As most know I’m new to the hunting world. I am looking into getting a deer rifle soon. And I figured what better place to get some recommendations than from my TOO brothers. Any advice/recommendations will much appreciated.
Looking for a Deer Rifle
- Thread starter Mdavis96
- Start date
Sgt Fury
Sgt. Spellchecker
Is it going to be used to hunt in Ohio only (straight walled cartridge) or used in other states and Canada? Do you plan on hunting other game such as bear, moose, elk?
Sgt Fury
Sgt. Spellchecker
Deer Hunting Ammo: The 4 Best Straight-Walled Rifle Cartridg
For those who hunt in states that allow straight-walled rifle cartridges to be used as deer hunting ammo, these are the best options.
www.fieldandstream.com
Sgt Fury
Sgt. Spellchecker
Guys who actually own one of the rifles in the above article can chime in with their opinions…I don’t own any straight walled cartridges…only a .300WSM. The field and stream article lists the pros and cons as well as trajectories. Hope this helps…
TinyTucky
Active Member
I had a .450 bushmaster for a couple seasons, I’ve taken the liberty to attach a photo of what happens to deer if they are small and shot at close range, I like not wasting meat lol. Beings that mostly what I shoot (small deer) I switched to a .350 Legend on an AR platform, and I likely will never look back. It’s a tack driver and kills em dead.
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Smawgunner2
Active Member
I started out with a 45-70. Great rifle (Marlin), but it’s overkill for whitetail in my opinion. They don’t get far but…. I moved to a .350 legend. Have not killed anything with it yet but I’ve not heard any major negatives about this cartridge. My accuracy with it is outstanding, recoil is negligible, and a fun platform as a bonus (AR) 
I also vote for the 350L, only issues I have seen is if they don't hit bone, they just punch a small hole with little blood. The deer will be dead 50-100yrds, but little blood.
I started wirh a .30-06 for deer in PA, and it is an all around cartridge for bigger NA animals should that day present itself (elk, bears, moose, etc).
Keep the fucking Bama stickers off of all of em.
I started wirh a .30-06 for deer in PA, and it is an all around cartridge for bigger NA animals should that day present itself (elk, bears, moose, etc).
Keep the fucking Bama stickers off of all of em.
Another vote for the .350 legend. I have one that has killed 6 or so deer over the last few seasons. Most deer I have shot with it have dropped within a couple steps from where they stood. Not to mention it is just fun to shoot.
Redneckfucker
Junior Member
I'll vote for a 450 and tell you not to shoot dog sized deer at 10 steps 
Big_Holla
Senior Member
I used to recommend this all the time. They are accurate and can shoot a long ways. It doubles your gun season because you can use it for regular gun and eventually the muzzy season. In Michigan our muzzy season is basically 2 weeks long so it worked as a double bonus for me when I would hunt both states. That said, I am beginning to hate having to clean it all the time. To do it right it takes a couple hours out of your day. Jenna picked up her 350 Legend and man o man I want one. Light as a feather, hardly any recoil and the ammo is readily available these days. She hasn't killed with it yet but as you can see by other's comments, the caliber works and works well on deer. Definitely the next firearm purchase for me.
TinyTucky
Active Member
Listen here buddy, it was a mature sized German shepherd and 20 yards!!I'll vote for a 450 and tell you not to shoot dog sized deer at 10 steps
I’ve heard from several people and have read a few articles, and all seem to suggest a .350 legend. That’s kinda what I was leaning towards anyway but wanted to get some others input, as I trust all of you guys and your experiences. Appreciate all the feedback.
ThatBuckeyeGuy
Active Member
Ive had an AR in both 350 and 450 but ended up selling them and getting bolt guns in both . Both of mine are the Ruger Americans and are surprisingly stupid accurate. I have nothing against the 350 it works well I just grab the 450 most of the time . Ammo is definitely more reasonable for the 350 if that's a factor