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.243 on big deer opinions??

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Comments

  • fishkiller41fishkiller41 Member Posts: 50,608
    edited November -1
    Look at it this way...
    A miss with a fiddy cal API is as good as a miss with the .243...
    Relax.Have a great hunt...[:D]
  • tsavo303tsavo303 Member Posts: 8,914 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Also, if you give him too big a rifle, he will focus on the recoil, not the shot
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by tsavo303
    Also, if you give him too big a rifle, he will focus on the recoil, not the shot


    that's what I told myself when I purchased a .243
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Chief Shaway
    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.


    I'm as nervous as a Tick in an ash tray. I think I have more emotion in this upcoming hunt than he does[:D]
  • texaswildmantexaswildman Member Posts: 2,215 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    243 is fine. Get rid of the Core-loks...
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by texaswildman
    243 is fine. Get rid of the Core-loks...


    what's wrong with the core-loks?? I have always seen major damage from them
  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443
    edited November -1
    Stop worrying.

    As long as you stay away from Warne bases for the scope, he'll do fine.
    (they loosen up unexpectedly... with no warning. Unless you go sleepless and never take your eyes off of them. And worry. Worry seems to help keep them tight. Check them frequently. And all will be ok.)


    As long as you don't have a Burris scope. They are renown for failing when mounted on a .243. Zero shift like you can't believe! Chew gum and drink coffee. Lots of coffee. It seems to keep Burris scopes tuned in.

    All will be well. I know he'll knock it out of the park. You were wise in not buying him a Savage. Even if you made other mistakes, since you avoided the Savage, you'll probably still do ok.





    Second guessing will drive you CRAZY!!!!!!

    I'm teasing because I do it with my daughter all the time.[;)]

    You are a smart guy. You know what you're doing. You have an apt and attentive student.




    Your only failure will be if you don't take lots of pics...
    Deer or no deer. Pics. Pics. Pics.

    Post 'em if you feel comfortable with the internet footprint. But for God's sake, take 'em!!!
  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Works fine if you get the bullet in the boiler room. .300 mag does not kill theam deader if you hit a hoof. Bullett placement is the game.
  • Ox190Ox190 Member Posts: 2,782 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been shooting a Savage 110 .243 since I was 13...31 now. Every deer I have ever killed with that .243 has been with 100 grain core lokts. I would have no problem letting someone shoot my gun on any deer. If you do your part the 100 grain core lokt will do it's part.
  • mondmond Member Posts: 6,458
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by tsavo303
    Also, if you give him too big a rifle, he will focus on the recoil, not the shot


    Put a can on [;)] no lift, no recoil. But there again if i read this right , for a 9 yr old lad 243 is plenty [^]
  • utbrowningmanutbrowningman Member Posts: 2,767 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,404 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by utbrowningman
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
    no 30-30? How can that be?
    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
  • Jim RauJim Rau Member Posts: 3,550
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JustC
    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][^]


    Stay with your 6.5 and/or7mm!!!
    As you are aware it don't get any better than that. If it's not broke don't fix it!!!!![;)]
    I have used and have been with others who have used 243/6mm for deer and the problem is they run out of gas FAST!! If you use the VERY heavy bullets (100-105 gr) and a 'tough' construction and keep your shots at 200 yds or less it will be marginal. But you gain NOTHING by going from a 6.5/7mm to a 243/6mm!!!!![:(]
    On the shooters end there is VERY little difference between the 260/7-08 and the 243, BUT on the killing end there is a BIG difference!!![;)]
  • guntech59guntech59 Member Posts: 23,188 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Jim Rau
    quote:Originally posted by JustC
    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][^]


    Stay with your 6.5 and/or7mm!!!
    As you are aware it don't get any better than that. If it's not broke don't fix it!!!!![;)]
    I have used and have been with others who have used 243/6mm for deer and the problem is they run out of gas FAST!! If you use the VERY heavy bullets (100-105 gr) and a 'tough' construction and keep your shots at 200 yds or less it will be marginal. But you gain NOTHING by going from a 6.5/7mm to a 243/6mm!!!!![:(]
    On the shooters end there is VERY little difference between the 260/7-08 and the 243, BUT on the killing end there is a BIG difference!!![;)]


    I'll bet you don't want to hear about the buck my son killed with my AR then, do you?

