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willforu1
12-21-2008, 11:05 AM
I returned to hunting Michigan deer after a 13 years hiatus. I used to use a Remington 742 woodmaster in 30-06 caliber with a 4X Nikon Scope. I sold it years ago to purchase a Rugar M77 II in 300 Win Mag. I put a Leupold VXIII3.5X10 on it. This was set up for my "out West rifle". This is the rifle I used this year. I hated sighting it in (knocked my hat off twice). I never had a feild of fire over 150 yds (more like 85-110 yds max). The thing was heavier than hell dragging through the woods while tracking a deer I shot and got tangled up in everything.

I am thinking about purchasing a rifle specifically for Michigan deer. I am thinking about a lt. wt. carbine that won't kick my ass on the range but do a number on white tails. Please reccommend your favorite rifle/caliber/and scope combo specifically for Michigan deer.

dougwg
12-21-2008, 11:07 AM
For a centerfire, .308 is all you need.

willforu1
12-21-2008, 11:15 AM
I had a friend that used a Browning BLR in .308 with a Leupold VXII 2X7. I was always thought this was a good option.

CodyBrown
12-21-2008, 11:20 AM
I like using my Ruger .338 win mag with a Leupold Veri-X II 2-7 on it. I know it's overkill, but I'm extremely accurate with it, and it has sentimental value to me. I got a Ruger 30-06 for the girlfriend.

russianblood
12-21-2008, 12:50 PM
Down here in the southern half of lower Michigan (Zone 3) we are limited to shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns. The best (IMHO) is the Rem. 870 12 gauge with rifled slug barrel. I absolutely hate mine but it has killed deer out to 100yds with out a problem. If I were to go the handgun route, I would get a .44 magnum revolver (or bigger) and use it. Or maybe a T/C Contender with a 45/70 barrel. :naughty: .

Made_in_Michigan
12-21-2008, 01:05 PM
12 gauge... Everywhere I hunt, this is all the gun I need for deer in Michigan.

45 acp
12-21-2008, 04:02 PM
The 30-30 Winchester has killed more deer in Michigan than any other cartridge

dono
12-21-2008, 05:42 PM
i use a 742 Woodsmaster in .30-06, sorry its not yours my old man bought this one new.

i would really really like to get me hands on a marlin 336sc .30-30
any how i think that any thing bigger than .30-06 is over kill and any smaller than .243 is not enough.

You cannot go wrong with a 12gauge or a .30-30

Done Deal
12-21-2008, 05:57 PM
I never had a feild of fire over 150 yds (more like 85-110 yds max). The thing was heavier than hell dragging through the woods while tracking a deer I shot and got tangled up in everything.

I am thinking about purchasing a rifle specifically for Michigan deer. I am thinking about a lt. wt. carbine that won't kick my ass on the range but do a number on white tails. Please reccommend your favorite rifle/caliber/and scope combo specifically for Michigan deer.


Light weight carbine? Limited range?

Given those choices, I would be taking out my Ruger Sporter .44mag with a 2x scope on it. If I ever had to buy a new scope (original is same as gun, about 40 years old) it would probably be a Leupod 1.5 to 4 or 5 or some such thing.

or

I would take my ought six 742 carbine with a Leupold 2-7 on it.


You can resolve that bench rest mess with the purchase of a lead sled. I get to shoot up other peoples ammo to sight in rifles and---my shoulder loves me since I bought that thing. Keep the .300 in case you get to hunt farmland where you can use a rifle and stretch your barrel. I seldom use anything but my 7 mag.

Joeywhat
12-21-2008, 06:36 PM
When I hunted up in Clair Co. I usually used my Dad's Ruger .44 mag carbine. Easier to carry through the woods, and I don't think I would have had a shot over 50 yards or so (maybe 80). Perfect gun for those situations.

russianblood
12-21-2008, 06:45 PM
If I had hunting land up north, I would think a lever action 45/70 would be great! When it comes to bullets, I'm a big fan of heavy and slow. I get that from being a traditional muzzleloader.

willforu1
12-21-2008, 11:35 PM
Thnaks guys. I am going to look into the Ruger Sporter Carbine in 44 Mag. I have heard good things about this. I will also look at the Browning BLR or BARs in carbines...Maybe the Remington in a carbine.

remingtondude58
12-21-2008, 11:40 PM
I use a Remington 700 BDL LH in 308 with open sights and I like it. I also think the marlin lever guns are great 45-70 or 450 marlin are good calibers. If you think you might have to shoot at some range you might want to try the new 308 marlin express or 338 marlin express.

