.308 or .243

[mike87]

HI! im looking at a remigton bolt action varmit rifle in a .308 or .243 my main purpose would be plinking a little bit but mostly hunting varmit to deer in ms where shoot dont exceed over 200 yards in my area i looked into the .308 and it has a 12'' twist own the barrel and was wondering if it would shoot light or heavy loads better cause i know bout the prajectores but not much own twist in the barrels! thanks for the help guys!

[RugerM77.270]

I am wanting to get the SPS varmint aswell but as an extended range starter rig. IF you are only going to be shooting 200 yards I wouldn't worry about getting a 26'' barrel the normal 20'' and 22'' barrels the 308 usually comes with can handle 400+ yards with ease. The 26'' barrel can become a nusence if you are hunting in thick woods or a small shooting house.

[MichaelT.]

Every rifle shoots certain loads differently. As to wheather the .308 or the .243 is the better round, either will work adquately at 200 yards. The .308 holds more velocity and retained energy at 200 yards + , but either will work. The rate of twist will be basically the same in rifles of the same cal. They all have this down to a science, so the best rate for the cal. is not a guess anymore.

If you are looking for personal preference.... I would go with the .308. It will do everything you want it to do for deer, and also other game as well if you decide to shoot longer distances or hunt for other game in the future.

MET

[Paul L Mohr]

If your thinking varmint I would opt for the .243. You can shoot lighter varmint bullets that will shoot flatter. However at 200 yards both will shoot pretty flat. And both will work great for deer. I own a .243 by the way and that is what I got it for, varmints with the possibility of deer (no centerfire where I live).

Paul

[zrexpilot]

ORIGINAL: MichaelT.

The .308 holds more velocity and retained energy at 200 yards + , but either will work.

Do what ?
Comparing bullets of the same sectional density i.e a 100 gr .243 to a 150 gr .308.
The .243 starts off faster and ends faster, it does not have the KE of the .308 ( about 200ft/lbs less@ 500 yds) but to bad energy doesnt kill.
The .243 is faster, flatter by about 7" at 500 yds, still pushing 2k fps at 500 yds, about 4" less wind drift at 500 yds.
.243 is the clear winnerat long range

[James B]

When it comes to deer, the 308 wins hands down. Period.

[ButchA]

I agree with James B. The .308 is a classic deer rifle. A .243 would be perfect for a varmint rifle.

[A11en]

I typicallyused a .30-06 or .300 WSM for deer. I bought my son a .243's for deer hunting.I enjoyed shooting his .243 so much I went out and got my own. The .243 is a fine deer rifle that is also great for varmits. You said plinking with some hunting. Plinking is far more enjoyable with a .243 vs the .308.

I have a .308 and like it, but I prefer the .243.

[zrexpilot]

ORIGINAL: James B

When it comes to deer, the 308 wins hands down. Period.

when it comes to anything the .243 wins period. Keep your bullet lobbing .308.
When your .308 leaves holes in deer and hogs like the pics I have posted I might listen, untill then, your opinion means nothing.

I show undeniable proof what a .243 does to deer and hogs.
It leaves big F'n holes.

[A11en]

Zrex - My son shot a deer last year with a very similar sized hole. The shot was a little low and everything in the boiler room was hanging out side the deer.I'll spare you the photos.

In short I agree, the .243 is a potent cartriage.