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Post by MLB on Sept 23, 2005 9:02:42 GMT -5
A pal of mine at work mentioned that for the first time in my area, rifles (as opposed to shotgun) will be legal for taking deer this season. Since he doesn't hunt (he's a trap / skeet shooter), I didn't believe him. Sure enough though, new for this season in the county that I hunt in, any centerfire rifle is legal.
Up until this point, I haven't paid much attention to centerfire rifles as they are a bit more gun than required for taking tin cans and paper. Now I finally have an application for that Winchester Model 94 I've always liked. It's available in many chamberings, but .30-30 should do the trick for whitetail deer I'd think.
I'm sure this is a well worn topic for some, but please indulge the interest of a long time slug-slinger. ;D
What rifle / caliber do you use, or would be your preference if you could use it?
Re-arming in NY,
MLB
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Post by Callahan on Sept 23, 2005 11:42:55 GMT -5
In Texas, we get some long shots so most everyone uses centerfire bolt actions for accuracy. The lever actions are still very popular in East Texas where there are thick piney woods. I've used a .270 Winchester, which is more than sufficient, for more than 20 years for whitetail and recently obtained a .30-06 as a gift. Both are scoped with 3-9 power variable power 40mm lenses. I also have a .45-90 Winchester I hope to use this season, just for grins. Gonna get primitive and tear up some meat!  You might want to consider a lever action in .45-70 and go "Old School."  |
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Post by 5ontarget on Sept 23, 2005 16:18:39 GMT -5
The most popular calibers around here (but you still have to travel out of state to hunt with them) are the 30-06, and the ol' 30-30. After those two its hard to say as far as popularity, but I've seen the .270 get the job done easily, as well as the .243. I remember hearing bad stories about a couple of .223 experiences lots of holes, and lots of tracking blood trails.
The 30-30 will be good to 150, maybe 200yds IMO. If you plan on a longer shot, I'd look to something with more power.
Some of the newer short magnums look really promising.
Callahan, I like the old .45-70 too, but adjusting for distances is a bit tough since it is so heavy and drops so much though. I just checked, it has a 15-16in drop at 200yds.
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Post by MLB on Sept 23, 2005 20:52:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the head start guys. I've been nosing around chuckhawks.com. There's a bunch of info there too.
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Post by Callahan on Sept 23, 2005 22:23:21 GMT -5
5ontarget
That sounds right. I am not comfortable, personally, with shooting the .45-90 out past 100 yards at this point, even though it is the ".45-70 Magnum."
In the old days, they lobbed them in from some distance, however, witness the use of the .45-120 Sharps in "Quigley Down Under"!
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Post by Callahan on Sept 23, 2005 22:26:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the head start guys. I've been nosing around chuckhawks.com. There's a bunch of info there too. That's a fine site, though he's not real flexible on opinions other than his own. I suggest you keep reading and find something you can have some fun with. What kind of country are you hunting in? Are you hunting in thick woods with only an occasional clearing or in open areas? |
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Post by 5ontarget on Sept 24, 2005 3:55:13 GMT -5
can't believe I forgot to mention the .308  Like Callahan said, and I'm sure you know too, a lot depends on the environment you shoot in. I like big ol slugs in the brush/woods. Kinda like a bulldozer vs a motorcycle. It may be slower, but it will go the direction you point it. MLB, as far as a rifle, that really depends...do you want to stick with lever action, bolt, semi? Savage and Remington 700, and Winchester 70 are really popular choices. Savages run much less, but seem to get the job done. CZ, like their handgun line, is gaining popularity too. |
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Post by MLB on Sept 25, 2005 19:29:22 GMT -5
Not too many open spaces (aside from the occasional clearing). Mostly woodlands. FWIW, I'm fairly certain that the old parkerized Remington 870 - 3"mangum is the ideal deer stopper, but I'm going centerfire this year regardless, just because I can. ;D
I've had my mind essentially made up for me. My brother-in-law offered the eternal use of a second Winchester 94 that he received from his (and my wife's) uncle. He will be using his other '94. Can't turn down an offer like that.
It's an older one without the familliar trigger safety, chambered in .30-30, and aside from some odd engraving on the stock (what was uncle thinking!), it's in teriffic shape. I plan on getting a few boxes of ammo and getting used to the new firestick. I'll post a few pics when I get a chance.
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Sept 25, 2005 20:51:53 GMT -5
5ontarget That sounds right. I am not comfortable, personally, with shooting the .45-90 out past 100 yards at this point, even though it is the ".45-70 Magnum." In the old days, they lobbed them in from some distance, however, witness the use of the .45-120 Sharps in "Quigley Down Under"! Cabelos was selling the .45-120 Quigley Sharpes reproduction rifles and the accessory sights to go along with it. Buffalo Bore was selling the ammunition. Very nice rifle. |
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Post by 5ontarget on Sept 26, 2005 18:10:24 GMT -5
I bet the deer won't even notice the engravings you speak of.
Happy and safe hunting.
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Post by MLB on Sept 27, 2005 11:14:49 GMT -5
A .45-120 sounds like a good tool for tearing your arm out of your socket. ;-)
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