I am heading to Eastern Colorado this fall to pursue plains mule deer. For this hunt, I am wanting to purchase a new rifle. I have never hunted the open plains where longer shots may be expected, but I have had lots of luck hunting deer elsewhere using a 7mm-08, that I foolishly rebarreled for a different caliber. I am now needing a new rifle, and am contemplating either 7mm-08, .270, .280, or 7mm Remington Magnum. This rifle will really only be needed for deer. Thank you in advance for your input. Chris
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I am heading to Eastern Colorado this fall to pursue plains mule deer. For this hunt, I am wanting to purchase a new rifle. I h
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All things being equal, and the four calibers you have selected are "relatively, "equal".
Here's my view point.
The 7mm-08, 280 and 7mm Mag will hurl heavier bullets than the .270, hands down.
The .270 is excellent at range with the 130 gr bullet, but begins to suffer when pushing a 150 gr bullet out 300/400 yards. My .270 drops 9" at 400.
The 7mm's will push heavier bullets faster. Especially the Mag.
The faster the bullet, the quicker it gets to the target, the less time for wind to effect the bullet. Heavier bullets are less affected by the wind.
Myself?
I'd take my .270 and some souped up 130's.
A really good choice, to me, would be the 7mm Rem Mag with moderate weight bullets, probably the 160 gr.
BTW, those "plains" can get pretty windy.
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if you are looking at a .280 caliber and can hand load i would suggest the .280 ackley improved it has better performance then a regular .280. but for ease of use and ability to find quality ammo i would go with a 7mm mag i love both rounds and have hunted with both. (i own a 7mm mag and have used a friends .280 ackley improved when I left the ammo for my .284 win back at camp both are great long rage deer rifles
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ps the .280 ackley improved is right in between a .280 remington and 7mm mag. there speeds for the same bullets are roughly 100 fps different that means if the .280 remington is shooting a 140gr bullet at 3000 fps, the .280 AI will probably do it at around 3100 and the 7mm mag at 3200. thx
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You didn't say what kind of ranges you are expecting to shoot at or how good a long range shooter you are. If you keep your shots under 300 yards any of those will do. A 7mm-08 is a bit wimpy out at 300 or so. My personal favorite for plains and 3-pointers from downtown is the 7mm Weatherby Magnum that beats all the other choices.
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