The top 10 cartridges for hunting deer in Canada

7MM-08 REMINGTON

Although wildcatters played with the .308 Win. necked down to 7mm (0.284 inches) in the late 1950s, it wasn’t until 1980 that Remington brought it mainstream. Since then, this round has gained a steady and loyal following among deer hunters. Some even suggest the 7mm is the perfect calibre for hunting deer of all sizes, nestled between the “too big” .30 calibres and the “not quite big enough” 0.264-inch and 0.277-inch cartridges. I don’t necessarily subscribe to that notion, but if you do—and the thought of a 7mm magnum scares you—the 7mm-08 is right up your alley.

Shooting a 140-grain pill at roughly 2,800 fps, the 7mm-08 Rem. carries 1,000 foot-pounds of energy out to 500 metres. That’s plenty of speed and energy for any deer out beyond the range where most of us should be shooting, and it does it all with minimal recoil. Owing to the fact it’s a true short-action cartridge, the 7mm-08 Rem. can be chambered in compact rifles, making it ideal for small-statured shooters. This is simply one of those great deer cartridges that not enough shooters consider when it’s time to buy.

Perfect pairing: Tikka T3x Lite