As a seasoned hunter and firearms expert, I've spent countless hours in the field and at the range, and I've had the pleasure of trying a variety of rifles for deer hunting. When it comes to choosing the best caliber for deer hunting, there are several factors to consider, including the size of the deer you're hunting, the distance you expect to shoot, your shooting ability, and the legal requirements in your hunting area.

The .243 Winchester is a popular choice for deer hunting due to its flat trajectory and manageable recoil. It's a light, fast bullet that can be very effective out to 200 yards, but it might lack the stopping power for larger deer or longer shots.

The .25-06 Remington is another option that offers a bit more power than the .243, with a flatter trajectory and less recoil than larger calibers. It's a versatile round suitable for a variety of game, including deer.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its high ballistic coefficient and flat shooting characteristics. It's a modern cartridge that has gained popularity for long-range precision shooting, and it's more than capable of taking deer cleanly at extended ranges.

The .270 Winchester is a classic choice that has been a favorite among hunters for many years. It offers a good balance of power, recoil, and bullet diameter, making it effective on deer-sized game out to moderate ranges.

The .280 Remington is similar to the .270 but with a slightly larger bullet diameter, which can translate to better terminal performance on game.

The 7mm Remington Magnum is a step up in power from the .270 and .280, offering flatter trajectories and the ability to take game at longer ranges with greater authority.

The .308 Winchester is a versatile and powerful round that is widely used by hunters around the world. It's effective on deer and other medium-sized game, and its flat trajectory makes it a good choice for shots out to 300 yards or more.

The 7mm-08 Remington, which you mentioned, is an interesting choice. It's essentially the .308 Winchester case necked down to accept a .284-inch bullet. This gives it a flatter trajectory than the .308 and a bit more velocity, which can be beneficial for hunting deer at longer distances. It also has manageable recoil, making it a good option for hunters who prefer a softer shooting experience.

When choosing the best rifle for deer hunting, it's important to consider your personal preferences and hunting conditions. If you're hunting in areas with dense cover and expect close shots, a rifle with less recoil and a flatter trajectory, like the .243 or the .25-06, might be best. If you're hunting in open areas where longer shots are more common, a rifle in .270, .308, or a 7mm magnum might be more suitable.

Also, consider your physical abilities and comfort with the rifle. Recoil can be a significant factor, especially for those who are new to hunting or who have physical limitations. A rifle that you can shoot well and comfortably will lead to better accuracy and a more enjoyable hunting experience.

Lastly, always check the legal requirements for calibers in your hunting area, as some places have restrictions on what calibers are allowed for hunting certain game.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best caliber for deer hunting. It depends on a variety of factors, and the best choice will vary from hunter to hunter. The 7mm-08 Remington is a solid recommendation for those looking for a balance of power, trajectory, and recoil, but it's important to choose a rifle that fits your specific needs and preferences.

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Just a few cartridges that fulfill most of these demands include: .243 Win., .25-06 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win., .280 Rem., 7mm Rem. Mag., and .308 Win. But the one I'm going to recommend is 7mm-08 Remington. This is the .308 Winchester case necked down to take a .284-inch bullet.Jan 13, 2015read more >>