WHAT RIFLE TO USE IN UNIT 33?

[BIGBUCKHUNTER]

I have a unit 33 late hunt tag, and I need some advice. I shoot a 30-06 but I am thinking of using a 22-250 for my deer hunt this year. Do you think its enough for deer?

[WHT_MTNMAN]

I am no means an expert but last year I went with my 30-06 instead of my 22-250 because I was having problems with the 250 spitting bullets all over in the wind. the 06 did alot better bucking the wind. I'm sure it has plenty enough energy, as long as you have good shot placement.

[TAM]

Go with the .30-06! The .22-250 can kill coues size animals but any .22 caliber is marginal at best when it comes to big game hunting. Because of the light weight of the bullet it will loose energy fast at long ranges and may not provide the kenitic energy to get deep penetration. If you do use it pick your shots, use a heavy constructed bullet, and stay just behind the shoulder. I think the .30-06 would be a much better choice.

[COUESAZ]

I would go with the 30-06. I do like the 250 too. It will get the job done. I have seen two big mullie bucks go down with one shot each by the 22-250. Mt best friend killed a 360 bull about two years ago with his 22-250.

 

His brother had used his guns without asking and put the 22-250 in the wrong case. we did not know this until the morning he pulled it out of the case to load it for the first day of the hunt. He killed his bull at 200 yards with two shots. right in the boiler room. He had the four rounds in his sling. and a box of 300 ultra mags in his pack.

[hunterdude]

If you use the 250 I would use the Nosler partion 60 gr. bullet. It is a little slower than the 55gr. but it should buck the wind a little better and have good retaining weight which will help on penitration.

[bcoover]

I would use the 30-06. That is what I plan on using. In the chance that you do get a tag why take a chance with a rifle. You know the 30-06 will do the job. I would say that you like your 22-250 and want to use it, but I ask the question again is it worth the chance.

[111]

I agree, why take the chance. 30-06 for sure.

[hunterdude]

I would say use what you shoot best! I have taken two whitetails with my .22-250, and dropped both of them with one shot. One was taken at 206yrds, and the other at 283. If you know your weapon I would say that it is a judgement shot and not luck. There have been many people that shoot .30 calibers and bigger that lost their game to a bad shot. Know your weapon and enjoy your hunt!

[jmbn]

I'd use the '06 without thinking twice. I have shot several deer, both blacktails and southern mulies, with a 22-250, plus an antelope, and it did a perfect job. Saying this, I need to point out that all shots were lung shots, and if I didn't have a good shot I didn't shoot. These were all in the mid 60's (and you're right- I put this rifle together before Rem standardized the 22-250) and the choice was between the 22-250 and an old 30-30.

 

I'd hate to shoot a deer in the shoulder or gut-shoot it with a 22-250. I totally agree with the theory of "it's not what you shoot them with, but WHERE you shoot them", but only up to a point. The 22-250 is fine with a carefull shot, but doesn't have much of a margin of errol.

 

Besides, an '06 with the right bullet is better in the wind and probably as flat shooting at 400 yards. It's a no-brainer.

 

Personally, I would look at this dilemna as a good reason to go buy a 25-06 or a 270.

 

jmbn

[DesertBull]

I would use a .50 BMG, but again, that's just me.