[Dalescarpentry]

I have been thinking of a cross over Varmint Deer rifle for some time now. There are a lot of choices out there. I don't reload yet so for this poll I only listed calibers that have factory ammo offered. I know there are a lot more cross over rounds than I have listed. So if you would chose another round vote other and list the one that you prefer. Dale

 

[The Gamemaster]

If a man could only afford on gun, it would be a .270 or a 30 06

You can load up or down with either of these rounds and kill almost anything in North America.

30 06 held the accuracy records in the military for more than 50 years - until the .308 Winchester came on board.

All them other calibers are less than desirable for hunting big game in my book!

 

[jasonprox700]

It is a close tie between the .260 and the .25-06. For the .260, you can get loads below 100 grain, and you can get bullets up over 140 grains that have a slight ballistic advantage over the 7mm-08. Unfortunately, I think it is more of a handloaders' round.

The .25-06 is also an excellent choice. There are a lot of factory loadings for this. It is fast, and flat shooting, with a wide variety of bullets.

I would not hesitate to use either on deer sized game.

 

[K.K]

My question is what class of varmints are we talking about? The odd groundhog in the clover patch? If so, then anything will work, and I have killed many (G-hogs and deer with the .270). If we are talking high-volume shooting at prarie dogs + deer sized game, I'd go a bit smaller, in the 243-260 range.

 

[Dalescarpentry]

Mostly Groundhogs and maybe coyotes. Dale

 

[Coyote Hunter]

My .257 Roberts, loaded to +P levels, is my favorite rifle. With 75g V-MAX it has taken coyotes (2) past 480 yards. For deer-sized game I load the 115g TSX and 120g A-Frame. Personally I prefer the .25's heavier bullets to the .243/6mm's. A .25-06 just offers a bit more velocity. I have long considered the .25-06 to be the best dual-purpose cartridge available.

 

[Brithunter]

Is there any choice? but the 6.5x55 Swedish.



Bullets run from 77 grains to 160 grains with good accuracy mild recoil. ;D

 

[flintlock]

I only own one centerfire, with it I have killed over 150 deer, 6 black bear and numerous coyotes, groundhogs, crows and various other varmints...It's a .243.

 

[Zachary]

The very first cartridge that comes to mind is the .25-06. The second cartridge that comes to mind is the .243.

Granted, both cartridges can effectively kill both deer and varmints (given reasonable shooting distances, bullet construction, and, most importantly, bullet placement.)

I think that it boils down to this - if you are going to be shooting more deer than varmints, then get the .25-06.

On the other hand, if you will be shooting more varmints than deer, then get the .243.

Zachary

 

[barr25-06]

The 243 was designed as a crossover cartridge.
It has been the most successful at it.

Why are you second guessing your 243?
With a gun like yours you can shoot a deer in the heart. He's gonna die very soon.
I have seen many whitetails taken with a 243.
Besides there is no better coyote round.

Varment hunting is all year. Deer is just two weeks here.

 

[SHOOTALL]

I voted 25-06 , the 243 is good for sure and with in its range limit is a good choice .
but if you are where you are at the limit with the 243 the 25 is better be it range or bullet weight !
the trade is more kick and more powder but only a little of either !
So if you have to choose why not choose the one that does the most ? IMHO

 

[dogwhisperer5]

Especially since you don't reload...the .243 would be my first choice.

 

[Dalescarpentry]

I am pretty surprised here with the poll so far. I thought the 260 would have got a lot more votes. Dale

 

[skb2706]

I voted .260 but not all deer are created equal.

 

[Sweet 6.5]

Must be the 6.5x55 and you don't have to use different bullets, Nosler even made a Varmit bullet that can be used
for deer, I think it is called........BT ;D

 

[SHOOTALL]

I use only the 100 gr. BT in the 25-06 for everything

 

[huntswithdogs]

I was hard pressed between the 243 & 25/06. With the 25 ya get just that little more something that's needed sometimes. But not being a reloader hurts ya here. There are lots of offerings for the 25 but most stores don't carry more than one,generally the Rem 120 Corelokt. Mine didn't shot these worth a dang. You're more likely to find 243s just about everywhere.

HWD

 

[ratgunner]

If a man could only afford on gun, it would be a .270 or a 30 06

You can load up or down with either of these rounds and kill almost anything in North America.

30 06 held the accuracy records in the military for more than 50 years - until the .308 Winchester came on board.

All them other calibers are less than desirable for hunting big game in my book!

;D + 1

 

[billy_56081]

I chose the .243 because it is one of the best coyote slayers out there. And it performs well on deer in my hands. Now if the question woulda been crossover for varmints, deer and elk I woulda chose the 6.5X55. That's the caliber I chose to make for my sons rifle.

 

[illhunter]

I like the 30-06 or the 6.5x55