re: Deer hunting rifle for a beginner *Update-page 4*

Everyone may have different methods but this is what I do. Go buy a few different boxes of hunting ammo to see which one your gun will group the best. No 2 guns shoot the same ammo the same way. .308 ammo will come in 150 grain, 165 grain or 180 grain mostly and will be bonded or ballistic tip but that is a whole new discussion. They will all kill a deer. The 150 grain will be fine for whitetail but you need to see what your gun shoots best. The twist rate of the barrel may prefer a little heavier bullet so I'd try the 165 or 180 as well. Also, don't buy a bullet that isn't always in stock. You don't want to get it sighted in and then can't get more of the ammo you chose. Personally I always buy the cheapest deer bullets available hoping one of those will group the best before I move up to the more expensive brands. (Just make sure if you are hunting with it not to use "match" type ammo.)


I always shoot mine at 25 yards at first and get it dialed in there and then move out to 100 yards. That way you aren't missing the whole target at 100 when you first shoot it. Start shooting the different types of ammo you bought. Ideally you would like to get something to group 3 shots at 1" or better at 100 yards if possible. Once you find the one that your gun shoots the best, zero it in at 100 yards and stick with it and use it exclusively. Don't ever hunt with a bullet you haven't zeroed to your gun.

Be aware that your gun barrel will heat up while sighting it in and this could affect accuracy so you will want to let it cool after every few shots while at the range. You will also need a sling for hunting and a solid base for sighting it in. And don't rest the barrel on the base you are shooting from. Always rest the forward grip instead. Learned that the hard way years ago.

My .02 cents. Thanks.