[slowr1der]

So I know a .243 is basically just a necked down .308 cartridge. When comparing the casing, they look very similar except for the neck of the case. I looked in a re loading manual and see that the powder charges seem similar. So I was wondering are they pretty much the same only the .308 having a larger bullet? Or is there a big difference? I've shot a .243, but never a .308. So I just wondered how the recoil compared?

[Uncle Mike]

It's just physics....or PFM, to some!

All things equal, the 308 is going to buck harder than the 243, no exception, all things equal!

That heavier slug of the 308 resists moving more than the lighter slug of the 243, comes up to peak speed slower...yadda, yadda, yadda! For every action, there is an equal and opposite action...right!?!

[TexasPatriot.308]

quiet a bit more, if you want to shoot a .308 and get the recoil of a .243, use the managed recoil ammo. for info google up Chuck Hawks table of recoil ft/lb for different calibers for best info

[Carne Frio]

Calculate it you self with this online recoil calculator:

http://kwk.us/recoil.html

[nastynatesfish]

I think there pretty close just the 243 has more of a crack to it

[LoonWulf]

while the .308 isnt oppressive, i wouldnt want to fire more then a couple dozen rounds out of a lite to normal weight hunting rifle in a day. The .243 on the other hand is entertaining enough that ill shoot as much as i can load.....the barrel on mine isnt going to last 2 long LOL

[gun guy]

alot has to do with what bullets you use in the 308. lightweight 110gr varmit bullets wont be alot different than an 87gr 243 round. a few 180gr rounds and you will want to find a new game to play.

[bpl]

Weight of the rifle plays a big role in the felt recoil. Are you looking for a hunting rifle or a target rifle? The recoil of a 308 is gonna be closer to that of a 30-06 then a 243.

[Al Thompson]

A lot of it has to do with the stock too. I had a .308 that kicked pretty hard. The same ammo in another .308 was much easier to shoot. YMMV! :)

[1911Tuner]

If you study the ballstics of both, you can get a pretty good idea.

.243/100 grain/2800 fps.

.308/150 grain/2800 fps.

In identical rifles...as per the "Paper Ballistics"...the .243 rifle produces 2/3rds that of the .308 rifle. That won't be exact, but it'll be close enough that any minor factors won't amount to spit.

[TexasPatriot.308]

I have several AR10s, M14, Saiga .308, no recoil cause of the action and platform, out of a bolt action, different felt recoil. also muzzle blast is different. the .308 is the perfect round.

[Onmilo]

I don't own a bolt rifle in .308.
I do own several .308 semi auto rifles and a bolt action Winchester in .243

The .243 has less perceived recoil than all of the semi auto .308 rifles I own even though it is lighter or near the same weight as the .308s

The heaviest bullets I use in the .243 are 105 grain and most of the stuff I use is 75-80 grains in weight and that simple physics response comes into play.

[slowr1der]

These are the answers I was looking for and honestly, what I thought. I just wanted to hear some opinions on it from guys who have shot both. Thanks.