The top 10 cartridges for hunting deer in Canada

.308 WINCHESTER

More popular in eastern Canada than in the West, the .308 Win. is a victim of being a somewhat plain Jane cartridge. But what it may lack in sexiness, it more than makes up for in effectiveness. And while the cartridge is often given short shrift when compared to the .30-06, the differences are minor. What is significant, however, is that the .308 is inherently more accurate, albeit for technical reasons that go beyond my understanding. What’s more, because its case length is half an inch shorter than that of the .30-06, it can be chambered in short-action bolt guns, lever-action rifles and modern sporting rifles built on AR-style platforms.

The fact the .308 Win. can be chambered in more compact rifles undoubtedly explains why it’s more popular in the East, where deer hunting is more likely to take place in the tight quarters of dense woodlands. Deer hunters who regularly shoot this round can’t be convinced there’s a better alternative, and it’s hard to argue with them. Plus, the .308 Win. fits nicely in that category of one cartridge that can do it all.

Perfect pairing: Kimber Hunter