Mongo
12-22-2008, 12:32 AM
.308, got my first deer ever this year with a .308. It was a clean shot with the .308, dropping the dear within ten yards of being hit with the .308. Bought the .308 in a Ruger M77 bolt action because I already had the .308 in an M1A. I didn't want to get into another caliber, because the .308 would do what I needed. So, I would recommend a .308 as a near perfect Michigan whitetail cartridge. Yep, a .308.

willforu1
12-22-2008, 02:52 PM
.308, got my first deer ever this year with a .308. It was a clean shot with the .308, dropping the dear within ten yards of being hit with the .308. Bought the .308 in a Ruger M77 bolt action because I already had the .308 in an M1A. I didn't want to get into another caliber, because the .308 would do what I needed. So, I would recommend a .308 as a near perfect Michigan whitetail cartridge. Yep, a .308.

It wasnt clear from your post. Should I go with the .308?

Done Deal
12-22-2008, 03:11 PM
"the best deer caliber"

"the best deer rifle"

Those are age old topics of discussion that will probably continue on forever as well.

Since you are already familiar with a 742, look at them---I love my carbine as it has a touch shorter bbl which doesn't hurt performance at all.

.30-06 shells deliver fine performance for Michigan deer hunters and I believe that you can get the shells about anywhere and....they do go on sale as well.

I don't know that you can say that about .308 ammo or .44mag ammo.

You can beef up at 220 grain if you feel a need to try and bust brush or go with others. I prefer 150 PSP's and cannot complain about their effectiveness at ranges from 25 yards to over 300 yards.

What ever you choose....happy hunting.

glockman55
12-22-2008, 04:24 PM
I just got a Savage mod. 111, in .270. Light wt. Syn stock, It was an early X-Mas gift. I have been using a Sav. Mod. 116, 7mm., Mag but I think I'm going to like carrying this lighter rifle on those long hikes back in the deep slues of the U.P.

donaldjl
12-22-2008, 05:27 PM
I'll agree with some of the sentiments of a 12 gauge or 30-30. They've worked well for me over the years, depending on the terrain or where in the state I was hunting.

Hell, my 30-30 is old enough that it says, "Ted Williams" on it... :smile:

Rolex Dr.
12-22-2008, 05:32 PM
I'll agree with some of the sentiments of a 12 gauge or 30-30. They've worked well for me over the years, depending on the terrain or where in the state I was hunting.

Hell, my 30-30 is old enough that it says, "Ted Williams" on it... :smile:


LO so does my 12 ga love that gun but i never shoot it anymore

willforu1
12-22-2008, 08:27 PM
"the best deer caliber"

Since you are already familiar with a 742, look at them---I love my carbine as it has a touch shorter bbl which doesn't hurt performance at all.

.30-06 shells deliver fine performance for Michigan deer hunters and I believe that you can get the shells about anywhere and....they do go on sale as well.

I don't know that you can say that about .308 ammo or .44mag ammo.

You can beef up at 220 grain if you feel a need to try and bust brush or go with others. I prefer 150 PSP's and cannot complain about their effectiveness at ranges from 25 yards to over 300 yards.

What ever you choose....happy hunting.

I agree. In fact I was out looking at carbines today. I really liked the Remington 750 carbine with a 19" BBL in 30-06 . I also looked at a Marlin 45/70 but with an 18.5" BBL but Ill bet that is an ass kicker and a little less versitile.

I sure do miss my 30-06 742 with a fixed 4x Nikon! Should have never of sold that gun.

russianblood
12-23-2008, 10:55 AM
I sure do miss my 30-06 742 with a fixed 4x Nikon! Should have never of sold that gun.

Then that's the gun you should get.

Toledo Kid
12-23-2008, 01:01 PM
Best Cal??
Consider this..a broadhead travels at about 300fps.
It will take all the deer you can shoot at...within reason.

