.243 or .308 for Antelope?

[Blue Moose CO]

I was wanting to get some thoughts on using a .243 or a .308 on antelope. My comfort max range is 300 yrds but practice to 400 yrd. My .308 is currently ranged/setup (180 gr)for deer and elk. I would want to re-sight for a lighter round for lopes, but then have to re-sight back for deer/elk. My .243 needs a new scope, so I would have to re-sight it anyways. I'm just not sure about the .243 past 300yrds.

So which one would be the best performer for antelopes? Any thoughts or suggestions???

Thanks

Blue Moose CO

[salukipv1]

.243 hands down, especially since your .308 is set up for 180grs, even with 150grs, I'd much prefer a .243 with 90-100grs.

I'd be plenty confident of a .243 out to 500yds, I've always used my .270, but friends with .243 using 95gr still passed through completely, using nosler partitions, I'm looking to get a .243 specifically for this purpose.

[Hurricanespg]

I like the .243 for antelope. Personally I have never taken a shot at one beyond 300 yards so I cannot comment on killing power past that range, but within that range I have never had a problem. I have used Winchester's 95gr Supreme Ballistic Tips, and 100gr Super X's, Hornady 95gr SST's, and 100gr BTSP's. All have performed well.
Good luck.

[Colorado Bob]

I was in the same boat as you only I use a 30/06, with 180 grains bullets. I went to 125 then 150 grain bullets for antelope-----now I just use the same 180 grain for everything----from antelope to moose. I would use the 308 & shoot the 180 grain bullets. CB

[millagerobert]

I second the .243 with 95 grain noslers, or even old standby 100 grain corelockts

[skb2706]

.308 with your 180 gr. bullets is just fine. Not anymore destructive than lighter faster bullets and the gun is already dialed in for them.

[Howler]

They'll both do the job out to your max effective range. Take the one that you have the most confidence in!

[skb2706]

ORIGINAL: Blue Moose CO

I was wanting to get some thoughts on using a .243 or a .308 on antelope. My comfort max range is 300 yrds but practice to 400 yrd. My .308 is currently ranged/setup (180 gr)for deer and elk. I would want to re-sight for a lighter round for lopes, but then have to re-sight back for deer/elk. My .243 needs a new scope, so I would have to re-sight it anyways. I'm just not sure about the .243 past 300yrds.

So which one would be the best performer for antelopes? Any thoughts or suggestions???

Thanks

Blue Moose CO

What area did you draw...buck or doe ? Antelope are fairly easy to kill and any legal centerfire is enough gun. Seems I use a different gun every year...handguns too.

[SILVERTIP-CO]

.243

[Blue Moose CO]

Thanks for the replys everybody. I knew I could count on my fellow sportsmen/women to help me out.

I'm leaning toward the .243 w/ Rem Accutips 95 gr. Ballistic charts show that it has virtually the same trajectory as a 7mm Mag, just not the punch of course. But I don't need that much punch w/ lopes.

skb2706, Now on the other hand, I have to agree w/u about the .308. Its already dialed in. And my dad has always said "if it works don't mess with it!!!"

I think this is a good excuse to go to the gun range with both rifles and a case of ammo, and figure it out. "But honey, I HAVE to go all day to the range. Don't you want me to be a good and ethical hunter?" LOL

Thanks

Blue Moose CO