    .243 marginal at 200 yards? It has plenty of ooomph left at 300+ for whitetail.

    Put a hole through the lungs/heart/liver and it will die....quickly.
  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    quote:Stay with your 6.5 and/or7mm!!!

    You remind me of a guy that brought his buddy into the store to buy a deer rifle. Remember, a decent California Muley is 130 to 150 lbs. So this guy proceeds to tell his buddy that what he really needs for deer hunting is a 375 H&H because deer are really tough to bring down and the extra power is nice in case you want to go after black bear. The guy ended up buying a 338 Win Mag, that his so called friend called margional.

    quote:I have used and have been with others who have used 243/6mm for deer and the problem is they run out of gas FAST!!

    According to Speer, a 243 with a 100gr bullet and a muzzel velocity of 3100 has 1323 ft lbs of energy at 400 yards with 21.6" of drop with a 100 yard zero.

    Now a 7mm-08 with a factory loaded 140gr bullet at 2800fps has 1153 lb ft of energy at 400 yards with 31.8" of drop with a 100 yard zero.

    So the 7mm-08 actually "runs out of gas" faster than the 243 as it has less energy and more drop at 400 yards. I guess your argument doesn't stand up to the ballistic tables.
  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    the 243 is not enough for me, spent time chaseing deer when others make a bad shot.

    bad shots are gonna happen.

    yes it will kill them, so will my 22mag.

    there are so many calibers that do the job, why go on the minumin side of things?

    and yes deer will run off to never be found even with a 06.
    IMHO
  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by evileye fleagal
    the 243 is not enough for me, spent time chaseing deer when others make a bad shot.

    bad shots are gonna happen.

    yes it will kill them, so will my 22mag.

    there are so many calibers that do the job, why go on the minumin side of things?

    and yes deer will run off to never be found even with a 06.
    IMHO


    The cartridge can not be blamed for poor shooting, a deer will run just as far when hit poorly with a 460 Weatherby than they will with a poor hit from a 22lr. The secrete is to properly place the shot, if you can't do that you really shouldn't be out hunting. The Cartridge has little to do with it so why use more than you have too?
  • MG1890MG1890 Member Posts: 4,460 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Inexperienced shooters will consistently shoot better with a .243 than with a heavier / louder rifle. Their vital organ hit percentage will be higher.
    I have NEVER chased down so many wounded deer than from the 7mm Magnum crowd. Poor hits from fear of the rifle, coupled with bullets designed to punch thru an elk shoulder, virtually guarantees a 1/2 mile tracking adventure.
  • kumateliveskumatelives Member Posts: 2,609
    edited November -1
    oad works fine for my wife on elk and oryx,put in the ear and get the knife sharp
  • Riomouse911Riomouse911 Member Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A friend of mine regularly uses a .17 Remington for his deer...and he swears by that load as kryptonite on deer when head-shot. (He's also a heck of a shot, has his own spread to hunt on, and has all season to harvest, so I take his recommendation with a grain of salt)

    Your son will be just fine with the .243, it kills deer as dead as any "non-belted, ultra-short mini-magnum" will when the vitals are hit.

    I'd also suggest you take along an empty bag to breathe into so you don't pass out while he's lining up his shot! [;)]
  • utbrowningmanutbrowningman Member Posts: 2,767 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by utbrowningman
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
    no 30-30? How can that be?


    Just sticking to the .243 neighborhood. And a greater range. I should clarify I have two .30 WCF. I just prefer the longer range capability of the others. Depends on the hunting conditions.
  • texaswildmantexaswildman Member Posts: 2,215 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JustC
    quote:Originally posted by texaswildman
    243 is fine. Get rid of the Core-loks...


    what's wrong with the core-loks?? I have always seen major damage from them


    JustC - here's my deal with core-loks. Ive been a wildlife biologist since 1978 I have examined and seen literally thousands of deer killed, skinned, gutted, tracked, etc. Myself and two others guys gutted 85 in one day, so I've looked inside more than most folks have ever seen. Core-loks were very common in the 80's, heck you could buy them in gas stations. They are still common and cheaper than most, so I understand their popularity. However, I guided hunts for over 20 years also, and the majority of deer I've had to track (some found, some not) were shot with core-loks in calibers from .30 on down. In those we recovered, the bullet failed, with most coming apart. Some into many small pieces. Very common to find others where the bullet separated in 4-5 pieces. That's not what the bullet is supposed to do. Many were put "right in the bread basket".

