243 - 270 too much ?

4patches · 10-10-2007, 06:00 PM

quite a bit of debate has gone on here about sub-caliber dog guns, would like some imput on the other end of the spectrum. would the 243 and the 270 even with " varmit" bullit rounds be too powerful ?

Howler · 10-10-2007, 06:07 PM

No such thing as being over gunned, UNLESS you're wanting to sell the pelts.

The .243 is used by many a serious predator hunter. It will do pelt damage on all but the largest of predators, BUT not so much that it can't be fixed/sewn.

I started with a .270, was my first center fire, and it wasrough on them, even when I used heavy BIG game bullets. I shot a bobcat once with my .270, using 100 gr. soft points, and it nearly took its head off at about 12 yards.

If those two rifles are what ya got, use'em and go hunting.

HighDesertWolf · 10-11-2007, 02:00 AM

heck yea dont hesitate for a minute on either of those calibers. My grandfather inlaw is big into deer hunting aswell as varmints he owns one rifle and uses it for both and its a 30-30. When I first got into varmints the only scoped rifle I had was my deer rifle a remington M700 mountain rifle in 308 ive taken lots of yotes with it. If I know Im gonna be moving around alot I still opt for that 308 over my heavy barrel .223 for the simple fact its alot lighter.

wyomingtrapper · 10-11-2007, 01:53 PM

I know a fellow that uses a .308 with full metal jacket. Hit bone and it'll make a mess, but most will. Clean hole in and out, otherwise.

Rammer · 10-12-2007, 12:41 AM

243 is the perfect coyote gun in my opinion. I've been shooting it exclusively for a few years now. The only time it will wreck a hide is if you hit the shoulder blades. I shoot 60gr Sierra HPs or 75gr Hornady HPs. In a pinch in Nebraska I used 95gr Combined Technology BTs with only one pelt wrecked out out 40 some dogs.

Jome1 · 10-12-2007, 09:39 AM

.243 nice and fast and.270has speed andmoreknock down power then .243

dmitchell28 · 10-12-2007, 04:08 PM

okay, would you rather have a .17 Mach 2 or a .243, not even worring about pelt damage.

Rammer · 10-12-2007, 06:11 PM

243 for me. I want a rifle that will buck the wind, and not mess up the pelts. The 243 fits the bill nicely.

Pioneer2 · 10-14-2007, 09:15 AM

Seems impractical to pay $8 or more a box for magnum rimfire ammo whenI can reload centerfire for 1/2 that and get twice the power? Harold[ Oh yeh and reload them 10 times til they're worn out!]

barrabas74 · 10-22-2007, 02:05 PM

I have taken yotes with my .270 but use my .223 alot. I killed a fox with my .50 on Sat....big ole hole. He was in the field and the shot presented itself. I have taken yotes with my .45-70 as well. They get destroyed though. I have really found no need for much over my .223 but hunt with what ya have.