Better Rifle?
 

What would be the better all around rifle for antelope and deer hunting? .243 or .308? I know most guys will say the .243 but I'm keeping the .308 in mind because I also want to use it for target shooting. I go to the range weekly and love shooting long range. So I want something good for the range and the hunt. Thanks, and happy hunting....

7mm-08 ??

.243 is a great antelope round, perhaps the best!

deer, either one would work.

target, .308 would get my vote.

If you know your yardage, no reason you can't take a deer/antelope at whatever range, with a .308

I think you need 2!

Thanks Saluki. Haha I'm definately with you! I'd love to have both! But by the time you buy rifle and the proper scope..... Need I say more? All in good time, but for now it's gotta be one or the other. Thanks for the input!

how about a 6.5-284 ??

google that caliber on savage's website gun finder...
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/finder/

best of both worlds?

lots are loading for it too now...
http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Brow...g=653***690***

If your primary concern is an antelope and deer rifle then the .243 would be my pick. An 85 grain BTHP out of the .243 is some dang fine antelope medicine. Does a pretty darn good job on bigger deer also.

Concerning target shooting.... A 6mm bullet will punch a hole in paper just like a .308 bullet. Neither one is going to be more or less accurate than the other on average.

Since you live in Colorado the .243 would also make a fantastic prairie dog and coyote cartridge with the 55 grain bullets available.

I think you need 2 also.

I love my .243........................perfect for coyotes too !!!

I have a 270 that kind of splits the difference between the two. Very flat shooting, accurate and has a little extra umph for those bigger mule deer. However, I almost exclusively shoot my 243 down here in Texas for whitetail. It is rare to have one go over 150 lbs where I hunt.

Since you are in Colorado, is elk ever going to be on the plate? If it might, then the 308 gets a big nod. Sure the 243 has killed elk, but with elk, I just feel more confident with a bigger stick.

So, if I had to buy just one, it would be the 308, and in the back of my mind, I would plan on buying a 243 sometime in the future.

My choice is the 308 Win. Accuracy, a great selection of factory rounds and the dependability that is second to none. I have a 6mm Rem that will reach out and touch just about anything, but not my choice for bigger game animals. The accuracy of the 6mm is impressive to say the least second only to the less powerful 22LR. Most important, chose a quality firearm that fits YOU. Many models are offered by the top manufactures and not all will fit your style of shooting. Remington and Sako are my top choices when it comes to accuracy, fit and finish.

Thanks for all the input guys. It's helping me narrow my decision I think. As for the coyotes, prairie dog, and elk concerns. Thanks for the suggestions but I've got plenty of other rifles to handle them. Just looking to add to my arsenal.

308 would be my pick.