    We did a hunting show and caught on film one such failure. We slowed the film down to where we could track the bullet as it hit. Placement was perfect and the shot was slightly down hill at about 110 yards. The bullet hit the rib and separated into 2 pieces. One piece went straight down into the dirt, never entering the body cavity, and the other piece deflected down and left and looked to only cut into the flesh about an inch. It hit the dirt about 8 inches from the other - neither entering the body cavity. Found about 20 specks of blood after 5 hours, before we saw the tape. The deer was a typical south Texas 1.5 yo spike buck - about 100 lbs. The gun was a 243 with 100 gr core-loks.

    Also saw a doe shot in the neck go down, then get back up and run off. I tracked her down, jumped her and shot her. There was a mess of meat about the size of the palm of your hand directly in the neck. There wasn't any blood - just looked like hamburger. The bullet appeared to hit a process of the spine and explode into hundreds of fragments. The bone was damaged about a half inch, which obviously shocked her and sent her to the ground for about 15 seconds. We found small slivers of the bullet around the wound. This from a .270 at 120 yards.

    The way I see it, you can buy the most expensive bullet out there and it's still the cheapest thing on the hunt. Why save a buck on a bullet and take an elevated risk at losing a deer? But that's just me and my experiences, a fella can do as he pleases....
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There's always something better than what you have but there's absolutely nothing wrong with your set up for your son and it's intended use.

    Others have already emphasized the importance of shot placement, stay within the limitations (of equipment and shooter), and you're son is good to go.

    Go bond with your son and be one with nature and happy safe hunting. BTW, thanks for taking the time to pass on the tradition for the future generations.

    Good luck!

    Ed
  • Jim RauJim Rau Member Posts: 3,550
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by guntech59
    quote:Originally posted by Jim Rau
    quote:Originally posted by JustC
    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][^]


    Stay with your 6.5 and/or7mm!!!
    As you are aware it don't get any better than that. If it's not broke don't fix it!!!!![;)]
    I have used and have been with others who have used 243/6mm for deer and the problem is they run out of gas FAST!! If you use the VERY heavy bullets (100-105 gr) and a 'tough' construction and keep your shots at 200 yds or less it will be marginal. But you gain NOTHING by going from a 6.5/7mm to a 243/6mm!!!!![:(]
    On the shooters end there is VERY little difference between the 260/7-08 and the 243, BUT on the killing end there is a BIG difference!!![;)]


    I'll bet you don't want to hear about the buck my son killed with my AR then, do you?

    .243 marginal at 200 yards? It has plenty of ooomph left at 300+ for whitetail.

    Put a hole through the lungs/heart/liver and it will die....quickly.
    I have seen MANY deer killed with a 22lr, but that don't make it right!!![}:)]
    Stick with the 6.5/7mm for the deers sake!!![;)]
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    101_0332.jpg

    just dropped off the "whack shack" at my pards feed plot. The farthest shot will be 172yds, so he should be good to go since I sighted the rifle in at 1 1/2" high at 100yds.

    the "whack shack" has since been completely camo'd
  • Jim RauJim Rau Member Posts: 3,550
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JustC
    101_0332.jpg

    just dropped off the "whack shack" at my pards feed plot. The farthest shot will be 172yds, so he should be good to go since I sighted the rifle in at 1 1/2" high at 100yds.

    the "whack shack" has since been completely camo'd


    Looks good![8D]
    I have a trailer which I enclosed when I was moving to AK and all I need is to put some windows in it and I would have a portable shoot house.[^]
    Many of the shoot houses here use plexiglass for their windows and it works well. They have them open in and you can keep the wind out and still not * the game if you open them to shoot.[:)]
  • 35 Whelen35 Whelen Member Posts: 14,307 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by utbrowningman
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
    no 30-30? How can that be?



