In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
.243 on big deer opinions??
JustC
Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
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??
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??
Comments
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][^]
Put it in the heart lung area and warm up the grill.
It isn't in many states. Check with DNR.
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.
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[?]
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.
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.
Good luck, have a great season.[:D]
Jon
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.
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.
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
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.
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]
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
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.
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.
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.
30-06 or 308 best bet for big deer for penetration and bleeding.
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.