Shot placement is the key in harvesting your game....:wink:

huntmeister
12-23-2008, 02:19 PM
I might be willing to part with my 45/70 marlin that I had listed here if you are interested, I just never us it.



http://www.migunowners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30361&highlight=marlin

My personnal favorite is the .300 winmag, takes some getting use too.

My personnal recommendation is the .270

Can't go worng with the .308 and 30-06 though.

willforu1
12-23-2008, 06:17 PM
Best Cal??
Consider this..a broadhead travels at about 300fps.
It will take all the deer you can shoot at...within reason.

Shot placement is the key in harvesting your game....:wink:
This is a very good point and boy do i know this. I am looking for a rifle that is more suitable for Michigan deer and the terrain that I hunt. My Ruger M77 in 300 win mag with a 3X10 scopp is a litle too heavy, too long (heavy to carry and gets tangled up in brush) and kicks like a mule. I like a scope because I have trouble aligning iron sights but this is an out west scope. I am looking for the best set up for the rifle area of the lower penninsula.

kframe357
12-24-2008, 12:38 PM
Down state I've used my 6" S&W 29-3 .44mag. It's being retired though, as I've acquired a 7.5" ss Ruger Super Blackhawk .44mag with a 3x TC scope.

Up north I've been using a Marlin 30-30 lever action for years, I've never felt under powered.
And I've also just picked up a Remington 760 Gamemaster 30-06 with a Bushnell scope for $225 :bounce:

scottertrash810
12-24-2008, 01:02 PM
When I hunted up in Clair Co. I usually used my Dad's Ruger .44 mag carbine. Easier to carry through the woods, and I don't think I would have had a shot over 50 yards or so (maybe 80). Perfect gun for those situations.
I agree, I have had every deer I shot with my Ruger 44 mag, fold instantly. By far the best deer gun I have ever owned. Wish I still had it!

dukers65
12-24-2008, 06:37 PM
i've got aolt of likes and the 45/70 and the 44 mag are near and dear to my
heart. if i were to get another rifle it would be a rem. pump 308 with a 4 or 6 power scope.

that's me and the aforementioned weapons are easy to carry, fast to point,
and shoot straight. there are a number of configurations that do the job,
the most important thing is to choose the one that fits your requirements.
dan

Clipper
12-26-2008, 08:32 AM
I wouldn't presume to call it the best, but my wife and I do agree on our favorite. The nice old Remington 141 pump in .35rem we picked up several years ago is the one we like best. The only thing that could improve it would be if I could talk her into shortening the barrel a bit, to 20". We installed a Pachmyer decelerator and a set of Williams FP peep rear and hooded firesight front, and it's deadly accurate, fast and fun to shoot.

willforu1
12-27-2008, 10:09 AM
I just purchased a used Remington 700 BDl in .270 with a 3x9 redfeild in near mint condition. It is 2" shorter then my .300 win mag and lighter and hopefully won't knock my hat off when I fire it. Pictures to follow!

danman0209
12-27-2008, 06:32 PM
this year i used my, recently purchased very cheap used, remington 700 in 270. it was more than enough gun, dropped my deer where it stood from 100yards. in the past few years i used on of my three 742's and i do love those rifles. they're good to keep around because the ammo is cheaper and very easy to find around here. i think i'll stick with the 700 but will always have the 742's as back up.

Dansjeep2000
12-30-2008, 03:06 AM
I just purchased a used Remington 700 BDl in .270 with a 3x9 redfeild in near mint condition. It is 2" shorter then my .300 win mag and lighter and hopefully won't knock my hat off when I fire it. Pictures to follow!
good choice I love my .270

fmsniper
01-07-2009, 11:03 PM
.270 was a great choice


Believe it or not my over all favorite cartridge is 6.5x55, accurate, low recoil and great for long range, but ammo can be hard to come by in some areas..
in lu of that I would recommend the .270 or 308 both are good for Michigan and low recoil...I even killed a deer at 428 yards with my Sons .243 in 100 grn bullet when I was home on leave from Iraq, so bottom line there is no perfect cartridge with low recoil:
I guess I would look at
• what range are you going to hunt
• What ammo is available and what bullet weight variety
• My guess is 243, 308, 270, 2506 are all easily available and capable of long shots, but 308 is the most common and surplus available for target shooting..

