RE: .243 or .308
 

The most commonly used bullet in a .243 weighs 100 gr. The most commonly used bullet in a .308 weighs 150 gr. The sectional density of a 100 gr. .243 is .242. The sectional density of a 150 gr .308 is .226. I thought higher sectional density was better.

RE: .243 or .308
 

It is for penetation, some people think the SD of the.243 is a bit much for whittail and cosider the 80 to 90 gr better.
When one compares calibers one needs to compare bullets with the same SD. So comparing a 100 gr .25 to a 100 gr .24 is not the same, or a 150gr .308 to a 100 gr .243, etc etc etc.

RE: .243 or .308
 

The demise and decline of the 300 Savage is a sad deal because its actually a helluva good little cartidge.

RE: .243 or .308
 

A higher SD is not alawys a plus. You can get a SD that is to high for the intended game and get lack of expansion. For deer I like a SD od 200- 230 about the best. You do also have to look at bullet construction as well but based just on SD I like the little bit lower SD and a guide line. If I was to use a 243 again I would opt for the 85-95 grain bullets from Sierra and Nosler.

You are correct about the 300 Savage, it came out as a caliber to out do the 30-30 from Winchester and to match the 30-06. It beat the heck out of the 30-30 but fell short of the 30-06. However just like the 308, its about as perfect for deer as it gets. I may break out the 700 Rem Classic in 300 Savage for this years deer season.:DOr maybe the A-Bolt 308.

RE: .243 or .308
 

If you like the .300 Savage, and like lever guns (who doesn't?:D), might want to look at the new .308 Marlin Express. The ballistics are almost identical to the .308 Win with 150gr Hornady Leverevolution ammo. It's a brand new cartridge, and how well it will catch on, but it doesn't look like a bad little round. Might also catch on with the Encore pistol crowd.

Mike