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  • mitchntx

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    Not wanting a CEU in physics, just a primer.

    At 100 yards and the target is a deer, pig or varmint, give me some insight on the following weapon - optic - ammo.

    LR308 - 3x - Barnes Vor-Tx 168g TSX BT

    AR15 - 3x - Barnes Vor-Tx 55g TSX BT

    1894 - open - 44M 230g HP

    336 - open - 30-30 160g FTX
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    mitchntx

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    I'm more interested in the real world applicability of each of those.
    Its what I own today and making sure that I'm giving myself and wife the best opportunity.

    I regret selling my Ruger 30.06
     

    35Remington

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    Given the other rifles that you own, I would leave the AR at home if you're headed out for hogs and deer. After the first shot, there are likely to be few follow-ups, if any. Your 336 or 1894 would be fantastic.

    If you are a good shooter, you'll be fine with open sites like you already have. I might consider getting some sort of optic on the gun that your wife will be using if she is not already a big hunter.
     
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    Charlie

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    I vote for the .44 mag. assuming you're not shooting over 75-100 yds. I've got basically the same gun in 444 Marlin caliber. It's like a .44 mag. on steriods! (of course I pick up a lot more "thump" on the shoulder! :green:)
     
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    Younggun

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    Seems like you got your bases covered.

    AR for small varmint and coyote, probably don't need those Barnes though.

    LR308 works for deer and pigs and gives the ability to reach out if you need to and get a good holdover.


    Either lever gun if you plan to walk in or out for any distance and don't want to lug a heavy rifle. I would probably go 30-30 for slightly flatter trajectory.
     

    mitchntx

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    Give the other rifles that you own

    Couple 22s and a black powder.


    I vote for the .44 mag. assuming you're not shooting over 75-100 yds. I've got basically the same gun in 444 Marlin caliber. It's like a .44 mag. on steriods! (of course I pick up a lot more "thump" on the shoulder! :green:)

    I'm torn because I think most shots will be 100-130 yards as I understand it.

    Seems like you got your bases covered.

    If there were two shooters and the target was pigs ...

    I plan on taking the 308 and the 44M.
    I chose the 44M over the 30-30 because my side arm is a Model 29. One less caliber ammo to drag along.

    Critique my choice, please.

    I can probably scrounge up a 270 or a 30.06 if need be. Heck, I saw the local WalMart had a Ruger American in 308 for $300. That might be the way to go ...
     

    TheDan

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    The .308 is all you need
    icon14.png


    The 44mag 1894 would be a stretch at 130 yards but doable. Check out JBM - Calculations - Trajectory and play around with your zero range to see the arc your specified loads would take. ...or just let it calculate MPBR for you.
     

    Vaquero

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    What range is your '94 sighted in at?
    My '92 Rossi is sighted at 25yd. At Hicksville I was hitting where I aimed at 100 with 125gr .35 spl reloads.
    I imagine the .44 mag will do well.
     

    Texasjack

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    Looking at the energy at 100 yards, your selections would approx. be:
    1. .308 - 2250 ft-lbs
    2. .223 - 1000 ft-lbs
    3. .44 mag - 685 ft-lbs
    4. .30-30 - 1650 ft-lbs

    There are any number of references suggesting that you need 900 to 1000 ft-lbs of energy to efficiently kill a deer. In the real world shot placement and bullet design affect that a lot, so the energy number isn't the only factor. But looking at the choices the OP presented, it would appear that the .308 and .30-30 give the best effectiveness at 100 yard+ distances.
     

    Younggun

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    Not many votes for 556 AR for deer/hogs eh...

    Only because he asked what was best. I don't hate on anyone for deer/hog hunting with .233, but the .308 or 30-30 would be better choices.

    Everything he posted could be used to take the game he's hunting.
     

    Vaquero

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    If I'm guessing right on your .44 mag ammo.
    Rifle should give you around 1700 fps with a 240 gr hp.
    zero @100 yd puts trajectory slightly less than 3" high @50 yd.
    That's flat shooting enough for hogs in brushy country.
    Just under 900 ft lb of energy.

    These numbers are based on a mid range load from Hornady manual.
    I dont figure the ballistic coefficient to change a lot across brands.

    I like the cartridge consolidation myself.

    What does your host/guide have to say on the subject?
     

    Reelthrill

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    I vote for the 308 and 30-30 for you and your wife.

    I love my Ruger 308 with a Burris Scope. I haven't used my 30-30 in over 9 years, but that is what I started with, I just had to take shorter shots than I do now. If you decide to get optics don't cheap out. Spend the money on a good scope. My scope cost more than my rifle. Your wallet won't thank me, but you will.

    4 days until my 17 year old daughters first hunting trip with me.
     

    mitchntx

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    What does your host/guide have to say on the subject?

    They recommend nothing smaller than a 243. 223 is all about shot placement and the round used.

    The 308 is a no-brainer. But there is a second shooter involved and we obviously can't share.

    My wife is an amazing shot, taking Top shot honors in leagues in Weatherford and Ft. Worth. But that's in a range, with a pistol, climate controlled and a static target. This experience will be her first in a blind, at a pig and near darkness.
     

    jrbfishn

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