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.243 on big deer opinions??

JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
edited October 2012 in General Discussion
My son is going to hunt youth day in a few weeks. He shows good accuracy at 100yds, so that is not my concern. I have him using 100gr Core-lokts, as heavy as it gets in a .243 factory load.

My question is, since my pard has been seeing a large 8-10pt whitetail, would you feel comfortable using a .243 on an animal of this size? I don't want my 9yr old to lose his first deer. I am quite good at tracking in the woods, but if the hit doesn't cause enough damage, that won't matter.

what say you??
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Comments

  • SawzSawz Member Posts: 6,049
    edited November -1
  • montanajoemontanajoe Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 60,159 ******
    edited November -1
    It's plenty for a whitetail. Good shot placement is more important than any caliber size. Good luck. [:)][:)][:)]
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,180 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    100% yes! Shoot the deer through the lungs with a 100 grain bullet and they will die fast!
  • saserbysaserby Member Posts: 1,873 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Um, we shoot deer with arrows all the time. I think he will be fine. Shot placement is the key.
  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,983 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If your son does his part the bullet will do It's part, plain and simple.....243 has been used on bigger animals before.
  • we_dig_itwe_dig_it Member Posts: 6,614 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My son has killed several with the 243 in the ballistic tip.
  • 35 Whelen35 Whelen Member Posts: 14,307 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Absolutely, the .243 is enough for deer.
    An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have never used anything smaller than a 7mm-08 or 6.5x55 so I thought I would ask. Of all the deer I have harvested on crop damage permits (sometimes 6-8 in one afternoon) and all those taken during hunts, I have never used a .243. I asked in case you guys thought I should have him start getting used to a larger rifle in the next week.

    My pard said the one that was there tonight was HIGH and WIDE (his words) He said he would be proud to hang him on the wall, and he and I have hunted together for years. We BOTH know what that menas when he says that[:0][^]
  • discusdaddiscusdad Member Posts: 11,427 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    my son[age 30] used a 243 ssm to take a huge mulie last year. its plenty.
  • Dyer_MakerDyer_Maker Member Posts: 1,018
    edited November -1
    plenty of gun for a big whitetail!!
  • CbtEngr01CbtEngr01 Member Posts: 4,340
    edited November -1
    biggest deer ive ever seen killed was shot with a 243
  • TcattTcatt Member Posts: 342 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    low recoil, flat shooting, hard hitting.
    Put it in the heart lung area and warm up the grill.
  • zinkzink Member Posts: 6,456 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a friend that has used a 243 on elk for 37 years, never lost one yet. Just tell your son to be patient, pick his shot and put it where it belongs.
  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443
    edited November -1
    Its enough. But don't know if its legal in your state or not.

    It isn't in many states. Check with DNR.
  • Ray BRay B Member Posts: 11,822
    edited November -1
    As long as the shot is directly into the chest it's fine- don't try any Texas Heart Shots.
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Savage Accu-Trigger .243 is what my daughter uses... She hasn't lost one yet. [;)]
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    222mag is minimum in this state. Many folks use a .243, I just always used a larger rifle, just to be safe.

    I would calculate I have harvested well over 100 deer btween crop damage permits and hunting seasons, I just never used a .243.

    I did use a 220swift twice, but that was on crop damage permits where it didn't really matter if I could find them or not. However, I did find both of them. I used neck shots at 200yds and under on that particular day. This time it will be a 9yr old's first attempt at deer, so I am making sure he is good to go. I want plenty of extra power in case he is a few inches off.

    He worked hard to pass the hunter's safety course, and took the written exam with a 102* fever (wouldn't let his mother keep him home). So, I don't want him disappointed when it is time to drop the hammer.
  • dreherdreher Member Posts: 8,891 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    With the Barnes tipped 80 grain TTSX BT that I use with my 243 I would not worry at all on an Elk at 150 yards or less, much less a white tail.
  • BeeramidBeeramid Member Posts: 7,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bigoutside
    Its enough. But don't know if its legal in your state or not.

    It isn't in many states. Check with DNR.


    Which states[?]
  • MudderChuckMudderChuck Member Posts: 4,105
    edited November -1
    Maybe switch from Core Lok to Silver Tips. Silver tips are going to mess up more meat, but may make tracking a questionable shot a lot easier. I've had many Core Lok leave the same size exit hole as the entrance hole.
  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    My dad has used nothing but a 243 for the past 40 years. Whitetail, blacktail, muledeer, elk, yotes, mountain lion, pigs, javelena, pronghorn, bear, squeekers and one large moose have all dropped with a single shot with that same 100gr core-lokt.

    One of my customers went to Africa just over a year ago and She took 16 different species of planes game, from 10lb DikDik to a 900lb Kudu and 1200lb Eland. The only rifle she used was a Blaser R8 in 243. She also brought a 300wsm and a 375H&H but never needed them as the 243 killed everthing with a single shot. She used 105gr Berger VLD-H on everything.

    The key for your boy is to put that bullet in the right spot, do that and he'll drop a deer very quickly.
  • AnonymouseAnonymouse Member Posts: 4,050
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bigoutside
    Its enough. But don't know if its legal in your state or not.

    It isn't in many states. Check with DNR.


    Bet you are thinking of .223, not.243.
  • bambambambambambam Member Posts: 4,818 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    .243 Winchester......no problem.

    Good luck, have a great season.[:D]
  • Sig220_Ruger77Sig220_Ruger77 Member Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I use my .22-250 all the time, so yes, I wouldn't hesitate using a .243. A lot of beginners or ladies use that round in my area with great results. Just my opinion though.

