opinion is that the best rifle for hunting white tail deer is a ten gauge shotgun!!!
Why can't you see the polls, Wesman? They show up fine when I check them. Ha! Surely you know the difference between a shotgun and a rifle! LOL!
Thanks for checking out this hub, Wesman!
Randy SSSSS
Randy, I was badly mistaken. I dunno - I must have been really distracted or something.
I can CLEARLY see what the polls relate to. Sorry for the confusion - it was entirely my confusion.
HA! Glad to hear that, Wesman! It had me wondering if something was wrong with the poll capsule. Better lay off the peyote for a while! LOL!
LOL! Don't I wish I had some peyote!!! I'd rock it till it was gone, then spit out some wild stuff on this site!!!
I got a nice Marlin 30/30 lever action rifle. Of course it's considered a "brush gun." I'm sure a thirty ought six would be preferable for longer distances.
What I want to do is some hog hunting!!!! I dunno if that 30/30 of mine would beat a twelve gauge for that. I think I'd rock my Western Field bolt action twelve and 00 buckshot for them hogs!
I'll bet you do, Wesman! HA! I had a old 30/30 too until some thief decided he liked it too! It was my favorite rifle because it WAS a "brush gun." Hog hunting is fairly popular around here too!
I have owned and used just about every calibre known to man ovber the past 50 years but 3006 is the one for me, I have also a love for and own M1 carbine and of course my beautiful M14 and SAFN in 06 (Sniper model).
The only problem i have is my parker Hale 3006 1200 was only realy in my posetion for a short while as my wife ( 120 lbs and five feet seven) would not give it back and also used all my mil ammo through my SAFN, ( back to the loading bench ),
Yes the day i bought my M14 i did actualy sleep with it :).
Forgot to add,
Maybe a little bit over the top but i have either a 3to9 or 4to12 Redfield on everything, Yep even the 22.
Ha! Sounds as though you are equipped with everything you need, Clive! A man can't have too many rifles in my opinion. Or shotguns, for that matter. I never was much of a shot with my dad's M1 carbine, something about the peep sights just didn't suit me.
Thanks for the comments and for stopping by!
Randy
GusTheRedneck Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago
Randy - How about a beautiful Huskvarna 25-06? Gus