.243 or .308?

T

twoblink

New member
OK, I am not trying to Troll up any caliber disputes...

But I'm looking to buy a Rifle, and I'm trying to figure out what caliber to get. I was thinking 30-06, but when I saw the huge difference between the 308 size vs. the 30-06, I thought the 308 was better. But the 308 doesn't have the span of versatility the 30-06 does. Deer is about the largest you can take down with a 308, Elk etc.. would be too big, and so I figure if I'm going to have a round that does only deer being the biggest, then why don't I go .243?

The 308 has the whole NATO surplus advantage, but is it that big of an advantage? I mean can't I get .243 everywhere I can get 308?

So I know there are parishners from every caliber camp, and I'd like to hear from both camps...

Thanks.
Albert

[Edited by twoblink on 03-19-2001 at 02:01 PM]
 
There may be a bit of difference (wouldn't call it huge) in the size of the 30-06 & .308 cartridge itself but that can't be related to actual performance.

Moose is the biggest "deer" in the USofA & a .308 will do 'em nicely & a much better choice for the largest "deer" than a .243

Personally, I'd use the .243 for mule deer on down but the .308 or 30-06 for any of 'em.

Lots of surplus .308 (7.62X51 NATO) around - none in .243 Win but that only comes into play if you shoot surplus. Surplus is all hardball/full metal jacket & isn't particularly suited for hunting so that's a consideration.

I've got rifles in all three calibers & find them all great - there's a bit of that overlap at about the mule deer size range. If limited to just one rifle for all North American (non-dangerous) big game, I'd take my Rem M7 .308
 
I have a Rem 788 in .243 and aSavage Scout in .308. For Deer size game I'd say it all comes down to recoil. If you hate recoil go with the .243. If it's a non issue get the .308 for the ammo availabilty. Or......get 1 of each:)
 
The .260 Remington

seems to me to be near the ideal caliber for North America. It's supremely accurate to 1,000 yds., having been developed as a wildcat for long range target shooting (6.5/.308). It's heavy enough for anything except, perhaps, Brownies, yet it's light enough for varmints.

Yr. Obt. Svnt.
 
Hokay. What do YOU plan on doing? A lot of casual shooting? Plinking, as in informal target shooting? Or just occasionally go to a range to check sight-in and then go hunting for deer or varmints?

If you really are serious about doing a lot of practicing, the cost of shooting a .308 is less than the .243--unless you handload. If your billfold is pretty fat, that's not a factor.

If your primary use will be for deer and varmints, with only occasional range-time, go with the .243. It's definitely more pleasant to shoot from a lighter-weight rifle. A lighter-weight rifle makes walking-hunting and stalking a lot more fun.

If you're interested in military-style competition, the .243 is out. And, generally, the .308 is commonplace in competitive shooting at various distances.

"Best"--or in this case, "better"--only applies AFTER you've decided on your own purpose and style.

Regards, Art
 
I'm going to do some target, and small game. A deer would probably be the biggest. I just read that Browning is coming out with a BAR in synthetic stock, so that should lighten it to less than 8 lbs. I think. (Open note to Browning's marketing people, you people are stupid. The new catalog SUCKS, it doesn't even list the weight of guns, which is one of those important numbers... Try less foo foo pictures and more stats...)

Albert
 
Go with the .250 Savage.

It's an incredible cartridge.

.243 and .308 are good choices, but the .250 is just one of those cartridges that seems to give so much more than it demands.
 
I have a REM-700 in 243. Its has done very well in the Deer hunting arena as well as target shooting. There are alot more 308 ammo choices, most of which are cheaper than 243.

I do alot of target shooting, so the 243 has been a real joy.
 
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