Certain calibers are best for deer-sized game.
One hunter loves a particular caliber, and another hates it. Some swear by certain calibers because Dad or Grandpa used them. Others have used numerous on their own and decided accordingly. No matter how you come by your preferred deer guns, a constant remains — some are still the worst calibers for deer hunting.
There isn’t just one thing that classifies calibers as “good” or “bad” for deer hunting, though. But there are common categories or themes that the worst calibers for deer hunting tend to fall into, including: smaller calibers, shorter ranges, undesirable ballistics, heavier recoil, overkill caliber sizing, higher ammo costs, lower ammo availability, and simply — better alternatives.
While the matter is somewhat subjective, and certainly depends on your specific hunting situation, the debate has room for both fact and opinion. Read on for a bit of both. These are the “worst” calibers for deer hunting (situation depending), and why.
5 Deer Gun Myths … Busted!
Caliber selection isn't just about size, but also other key factors.
Smaller Calibers
Many “small-caliber rifles” can produce well enough to ethically harvest deer-sized game. Some options aren’t, though. Because of this, states restrict deer hunters from using calibers under certain thresholds. For example, some destinations allow any centerfire rifle caliber. Others allow all calibers above a certain size, such as .24 caliber. Regardless, some smaller calibers are universally believed to be too small, regardless of legalities, including: .22 Hornet, .204 Ruger, .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington, and more. These shouldn’t be used, even on smaller-bodied southern whitetails.
When It Shouldn’t Matter: Those guiding young hunters and smaller-framed shooters more sensitive to recoil might use a .223 Remington (regulations permitting), but don’t use anything smaller than that.
Shorter Ranges
Those hunting in close corridors don’t require long-distance calibers, making these options just fine for their style of hunting. That said, a short-range option doesn’t work well for most prairie, open-field, and other similar settings. Examples include .35 Remington, .300 Savage, etc. Furthermore, while the .30-30 Winchester is heralded as one of the best deer hunting calibers of all time, it’s actually a poor choice for open settings where hunters can shoot beyond 200 yards. Plus, in states where not required, (.350 Legend, .360 BuckHammer, and .400 Legend) most straight-wall calibers receive low marks in the distance category.
When It Shouldn’t Matter: Hunters in short-range settings (dense to moderately open timber, small food plots and fields, etc.) can use most short-range calibers with great effectiveness and reliability.
Undesirable Ballistics
Ballistic coefficient often relates to diminished aerodynamics (blunt tips, round nose points, powder configurations, etc.) comes into play at 300- to 400-plus yards. Some hunters take long-range shooting to the next level. For them, short-range calibers are poor options, but even proven mid-range options would be poor options for those shooting 400 yards, 500 yards, and beyond. For example, the .300 Blackout has a lower velocity and poor ballistics. Other mid-range calibers that are OK at shorter yardages, but not beyond, include .243 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, .35 Whelen, .375 H&H Mag, .375 Ruger, .444 Marlin, .45-70 Government, .450 Marlin, and more.
When It Shouldn’t Matter: Anyone shooting at short- to mid-range distances shouldn’t worry with ballistic coefficient.
Follow all state regulations when choosing the right caliber for you.
Heavier Recoil
A good many calibers produce heavy recoil. These are far too punchy for some hunters to consider their use. Some of these include .375 H&H Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .450 Bushmaster, .450 Marlin, .45-70 Government, .416 Ruger, .458 Winchester Magnum, etc.
When It Shouldn’t Matter: Hunters who are larger and more capable of handling heavier recoil place less weight on the effects of it.
Overkill Caliber Sizing
Hunters can shoot very large caliber sizes, if so desired. That doesn’t mean they should, though. For many hunters, the following are often considered overkill caliber sizes for deer-sized game. While these calibers are certainly effective at killing deer, these are often thought of as too much gun and can even damage meat unnecessarily. Examples include .375 H&H Magnum, .300 Weatherby (and other Weatherby magnums), .450 Bushmaster, .450 Marlin, .45-70 Government, .416 Ruger, .458 Winchester Magnum, and all African dangerous game calibers. Some hunters even believe commonly used options, such as .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and more, are too much for deer as well. (I disagree with the latter.)
When It Shouldn’t Matter: Hunters who choose an all-big-game rifle, such as .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, and others, can use these for whitetails, elk, black bear, and other big game animals.
Lower Ammo Availability
Supply and demand effect ammo availabilities. Generally, calibers with lower demand have limited supplies. (Think older, foreign, specialized, and newly minted calibers.) These are more challenging to find, if they can be found at all. More times than not, the only purchasing option is online, as most in-store settings near you won’t carry these. Options with very low ammo availabilities include .257 Roberts, .280 Ackley Improved, .35 Remington, .35 Whelen, .38-55 Winchester, etc.
When It Shouldn’t Matter: Hunters who re-load, or have a reliable supplier, might overlook the generalized ammo availability element.
Higher Ammo Costs
Lower ammo availability (noted above) often correlates with higher ammo costs. That said, even some of the more common options are expensive, too. Mid- to long-range rifle calibers with high prices per round sent downrange include .257 Weatherby Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm PRC, 300 PRC, 300 WSM, .338 Lapua Magnum, .35 Whelen, .375 Ruger, .450 Bushmaster, as well as custom and specialized loads.
When It Shouldn’t Matter: Hunters who are on larger budgets, and don’t mind paying higher prices per round spent, can cross off higher ammo costs as a relevant factor.
The Alter Egos Of 12 Popular Deer Hunting Calibers
Even if a caliber is inherently good for deer hunting, there's oftentimes a better alternative.
Better Alternatives
Just because a caliber is commonly used, doesn’t mean it should be. Furthermore, just because a caliber is good, doesn’t mean there isn’t a better option. All things considered, if you use one of the options outlined below, consider some of the better alternatives.
Better alternatives to the .243 Winchester
- 6mm Creedmoor
- 6mm ARC
Better alternatives to the .270 Winchester
- .280 Winchester
- .300 Win Mag
Better alternatives to the .30-06 Springfield:
- .308 Winchester
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6.5 PRC
Better alternatives to the .30-30 Winchester:
- .350 Legend
- .400 Legend
- .360 BuckHammer
These are but a few examples of how better options exist for many of the guns that head afield each deer season. That said, find the option that’s right for you.
15 Killer Gun Season Strategies for Deer Hunting
No matter the caliber you choose, always practice and become proficient and ethical with it.
What Matters Most: State Hunting Regulations and Shot Placement
Some things matter more than rambling opinions. First and foremost, no matter what caliber you carry afield, ensure it meets state wildlife agency requirements. These must meet or surpass thresholds, be on approved caliber lists, and more. Follow all applicable hunting laws.
Furthermore, practice with it often. Shot placement is equally important to caliber sizing. A well-placed shot from a “lesser” round is far more effective than a poor shot from a “superior” cartridge. There simply is no replacement for knowing your weapon, taking ethical shots, and perfecting your shooting craft.
