What's a good deer rifle?

I've shot everything from 6mm, .223, .243, 7mm and .300. Ten years ago I wanted a gun that could be used for anything. I bought a .338 and haven't looked back. Now, before anyone goes on their rants about how its too big for deer, keep in mind I was looking for an all around big game rifle. I needed something I could hunt bear, elk, moose an deer with and knowing myself, I was much more comfortable with the idea of getting good at shooting one gun. I've settled in on my ballistics and yardage and I'm very comfortable at long distances with it.

Sure it's a little louder and it kicks a little harder, however, trust me when you're holdin your breath on a big bull or buck, you won't feel or hear the effects.

I also have killed several deer with many calibers. The actually "damage" to a deer from a well placed .338 isn't really much different than any other slightly large calibers (30-06, 7mm etc)

Now, I used to live in Colorado. Now I am in South Carolina. May not be using that gun here! Looking to get a bow and a good deer shotgun.

All in all I absolutely LOVE my .338 win mag.

 

Also, quick follow up. IMO- spending $$ on a rifle and optics is a very good investment. If done correctly it'll last forever. And your optics will make your hunting so much more enjoyable and effective if you have good glass mounted on your gun. What I'm saying is don't cut corners to save a few bucks at the store cause it'll cost you a few bucks (deer) in the field. I could debate that all day long...

 

I use a 300 savage lever action that my grandfather bought new in the early 50s and he took many deer with it. And I have killed quite a few with it as well.But I also like the 7mm 08.

 

Okay guys I did it...after "careful consideration", I went out and got:
Savage 10 .308, 20" barrel w/ compensator, and AccuTrigger: $650 out the door
Nikon ProStaff: $150

I know it's a little more than I could have paid online, but the dealer is my friend so I don't really mind.

 

That's an accurate gun-- now go shoot lots and get dialed in and you'll be a deadly dude on deer! Good choice...

 

dude nice gun. Go to the FAQ's section on the savage website and read the question and answer about how to break in the barrel correctly. Follow the barrel breakin proceedure and it will be worth it trust me. Its a pain in the butt but you do it once then you can shoot and shoot.

 

Holy crap man are you serious...
http://www.savagearms.com/customerservice/faqanswer/?id=WxQ694Xgp
Haha that's going to take an entire day.

 

Nice setup! Should treat you well. You can't go wrong with a Pro-Staff for the money, I've had mine for about 8 yrs on 2 different guns and it works flawlessly.

 

very true i think that caliber has taken more deer than any other caliber.

 

Savage Axis. Very nice rifle and you get can one for $300 from pretty much anywhere. Mine is a 270, I just bought it a couple months ago.

 

It took me most of a day to do that with my last gun but it was worth it. Plus I know I did my part to ensure a long accurate life of the barrel. I will do the same thing with any other gun I buy new. The first group and last group I shot following that procedure where quite a bit different. The last group has shrunk quite a bit from the initial groups I shot. Remember you dont have to do that all in one day either. I've done it over a few trips to the range. I just wrote down the entire proceedure and checked off each step as I completed it and left that in my gun case. I would just pick up where I left off.

 

I agree on breaking in a new barrel, but I don't ever push a brush, or even a patch "both directions" I always go in from breech, never from muzzle. I don't need/want to be pushing anything in to the chamber. Also, after the break in, try a few different brands of ammo, you'll find your rifle "likes" one better than he rest.

 

Yes thats a preference. Some guns you can only clean from the muzzel unless you use a bore snake. But I usually only go one way with patches. I will brush both ways with a brush and by that I mean push the brush from the breech and then pull it back to the breech. But I stuff rags in the chamber to catch alot of the crap the comes out. But I should really use bore guides I just havent gotten to picking them up yet. Then I clean the chamber really well. And yes for barrel break in buy a cheap winchester, federal, remington hunting round and go for it. Then after that try a few other brands on ammo to find what the gun really likes.

 

Another thing about going in from the muzzle is the fact that your cleaning rod is rubbing/banging against your crown. I know there are coated and carbon rods, but it's just a bad habit IMO, get your self an Otis system, or like mentioned a few Bore Snakes.

 

I know all about the bore snakes. I just havent gotten one yet. Call me lazy but I dont shoot that gun all that much.

 

So 1) How exactly do I have to adhere to the steps for the break-in process? Can I just shoot one round, clean the crap out of the bore, shoot another round, etc.?
2) I can't find my cleaning rods so I've been using my cable...similar to bore snake? Is that ok?
3) How important is a bore guide? (If I ever find my rods)

 

M240B

 

25-06 Weather Warrior 16/116 FCSS with accu trigger and accu stock. She flies flat and long. Plenty of wallop and easy on the shoulder.

 

Some days I use the 308 Browning A bolt others the 22-250 Browning Medallion. Both work for me.

 

I think it's funny how some people misreading the thread and didn't see you found a good rifle
For break in I'd follow the instructions exactly as savage recommends.
Bore snake works well, just make sure you go from breech to muzzle each time.
If you have good cleaning rods you don't absolutely have to have a bore guide but it does help.