Hope this helps for anyone new looking at this thread

barnumb
01-10-2009, 11:05 PM
In the Lower I will stick with my encore 209x45 super mag with 150 gr of powder and 200 gr Hornady sabots. At 2400 fps it's good out to about 300 yards. If my 14 year old daughter is with me I can back it off to 120 gr and still get past 200yd. It is a stainless pre pro hunter model with a custom shop walnut thumbhole and forarm with a 2x7 VX2. I :heart: my encore :-) Brian

cantpickone
01-11-2009, 12:05 AM
I like .270 win. Flat shooting, enough power, fairly mild recoil compared to many other calibers. A 4x scope is plenty for Michigan shooting.

MINISFORME
01-11-2009, 03:32 AM
Best caliber for Michigan whitetails??? That's simple.

Either the .270 Winchester or the 7mm-08 Remington.

Jeff

Toledo Kid
01-11-2009, 10:23 AM
Best caliber for Michigan whitetails??? That's simple.

Either the .270 Winchester or the 7mm-08 Remington.

Jef***ain you can't say this with any uncertainty.
The best cal is the one you can shoot the most effectively period.
If you go by facts then the 30-30 or 30-06 have killed more game then all other calibers combined. The 30-06 has the most in choices in bullet weights and design then any other caliber by far.:whistle:
Your game can't tell whether it was a 243, 25-06, 270, 280, 30-30, 308, 30-06, 44 mag or a 300 mag that killed it!!!
Dead is Dead!!!:?
All can strike like lightning with a well placed shot!!! :bfg:

garyjt
01-11-2009, 11:24 AM
The 30-30 Winchester has killed more deer in Michigan than any other cartridge



My 30-30 still works just fine. Easy to carry too.

Rolex Dr.
01-11-2009, 11:35 AM
In the Lower I will stick with my encore 209x45 super mag with 150 gr of powder and 200 gr Hornady sabots. At 2400 fps it's good out to about 300 yards. If my 14 year old daughter is with me I can back it off to 120 gr and still get past 200yd. It is a stainless pre pro hunter model with a custom shop walnut thumbhole and forarm with a 2x7 VX2. I :heart: my encore :-) Brian


question on the .45 barrel whos is it

i hear rumors the .45 TC barrels many times wont shoot

also what bullet are you using??

i have 3 .50 and want a .45 for long distance work

2ndAmendment
01-11-2009, 03:26 PM
..

barnumb
01-11-2009, 08:52 PM
The barrel is a T/C super .45 in 1/28 twist the early barrels were 1/20 and were only good up to about 1600 fps any faster and you get flyers. Any .45 with 1/28 or 1/30 will shoot sabots fine and up to about 2600 fps. the sabots I am useng are hornady sst 200 gr. I have taken deer out to 200 yards and have yet to have one go more than 30 yards. I shoot them just behind the front shoulder lungs only and it just vaporizes the chest cavity. Brian

msbcomputer
01-11-2009, 08:56 PM
The 30-30 Winchester has killed more deer in Michigan than any other cartridge


Very true

Although I use a 444 Marlin guide gun for hunting

Dansjeep2000
01-12-2009, 12:54 AM
Williams has some good deals on 742's in .30-06

brdeano
01-14-2009, 06:53 AM
If I could pick only one it would be the 243....or a 260....maybe the 7-08. Aw hell that's 3, I don't think I could limit myself to only one. LOL.

Beretta151
01-19-2009, 08:08 AM
I'm a big Fan of the .308 Win great gun used to use a 30-30 win not near as much knock down power as the .308 or the range





http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/slideshow.aspx?id=14

bit pricey and given the Election results kinda hard to get right now but makes a fantastic Deer, cougar, Elk, Bear, Gun Pretty much any big game you want to kill Especially a good Varmit Gun mines decked out with the Bipod and the Scope just as in the pic

RifleGuy
01-19-2009, 08:23 AM
I like the 308 Winchester w/ Federal 180gr. Trophy Bonded; there is nothing on 4 or less legs in Michigan that cannot be killed efficiently and humanely with that loading, and for that matter, on God's green earth. (But I'm not the guy to poke a Cape Buffalo w/ a 308!)

A Marlin lever gun in 45/70 would be my only other rifle choice.

