Hubby says: My recommendation would be the .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) cartridge. Bullet range can run from varmints through the largest North American game (110 grain through 220 grain bullets). Easy to load, easy to get loaded ammo anywhere in North America. Should be good for deer sized game out to 500 yards and varmint out to maybe 600 yards, depending upon your skill.
The rifle I would recommend would be a Remington 700 Varmint (700 VLS). This rifle with 175 grain match bullets and a good scope makes a great 1000 yard rifle. This rifle with a good scope will meet your needs.
This rifle and cartridge combination will meet any hunting need in North America short of, maybe, polar bear.Best all around rifle caliber for hunting deer and coyote's?
I like the 30-06 but if that's too much gun the 308 works fine too.
30-06. 'nuff said.
.243 is a good gun if you are going to practice a little. With the smaller calibers, shot placement is imperative. While shot placement is the most important factor, if you are using a larger caliber with more knock down power, you are allowed a little more slop in where you hit the beast.
In my humble opinion, the best closer in, brush busting, abuse taking, dependably working, easy handling, cheaper shooting, knock down gun for the money is a 30-30 lever action.
There are several good and dependable brands on the market. The shells are not too expensive. There is a variety of bullet weight and shapes (never load pointed, hard nosed shells in a tubular magazine. The points are on the primers of the next round. A good rap of the butt of the gun on the ground can cause one to go off and blow the tube apart).
They shoot a heavy enough bullet to not be thrown off target by a small twig. They carry a lot of knock down with the bullet. There are many many reloading supplies for the 30-30. There is a lot of information out there on the 30-30 already.
I would go with a Winchester or a Marlin. There are several quality sub brands out there. If you are unfamiliar with firearms (given the question, I doubt you are) you can ask a trusted friend to help you find one. It is also a good excuse to go to a gun show with a friend.
Good luck and happy hunting.
When it comes to deer hunting, nothing says ';tradition'; quite like a lever-action rifle... especially the old flat-sided Winchester and Marlin rifles chambered for 30-30 Win. But these aren't the only lever guns that have enjoyed success with big game hunters... other designs have proven themselves useful and popular, too.
1) Browning BLR
Browning's BLR, introduced in 1971, is their offering to lever action lovers, and it has gained quite a following with some hunters. The rotating bolt allows for positive lockup, and side ejection makes scope mounting a breeze. The detachable box magazine also makes it a standout rifle. Chamberings from 22-250 through 450 Marlin.
2) Marlin Model 336
Marlin's Model 336 is one of the most successful lever-action rifles in history - and deservedly so. Whether chambered for 30-30 Win or the harder-hitting 35 Rem, the 336 provides a strong, smooth, well-designed action in a rifle that is a pleasure to carry and shoot. Side ejection and a solid top allow for easy, solid scope mounting above the bore - where a scope belongs.
3) Marlin Models 1895 %26amp; 444
Marlin big-bore lever-action rifles are just as good as the smaller 336 - and they should be, since they are simply scaled-up versions of the same gun. Chambered for 45-70 (Model 1895) or 444 Marlin (Model 444), these guns pack a wallop, and will handle tougher game than their smaller antecedent. These full-grown lever guns are some of the most dependable and accurate knocker-downers I've used.
4) Marlin Model 1894
Marlin's Model 1894 is a bit different than their other lever guns - but just as good. Instead of the round bolt found on those above, the 1894 has a flat-sided bolt that sits flush with the receiver, featuring a solid top and side ejection for proper scope mounting. Three chamberings: 357 Mag/38 Special, 41 Rem Mag, and 44 Rem Mag/44 Special. I recommend nothing less than 44 Mag for big game.
5) Ruger Model 96/44
Ruger's Model 96/44 is a sweet little rifle. Though it looks a lot like my old favorite Model 44, the 96 has a detachable rotary magazine instead of the tubular mag found on its semi-auto predecessor. Side ejection and solid top receiver for scope mounting. My experience indicates this is a very smooth and accurate little gun, excellent for close-cover brush hunting. Chambered for the 44 Rem Mag.
6) Winchester/USRAC Model 94
The Winchester Model 94 is possibly the most-recognized lever-action rifle in the world still in production and widespread use. While not as inherently smooth or strong as the Marlin Model 336, the Model 94 has a loyal following, and it has done the job for many years. Common complaints include the open-top receiver which makes scope mounting inconvenient. Chamberings from 30-30 Win to 480 Ruger.
7) Savage Model 99
Though it is now discontinued, the Savage 99 is a rifle that broke the mold for lever-action rifles. The rotary magazine (later a detachable box mag) allows for the use of pointed bullets, unlike the tubular mags often found on lever guns. The action is both strong and smooth, with a wide and hand-filling receiver rather than the tall and slim style found on the Marlin 336 and Winchester 94.
.270 check the balistics on this one
My choice would be a .243. That's a good rifle for varmints, and at the same time has enough knock down power for deer
i've heard really good things about .220 swift. i have some shells from it and it looks like its just a lot of powder behind a small bullet.
.243 is hard to beat. I've taken out most of my deer with one. Another would be a 6.5x55mm Swedish.
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