Western Australia offers some of the most diverse hunting opportunities in the country. From rabbits and foxes on farmland to large feral pigs and deer in suitable hunting regions, selecting the right calibre can make a significant difference to accuracy, effectiveness, and overall hunting success.
This guide covers some of the most popular hunting calibres used by Western Australian hunters and the game they are best suited for.
Choosing the Right Hunting Calibre
Before selecting a calibre, consider:
- Target species
- Typical engagement distance
- Recoil tolerance
- Ammunition availability
- Rifle weight and platform options
There is no single “best” hunting calibre. The ideal choice depends on the type of hunting you plan to do most often.
Best Calibres for Rabbits and Small Game
.22 LR
The .22 Long Rifle remains Australia’s most popular rimfire cartridge.
Ideal For
- Rabbits
- Hares
- Pest birds
- Training and target shooting
Pros
✅ Extremely affordable ammunition
✅ Minimal recoil
✅ Quiet compared to centrefire cartridges
✅ Excellent for short-range pest control
Typical Hunting Range
50 to 100 metres
Best Suited To
New hunters, property owners, and recreational shooters.
.17 HMR
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire offers a flatter trajectory and greater velocity than the .22LR.
Ideal For
- Rabbits
- Foxes
- Small vermin
Pros
✅ Very flat shooting
✅ Excellent accuracy
✅ Reduced holdover at longer distances
Typical Hunting Range
100 to 200 metres
Best Suited To
Shooters wanting to stretch rimfire performance beyond normal .22LR distances.
Best Calibres for Foxes and Small Predators
.223 Remington
The .223 Remington is arguably the most versatile varmint calibre available.
Ideal For
- Foxes
- Wild dogs
- Rabbits
- General pest control
Pros
✅ Widely available ammunition
✅ Low recoil
✅ Excellent accuracy
✅ Suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters
Typical Hunting Range
100 to 400 metres
Why It Is Popular
Many Western Australian hunters use the .223 as their primary fox and pest management rifle due to its balance of accuracy, affordability, and versatility.
.22-250 Remington
The .22-250 pushes lighter bullets at very high velocities.
Ideal For
- Foxes
- Wild dogs
- Long-range vermin control
Pros
✅ Extremely flat trajectory
✅ Exceptional long-range performance
✅ Outstanding wind resistance compared to rimfires
Typical Hunting Range
200 to 500 metres
Considerations
More barrel wear and muzzle blast than a .223 Remington.
Best Calibres for Feral Pigs
Feral pigs are among the most commonly hunted species in Western Australia.
.243 Winchester
The .243 Winchester is often regarded as the perfect crossover calibre.
Ideal For
- Feral pigs
- Goats
- Foxes
- Small deer species
Pros
✅ Very manageable recoil
✅ Excellent ballistic performance
✅ Suitable for young or smaller-framed shooters
✅ Wide selection of bullet weights
Typical Hunting Range
100 to 400 metres
Why Hunters Like It
The .243 provides significantly more energy than a .223 while maintaining mild recoil.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester is one of Australia’s most popular hunting calibres.
Ideal For
- Feral pigs
- Deer
- Large game
Pros
✅ Proven hunting performance
✅ Huge ammunition selection
✅ Excellent terminal energy
✅ Performs well in shorter barrels
Typical Hunting Range
100 to 600 metres
Best Suited To
Hunters wanting one rifle capable of tackling almost any legal game animal in Australia.
Best Calibres for Deer Hunting
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has become extremely popular among hunters and precision rifle shooters.
Ideal For
- Fallow deer
- Red deer
- Sambar (where legal and appropriate)
- Long-range hunting
Pros
✅ Excellent ballistic coefficient
✅ Reduced recoil compared to .308
✅ Outstanding long-range accuracy
✅ Efficient cartridge design
Typical Hunting Range
100 to 800 metres
Why It Is Popular
The combination of accuracy, manageable recoil, and modern bullet designs has made the 6.5 Creedmoor one of the most sought-after hunting calibres in Australia.
.270 Winchester
A long-standing favourite among deer hunters.
Ideal For
- Fallow deer
- Red deer
- Large game
Pros
✅ Flat trajectory
✅ Strong terminal performance
✅ Excellent hunting reputation
Typical Hunting Range
100 to 600 metres
.30-06 Springfield
The .30-06 has been harvesting game worldwide for over a century.
Ideal For
- Deer
- Large pigs
- General big game hunting
Pros
✅ Extremely versatile
✅ Broad projectile selection
✅ Outstanding stopping power
Typical Hunting Range
100 to 600 metres
Best Suited To
Hunters wanting maximum flexibility across a wide range of game species.
One Rifle for Western Australia?
If you are looking for a single hunting rifle capable of handling most Western Australian hunting scenarios, these are difficult to ignore:
Best All-Round Hunting Calibres
🥇 .308 Winchester
🥈 6.5 Creedmoor
🥉 .243 Winchester
These calibres provide enough performance for most commonly hunted Australian game while maintaining good ammunition availability and manageable recoil.
Recommended Calibre by Game Species
| Species | Recommended Calibres |
|---|---|
| Rabbits | .22LR, .17 HMR |
| Foxes | .17 HMR, .223 Rem, .22-250 |
| Wild Dogs | .223 Rem, .22-250, .243 Win |
| Feral Pigs | .243 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Fallow Deer | .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .308 Win |
| Red Deer | 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 |
| General Hunting | .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .223 legal for hunting in Western Australia?
The suitability of .223 Remington depends on the species being hunted and local regulations. Hunters should always ensure their chosen calibre complies with current Western Australian laws and is appropriate for the game being pursued.
Is 6.5 Creedmoor better than .308 Winchester?
Neither is universally better. The 6.5 Creedmoor typically offers less recoil and improved long-range ballistics, while the .308 Winchester provides heavier projectiles and broader ammunition availability.
What is the best calibre for a first hunting rifle?
For many new hunters, the .243 Winchester, .223 Remington, or .308 Winchester provide an excellent balance of availability, recoil management, and versatility.
Need Help Choosing?
At GunsPerth, we can help you choose the right rifle, calibre, optics, and accessories for your hunting style. Whether you’re chasing rabbits, foxes, feral pigs, or deer, our team can recommend a setup suited to your experience level and hunting objectives.
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