Which Caliber for Mule Deer


Grady269

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Going to Montana end of October for a Combo Mule Deer Antelope hunt. This is my first trip out West and I am a little torn on which rifle to take as I only want to take one. With that said I have narrowed it down to either .270 A-bolt or .257 Weatherby Mag Vanguard. I am really leaning toward the Weatherby because of the Antelope hunting. I am very confident with both Rifles the .257 is just the one I like better for long range shots. I have killed several Whitetails with it but since I have never laid eyes on a Mule deer other than a video or a picture I would just like some feed-back. Is there any real concern with the .257 WBY Mag on Mulies. Load for the .257 will be 115 Gr Barnes TSX Handloads for .270 is shoot 130 Gr Nosler Partitions.

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I've hunted here in Montana for over 30 years and have guided hunters during many of those 30. The one thing for absolute sure is that the .270 would be an absolute great gun to bring on this hunt. That being said, let me give you the same advise i gave to all my hunters. If you have two rifles that you can shoot and shoot well, bring them both. It is always nice when you aren't hunting your home area to have a trusted back up, just in case. Hope this helps.

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Used a .280 last year for both lopes & muleys in Wyoming, neither one complained that it didn't have the killing power needed. So you should be fine with either one of your rifles.

I agree on taking the other as a backup, you just never know when something might happen to it, where it would be much nicer to just pull out the backup instead of trying to fix the other one's problem.

That being said, my two guns of choice this year will be .300 WM as primary and 7mm Rem Mag as backup. Just a preference deal.

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I was not trying to start a .270 debate, I really like the .270. My real question was if the .257 WBY Mag was suitable for Mule Deer, which it appears from my reasearch it is.

With that said I do see the benefit of taking (2) rifles and it is not something I had considered and it is a really good idea. I am probably over analyzing the caliber choice because this is my first hunt out west. I appreciate the well though out feedback.

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I like the 130 Nosler vs the 115 grain bullet. Especially on shots past 250 yards when talking mule deer. But, both are killers and accuracy is the most important factor. Looks like you will have to invest in the economy and pick out a good double rifle case......not such a bad problem to have! Good Luck!!

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either one will do just fine

Got that right brother....

But you havent lived till you've taken a big ol fat doe and TRENCHED it with a 180 SST out of a 300 Win Mag..

I hit that thing 2 years back around 250 yards and must have pushed the thing 6 feet to the side on the flat area of the hill before she fell...:D

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