    And no .220 Swift, or .22-250?
    An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.
  • Jim RauJim Rau Member Posts: 3,550
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 35WhelenClassic
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by utbrowningman
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
    no 30-30? How can that be?



    And no .220 Swift, or .22-250?

    Amen, 22's are varmint guns, and as far as I am concerned so are the 6mm's!
    I dearly love my 35 Whelen! And my 35 Remington is a close second![;)]
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Jim Rau
    quote:Originally posted by 35WhelenClassic
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by utbrowningman
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
    no 30-30? How can that be?



    And no .220 Swift, or .22-250?

    Amen, 22's are varmint guns, and as far as I am concerned so are the 6mm's!
    I dearly love my 35 Whelen! And my 35 Remington is a close second![;)]


    I used 225gr NAB on my .338 Win Mag for this varmint @ 338 yards [}:)][^][;)]

    2011-11-19_14-48-02_4.jpg

    2011-11-19_14-49-06_396.jpg
  • 35 Whelen35 Whelen Member Posts: 14,307 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Jim Rau
    quote:Originally posted by 35WhelenClassic
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by utbrowningman
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
    no 30-30? How can that be?



    And no .220 Swift, or .22-250?

    Amen, 22's are varmint guns, and as far as I am concerned so are the 6mm's!
    I dearly love my 35 Whelen! And my 35 Remington is a close second![;)]



    I wasn't agreeing with you, Jim.[;)] I happen to believe that the .220 Swift and .22-250 are excellent deer cartridges. You have to use the right bullets, though. My go-to deer gun is my Swift. When the day comes that my stock of old flat-base 53gr Barnes X bullets runs out, I'll switch to Triple Shock's.

    The 6mm's are for varmints only?[:o)]

    Don't make me laugh. Okay, I did a little bit.
    An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.
  • wolfpackwolfpack Member Posts: 1,275 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Myself and both my children have taken several deer with the 243. I started both my children out with the 243. Plenty of practice and knowing where to place the shot is critical. Several bang flops. . Never lost a deer because shot placement was good and they waited for the right shot to take. Never tracked one more than 70 yards. Odd that no one has mentioned the winchester 100 grain power point load. We have used this load extensively and it has always performed well. I would not think twice about using a 243 for whitetail.
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    quote:Originally posted by Jim Rau
    quote:Originally posted by 35WhelenClassic
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by utbrowningman
    .243 Winchester, .250 Savage, and .257 Roberts are probably the greatest deer cartridges.
    no 30-30? How can that be?



    And no .220 Swift, or .22-250?

    Amen, 22's are varmint guns, and as far as I am concerned so are the 6mm's!
    I dearly love my 35 Whelen! And my 35 Remington is a close second![;)]


    I used 225gr NAB on my .338 Win Mag for this varmint @ 338 yards [}:)][^][;)]

    2011-11-19_14-48-02_4.jpg

    2011-11-19_14-49-06_396.jpg
    Gut Shot!!![:D]
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ranch I hunted on in Texas,the owners used 243's to cull with...
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by pwillie
    Gut Shot!!![:D]
    [/quote]

    Yep, the gut is shot but so as the left front shoulder (entry).
  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    quote:Originally posted by pwillie
    Gut Shot!!![:D]


    Yep, the gut is shot but so as the left front shoulder (entry).
    [/quote]

    What the heck did you use on the goat/cow/whatever that is??????
  • FEENIXFEENIX Member Posts: 10,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bigoutside
    quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
    quote:Originally posted by pwillie
    Gut Shot!!![:D]


    Yep, the gut is shot but so as the left front shoulder (entry).


    What the heck did you use on the goat/cow/whatever that is??????
    [/quote]

    L[:p]L! The coyote was feeding on an antelope carcass.
  • Sig220_Ruger77Sig220_Ruger77 Member Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I do all my varmint hunting with a .22-250 too. [:p]

    RenegadeRanch2010002.jpg

    Jon
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