Literally no gun can outshoot a 7mmRM with good bullets on deer sized game. Not too much recoil, for a grown man either. Can live with barrels shorter than 26' if needed. Plenty of brass, and even plenty of factory loads for those too unskilled to roll their own, which takes out so many wildcats or pet cartridges developed the last "few" years. Tried and true over decades. Ballistically superior to .243, .270, 30-06, 25-06 and generally any other "standard" caliber. 300WM is just overkill at any range by comparison, though I wouldn't argue against this cartridge on an elk discussion, so much love to this classic. The only other cartridge that truly belongs in the competition is the .280, and yes I do own one in a Mt Rifle, which is as well a balanced gun as I've owned, including bird guns. It just isn't ballistically superior, and really only reaches it's potential in the pet version, Ackley(which I also love, but don't own), so you can't get the loadings or find the ammo as readily unless you roll your own.
So there is my argument. Every other classic, that has ample ammo on the shelf is either ballistically inferior, too big for the job, or a new pet that is not yet proven to either do the job or last, long term.
That said, the best deer rifle is the one you love and shoot well, and most importantly have confidence in. Here's to old bessy, the real winner!
So there is my argument. Every other classic, that has ample ammo on the shelf is either ballistically inferior, too big for the job, or a new pet that is not yet proven to either do the job or last, long term.
That said, the best deer rifle is the one you love and shoot well, and most importantly have confidence in. Here's to old bessy, the real winner!