That said, I'm a shotgun hunter; I like a 12 gauge sabot slug. I'm too lazy to chase anything down and with Remington Copper Solids I've yet to do so!

Big_Jim
01-20-2009, 03:22 PM
My favorite for a few years has been the 35 Remington, I have two of them. But I also have a 308Win and if I had to go with only one rifle I would go with the 308.

To answer the OP's question, get the same rifle you had before. A Remington 7400 with a good scope in 30-06 will take carre of your needs.

But it depends on who you ask, my brother uses a 270, friend uses 30-06 cousins use 7mmSTW,223Rem,12ga, 20ga, 44mag, 7mmRUM, 300Win, 300 Savage, 45-70, 444Marlin...

They all work.

pilotmg1501
01-21-2009, 01:08 PM
Not that I have much experience, but I shoot a Remington 740 Woodmaster in .308 with a 3x scope (can't remember what brand, something like red robin, red bird I'll have to check when I get home). My grandpa took many deer with it back in the day and I hope to do the same now that it's my turn.

I like the .308....just my :twocents: though

halik008
01-21-2009, 02:57 PM
Best caliber for deer hunting is by far .50cal muzzleloader :) Can use it in both hunting zones and my cheapo CVA Eclipse Magnum is capable of "touching" 5 shot group at 100 yards :)

Not to mention you can use it as a shotgun if ya really want :D

barnumb
01-23-2009, 07:39 AM
Best caliber for deer hunting is by far .50cal muzzleloader :) Can use it in both hunting zones and my cheapo CVA Eclipse Magnum is capable of "touching" 5 shot group at 100 yards :)

Not to mention you can use it as a shotgun if ya really want :D
I disagree with it being the best, you need to try my TC Encore 45 Super Mag. 200 gr bullet up to 150 gr of powder shoots like a 30-06 you can hold dead on out to 200+ yards no BDC scope required. If your ever near shiawassee county you can shoot it somtime.

RifleGuy
01-23-2009, 07:47 AM
Not that I have much experience, but I shoot a Remington 740 Woodmaster in .308 with a 3x scope (can't remember what brand, something like red robin, red bird I'll have to check when I get home). My grandpa took many deer with it back in the day and I hope to do the same now that it's my turn.

I like the .308....just my :twocents: though
Red robin, red bird.... red field........ maybe Redfield? :D

topcide
01-23-2009, 09:54 PM
.270 all the way. more pop than a 30-30, less scope to the face than a bigger cartridge. but it's all shot placement as was mentioned before. hit the vitals and it will drop regardless of what you are shooting.

I hunt with a Browning BAR2 sarfari edition, mueller 7x scope with a lit recticle above the line.
below the line, old trusty Model 12.

Natty Bumpo
01-26-2009, 03:53 PM
I had a friend that used a Browning BLR in .308 with a Leupold VXII 2X7. I was always thought this was a good option.

Roger that. I have the same exact rifle and scope. Its our "guest rifle". A friend from Florida killed a nice 8 pt with it 10 minutes after the season opened this year.:score:

NB

mechredd
01-26-2009, 04:28 PM
30-30 or .35 rem in a Marlin 336. That rifle is reasonably light and very accurate at medium range.

dk17hmr
01-29-2009, 12:08 AM
I have shot two deer with rifles, the other 12 or 13 have been with bows and muzzleloaders...mostly all with bows.

I was hunting with a friend on opening day one of my two rifled killed deer was a smallish doe 279 yards with a 25-06 throwing a 117gr SST at 2900fps, neck shot down it went....2 minutes later my buddy shot a small buck at 210 yards with my rifle through the heart went 30 yards and just tipped over.

The other was a 160# 9 point shot at 42 yards with a 6.8 SPC shooting a 110gr V-Max bullet at about 2650fps, he went 60 yards and tipped over.

I would take either of those for deer out to 400 yards.

I have no need for a magnum, standard smaller calibers work fine for me.

langenc
01-29-2009, 01:05 PM
308 or 30-06--get an accurate Savage.

