what would be the difference in the .243 vs the 30-06 i told my local gun dealer what i planned on using it for and they said the .243 would be better then the 30-06. how do bullet pricing compare to each other ( im not a a reloader btw)

What's the difference? Big difference in recoil, range, and killing ability based on bullet weight and style and size.
The dealer want's to sell you a .243 that is on the shelf so naturely he's gonna tell you the .243 is better..... and if he's taling about the coyote hunting you've been mentioning, he's right. If you're wanting a "all around rifle" he's wrong.
It comes down to this, .. both rounds are great for many purposes... the 30/06 with more possible uses as far as taking larger game , ... the .243 better for the smaller end stuff .. both will put down coyotes AND deer with varying resluts as far as pelt damage and/or tissue damage. But the choice is yours .... BTW I believe you'll find that 30/06 (and 308 for that matter) ammo is generally cheaper when they run sales.
Even if you don't handload you can buy premium style .243 ammo with premium bullets for lots of special uses .. same for the 30/06.
I own one of each and love them both .. but there are things I'd much rather tackle with the .243 and the same goes for my 30/06.
Honestly .. if you're really looking for something that will help you better on both ends of the spectrum I'd go in the middle with a .260 or a 7mm/08.
But, the price on the .243 is ok ... I'd just like to see you get the accutrigger if you can afford it.
You might find a deal like DannyD's.

Reit38....what type of Shooting or Hunting are you planning on doing with the .243 that your Gun Dealer suggested the .243 over the 30-06?


The .243 will have a lot less recoil than a 30-06

The cost of shells will be some what cheaper for the .243 than the 30-06 depending on what company you buythe shells from?

I buy 100 grain Hornady "Custom" .243 shells for my Browning A-bolt,cost is around $25.00 for 20 shells,where the Remington .243 100 grain "Core-Lokt shells were $13.83

The 30-06 shells have been running around $20.00 to $25.00 a box.

I have shot Coyotes with my .243 and have shoot several Deers with it the past 2 years and I have gotten a nice 8-Point Buck last November (Field Dressed 145 lbs.)

[quote]ORIGINAL: GTOHunter

Reit38....what type of Shooting or Hunting are you planning on doing with the .243 that your Gun Dealer suggested the .243 over the 30-06?


well since where im at in iowa i cant use a high power deer hunting..... my main use will be on coyotes and just shooting for fun.
i wanted the .243/ 30-06 incase i do someday go antelope,mule deer or even elk hunting. i wouldnt have to buy another new gun then.

i was thinkin of trying to spend 300-350$

Bud...I simply love a .243, think many deer hunters would be better off with a .243 simply because most deer hunters flinch when they pull the trigger....I've killed enough deer with mine to feed everyone here at HuntingNet...

But when you mention ELK....You do know they are the size of a horse....Nope, not with a .243, I know it has been done, I have also killed 15 or so deer with a .22 rimfire, but a .243 ain't no elk cartridge...

I'd still get the .243, you want something that you enjoy shooting and can shoot up to deet sized game and a .243 will do that...

IF you ever have the dough to go on a elk hunt, you will have the dough to either buy or have a friend that has an elk rifle....Frankly, if I ever get to go on an elk hunt, I'm taking my .54 caliber flintlock that I made in the late '80s.

Yep with a .243 about the largest game you could take is deer and antelope. Moose,elk,bears and sheep youll need a little more firepower.Here in North Dakota a .243 is not legal for elk.

maybe im just trying to be a penny pincher and covre too many things with one gun.
the things i will more then likely ever hunt would be coyote, antelope and hogs

maybe a .223 would be better suited then and just borrow a gun from someone if the time arrises ill be going for larger game

.243 will be better for antelope and hogs.

I think that you ought to get one with the AccuTrigger too. Savage had a really cr@ppytriggerbefore they brought out the AccuTrigger. I have a Savage .270 with it and I really like it.JMHO

Here is the rifle I have. I got it all for $500.

heres a good read on the .243 for hogs.
http://www.wildboarusa.com/articles/hogs-and-the-243.htm