hunter338

I myself use a 270 win when hunting white tail deer. It does the job. I have used a 30-06 a time or two on white tail, but found it a bit much for the deer that I was hunting. I shoot through the shoulders. The bullet that I used eas too heavy. It was a 165 grain NPBT. and blew the other shoulder almost completly out of the deer. But if you want a gun that you can hunt anything in North America with, than you got it in the 30-06. I have never been a 30 cal. fan but you have to give credit where credit is due. Very good all-around cal.

soarkrebel

Geez sometimes you come on here and folks bash the 243 . " it's to small" " not enough power" they say BIGGER!

Then you come here and here people say the 30-06 is to big![]

Opinions are truly like rectums ! everybodys got one!

The 30-06 IS a fine deer cartridge! period!!!

I shoot 243 , 257,277,284,308 and 44 cal while deer hunting. which is better? heck i don't know! i like them all and i use different cal and guns depending on where i am hunting.
buy a 30 -06 and then start collecting one or two of every caliber!

Reacher

I originally wanted a 270, but found a great deal on my 30-06. I have been very happy with it. It is the only hunting rifle I own. In the future, I plan to buy a 270 and perhaps a 22-250(for varmints). Until then, I would feel comfortable hunting almost anything with my 06. I have been shooting Hornady 150gr SST LM for whitetail this year with good success.

Mykey

The 30.06 is a great caliber and has probably killed more game than any other caliber. I know i've killed more deer with mine than any other rifle i have but it doesn't see much use anymore for deer. My son and i use a 25.06 for deer these days. I've said it before and i'll say it again, if i could only own one rifle it would without a doubt be a 30.06 and i can't see myself ever getting rid of the one i have.

semi

30.06 is a fine caliber. Can't really add to much more than anyone here already covered. The 2 things i like about the 30.06..

1. get ammo anywhere and it's pretty cheap
2. you could hunt anything you want with it in N.America

very versitile caliber.

Gary10ec1

The caliber that consistently puts the animal on the ground is what counts. 243, 270 or an 06. Usually has more to do with the shooter than the gun. Practice learn your capabilities and go from there. I like the 30-06 because of versatility and ammo is dirt cheap. To each his own....[:-][:-]

beaglefreak

Boy, semi took the words right out of my mouth.All around 30-06.I own two of them ;Both Remington Woodsmaster 742,but one is an auto and one is a pump. You also have to remember to check the laws if your planning to hunt out of state.For example, you can use a semi-auto in N.Y. but not in Pennsylvania.So check out your neighboring state laws if your planning to hunt there in the future.It could sway you to a pump,auto,lever or bolt.I also own a .308 Browning lever and a 6.5x55 swedish mauser left handed bolt action.I guess Im fortunate to have grown up with a passion for guns,so I started collecting them early.Gotta get a deer this coming season with my 6.5 bolt.Ive harvested deer with pumps,semi-autos and lever actions,so I have to complete the cycle and get one with a bolt.

JagMagMan

Buckmastr229, the 30-06 is as good as any deer caliber made!
It can be considered overkill, but if you can handle it, there nothing wrong with overkill! I happen to overkill 'em with a 7MM RM and .308!
The .243 with 100 grain bullets, is my minimum for deer, but within reason, it is a VERY GOOD minimum!
Something in .260 or 7MM-08 could really be considered to be perfect for deer!
I suspect by your post, (.243 sissys gun) that you may be feeling the "more is better, magnum-itis! Don't get caught up in this! Shoot the largest gun you can handle and shoot WELL!
Deer are not particularly hard animals to kill, so anything from .243 on up will work if you do your part! Good Luck!

Briman

Yup, using a .243 definately makes you a sissy. Step up to the 30-06, it will make you a manly man.[>:]

I would not use bullets larger than 165 gr for deer. 150 grainers are probably the best unless you are going to take long shots.

3DNWV

I have a few things I have to say about some of the replies to this post

1st the 30-06 is a great deer rifle and it can be loaded with a wide range of bullets and can be used on just about any and all north american game I recommend 150 or 165 gr for deer.

2 A 243 is not a sissy gun it is a great deer rifle and a great all around rilfe for deer and smaller game remember shot placement is the key and if you cant place your shott well because or fear of recoil how much good will a miss with any bigger rifle due you.

3. There is no such thing as over kill its either dead or it isnt..................