In defense of the .308 for future readers, it is a more efficient cartridge than the 30-06, and will equal, or out-perform, the '06 until you get up into the heavier bullets (which are not really needed for whitetail). Look through a reloading manual and you can see for yourself.
Choosing a new caliber: .243, ,270, or .308?
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d2wing
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The .308 is best all around. Has the highest BC bullets, competition proven accuracy and maximum killing power. .243 is as accurate but having owned 2 rifles in .243 I am not impressed with the killing power. .270 has a reputation of not able to compete in accuracy due to lower B.C. And bullets too long and fast to stabilize without other issues. Chuckhawks had a good article rating hunting bullets and the .308 was tops in it's class beating the .270 by several positions. But all three are popular and for normal hunting all do well and have a strong following. Only a bean field shooter would notice any difference and he would likely use a mag anyway or 30-06. So good hunting with the .243. If they didn't work they wouldn't be popular.
txcookie
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I just picked up a Rem CDL in 270. for my (DEER, ANTELOPE, AN HOG) gun. 30.06 tc Encore is my everything rifle.
Your choice of a 243. would not have been my choice for a dedicated deer rifle but IMO is a dang good choice, I just prefer a little more knockdown power at longer distances.
BTW 243 will be my next cartridge. as it is an excellent 200 yard deer, pronghorn cartridge and its an incredible varmint cartidge.
I think you did good but would have suggested the 270.
Your choice of a 243. would not have been my choice for a dedicated deer rifle but IMO is a dang good choice, I just prefer a little more knockdown power at longer distances.
BTW 243 will be my next cartridge. as it is an excellent 200 yard deer, pronghorn cartridge and its an incredible varmint cartidge.
I think you did good but would have suggested the 270.
sixgunner455
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The Icon is a nice rifle, and the .243 is a fun round. When I take mine to the range, I shoot it till I'm out of time or out of ammo - it's never a question of out of shoulder endurance, as it is with heavier rounds.
It's rewarding to shoot, rewarding to load for, and I can't think of a single reason not to have one.
It's rewarding to shoot, rewarding to load for, and I can't think of a single reason not to have one.
obx-shooter
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I think you will thoroughly enjoy that .243. I inherited a pre-64 model 70 featherweight in .243 from my dad and it puts down deer with an authority that is clearly beyond it paper ballistic limits. (I recently picked up a Ruger Youth model .243 for my 10 yr old grnddtr.)
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