FASHOOTER
01-29-2009, 06:44 PM
SAKO FINNLIGHT 7mm-08 Leupold 3.5-10x40 VXIII German #3 Duplex

pilotmg1501
01-29-2009, 10:39 PM
Red robin, red bird.... red field........ maybe Redfield? :D

Ok....so I finally checked and it is Red Arrow (4X32 Fully coated, Fixed Reticle, Nitrogen Filled)....I have no idea of the quality or the rarity of it....any thoughts?....

Clipper
02-02-2009, 05:09 PM
I had a 4X32 Red Arrow on a BL-22 30 years ago that was a nice scope. I used it on a .303 for a while too. cost about $50.00 back then

DickTracy1953
02-04-2009, 06:07 PM
I have used or have available Remington bolt action rifles or Marlin Lever guns for Whitetail deer hunting. They are chambered in to following: 243 Winchester, 257 Roberts, 25-06 Rem, 270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, 270 Win, 30-30 Win, 300 Sav, 308 Win, and 30-06 Government.

I have found that Michigan Whitetails are not fussy as to what flavor of round takes them down.

My favorite choices are my Remington 722's in 257 Roberts and in 300 Savage.

As for the 270 Winchester, I like to use a 150 grain round nose. It is great in the brush and excellent in the chip shot to 250 meter range.

johnson27885
02-07-2009, 05:21 PM
I've hunted northern Michigan for 29 years without missing a season and swear by my trusty old Marlin 30-30. Not saying I've gotten a deer every season but every deer I've taken has been 125 yards or less. I read somewhere that the Michigan average is 60 yards or so.

1fmj
02-15-2009, 02:26 PM
I don't believe over kill is a problem with this cannon Marlin 45-70 mod. 1895
never have to track a wounded deer.Also good for bear,moose and buffalo. <1fmj>

gauddylee
02-21-2009, 03:25 PM
is using a 300win mag round overkill for michigan hunting? never hunted before but just got an amazing deal on a 300win rifle would like to try to hunt with it.

remingtondude58
02-21-2009, 11:55 PM
is using a 300win mag round overkill for michigan hunting?

I am not a expert, but would have to say no. (I am assuming you are referring to deer, it would also be good for bear or elk, but for anything else it would probably be overkill)

gauddylee
02-22-2009, 09:31 AM
yeah for deer, just a newby to hunting never gone before so i dont see my self killing a elk or beer anytime soon

iceman13
02-22-2009, 11:59 AM
Best caliber I can think of for michigan whitetail has to be .243 winchester. Look at the savage bolt action line possibly a combo package. Scope and everything you need included. It will run you $350-$500. I own a savage 22-250(combo package) and hunt everything from whitetail on down with that.
Its light and quick to the shoulder.
Regards,
Ice

iceman13
02-22-2009, 12:12 PM
Hey gauddy,
Yeah I personally think a .300win mag. is overkill and not easy on the pocket book. Usually heavy rifle and alot to lug long distance(plus if you get a deer). Go with a rifle caliber like .270 no more than that. This caliber can reach a long ways and kill just about anything you put in front of it. Look at savage bolt-action rifle line very economically priced and they have packaged deals.
Ice

gauddylee
02-22-2009, 08:59 PM
i guess i might have to buy another rifle then, i just bought a new 300win rifle today deal was to good to pass up, but thanks for the input

Joeywhat
02-22-2009, 09:01 PM
It's not overkill in the sense that you can't use it...it's just not the optimal tool for the job. I wouldn't go out and buy another rifle solely for the purpose of hunting deer...unless you really want another rifle.

gauddylee
02-22-2009, 09:10 PM
true but can you ever have to many guns?

remingtondude58
02-22-2009, 09:42 PM
yeah for deer, just a newby to hunting never gone before so i dont see my self killing a elk or beer anytime soon

Definatly don't want to kill one of those while hunting.


i guess i might have to buy another rifle then, i just bought a new 300win rifle today deal was to good to pass up, but thanks for the input

I really don't think that is nessasary. As you start and continue hunting you will learn what works and doesn't work for you through shooting a variety of rifles. I don't know where you plan on hunting but you may not be allowed to use a rifle. I think 300 win mag would be a good caliber for long range work, but if you don't hunt at ranges over about 150 yds you may want to purchase a additional rifle later on. For now that should work jsut fine.

gauddylee
02-22-2009, 09:53 PM
the 300 would mostly be used for long ranges 100+ yards, i have a 12 gauge that ill shot slugs from at closer distances.

