 What caliber to use for deer this year?
#117829
09/13/2012 3:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 32
Redhaven
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newbie
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OP
newbie
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I'm having a hard time deciding whether to take my Contender deer hunting with my 12" 35 REM barrel or my 14" 7-30 Waters barrel this season. Both shoot well and since this is my first year handgun hunting, all shots will be kept around 100yds. I handloaded some 120grn Pro Hunters for the 7-30 and have just been shooting factory Remington ammo out of the 35. Maybe I should just shoot a deer with both lol.
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 Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Redhaven]
#117831
09/13/2012 3:25 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306
EricS
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306 |
I agree C all of the above
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Redhaven]
#117833
09/13/2012 3:29 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
I have a soft spot for the Waters...
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Redhaven]
#117834
09/13/2012 3:29 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
Shootist
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Shootist
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Posts: 7,655 |
the 35 is going to give you more punch but they will both do the job, the 35 will just do it with more authority.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: wapitirod]
#117836
09/13/2012 3:38 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 430
HoggHunter
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I've been shooting a 35 rem for more than twenty years, but this year I have a 7-08 and a 209x50 that need some notches
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: HoggHunter]
#117875
09/13/2012 7:47 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 24
7dawg9
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 24 |
This will also be my first year exclusively handgun hunting. I've been practicing this summer with a SBHH 41,a SBHH 44, and a Contender in 7-30. I think I'm going with the 7-30.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: 7dawg9]
#117888
09/13/2012 10:06 PM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 425
linebaugh
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308, 50 muzzle loader, and hopefully my 475 linebaugh if it arrives from Freedom Arms in time for me to get her zero'd in and grouping well for me.... Or should I say comfortable with the gun...
//Psalms 42:1//
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: linebaugh]
#117892
09/13/2012 10:29 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 108
mingokid
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Well.. You have a left hand and a right hand I presume. HaHa
I know not what the future holds but, I know who holds the future!
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: mingokid]
#117894
09/13/2012 10:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 463
Boot
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Well.. You have a left hand and a right hand I presume. HaHa Now THATS a good way to look at it!!
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: mingokid]
#117900
09/13/2012 11:55 PM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 425
linebaugh
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It's ice to always have a backup plan/gun, lol....
//Psalms 42:1//
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: linebaugh]
#117905
09/14/2012 1:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
That is very sound advice!
I don't leave the house without two...
If I am going on a bow hunt that is more than 30 min away, I even take both of my bows...
Duane
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin 
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: TCTex.]
#117907
09/14/2012 1:54 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 35
tmaker
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
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With 100yd range, first time new experience, and less recoil so if you get a little awkward position to shoot from you won’t think about the kick. I would take the 7-30. In my opinion it is the catch all of the contender rounds. And the funny thing is !!! My first handgun kill was with a 35. I now own 2 7-30 barrels and no 35 barrels.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: tmaker]
#118072
09/17/2012 3:30 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 32
Redhaven
OP
newbie
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OP
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I would take both, but I only have one scope at the moment. And neither barrel has sights. I think I will probably take the 7-30....I might end up changing mind by the time season gets here though.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: linebaugh]
#118386
09/21/2012 8:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9
TimBob
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Oct 2010
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All of my shots have been short range. I used my .480 Ruger (overkill, I know) just in case I ran into a bear or lion.
If it weren't for the bears and cats, a .44 mag would be just fine.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: TimBob]
#118387
09/21/2012 9:26 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 68
Darrell C
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 68 |
I going to use my 7 mm international rimmed 3/4 at 100 yds . Running around 2300 fps with 120 nosler BT 14 in. Barrel . I have my 7mm/08 for back up
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Darrell C]
#118388
09/21/2012 9:44 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 20
Southarkrob
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Jul 2012
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It is going to be a toss up between the 30 TCU and 41 GNR. Both are shooting great!!
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Southarkrob]
#118443
09/22/2012 1:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,755
johnwilliams
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Jan 2010
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Its nice to have so many different choices but I think I'm going to try my R.H. in .44 mag this year with the Lee 310 WFN bullets.I always carry my .357 mag in my belt holster so she gets the nod quite often-can't help myself,I love the .357 mag.Usually I carry my S.R.H. in .454 Casull and the .357 mag.
H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: johnwilliams]
#118466
09/22/2012 7:39 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510
kingfisher
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Joined: Oct 2006
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.44, .454, 7mm08, 25.06 and .358.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: linebaugh]
#118848
09/28/2012 1:19 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 112
AmmoHouse
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Joined: Aug 2005
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I had to put down my 7-30 because I got other barrels to play with.
Honestly, that poor old 7-30 had killed everything I've shot at and never complained.
I have new toys now....but I'll never leave the 7-30!!!! Just in case I need the old stand by!
I shot a Lope buck yesterday at 280yds with 6.5x284....I could've done that with my 7-30!!!!!!!
Last edited by AmmoHouse; 09/28/2012 1:22 AM.
I don't harvest animals, I kill them...I don't take a Combine hunting!!!
USAF AMMO Retired!
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: AmmoHouse]
#118933
09/29/2012 1:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Whisper Ventures
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2 |
I've been hunting in Utah for several years now and I think the 338 Federal is great for mule deer and would do a job on an elk too. I took a nice 4x3 two years ago at 170 yards with 180 gr Accubond.
