Choosing the proper rifle caliber for hunting deer and elk is among the most critical decisions a hunter will ever make. Getting the job done in the field may be less dependent upon brute power and more about selecting a cartridge that suits the game, the country, and your ease at the trigger. Below is a list of ten commonly used calibers for big game hunting, beginning with those least suggested and moving up to the best options.
.204 Ruger and .222 Remington – Why Light Calibers Fall Short
.204 Ruger and .222 Remington are both accurate and have soft recoil, but when hunting deer or elk, they simply aren’t up to the task. Their light bullets don’t have the stopping power and penetration capabilities required to make clean, ethical kills. Many hunters save them for varmints, and while technically legal for deer in some states, most seasoned hunters won’t use them for big game.
.223 Remington – Effective but Limited
.223 Remington has its fan base, particularly among close-range hunters and those who have faith in their accuracy. Nevertheless, its knockdown effect on deer is minimal, and most states prohibit its use for large game. Although hunters have indeed killed deer with the .223, it tends to produce smaller blood trails and performs poorly in dirty conditions.
6mm Remington and .243 Winchester – An Old Rivalry
Few cartridge arguments are as long-lasting as the one between the .243 Winchester and the 6mm Remington. The .243 has established itself as a useful, low-recoiling caliber with plenty of factory ammunition. Its short case configuration proves to be well-suited to modern bullets and is particularly well-suited to whitetail and mule deer use. The 6mm Remington shoots similarly but has always been at a disadvantage because of a lack of available ammunition and early twist-rate troubles.
6.5 Creedmoor – The New Darling
No cartridge has generated more excitement in the last few years than the 6.5 Creedmoor. Some call it hype, but no other cartridge offers the accuracy, gentle recoil, and phenomenal long-range performance that it does. Its accuracy in wind and at range has captured the hearts of modern-day hunters.
.257 Weatherby Magnum and .25-06 Remington – Quarter Bores with Punch
These two quarter-bore cartridges are favorites for their flat-shooting capability. The .257 Weatherby Magnum is known to drop deer with force, though it is nearly too powerful at close range. The .25-06 Remington provides a comparable flat trajectory with less kick, being an ideal choice for hunters who desire accuracy without excessive kick.
7mm-08 Remington and .260 Remington – Well-Balanced and Versatile
Both the 7mm-08 and .260 Remington are highly complimented for their versatility, accuracy, and low recoil. They’re particularly ideal for hunters who prefer to change loads for various game types. The 7mm-08, especially, is renowned for its massive killing ability without putting a heavy strain on the shoulder, thereby making it an excellent option for a broad range of hunting scenarios.
.270 Winchester and .280 Remington – Time-Tested Favorites
Since 1925, the .270 Winchester has been relied upon for accuracy, sensible recoil, and success on deer and elk. The .280 Remington, less commercially popular, is frequently cited as ballistically superior, having a broader array of bullet weights and firm long-range performance. Both are widely distributed and have been dependable options for generations of hunters.
.308 Winchester – The Do-It-All Round
The .308 Winchester is still among the most adaptable hunting cartridges ever produced. It strikes a balance between power, accuracy, and recoil that pleases hunters at all levels. Found in almost every rifle configuration—from bolt-actions to semi-autos—it’s a good bet for whitetail, mule deer, and even elk under the right circumstances. Its ubiquity and range of load types maintain it as a favorite.
.30-06 Springfield – A Century of Proven Success
Few cartridges have the heritage or standing of the .30-06 Springfield. Used since 1906, it still provides consistent knockdown power for deer and elk. Ammo is readily available, and its compatibility with a variety of rifles cannot be beat. Some hunters feel that the recoil can be stout in poorly configured rifles, but the fact that it can handle any North American large game makes this rifle a classic.
.300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum – The Heavy Hitters
For those pursuing elk, moose, or larger game—particularly at extended distances—the .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum are the choices. The .300 Win Mag excels at long-distance accuracy, but the .338 Win Mag offers heavier bullets with a bigger frontal area for ultimate effect. Both rounds command respect but give back to the hunter the power and penetration required for the biggest endeavors in the field. At its core, selecting a hunting caliber is something greater than paper numbers. It’s tradition vs. current performance, and how you feel in the field. Whether you prefer the old .30-06 or the new 6.5 Creedmoor, knowledge of each’s strengths and weaknesses is the path to success in the field.