danman0209
03-03-2009, 03:08 AM
when i started deer hunting, i always borrowed a rifle. when the year came i didn't have one to borrow i went to mc sports and had to get the biggest rifle they had there, savage 300 win mag. it was definatly a nice gun but way more than i needed. took it to the range the next day to sight it in, shot a box through it and couldn't move my right arm for a week lol. i will say that it did knock that deer down opening morning though, about 100 yards and it didn't move if anything it blew it out to about 102 yards lol

garyjt
03-03-2009, 12:27 PM
The 30-30 Winchester has killed more deer in Michigan than any other cartridge


30-30



30-30 is all you need for deer in Michigan

idfeiid
03-03-2009, 01:48 PM
I use .50 BMG for everything from squirrels to bear.:mg:

willforu1
03-05-2009, 10:18 PM
Roger that. I have the same exact rifle and scope. Its our "guest rifle". A friend from Florida killed a nice 8 pt with it 10 minutes after the season opened this year.:score:

NB

Natty, my buddy lost his job his wife and evrything else and had to sell his rifle and 1187 . sad story...so enjoy that rifle.

If you ever want to sell it, PM me

(man this thread is still going strong)

DOUGHBOY RACING
03-06-2009, 12:00 AM
The 30-30 Winchester has killed more deer in Michigan than any other cartridgex2

Ferd
03-07-2009, 12:03 AM
Nothing wrong with using a 300 win mag in michigan. Most of the time, I use a .308 Norma Mag. Very similar ballistics to the .300 Win mag. If I'm walking the swamps or heavy brush I'll switch to my Marlin 30-30 or the Mossy 12.

joea
03-07-2009, 01:41 PM
7mm-08 with 140 grn nosler partitions

Octoberrust
03-09-2009, 12:50 PM
I love mine if for nothing else, the simplicity of it. It's cheap, effective, and wont dislocate anything shooting it.
It's got a nice quick draw to it, great for shots 150yds or less, and the 170gr. round isn't too shabby in knock down power. I put a 3x9-40 with see through scope rings for running shots. Granted, if you're going to be on the edge of a field making 200+ yard shots, you may want something different, but overall the 30-30 is a good gun.
My :twocents:

DOUGHBOY RACING
03-09-2009, 01:09 PM
Ialso love my Model 99 in 300 Savage

bryst06
03-12-2009, 09:01 AM
30-06 is what ya need. bullets are more common, and are priced far better then any 7mm 308, or 30-30 or even a 300

kingofthestalk
03-12-2009, 09:31 AM
30-06 is what ya need. bullets are more common, and are priced far better then any 7mm 308, or 30-30 or even a 300

I agree. I have a winchester model 70 featherweight in 30-06. Taken down about 18 deer in the last 6 years with it. Love it

TJJ
03-13-2009, 08:17 PM
30.06's all around. Can't complain about mine. Has served me well for many years. You can always find ammo, or just bum some from someone in camp.

Mongo
03-14-2009, 02:04 PM
This thread will STILL be going 10 years from now. I predict that in 2019, my recommendation will be a laser pulse rifle. Or, if Obama serves for 8 years, a sling shot will be about the only choice left. In that case I would recommend the Daisy Wrist Rocket with laser sight.

cultclassics#37
03-14-2009, 04:27 PM
i have shot many deer in michigan with a ruger #1 .25-06..... flat shooting and very accurate cartridge....enough knockdown poweer for whitetail, and you could pick up some lighter cartridges and shoot coyote or just about anything... i do have a .25-06 rifle for sale here on mgo.... check it out, its got a barska 4-16x40 scope. not alot or rounds through this gun... check it out, a great deal
good luck fellas!

brutus_boy
03-22-2009, 11:32 PM
i think for michigan deer hunting its perfect to use a 12 gauge pump with slugs. i hunt in northern michigan and we have alot of jack pines and those dont seem to slow down the slug as much. i grew up using a .44 carbine ruger mag and after i used a shotgun i would'nt go back
:fal:

Desert Pete
03-23-2009, 07:44 AM
If you are older you might like the recoil of a 243.

g17voodoo
03-23-2009, 02:06 PM
This thread will STILL be going 10 years from now


No doubt...I think the originator said on page 4 or 5 that he'd decided and bought a rifle already.

