Just in case you and your hunting buddies don’t talk enough trash, why not start a discussion about the best deer cartridge. This post from the Outdoor Hub has the audacity to hint there are four “best cartridges” and focuses on the .308 Winchester. Personally, I love the versatility of this round that will become a heavy-weight in 2018 with the launch of Federal Premium’s new Edge TLR ammo that offers the .308 in 175 grain weight. (www.federalpremium.com)
Six Pack and a Half
One of the newest deer cartridges on the market and perhaps the most exciting is the 6.5 Creedmoor that has been chambered by most rifle manufacturers despite its newness to the deer hunting field. Unlike most cartridges, Hornady (www.hornady.com)developed the bullet to meet exacting match-grade specifications and then created the powder and case. Designed for extreme accuracy, the round packs a wallow that often drops a deer in its tracks.
This past week, I hunted with the 6.5 Grendel using a lightweight rifle build by CZ. The 6.5 Grendel is often considered an AR cartridge, yet CZ (www.cz-usa.com) chambers it in a light bolt-action rifle that makes an exceptional deer rifle, especially for someone who wants or needs a light rifle. One member of our group dropped a mature whitetail deer at 227 yards and the animal went right down.
All About Bullets
Caliber is only half the issue for deer hunters. You can take the unanimously chosen cartridge and tip it with the wrong bullet and quickly downgrade its performance. Of course this opens up the other can of worms- penetration. Is it better for a bullet to fully expend it’s energy inside of an animal or punch a hole in the opposing side? Personally, I’m a fan of complete penetration because this performance creates a much greater blood trail and easier recovery. Whatever caliber you choose, be sure that the bullet is designed to do the job.
https://www.outdoorhub.com/how-to/2017/11/20/4-best-deer-cartridges-no-3-cartridge/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=November%2020th%202017%20Outdoorhub%20Newswire&utm_content=November%2020th%202017%20Outdoorhub%20Newswire%20CID_3214c6e6aa003698f52567bd40bcf08c&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=Newswire%20-%204%20Best%20Deer%20Cartridges%20No%203%20the%20Do-It-All%20Cartridge
