243 Winchester or 7mm/08...

Status
Not open for further replies.
I think you guys should go back and read post #18. The OP has already decided on what to get and most likely already bought it.
 
My old departed BIL killed a truck load of deer with his M88 .243. Most were 150 yards or less. He did experience trouble on angling shots; however, bullet technology in the 70's was very different from today. If I wanted a rifle for just deer, I'd choose the 7 for the 40% increase in bullet heft.
 
This isn't exactly on this precise topic, but it is related, being a little bullet versus a bigger bullet experience. I've been coyote hunting the last week or so (since it cooled off a bit), but I can't find any coyotes. All I can find is pigs, and plenty of them, and mostly in the 80 pound to 120 pound range. My trusted coyote gun is a 220 Swift, and it has killed pigs quite well, but they do run a ways. I can't shoot them behind the ear, because they seem to always be at a fast trot, so I usually put the bullet behind the shoulder. Well, a couple of days ago I parked the 220 and dusted off my 260 to see how that'd do. I got into a mob of pigs that very afternoon (again they were at a trot) and I blasted the first big one in line and in the ensuing pig panic I got another big one who was in high gear and moving really fast. If I'd have had maybe 5 more seconds, I'd have had another one. Other than the second one tumbling and bouncing for about 5 yards after the bullet hit him, they were both dead on the spot. So, going back to the 243 versus 7-08 comparison, I feel even stronger than I did earlier about suggesting the larger caliber. And, if the OP is a reloader, go for the 260. I bought one only because a friend wanted to sell it cheap, but the more I use that caliber the more I like it. I might even park the 270 this hunting season if I can get more comfortable with the trajectory of the 260 out to 350 yards or so.
 
I have never owner or fired a 7mm/08 but it is on my list as a potential rifle addition due to the high praise everyone seems to give it. I have a 243 which is one of my favorites but my daughter has claimed it.
 
One of my favorite deer rifles is the Sako 75 in 7mm08 that I have. I loaded some 150grn BT's for it and the run out at about 2600fps. Whatever I have shot with them has been DRT and back the truck up. I've also had pretty impressive result with the .243 Win as well. It all boils down the personal preference. Honestly I'm having Savage make me a Model 10 Precision Carbine copy in 7mm08 because I like the cartridge so much and cannot find the exact rifle I want without spending a mint on it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top