Choosing a new caliber: .243, ,270, or .308?
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xfyrfiter
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All three are very good whitetail rounds, and will do a good job for your stated purpose. That being that though, there are many more superior bc bullits available in 308, than the other two.
LTR50flint
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I currently own all three calibers, 2-.270 Winchester 70 and a Ruger 77 round top never had a second shot with the .270 Winchester ballistic silvertip, 130 grain on Pa deer, .243 100 grain Remington PSP had to have follow up shots even with proper heart lung bullet placement, just got a .308 Ruger 77 compact, ballistic silvertip, 150 grain wife got a six point with it, and shot went a little low.
I think the .270 best for the 100 to 300 yard open shots, and I have got a nice 7 point with the .270 in woods, flat shooting, modest recoil, Jack O’Connor was right.
I think the .270 best for the 100 to 300 yard open shots, and I have got a nice 7 point with the .270 in woods, flat shooting, modest recoil, Jack O’Connor was right.
ExAgoradzo
Member
I agree with jmr
Having said that, I personally would buy the 308 bc I don't have one and if ammo gets scarce I want something I can get ammo for if it is available.
Greg
Having said that, I personally would buy the 308 bc I don't have one and if ammo gets scarce I want something I can get ammo for if it is available.
Greg
Well I guess I won't have to tell you to get a 243 (LOL).
The progression goes as this, the 308 is a modified 30-06 case, the 243 is a modified 308 case. The 243 by the way is a 1,000 yard round if you want to load them that way.
While you will get accuracy from a 308 for about 5,000 rounds, I should warn you that the 243 will only get accuracy (sub-MOA) for about 800 to 1,500 rounds if you use hot loads (3,600 fps to 4,000 fps).
Bullets for the 243 come from 55 grain to 107 grain weights. What you want for deer is anywhere from 85 grain to 107 grain bullets (there are a ton available).
PS: your shoulder will thank you since the 243 is a mild recoiling rifle (you can shoot it all day long).
With proper shot placement the 243 will drop a deer in it's tracks. The shinning thing about it is the Hydrostatic Shock it produces because of the speed at which it travels. It is flat shooting, soft recoil, easy to reload, super fast (just don't use slow commercial ammo) and has a ton of options (varmint as well as big game).
Congrats on your choice, you will be very happy. (or so I think)
Jim
The progression goes as this, the 308 is a modified 30-06 case, the 243 is a modified 308 case. The 243 by the way is a 1,000 yard round if you want to load them that way.
While you will get accuracy from a 308 for about 5,000 rounds, I should warn you that the 243 will only get accuracy (sub-MOA) for about 800 to 1,500 rounds if you use hot loads (3,600 fps to 4,000 fps).
Bullets for the 243 come from 55 grain to 107 grain weights. What you want for deer is anywhere from 85 grain to 107 grain bullets (there are a ton available).
PS: your shoulder will thank you since the 243 is a mild recoiling rifle (you can shoot it all day long).
With proper shot placement the 243 will drop a deer in it's tracks. The shinning thing about it is the Hydrostatic Shock it produces because of the speed at which it travels. It is flat shooting, soft recoil, easy to reload, super fast (just don't use slow commercial ammo) and has a ton of options (varmint as well as big game).
Congrats on your choice, you will be very happy. (or so I think)
Jim
<SLV>
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Believe it or not (I was surprised), my wife was a voice of reason in the decision. She knows me well enough to know that I'm not a trophy hunter... in fact, I really don't enjoy deer hunting at all (except for the time spent with dad). I hunt for meat because we need it. On the other hand, I'm an avid shooter, and I really enjoy long distance shooting. She thought the .243 would provide me with a lot more enjoyment target shooting and still let me get the family deer.
BTW... I see that the Nosler Balistic Tip 95gr are really well liked on Midway. I'll be loading my own, and these don't seem so pricey.
BTW... I see that the Nosler Balistic Tip 95gr are really well liked on Midway. I'll be loading my own, and these don't seem so pricey.
ADKWOODSMAN
Member
Simple choice--however not listed--7mm-08!
a-sheepdog
Member
My vote goes for the .308 Win first and with the 270 Win a close second. The 308 or 270 ammo is generally reasonable in price and can be found in most remote locations.
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Dr T
Member
My 243 Icon is a tack driver. And, with its ballistic twin, the 6mm Remington, I have killed deer out to 325 yards with one shot.
Your wife, however, may have an ulterior motive for suggesting the 243. Has she shot it yet? If so, good luck on getting it back...
Your wife, however, may have an ulterior motive for suggesting the 243. Has she shot it yet? If so, good luck on getting it back...
ColeK
Member
I have a .270 and a .308, of thev two I've killed more deer with the .270, but the .308 is a very close second. Flip a coin!!!
For like bullet types in factory ammo, the ammo pretty much costs the same. Cheap Federal is about $16 a box for all three. Premium ammo with big game bullets is closer to $45 for all three. If you reload, the .243 is the budget round with cheaper bullets and a smaller appetite for powder.
The_Armed_Therapist
Member
That's absolutely true. However, I was writing more towards his desire to shoot at targets as well. The last time I bought .308 (2 months ago), I found Wolf for about $7.50/box online. That can't be done with .243 or .270. Prvi Partizan for about $12.00/box, still better than the others for range time.
Centurian22
Member
.308 vote here.
Depends on what range you're shooting at. Sure for cheap, short range blasting at "area targets" the .308 will do, but for that purpose I'd just as soon use a .22. When you start actually target shooting rather than just plinking, and the range is such that things are actually interesting, reloading is the only way to go and the .243 is considerably cheaper.
<SLV>
Member
I ended up getting the Icon with "field grade" walnut version in .243 Win. $550 + $25 shipping seems like a steal for a rifle of that quality. I had thought about the Weathershield version, but was turned off by the face that it really wasn't stainless -- just coated regular steal. Besides, there is something more romantic and aesthetically pleasing about a nice wood stock.
doc2rn
Member
I like 30-30 for anything out to 250 yds, 30-06 for all the rest. 308 would probably be my choice of the ones you have listed.
TexasPatriot.308
Member
I have a .270 and several .308s, and I got to agree with adkwoodsman...the 7mm-08 may be the best all around caliber with less recoil and good for anything in the lower 48.
Kachok
Member
7mm-08 is a good one sure, but mine sits between my 6.5x55 and my 308 and that is some TOUGH competition. It has yet to take any game, but I hope to get it broken in this season.
I you are concerned about taking deer at 300+ with a 243 watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY0w1c-gf18
With todays new modern bullets we need to forget all the old rules about what will work and what will not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY0w1c-gf18
With todays new modern bullets we need to forget all the old rules about what will work and what will not.
<SLV>
Member
Thanks, JMR40! That was amazing!
T.R.
Member
I've had very good luck with my .308 carbine for deer, antelope, elk, moose, and wild boar. Ammo is still affordable. Several Premium bullets are offered within factory ammo.
.308 has been popular for over 50 years!
TR
.308 has been popular for over 50 years!
TR
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