Most Versatile Caliber for NY Hunting?

[Bone Seeker]

You can hunt anything in North America with a 30-06.  I just got a 7mm-08 as my new Deer rifle.

[CFD914]

I picked up the Ruger American in a 30-06, and now waiting on a Nikon Prostaff Scope, I am looking forward to getting to the range soon with it!

[Elmo]

Good choice.

[Woodjr55]

I recommend hornady American white rounds unless you plan on shooting high grade ammo

[CFD914]

Thanks, I haven't come across the hornady yet. I have seen lots of Remington and Winchester about $20/20

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Edited March 15, 2014 by CFD914

[papabear]

I just talk to a friend who is selling a 30-06 weatherbee  we agreed on $500

[thphm]

Re-read.  I didn't say thee lightest or thee heaviest.  I said one of the heaviest meaning it's leaning toward the heavier side.  I also don't know much about the Ackley Improved.  Is it a completely different caliber from a normal 243?  Can an Ackley Improved be shot out of any 243 rifle?

 

A regular .243 Win. can be fired in a rifle chambered for a .243 Ackley Improved cartrige. But a .243 Ackley Improved cartrige  Cannot be fired in a Rifle chambered for a regular Regular .243 Win because it is a fire formed to a larger Dia. just below the neck and the neck angle is changed to a 40 degree angle which gives it about 5 % more capacity, 58 grain to 115 grain bullets can be used depending on the barrel twist rate.

[thphm]

Congrats on the 30 -06 Ruger American . Try some ammo with 150 grain Sierra game king bullets and some 165 grain Serria game king bullets there are a number of factory loaded rounds with thoes bullets and see what the rifle likes the best. Enjoy.

[G-Man]

Glad you went with the 30-06.  get some ammo and have some fun at the range!!

 

[CFD914]

Shot my first rounds with the 30-06 today and loved it! Used a Ruger American with a Nikon Prostaff 4-12x x40mm Scope and Winchester 150gr as well. Used the lead sled to sight in, after that, just used the bench and shouldered the rifle, to feel the actual recoil. It was an enjoyable day at the range!

Edited April 17, 2014 by CFD914

[dbHunterNY]

congrats on the gun purchase and scope choice.  you should start out with cheaper stuff you can find in the 150gr to 165gr range.  your gun might like some of it and shoot well.  So far both my guns and I like Federal 150gr Fusion ammo.  My dad's Remington 7600 pump 30-06 loves Remington Cor-lokt 150gr.  You can get polymer tipped copper solid 30-06 rounds for $42+ a box... even if your gun likes them, there's no sense in buying that stuff, if you don't need it.

[Pygmy]

For an all around rifle, the 30-06 is never a bad choice.

There are literally dozens of factory loads to choose from, and if you happen to handload, there are many powder/bullet combinations that perform well.

[stubby68]

            Wouldn't be afraid of shooting anything in NY with a 243.And I wasn't when I shot a 325 pound black bear 2 years ago.Heart shot with plenty of penetration at 80 yards. 100 grain remington sp. I use that round for everything. I just picked 2 boxes up at walmart last saturday. I'm not saying they have it today but I have never had problem finding it there. Midway has a 115 grain cor bon. Yea I have a 308 but I love my 243 and can hunt anything that walks on the ground in NY with it.Birds go with 12 guage

 

[Grizz1219]

25-06, perfect round for whitetails... Will take a bear no problem... Coyotes, fox, bobcat.. all in trouble with it as well..

 

no recoil to speak of to boot..

 

 

[Mikejd]

Agreed that a shotgun combo will get you hunting on all basses from squirrel to bear waterfowl and turkeys. So if thats your intention one do it all gun that will get it done.

 

If you are asking for the most versatile hunting rifle for NY game my vote would go to the 30-06. With a wide array of ammunition offerings you could hunt chucks to bear. JMHO.

Edited June 1, 2014 by Mikejd

[NYSuperSportsman]

If you want a rifle it really doesnt matter too much. They all kill deer for the most part. I have shot 8 deer with a rifle since it became legal in Chautauqua county. 4 with a .243 and 4 with a .308. All of them died within 30 yards of the hit. I see no difference. the best part of rifles is usually you hit where you are aiming! I would say anything from a .243-.308 is a great choice. Relatively low recoil and they work as long as you hit the deer where you are supposed to. 

[Two Track]

Try out different shotguns, 12, 16, and 20 gauge before making a choice.  12 gauge kicks the most.  The magnum versions have more powder in the magnum rounds and therefore more kick (and a harder hit on your target).

 

Shot my first .30 rifle (.300 Savage model 99) last year.  A little less kick then a 16 gauge using #6's.  The slugs will kick a little more.  Have dropped deer with a smooth-bore 16 gauge right in their tracks.  Taken deer at 60-70 yards or so with it - bead sights-only.

 

I mostly use a shotgun, but in a couple areas that allow rifle near me that have areas with a long open fields,  I will grab the rifle.

[CFD914]

Thanks for all the input! 

 

I recently purchased the Ruger American in the 30-06, I love it, I have been shooting at the range lately and truly enjoy shooting it! I am looking forward to the fall!