Mule Deer - Northern AZ - Too many options

[AzDak42]

Hey all - It's been awhile since I posted, but I could use some help sorting out some options in my head, figured you guys might be able to provide some feedback.

I now have a ridiculous amount of points for the deer draw in AZ. I'd say I have a very very good chance of getting drawn this year for a mule deer up in the Kaibab.

Where I'm stuck, is opening the door to my safe and looking at which pair goes with me...

How the living hell is a guy supposed to decide which of his 'kids' he loves the most? After hours spent building up custom handloads for a half dozen rifles/calibers, I want to use them all.

Nosler 48 - 35 Whelen - 225g AB
Nosler 48 - 7mm08 - 140g BT
SCAR - 308 - 150g BT
Custom 700 - 7mm RM - 140g AB
Custom 700 - 7mm STW - 168g ABLR
Custom 700 - 30-06 - 180g AB

The best option is probably the pair of M48s. But man, I want to hunt with my SCAR. And the STW is just sexy... but the 30-06 has a bunch of nostalgia...

There probably is no right answer, but I really need to focus in and start working on whichever two are going to get to come out and play in the fall.

 

[bbearhntr]

6 guns for a 6 day hunt. How could any of your "kids" complain about each getting a turn? Sounds like a nice problem to have. Good luck

 

[Vince]

6 guns for a 6 day hunt. How could any of your "kids" complain about each getting a turn? Sounds like a nice problem to have. Good luck

Barring a different rifle for each day I'd opt for one of the 7mm rifles given the terrain if they are sub MOA accurate.

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[6mm Remington]

I like me 30-06 and one of the Noslers should surely tag along!

 

[zacii]

You may encounter a long shot. Take the one you're comfortable with at the furthest distance.

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[truck driver]

For me there are only 2, The 35 Whelen M48 and the custom 30-06.

 

[sask boy]

In my humble opinion it would be the 35 Whelen or the 7mm-08 :wink:.
Please remember that a story & photographs are always welcomed.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Jgraider]

You're in quite the enviable position! I'm a 7mm junkie. When heading out to hunt mule deer, I never leave the house without my Nosler Patriot 7mm08/140 AB combo, or one of my 7RemMag's and 160 AB's. Good luck!

 

[Deerslayer0823]

I like me 30-06 and one of the Noslers should surely tag along!

I agree with 6mm Remington!
I would take the 30-06, for which you can get ammo anywhere, in case of possibly forgetting it. Plus it has all the power needed with the 180 gr AB's.
Then for back up, use the 7mm-08. Plenty of power and ranging ability, plus you can find ammo for it almost aanywhere too.
You don't need the barn burners you listed, really.
But this is just my opinion.

 

[BF375]

You're in quite the enviable position! I'm a 7mm junkie. When heading out to hunt mule deer, I never leave the house without my Nosler Patriot 7mm08/140 AB combo, or one of my 7RemMag's and 160 AB's. Good luck!

For a once in a lifetime, hard to draw mule deer tag, I agree with this.But the 7 Rem mag has always been one of my favorites.

Good luck, great permit draw!

 

[baltz526]

Which one would you want if you spotted a 35" 4x4 at 550yrds and could not get closer.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Hunting the Kaibab for mule deer, I would take the (2) 7mm mags. Just my $.02. Shots can be long there in those breaks?

 

[Guy Miner]

This is going to be a very special hunt, one most mule deer hunters would love to do someday...

Take the rifle that brings you the most enjoyment.

Regards, Guy

 

[gerry]

Here is how I would rank them.


5. Nosler 48 - 35 Whelen - 225g AB
3. Nosler 48 - 7mm08 - 140g BT
6. SCAR - 308 - 150g BT
1. Custom 700 - 7mm RM - 140g AB
2. Custom 700 - 7mm STW - 168g ABLR
4. Custom 700 - 30-06 - 180g AB

If it was me I would probably choose the 7mm RM and 7mm-08 and head out hunting. Good luck with your choice......

 

[Vince]

Here is how I would rank them.


5. Nosler 48 - 35 Whelen - 225g AB
3. Nosler 48 - 7mm08 - 140g BT
6. SCAR - 308 - 150g BT
1. Custom 700 - 7mm RM - 140g AB
2. Custom 700 - 7mm STW - 168g ABLR
4. Custom 700 - 30-06 - 180g AB

If it was me I would probably choose the 7mm RM and 7mm-08 and head out hunting. Good luck with your choice......

I concur.
Enjoy your hunt and we do expect a story and plenty of pictures.

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[STW]

1st pick without hesitation the STW with the 168 LRAB's.

 

[wildgene]

...while any & all of the rifles above would be perfectly adequate, none seem to have the precise "right fit", so you need to hurry up & get yerself set up w/ a nice 7mm WSM that will be "perfect"... :roll: 8) :lol: :twisted: :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

...while any & all of the rifles above would be perfectly adequate, none seem to have the precise "right fit", so you need to hurry up & get yerself set up w/ a nice 7mm WSM that will be "perfect"... :roll: 8) :lol: :twisted: :mrgreen:

Wise recommendation, Gene. Always pleased to see how you are watching out for the troops. :grin:

 

[Vince]

...while any & all of the rifles above would be perfectly adequate, none seem to have the precise "right fit", so you need to hurry up & get yerself set up w/ a nice 7mm WSM that will be "perfect"... :roll: 8) [emoji38] :twisted: :mrgreen:

Once again a true prophet has spoken and arrived at the crux of the matter.

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[AzDak42]

How about a 300 WSM. Always liked that one and seams to fill the 'bigger 30' gap in my lineup....

How's the Nosler Patriot?