pricecohunter

Currently have a .243 I have just been using for whitetails. Looking for something bigger. Planning on doing some elk or maybe moose trips down the road. What is a good caliber to upgrade to (but still keep the .243 for a rainy day) and good brands? Thanks

jmartin1

I have a 270 and a 308. Love both of them. I tend to grab my 270,which is a Tikka T3 Light more than my other one because it's light. As far as brands,get ready because everybody has different oppinions on that. I think you can get a lemon out of any brand,I know I have. Savage and Tikka would be my first choice. I would do alot of searching before you choose one. Good luck!

halfbakedi420

ohhh boy...open a can of worms here. i would look at ballistics first, whether you make yer own or buy factory. when ya say bigger, ya wont more bullet or powder, both? so many rounds to choose from. 243 is a perty good size round. how much more "kick" are you looking forward too?
how far ya wanting to shoot, are you looking to scope it? if so what scope ya like?

Sheridan

IMO the .270 is the best for the one gun whitetail hunter.

If you want to take a step up, I would recommend a .30-06, .308 or 7MM RM.



Take a look at these;

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/weatherby-vanguard-rifle-vgs270nr4o-winchester-griptonite-stock-stainless-finish-p-121954.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/marlin-bolt-action-rifle-xl7270-winchester-black-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-117249.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/ruger-hawkeye-bolt-action-rifle-hmk77rfp-7119-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99578.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/tikka-lite-bolt-action-rifle-jrtb318-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-90826.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/remington-stainless-bolt-action-rifle-7267-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-86358.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/howa-1500-rifle-whogue-stock-hgr62612-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99595.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/savage-116fcss-weather-warrior-rifle-17799-bolt-action-black-stock-stain-steel-finish-wdbm-p-86703.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/thompson-center-icon-weathershield-rifle-5547-winchester-synthetic-stock-weathershield-finish-p-112298.html

emtrescue6

You have 2 different questions here...

Caliber? I agree with Sheridan, 270 is the ultimate whitetail caliber...I currently use a 270 WSM and a 270 WIN and love them both, but have also use a 308 on many a whitetail hunt. A 270 or 308 will get the job done quite well on all the animals you list...as will a 7MM Mag and 30-06, just with more recoil. The sky is the limit on caliber options honestly, cost, bullet choices and availability are probably of greatest concern, especially if you don't reload.

Rifle options, scan through Sheridan's list, it's a pretty good list. What's your budget? More important to brand, is fit/comfort for you. Before buying anything...go handle several rifles and find the one that fits you best...

In newer rifles? I have a Tikka T3 in 270 WSM that is my primary whitetail rifle that I absolutely love (great adjustable trigger, outstanding accuracy)...my Savage 11 in 7mm-08, equally as good a rifle, very light (5.5 pounds!), accu-trigger and detachable mag, shoots good and handles nicely...I also have a Browning A-Bold Medallion in 25 WSSM that also has an adjustable trigger is nice and light and shoots like a dream....all 3 of these rifles would serve you well, along with many others...again, what feels best in your hands and has the options you want.

jerry d

Being you have a 243 the 308 would compliment it nicely. The 243 is a necked down 308. But Sheridan and emtrescue also recommended some good cartridges.
Do you handload or buy factory ammo? If it's factory ammo might want to consider what's availible in your area.

As far as brand of rifles, pick the one that feels best to you,buy the best that you can afford.You definately get what you pay for here.

atmxbolt

i had a savage 300 win.mag......i got rid of it,too much recoil and ammo was expensive.
i baught a browning x-bolt 30-06,with a bushnell elite scope
no recoil,cheap ammo and accurate

bronko22000

Your .243 is an excellent whitetail cartridge with the correct bullet selection. I used one for about 20 years and killed maybe 30 or so deer with a 100 gr Hornady bullet. All but one were dropped with a single shot. Now for your choice of a second rifle with the prospect of elk and moose you can't go wrong with the good old 30-06. It will handle any elk or moose and is easily more than enough for deer. Recoil isn't that bad even with a light rifle. There are undoubtly better cartridges suited for these bigger critters if that was the sole intent on getting one but I see no sense in getting a 300 mag or bigger if you are only going to maybe go on an elk or moose hunt. That's my two cents anyway.