What’s the best all around Hunting rifle for hunting deer in New England?

by admin

I’m looking to get into deer hunting in New England and am looking for a good all around hunting rifle, I know hand guns, but sadly, very little about rifles. I’m looking for something reliable, with enough power to take down a deer but not fling me out of a tree stand or anything. Bolt action prefered… Thanks

Ranges in woods hunting in New England tend to be short, and often the deer you want is behind just enough foliage to screw up a modern high speed bullet. The Marlin 1895 model series in 45-70 has the dual purpose offered in that the 300 grain JHP loads intended for the old Trapdoor Springfields have modest recoil and aren’t bothered by a few leaves. Also that the African loads available will take Kodiac bear reliably, and are used annually by a big club on African Safari on Big 5. The dreams people have of taking game with long shots in the next county over, with high power small or medium bore weapons, are easily dispelled by the 8 inch paper plate trick, where you see how far away you can actually hit a deer’s vitals at. Good target shot that I am, under field conditions, I avoid initial shots past 250 yards even out west, as simply not a humane risk. Of course, eventually something will cause a marginal hit, and then your strategy for the given terrain either is or is not effective. In heavy woods, a good brush-busting round like the 45-70 often beats long range capability, in putting down wounded game on the run. Regards, Larry.

Amazing Deer Hunting Footage....

Tagged as: bolt action, deer hunting, grain jhp, hand guns, hunting deer, hunting rifle, initial shots, marlin 1895, range capability, speed bullet