Thread: Calibre for goats and occasional deer?

Originally Posted by jackson21

May have to go back to start of post....guy is just after a rifle to knock some goats over and still capable of a good deer rifle, in assuming a beginners hands?
Doesn't mention any desire to also start out buying reloading gear, learning that art, developing precision loads for precision shots out of experienced hands with lighter weight calibers.
Maybe him in a few years time....��?
All posts above are quite correct but maybe not for this guys situation, example 260 Rem is awesome calibre(had a 260 tikka and foolishly sold)but almost identical to 7mm08 or even its parent cartridge 308. You can get around 3 different types of factory in NZ, when you can get hold of it at magnum ammo prices so probably not a starting out round in NZ and be easier with something more common.
This man needs a common cartridge with some knockdown power 7mm08, 308 to cover his bases and allow for a few cock ups like we all have had.

See, this is a problem with new shooters. Starting of with bigger Cals because you think you need more knockdown power to help with a few cock ups etc etc. What happens is a couple of things in my opinion. Firstly, recoil can cause flinches, and secondly because the new shooter thinks they have some fire power shot placement isnt the end all. Results in missed and wounded game.
Like i already stated, a 223 or 243 is the best start you going to get. Little to no recoil, can hold it light like a 22 and they accruate.. Put those crosshairs on the exact spot, get in range to do the job and you going to have no fuck ups and dead anaimals.
Then after you become a marks man, and rack up game move up to longer range shooting and bigger Cals. Mastering the basics with the lighter CALs will have you suss for the Bigger Cals. We all started with .22, just seems natural way to go is go to a 223, 243 and learn shot placement then move up as shot placement is everything, including with the big boys