Any 243 fans left?

I have taken most of my dear with my 1983 Remington model, 7 .243. Only one good size buck took more than a step.
However, with bear being concurrent with deer here in Pennsylvania in recent years, I lean towards the Model 7s in 7-08, or 308
 
.243, 6.5 X 55, 7 X 57 and 30-06 stack up well against more modern offerings intended to replace them. Typically they are more versatile too, handling a wider range of bullet weights at the expense of a little more powder.
 
VoodooMountain said:
I completely understand. But you are describing bullet failure. It can, and has, happened in every caliber.
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It was a bullet failure, I said that. Point being, it wasn't a 70gr ballistic tip. It was a 100gr soft point, a bullet specifically for the purpose of hunting deer and other medium game. Which is why I also said that you shouldn't have to use controlled expansion premium bullets for deer. I'd rather use more cartridge more appropriate to the task. IMHO, the .243 is a varmint cartridge that is capable of deer sized game, if you are able to pick and choose your shots. Of course, not much to say about a bullet that fails on a doe's ribcage. If you like it and use it, more power to you. I'm not going to ignore the failures I've experienced because someone else's successes.
 
I purchased a 243win in a Savage Axis during the great Walmart clearance of 2020. The rifle is very accurate and has the role of loaner rifle.
My Dad used it last year, but didn't shoot anything. I feel that the 243 is still the best dual purpose cartridge made. Light recoil with ample power.
I understand that our opinions are based on our experiences. I have seen many Northern Whitetails taken with the 243win. So yes, it is very capable for medium size game at reasonable distances.
 
I had contemplated getting my chiappa double badger combination gun in .243/.410 for a while, but I figured the barrel length of 18" was to short to fully utilize the .243 cartridge.

Ended up getting the .22 wmr/.410 combo and couldn't be happier, but ever since I have wondered about the .243 and what would be an ideal platform for it.
 
My daughters Savage 110 in .243 is a great shooter. She has the youth model and it’s put quite a few deer in the freezer on our farm in WV over the years. With a 100 gr Interlock bullet and IMR 4350, she doesn’t miss.
 
WisBorn said:
I purchased a 243win in a Savage Axis during the great Walmart clearance of 2020. The rifle is very accurate and has the role of loaner rifle.
My Dad used it last year, but didn't shoot anything. I feel that the 243 is still the best dual purpose cartridge made. Light recoil with ample power.
I understand that our opinions are based on our experiences. I have seen many Northern Whitetails taken with the 243win. So yes, it is very capable for medium size game at reasonable distances.
Click to expand...
This is also how I came into my .243 I doubt I would have ever purchased one otherwise but I’m glad I have it. Turned out to be a really accurate and fun round.
I shot 2 deer last season with nosler 95gn BTs at 40 and 200yds. Worked well.
 
I have a PSA PA10 in 308 and I am still considering rebarreling it to something with lighter recoil. I have narrowed my choices to .243 or 6 CM. If I was to buy a new left handed bolt action for hunting, it would be a left handed Savage in .243.
 
Have owned them but not currently, never hunted with one, would buy one in Rem 760 if I could. Buddy said it has a fast "decay rate" in trajectory.
 
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