The BEST Cartridge for Whitetail Deer

Welcome to the Ron Spomer Outdoors Podcast!

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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion – the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me – from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.

Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[johndaniel]

Maybe one of the lone 25-06 guys here… Good round.

[leskelly]

Best cartridge for deer is typically the one you already have.

[chadklaren]

I'd say the .308 Winchester because it's mild recoil hard hitting has the ability to take deer ethically far beyond the average hunters capabilities and you can find .308 all across the US and Canada.

[timothyparrucci]

30-06 has never let me down. My dad's used it since he was a kid, and so have I. It might be a little big for deer, but that means I can use it on bigger animals

[jeff]

I really like the ballistics of the 7mm-08, and the recoil is very light.

[Oblivionchampion]

.243 is a great round. Near .223 velocity and near twice the weight. People generally think bigger is better but don't always think of velocity and recoil. I like .243 because it's not overkill and doesn't make a huge exit wound. Also great round for coyotes and antelope.

[jk-krjt]

Great question by James. Everybody has to start with the first step. So the 100% best cartridge is the one that fits the rifle that's in your hands. Haha. Actually there are dozens that work really well for deer and so much will be determined by range (50 yards, 300 yards etc) and hunt style (stand, still hunting, spot n stalk). But right now the cartridge that is available on the shelves is a good place to start. Also go to the local range and ask what the experienced hunters are using and why. Then see if they'll let you take a few shots. Good luck James. Good short video Ron.
Cheers, Jeff

[maineconservative]

The 30 30 Winchester has probably taken down more deer than any other cartridge ever.

[buttons]

It is beyond refreshing how you handle each topic with such neutrality. So many "experts" belittle people or make people feel uncomfortable seeking information. This is the best!

[Jhollywood]

Guns and tires are two of my favorite things lol

[laurogarza]

Like you said, Ron, there is no "best" cartridge but there are many "good" cartridges and among them, the one that best suits a particular hunter could be called "best" for that hunter.

[the_watcher_abc]

.308 for any new hunter. Lots of variety in ammo available and easy to find. Light to moderate recoil for the power offerings. Lots of fine guns chambered in this caliber from short carbines to long mountain guns. A versatile cartridge for hunting most large game in North America. And when one graduates to something bigger the .308 makes a good back up gun, in case your primary rifle has a catastrophic failure or is lost in baggage claims.

By the way, I don’t own one so I have no dog in this fight.

[Rxzzler]

243 win is a very effective cartridge as well and ballistically usable to over 400 yqrds with minimal recoil

[davidtimus]

I would go with the 308 or 6.5. Those will have availability, as they're military cartridges too, which means manufacturers will have assembly lines constantly.

[donscott]

I would go with a 7mm.08. Practical gun for first time hunters, popular caliber, low recoil, devastating knock down power. Great overall cartridge.

[LDJ]

30-30 for my area. Rarely get shots over 100yds. Very light recoil, my rifle (Win 94) can hold 8 rounds and is as portable as a single shot shotgun. I have noticed the round doesn’t bludgeon the meat around impact area as much as my 30-06. If you can do your part with accuracy I believe the 30-30 is a go to round for whitetails

[theorangevestarmy]

25/06 is the best match for deer, can reach out & effectively dispatch very efficiently, no overkill.

[mr.simple]

“The towel doesn’t remember anything tomorrow”😂. Now I remember which side the tag was on so I use same side of the towel for my face and hair and the other for my body.

[thestrawberrypatch]

It's like going to a steak buffet and asking which steak is best. They are all good!

[waynemattson]

Honestly, I'm having a hard time finding a round better than my .350 legend. I initially bought it for when I visit family in Michigan so I could hunt there. Then I found myself grabbing the .350 over my 7mm and 30-06 when I got back home. It's perfect for under 200 yard shots, light recoil, and ammo is readily available.