What are the most popular calibers used for Stag in Scotland? Thanks.

.270 Win, .308, .30-06, .243 Win would be my guess.
- mike

I'm used to Blair Atholl estate and I saw .270's, .308's and also some 7RM (= the stalker's choice). Personally, I tried 7x64 but switched to the .300 Win as long shots are frequent.

I've always perceived the locals in Scotland to be keen on the 270 over and above all others if it is pure Red stalking they do.

For those travelling up from south of the border, 243 & 308 would probably feature more often than any other.

FB

243 is viewed as rather marginal allthough a fair few of the stalkers use them for hinds in winter

25-06, 6.5x55, 270, a few 7x57, a few 7RM, 308 and a few 30-06 would be 99% of what is used. 25-06 and 6.5x55 in the ascendancy with 270 somewhat waning

If you look at this link, you will see the stock of a gunshop in the highlands.

http://www.rmacleod.co.uk

In my early days training and acting as 'pony boy' for the stalker and a gentleman client I remember, one having a Rem No 7, in 7mm-08, thought it very handy to carry and he used it very efficiently on stags. So much so that i purchased a 700 in this calibre a while ago, really like it, though not in hill country now.
Would be interested in others thoughts on 7mm-08 for stags. (whats the reason for them not being popular?)

1894mk2 is just about spot on, although I know several that swear by their 243's still. 25.06, 6.5 and 7mm variants are top of the heap just now.

Macleods of Tain is a good indicator of current trends, also my local shop.

John

Try .300 Win Mag.

r.
seloushunter

Hi,
The 7mm-08 is a very good calibre for deer including Red Stags. My guess that the 7mm-08 is not as popular in Britain as it might be is due to it being relatively new and it does nothing that the established 7x57 and 7x64 do.
Here in New Zealand it is popular, perhaps the most popular deer cartridge being sold today.
Stay with it it will serve you well.

Thank you all for the replies. You gave me all of the info I was looking for. Good luck hunting!

I used my 338wm last time I was there, but I think they don't like so big hole in their deer

My son and I used his 243 for our stags. I had taken a 300WM but after seing how the 243 handled the hill stag I used his 243. It was much later that I realized I could still be setting in jail as I had a license for the 300 not the 243 but was never stopped. In 2003 I used the same 243 for Water Deer, Roe, Fallow and Sika with great sucess.

This is pure hearsay although I pass it on only because it makes sense - to me.

Acordingly, I am told the number of most officially registered rifle catridges in Scotland is the .270 Winchester followed by the .243 Winchester, O.K. makes sense to me, national statistics.

Does anyone make/take an official registery of the types & variations of cartridges temporarily imported by (outside the UK) foreign sportsmen for Stag Stalking/Hunting each year in Scotland? This conmbination with local registration and foreign visitors each year may offer a real pictuere of who-shoots-what-cartridge for Red Stags in Scotland?

when all is said and done, it"s shot placement that kills. i"ve used both 308 and 243 for reds, and i don"t believe anyone can honestly guarentee that they can drop every deer on the spot with any paricular favourite bullet/rifle.
i"ve had roe run off into the woods after being heart/lung shot with 150gr 308, and i"ve had reds(stags) fall in a heap to the shot like they"d been "switched off" when hit with 243(100gr)
if you"re comfortable with a gun, and it"s a legal calbre/bullet weight, the learn to shoot it to the best of your ability, and just enjoy the spectacular sport that is red stalking.
good shooting