waynejohnson

what do you guys recomend for deer ive heard of people around here hunting bears with em too hmm just wondering if thats smart.

Jason N

I'd take a 30-30 for bear any day over a 243....no contest -- assuming black bear! I don't htink either caliber is the best for BB. Close range bear(100yd) and deer(200yd) the 30-30 will give much more damage in my experience....at least on deer. I don't know anyone that hunts bear with a 243 though an I wouldn't recommend it. As far as deer go, either will get the job done no problems within range. Many, many deer have fallen to both calibers.....and they will for years to come I'm sure.

biscuit jake

Not knocking the 243, but of the 2, I would bear with the 30 30. Nastier critter. Fatter, heavier lead.

Roskoe

I'd go along with the 30/30 for black bear, but would definitely pick the .243 for deer. It has a lot more reach than the 30/30.

Todd1700

What he said.

Most black bear hunting is a fairly short range affair and a 170 gr bullet from a 30-30 at ranges out to 100 would be better IMHO than the lighter 243 bullet.

For deer either will do but I'd opt for the 243 because it shoots flatter and will be fine on deer out to 300 yards. A 30-30 is about a 150 yard caliber on deer IMHO.

Shootstuff4570

i'd agree with what everyone else is saying, cept for it just depends on where your hunting for deer. my dad hunts wiht a 30-30 and shots where we hunt rarely are over 50 yards so IMO you'll have to make the choice on which would be better for where you hunt.

James B

Same here. The 30-30 for bear and out to 100 yards I would choose it for deer as well. I used a 30-30 for deer for many years and never was handi-capped in the least.

handloader1

I think I would look at Marlin Model 1895M .450 Marlin, Marlin Model 1895 ~ 1895G ~ 1895GS .45/70 Gov't, or Marlin Model 444 .444 Marlin. Good luck

Virginia7

Go 30/30 for deer and black bear, out to approx. 150yds.
The 243Win. is a varmint cartridge!

James B

YES!!!!!!!!!!!