    Jon
  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,127 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The MAJOR problem is that a 9YO on his first hunt is less likely to make the perfect shot. My kids used the 243 to kill numerous deer but I know we lost several due to poor hits and lack of blood trail. Daughter developed a bad habit of shooting at the middle of the brown after she shot a big buck in the shoulder and he escaped into 160 acres of tall grass and was lost. After I started loading Speer Grand Slam 100 grainers, things worked better.
    Since the youth season came along after my kids were past the age limit, I was usually right beside them prepared to make a follow up shot if I thought the hit looked iffy.
    My suggestion is to watch the animal closely as the shot is made to determine the area hit and where to start the trail.
  • llamallama Member Posts: 2,637 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    As others have said, plenty of gun if you put the bullet in the right place.

    So for teh next while, have the kid practice estimating range, and try and bring up a few photos of deer in various position from google image search and ask where to aim if the deer is in that position.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,404 ******
    edited November -1
    Yes, yes, and uhhh yes.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Beeramid
    quote:Originally posted by bigoutside
    Its enough. But don't know if its legal in your state or not.

    It isn't in many states. Check with DNR.


    Which states[?]


    Ohio and Indiana for two.
    Used to be NC, but that's changed in the last 30 years.

    That's why I say 'check'

    I think there are some other states with calibre or energy requirements. But I can't keep up with them all.
  • Big Sky RedneckBig Sky Redneck Member Posts: 19,752 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ohio is shotgun, slug gun, handgun, muzzleloader and archery. Rifles for deer are a no no there and I think Indiana may be the same but I could be wrong.

    My daughter killed her first deer at 200 yards with a NEF .243. I had loaded some 100G Sierra Game Kings and shot the gun in at 100 yards. She squeezed the trigger and hit that deer right square in the shoulder and it fell like a ton of bricks. I've killed a couple with that same gun/ammo combo and never had one get away. The 100G Sierras did some damage but I never lost a deer.

    Now you wanna make a mess, .243AI with (I may be wrong on the weight) 80 or 85G Nosler Bal Tips. Holy crap don't shoot a deer with that if you plan on eatin any of it [:D]
  • OakieOakie Member Posts: 40,526 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Plenty big enough and good luck to your son.Oakie
  • tsavo303tsavo303 Member Posts: 8,914 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    sure! my first dozen deer were with a .243 with the same number of hits (I did miss one[V])
    Funny you would ask, you shoot more than almost all of us!
    if you are really worried , see if it shoots barnes or similar pojo well. that barnes X (or similar) kills really big for its size

    The ones I shot with a .243 all dropped quickly, I have had ones shot with 45-70 run several times as far. as long as you have enough penetration, speed kills quickly
  • guntech59guntech59 Member Posts: 23,188 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Curious....How big is "big"?

    My wife's 180 pounder fell to a single shot with a Sierra 100gr Prohunter.

    She got both lungs, but no heart. It went less than thirty yards with plenty of blood to trail if we had needed to.
  • mondmond Member Posts: 6,458
    edited November -1
    what distance?? i would make sure i dont have to track it, or look for it if it sprints whilst in shock, a 6.5x55 or 270 will, do it better. A 308 guarantees it drops on the spot with 150 s/p [:)] check those back stops tho [;)]
  • JnRockwallJnRockwall Member Posts: 16,350 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    100gr bullet

    Aim for the neck.

    Drops like a rock.

    I have used .243 since 1981. Killed everything I have hit where it stood. I turned a 9 pt a full back flip once. I dropped my 12 point and my 11 point both dead in their tracks.

    It's as deadly as you can get out to about 250 yards.
  • jjmitchell60jjmitchell60 Member Posts: 3,887
    edited November -1
    My daughter hunts with 243, both grand daughters have 243s as first guns, my late father used one till he died, and I sell as many 243s as I do all other calibers combined here for deer. What makes the 243 an excellent choice is they are great deer guns AND great varmit guns. You can load from 55 to 115 grain bullets for hand loading or buy 80 to 100 grain factory loads at about anby place including Wally World.

    So you have been given some excellent advice from many above, buy him a 243 and never look back on that decision IMHO. The only thing I might add is buy a GOOD one so he will have it the rest of his life.
  • tomahawktomahawk Member Posts: 11,826
    edited November -1
    .243 is my caliber of choice[;)]i love em
  • wpagewpage Member Posts: 10,201 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Not for big deer...

    30-06 or 308 best bet for big deer for penetration and bleeding.
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought him a savage model 11 (used) and had it bedded in a boyds laminated stock. Topped it with a Burris FFII in PRW rings and Warne bases. He has been very impressive to be only 9yrs old as far as accuracy goes. I fired my last shot during sight in, at 100yds then handed it to him. he proceeded to cut my bullet hole. I guess he has been paying attention to the old man.
  • Chief ShawayChief Shaway Member, Moderator Posts: 6,280 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JustC
    I bought him a savage model 11 (used) and had it bedded in a boyds laminated stock. Topped it with a Burris FFII in PRW rings and Warne bases. He has been very impressive to be only 9yrs old as far as accuracy goes. I fired my last shot during sight in, at 100yds then handed it to him. he proceeded to cut my bullet hole. I guess he has been paying attention to the old man.


    [:D][:D]
    He'll do fine dad. Sufficient round indeed. If he puts it right where it needs to go, no problem at all.
    Can't wait for the pics. Good luck to you and him. And, Enjoy the time together. It goes by really fast.
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