.243 or .308 for Antelope?
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: CO, USA
Posts: 84
.243 or .308 for Antelope?
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
So which one would be the best performer for antelopes? Any thoughts or suggestions???
Thanks
Blue Moose CO
#2
RE: .243 or .308 for Antelope?
.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.
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.
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,526
RE: .243 or .308 for Antelope?
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.
Good luck.
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: durango Colorado USA
Posts: 567
RE: .243 or .308 for Antelope?
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
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,320
RE: .243 or .308 for Antelope?
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
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
#10
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: CO, USA
Posts: 84
RE: .243 or .308 for Antelope?
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
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