Best rifle cartridge for open terrain - Unit 21 Whitetail hunt

[Desert Rat]

So, my wife and i both got drawn for unit 21 whitetail tags, which i know nothing about asi have never spent time in this unit, but from what I gather is fairly wide open, but hilly, terrain.

 

My current hunting rifles are a 300wsm and a 7mm-08 that my wife has started shooting and claims as hers.

 

Looking to grab a new rifle for this hunt as the 300wsm is overkill for this hunt, and lets face it, its not the gun you pull when you want go go target shooting on a Sunday. I am trying to decide on a 308, or buying a 243 in hopes my wife will let go of the 7mm. I had a 270 previously, but want something new. I would like something with a decent selection of factory ammo choices that would be available at most sporting goods stores. I am open to other suggestions as well.

 

What would be a good gun for this hunt, but something that you would want to shoot more than proving it is sighted in for a hunt and putting it back in the safe?

[longshooter]

Nothing wrong with either guns you got. How's a 300 wsm over kill?

[oz31p]

I've used my 300wm successfully on that hunt repeatedly.

 

I'd stick with what you have. but get very familiar with it. And scout a lot I can be a very tuff and frustrating hunt

[AverageJoe]

I've used my 300wm successfully on that hunt repeatedly.

 

I'd stick with what you have. but get very familiar with it. And scout a lot I can be a very tuff and frustrating hunt

+1 the 300 wsm is very good gun. Also the 7mm-08 is a better choice than the 243 or 308.

[Desert Rat]

Nothing wrong with either guns you got. How's a 300 wsm over kill?

I honestly just don't enjoy shooting it. I have gotten Elk with it and can reliably hit my target within standard hunting range (I have not gotten into long range shooting yet), but for a coues size animal I assume that I don't need to abuse my shoulder..... and lets face it, since my wife isn't on here i can openly say I want to use this as an excuse that I "need" a new rifle.

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Go get a new 243. No doubt.

[QhunterAZ]

.270 , 30-06, .308, .243 all those are pretty common and available. .308, 30-06, 270 all have tons of choices. from the factory. Personally I like the .308 for normal ranges.

[roninflag]

you need a remington 700 long range. or a .243 remington 700 heavy barrel.

[muledeerarea33?]

Get a .223-700 nitro. All in between will kill a deer. Not a "shot placement is key" guy but when it comes down to it, that's the truth. Use any gun you want, be comfortable with it, and eat game meat!! Not really sure how to answer your question? You say you've killed elk before?? Seems like you'd know what to use for deer?

[Titanium700]

.260 rem or 6.5 creed.

[Desert Rat]

Get a .223-700 nitro. All in between will kill a deer. Not a "shot placement is key" guy but when it comes down to it, that's the truth. Use any gun you want, be comfortable with it, and eat game meat!! Not really sure how to answer your question? You say you've killed elk before?? Seems like you'd know what to use for deer?

What is a good deer rifle is not necessarily a good elk rifle, and a good elk rifle is not necessarily a good deer rifle. Big difference between a 100lb white tail and a bull elk that quarters out at over 400lbs

 

And i know shot placement is key being an archery hunter, just haven't rifle hunted deer much.

[Desert Rat]

.260 rem or 6.5 creed.

I was considering the 260, but ammo is really hit and miss when i looked.

[muledeerarea33?]

 

Get a .223-700 nitro. All in between will kill a deer. Not a "shot placement is key" guy but when it comes down to it, that's the truth. Use any gun you want, be comfortable with it, and eat game meat!! Not really sure how to answer your question? You say you've killed elk before?? Seems like you'd know what to use for deer?

What is a good deer rifle is not necessarily a good elk rifle, and a good elk rifle is not necessarily a good deer rifle. Big difference between a 100lb white tail and a bull elk that quarters out at over 400lbs

 

And i know shot placement is key being an archery hunter, just haven't rifle hunted deer much.

shot both with the same gun, both died.

[Titanium700]

.243 then.

 

My son took his first coues at 400 with his shooting 80 grain TTSX's.

 

Course I hand load.

[muledeerarea33?]

Gotta remember. Up til 20 or so years ago most hunters hunted most everything with one gun. Now days technology and media tells people they hafta have specialized guns and bullets to hunt the smaller big game and the bigger big game. Sure the newer bullets and loads and rounds are fun but who says the guys shooting different weight game with the same gun ain't successful??