.223 or .243

GAmagman · 10-22-2004, 02:54 PM

I am looking for a new rifle. I have been considering a .223 or .243. I hunt exclusively for whitetails in west and north GA. I have a 7mm mag, so this is going to be a secondary rifle. I have gone back and forth between the two. I would appreciate any imput, as I am sure there are plenty of people on here that know more about these two calibers then I do. I do feel very comfortable with shot placement, so that is not a real issue. Both bullets will end up where they need to be.

gopher slayer · 10-22-2004, 03:01 PM

i would go with a 243 a little more Eumph, great deer gun.

CanWoodsman · 10-22-2004, 03:48 PM

If you are only hunting deer then I would definitely choose the 243 of the two. My question is that if it is only for deer why would you choose that small of a caliber. If you can handle the recoil of your 7mm would not a caliber like the 25.06 be a better choice.

Best Wishes

Jbra · 10-22-2004, 03:58 PM

I would stay away from the 223. thats a good caliber for varmint hunting, not whitetails. Does not really have the penetration that you would get from the 243. Good luck

oh yeah if you want a 223, build yourself an AR they are fun as hell

frizzellr · 10-22-2004, 04:29 PM

243 Win if deer are in the picture.

jmfa1957 · 10-22-2004, 07:01 PM

I would take the .243 also. The heavier 6mm bullets usually buck wind better than the lighter 5.56mm bullets.

Rangerlab · 10-22-2004, 10:41 PM

I agree with Canwoodsman, if you can handle the recoil of the 7mm Mag, there is no reason to go so light. IMO a .22 caliber round is not suited for big game- there is just no reason for it. A gun chambered in a 25-06, 7mm-08,270 Win, or .308 Win would be a great choice. A .243 would definetaly work, but I would go with something bigger if possible.

deerslayer223 · 10-23-2004, 03:16 PM

i'd go with the 243 even though i have a 223 and have used it 2 kill 8 different deerand it performed awesome with good shotplacement just make your shot count. I would feel more comfy with a 243. I used a 243 last year but this year i am using a 6mm rem which is just a slight step up. Best of luck...

1dahunter · 10-23-2004, 09:04 PM

Definately a .243 but a 25.06 would be even better.

GAmagman · 10-24-2004, 09:17 AM

I considered a .25-06, but I was still leaning more toward a .243. I can handle the recoil no problem. I just want something fun to shoot, and to give me a little different feel while I am hunting. It just seems like a .243 is more challenging because shot placement is so much more important.