Gear

Choosing a calibre

I am a keen deerstalker and use a Sako .243. I intend to invest in another rifle with a larger calibre and was thinking of .270, 30-06 or .308. I want it for red deer, the odd fallow and hunting trips abroad. What calibre would you suggest?

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Richard Macnair shooting the .243 Usd 17 April 19 stalking

Why shouldn’t I use ballistic tips for deer stalking?

Q: I am new to deer stalking and my more experienced mates say I shouldn’t use ballistic tips. Why is that?

A: There are ballistic tips and ballistic tips, so it will depend which one they have been using and, particularly, which calibre.

When they first appeared they proved highly accurate in most rifles but, being designed for explosive performance on vermin they could disintegrate on heavier animals like deer, either destroying a lot of meat or leaving a horrendous but non-fatal wound.

This was most noticeable with smaller cartridges such as the ubiquitous .243. In larger calibres, the bullets are generally much tougher and, while still expanding dramatically, are fine for deer stalking.

If in doubt, check the manufacturer’s website to find out what the ammo is intended for. (George Wallace)