All North American deer hunters are familiar with deer-hunting calibers such as the .30-06, .270, and .30-30 as well as various rifle models that fire them. The following are three calibers that are more than adequate for deer but don’t get quite as much love among deer hunters as the iconic ones listed above.
6.55 X 55: This has been Sweden’s official military cartridge for more than 100 years. And although most American’s are not aware, moose hunting is a big thing in Sweden. This caliber is popular for moose hunting there. You can get these in bullets up to 160 grains and shoot something that’s easy on the shoulder but that will definitely take down a whitetail or muley.
.257 Weatherby Magnum: This caliber packs a lot of punch into a small casing. Giving hunters a very flat trajectory to shoot, this is a deer cartridge for open country when being able to reach out a little farther is key.
.44 Magnum: This caliber is most famously known for being Clint Eastwood’s iconic character Dirty Harry’s top choice but it’s a good deer gun for hunters in dense woods where close shots need to match up with knock-down power. Rifles chambered for .44 magnum are fairly common on the market and lever actions seem to be the most popular. Handgun hunters love this round too as you can get 240-grain bullets perfect for whitetails and 300-grain loads that have been used for even larger game.
Learning new calibers is fun and can add some diversity to deer hunting. Remember there are more options than the ones you grew up with, some of which might open up new and exciting hunting opportunities.
That said, not every uncommon round belongs in the deer woods, and it is worth knowing which of the worst deer hunting calibers to leave at home before you head out.
TF&G Staff