"Where the pavement ends our venture begins"
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Whisper Ventures]
#118948
09/29/2012 4:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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My son will be carrying his Encore .308 and I will have my .475 Linebaugh custom.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#118953
09/29/2012 6:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359
SChunter
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
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I know the OP was weighing out whether to use the .35 Rem or the 7-30...
My dilemma is a little more convoluted. I'll be carrying revolvers from .357 Mag to .500WE. Then there's the single shots from .243 to .475JDJ. It'll just be determined by hunt opportunity and what calls to me when I open up the safe 
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: SChunter]
#118978
09/30/2012 1:36 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 371
RUG1
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2008
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44 Mag. either in my 12 inch MGM G2 or the S&W 629 I picked up the day before yesterday!
Freedom is a gift, paid for by blood. Given for all to receive.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: RUG1]
#118990
09/30/2012 3:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
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Posts: 4,155 |
44 Mag. either in my 12 inch MGM G2 or the S&W 629 I picked up the day before yesterday! NICE! Sounds like you have a "New Toy" to shoot and work loads up for!!!
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#119004
09/30/2012 2:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 386
campbellkids
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 386 |
30 herrett with a 2 x Leopold
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: campbellkids]
#119013
09/30/2012 4:10 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4
EGAdjuster
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4 |
I'll be toting my .454 Super Redhawk into the woods. I do have a bit of a dilemma though. I recently took it on a hog hunt in Florida and got a boar that was about 150 pounds, using hollowpoints. The gun did it's job but it was a bit of overkill. On the exit, it completely obliterated the shoulder. I think I'm going to switch to soft points. The .454 makes a plenty big enough hole as it is.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: EGAdjuster]
#119027
10/01/2012 12:00 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510
kingfisher
addict
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addict
Joined: Oct 2006
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When it comes to a giant that I don't want to lose(water/land lines, etc.), overkill is cool with me. Bless the .454!
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: Redhaven]
#119029
10/01/2012 12:06 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Boy has this thread strayed.....
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: s4s4u]
#119030
10/01/2012 12:06 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
I still back the Waters ;-)
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: s4s4u]
#119036
10/01/2012 1:35 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
I will use the gun that is sighted in and has ammo loaded for it... ... ... ... LOL
If I was going tomorrow I would be looking at my 375 Win, 308 Win, or 460 S&W...
I went threw 400 rounds in my last shooting section just shooting single shots... I still am catching up at the bench...
PS, WV, My picture in my signiture line is of my 338 Fed. I am still working on a load using the 200gr Ranch Dog.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: TCTex.]
#119071
10/01/2012 8:03 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650
wheeler45
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Joined: Jun 2008
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I shall use a .308 Winchester with 150 grain NBT XP-100 4X Leupold for the long shots, and a .44 Magnum 240 grain Speer HP in a S&W M629-2 Simmons 2X for the short range shots.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: wheeler45]
#119080
10/01/2012 11:19 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 135
jimmylee
member
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member
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Posts: 135 |
Have 2 contenders ready 444 marlin 240gr xtps and my 7TCU 120gr bullets both contender have 14" barrels. I also will use my encore in the 300win mag 180gr bullets better knowed as The KYODE MAG.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: jimmylee]
#119094
10/02/2012 1:16 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205
KYODE
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205 |
cool jimmylee! glad to know yer still doin the 300mag justice!
Kentucky….no place like home.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: s4s4u]
#119100
10/02/2012 1:54 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510
kingfisher
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addict
Joined: Oct 2006
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Boy has this thread strayed..... It is what it is. Your point?
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: kingfisher]
#119109
10/02/2012 2:45 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Boy has this thread strayed..... It is what it is. Your point? I'm having a hard time deciding whether to take my Contender deer hunting with my 12" 35 REM barrel or my 14" 7-30 Waters barrel this season. Both shoot well and since this is my first year handgun hunting, all shots will be kept around 100yds. I handloaded some 120grn Pro Hunters for the 7-30 and have just been shooting factory Remington ammo out of the 35. Maybe I should just shoot a deer with both lol. The OP was asking our advice on which he should use. Now everybody is chiming is with their own arsenals. My point is that if you wish to deviate, start another thread for such. I hope the OP got some value from his post. Even you'd deserve at least that much respect...... 
Last edited by s4s4u; 10/02/2012 2:26 PM. Reason: grammar
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: s4s4u]
#119142
10/02/2012 10:06 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510
kingfisher
addict
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addict
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 510 |
My apologies,Redhaven, for unintentionally stroking myself. Thank you,s4, for calling this to my attention. Hope you all have a great hunting season. Good day.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: kingfisher]
#119170
10/02/2012 2:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Good day to you too, and good hunting.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: What caliber to use for deer this year?
[Re: s4s4u]
#119497
10/05/2012 2:33 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Whisper Ventures
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2 |
I would pick the 35 Rem. Lost a nice 4x4 many years back with my 7-30 Waters even though the shot placement wasn't the best, I believe a 200 to 225 gr 35 caliber bullet would have put him down.
Good luck and good shooting...
"Where the pavement ends our venture begins"
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