LR accuracy

If 200 or even 250 yards is the max distance, then even a .223 with a 1-9 barrel and the right bullets would do *okay* for whitetails. It will hit harder at 200 than the old .44-40 did at 100, and wasn't that supposed to be an okay deer cartridge?

I agree with those of us who recommend the .243, given the described uses. Face it--some people will just never take any shot beyond 300 yards, so all that .308 versatility will be wasted and you'll be contending with heavier recoil all the time.

Why not the 6.5x55? Isn't Hornady making a range of very accurate bullets in that caliber which include varmint "screamers" and heaver numbers suitable for even big mule deer?

For the reloading question, just figure out how many months/years it would take to pay for the equipment by getting your ammo at half-price. Some people will not shoot enough to justify the investment, economically speaking. But the recreational value of expanding your hobby can still make it worthwhile.
 
200 yards is not long range; but anyway, this topic has sold more magazines, more rifles, more reloading dies, started more bar room brawls and caused more animated discussion that most others among the faithful. I've been around, burned much powder and pulled off some shots, for what you said your intentions were, I can think of no better round than the .25-06.

I could fill pages explaining, but those in the know - know. For what you are lookign to do, you will be very well served with a .25-06.
 
Whoa up a sec! In the very first post, cost of ammo was listed as a factor. In that case, for general shooting, .308 bulk-purchase or "surplus" ammo is a good bit cheaper than .243.

I know of no factory .243 ammo cheaper than around $12 a box, if not more. That's 60 cents per bang, and up. Anybody got a current price on this Argentine .308? Around 25 cents or so? For the *shooting* criteria, the .243 is fine. I've killed some 20 deer with one. My reloading cost is about two bits a round.

Did cost per shot become less important?

:), Art
 
About 308 surplus, I don't know what argentine costs; but about 2 months ago I ordered some British for $130 for 1000, DELIVERED TO THE DOOR.

Only thing cheaper is AK and maybe 8mm.

Battler.
 
Think we need a "sheepish grin" smiliey-thing, Art.

'Course you're right about the ammo cost.

Just figured for a starter-type rifle (& there's that Wife & kids thing). Don't think he could go wrong with either caliber, but hey! I'm a .243 snob. ;)
 
If I didn't have the occasional opportunity for a 200-lb buck, and maybe have to shoot 300 or 400 yards to collect him, I wouldn't carry anything but my little Sako Forester carbine in .243.

:), Art
 
a roughly 100gr .308 would certainly work for what I would need in the "vamint" dept and allow me to go bigger with larger game... but where can I find a sub-150gr .308 round?

I've looked at a couple stores... nuthin... they had plenty of 50 80 and 100gr .243 though.

as I've stated before.... cost to shoot has been loosened as I've decided the heavy plinking can be done with a .22

can anyone confirm/deny the ballistic question?

was pretty impressed by the savage line seemed like a very smooth action and relatively light weight design... would like a lil bigger scope though
 
I may be incorrect, but I thought there were commercially-available 110-grain loads in .308...

Savage rifles have a good rep here at TFL, but for the trigger. (Have I said that before? Or was it another thread? :) )

A Leupold Vari-X II, 3x9 is as good a scope as you'll ever need to buy, whether it's .243 or .308 or '06 or whatever. Well, absent long-range target shooting...

:), Art
 
110 is as low as most come.

For the .308 the lowest round I have typically seen around is the 110 gr. I wouldn't really suggest anything too much lower than that. You are really going to sacrifice accuracy below 110. The 110 V-max are really devestating on varmints. I know that for a fact. Problem is, I am not sure if they sell factory ammo at that low. I know you can find the bullets for your reloader all over the place, but I am not sure about the loaded ammo. I might try to find you some a little later.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top