joed
03-23-2009, 03:41 PM
30-30

redrider808
03-29-2009, 12:05 PM
im a fan of the .270

dw1911
03-29-2009, 03:49 PM
35 REM 200 GR FTX LEVERevolution

Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd 500 yd
2225/2198 1963/1711 1721/1315 1503/1003
Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd 500 yd
-1.7 3.0 -1.3 -17.5

Missahba
04-19-2009, 11:41 PM
Pick a firearm, shotgun or rifle, that is light, so you won't mind keeping it in your hands all day, instead of over your shoulder or leaning against a tree or the blind wall. It should be short, so it's easy to get through the tangles and brush. It should be something that you personally shoulder easily and shoot naturally. You should be comfortable with, and good at, accurate second shots with it.

That being said, depending on your eyesight and preferences, pick either ghost-ring/peep sights, a red dot or holo sight, or a low powered scope. Not standard open sights, and not heavy, large, high powered scopes.

This leaves you with choices, as mentioned, like Rem 7400 auto or 7600 pump carbines, in any caliber they're made in, any lever carbine, Browning, Win, Marlin, a Ruger mini-30, or an AR in same caliber, possibly a bolt carbine, but only if it's very smooth, and has a short action, short throw bolt, and you are proficient enough with it to quickly and accurately get a second or third shot.

For shotguns, any pump or SA with a rifled barrel will work, unless you are the exception and have a lot of land and few hunters. Most of us in the southern part of MI don't have much space, so it's a matter of sitting and waiting. That doesn't mean the shooting is lazy when it happens. You most often get a few seconds to make your decision and take your shot(s).

fishbum2
04-20-2009, 02:59 AM
I use a 870 12 ga for deer hunting with a rifled slug barrel and cantelevered scope. I've shot deer to 100 yds with it. When sighting in prior to hunting, it consistently puts groups within a inch or two at 50 yds and tears up the center circle. Unfortunately, it kicks my butt with the recoil and I pray that I get it sighted in with as few shots as necessary.

Passport
04-29-2009, 04:53 PM
Any 30 cal, 30-30, 300 Savage, 308, 30-06, 300 mag (short and long) or any of the 7mm, 7-08, 7x57, 7mag (again long and short) will work great, any other round will just bounce off a Mi deer at any range............ :whacko:


Now if ya REALLY want to get down to business I recommend the 223AI!! :salute:

Groo
05-01-2009, 01:23 PM
the .270 was a good buy, and it'l let you take a 300 yard shot too if you get the chance. for a light weight brush gun if you ever want one down the road, I'd probably look at a .44 mag (or .357 if you've already got a matching wheel gun) lever action carbine.

Bestboss
05-06-2009, 10:53 PM
I read through this thread just for entertainment, and got the impression the 300 Win Mag is not that well liked by some. We have three in this group, but they don't get used much for whitetails. I would say we are averaging 300 rounds per year through them. We all love ours, but they are not for everyone. And we reload for them to keep costs down.
As to what will work, I have used as light as a 38-40 and on the heavy side, I once carried my 458 loaded down a bit. (ok, quite a bit!)
They all work and the decision to buy a 270 by our author was a sound one. I have a 270 Wby MKV and it is a reach out there gun for sure! Do I need it for whitetails in Michigan? Not really, as a 30-30 would usually do just fine. But then there's the last day of the season, the last few minutes of hunting and a big feller pokes his head out on the far fence row to sniff the wind. With the 30-30, I will wave to him and say see you next year. Given my 270 or 300 Win, I am still in the game. You place your bets and rolls the dice. Happy hunting.....
Larry

GregK
12-25-2009, 10:23 PM
260 Remington
35 Remington
20 gauge
50 cal muzzleloader

All 4 guns kill deer as dead as you can make them!

One of Many
12-26-2009, 12:29 PM
There is no such thing as a BEST caliber. Each shooter is different, and each hunting trip is different. The physical condition of the shooter changes with time. What worked well in previous years may not at a later time and a different location.

Pick a firearm that suits your abilities, in any legal caliber, and enjoy the hunt.

SMUDGE
12-26-2009, 01:05 PM
.223:popcorn: :hide: J/k I use a 30.06