Deer at night, max of 250~300 yards (longer if I can find a gun-mountable light that will illuminate out to 500+ yards <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ), scoped, no suppressor (as fun as that would be, can't see paying the $1k+ for that at this point). Pluses/minuses of either?

Black gun bug is biting <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

5.56...it has everything you need. Take some Barnes TSX with you. I haven't met a deer yet that scoffs at it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Re: lights...I have had success with these pig hunting. Deer do not see it. I don't shoot deer at night, illegal in TX...but the setup works. http://www.feederlights.com/ It's the cheap-man's night vision <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

If you're making us choose...I choose 300 BLK. Simply because you WILL end up with a suppressor at some point. It's the evolution of BRD. Enjoy your knives while they lasted, lol <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Re: feederlights...I use the Sendero RPG 1000L. I can take pics of the setup if you like. I used an ammo can from Cabelas, and installed a switch, etc. Carry it all together, setup on the stand, and turn'em on <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Have to agree with Ish. How could you argue with a face like that anyway.

What he said.

I say .300BLK since its available in a wide range of bullet weights.

7.62x40 will be my next upper.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62%C3%9740mm_Wilson_Tactical

Of the two you mentioned, 6.8 or .300 BO I would go with the 6.8. I know there is a lot of discussion on the differences between the two but when it comes to down range the 6.8 has the advantage and since you don't plan on a suppressor why not get the down range advantageous. On top of that, do you reload, if so the 6.8 would be a loaders dream.

Saying that, if in the 1960's the US gov't would have used their head the M14 would have been made in .243 Win, the FAL in .243 Win, or even the AR10 in .243 Win. The best of balance, ballistics, and recoil. But what could have been is not.

The way I look at it is if I can't do it with a 5.56mm then I move up to a 7.62x51mm and take care of it. If you need bigger than that, well get a lever gun in .45-70!

Amen.

Well I have a 5.56 but can't legally hunt deer with it. I have a couple of good 45-0 levers. I'm thinking 308 might be the way to go instead.

Now if they hold off on banning everything until I can get some funds.....

And yes, 243 WOULD have been a better way to go. Not sure WHAT they were all thinking <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Forgot about the hunting issue with 5.56....that sucks!

Maybe a solid .308 bolt? Add in a DBM system that accepts AI/AW mags, bed the action....or have a smith blueprint / bed it.....upgrade to a good stock, and put your money into optics? Could all be done in series...no need for all of it at once. Could be a fun project <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

well....I COULD get a Choate stock for my Savage 30-06 or Stevens 25-06 and get an Anschutz rail adapter .

I wonder if it would fit on the Boyd's thumbhole stock I already have for the Savage though...

That would certainly be cheaper than ANY of the above options <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

How hard would it be to throw a picatinny rail on the bottom of that Boyd's stock? Anyone have any good ideas?