.243 or 7mm-08?
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Lethbridge, AB
Posts: 29
.243 or 7mm-08?
Hello all,
I am considering a new caliber to accompany my 30-06.
I have shot a 30-06 for years. Great caliber, however I find it a little heavy on whitetail (at close range). I also want a different caliber for sheep hunting. I read an article bragging up the .243 and 7mm-08 as great sheep
cartridges. I have definetly narrowed my choice to either a .243 Win or 7mm-08 Rem. So I am looking for opinions from people that have used either of these calibers for whitetail and/or bighorn sheep.
I am considering a new caliber to accompany my 30-06.
I have shot a 30-06 for years. Great caliber, however I find it a little heavy on whitetail (at close range). I also want a different caliber for sheep hunting. I read an article bragging up the .243 and 7mm-08 as great sheep
cartridges. I have definetly narrowed my choice to either a .243 Win or 7mm-08 Rem. So I am looking for opinions from people that have used either of these calibers for whitetail and/or bighorn sheep.
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Brook, IN
Posts: 491
RE: .243 or 7mm-08?
I think you will fing that there is not that big of differance between the 30-06 and the 7mm-08. Recoil will be notcieably lighter though. If you are going smaller than 30 cal I would consider a 6.5mm (.264) bore, 6.5x55, .260 or a 25 cal (.257) .25-06 or .257 weatherby mag, .257 roberts, even .250-3000 savage. These will offer better power over the .243.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Port St. Lucie, FL
Posts: 101
RE: .243 or 7mm-08?
I think the 7mm-08 has become one of the new standards for an all around caliber, great ballistics, good variety of factory ammo, a ton of bullet styles and weights to choose from for the handloader and quite a few choices of factory built rifles. I don't own one yet, but when I buy another hunting rifle that is going to be my choice.
The Hornady 139gr. Light Mag SST's are in heacy use around here.
The Hornady 139gr. Light Mag SST's are in heacy use around here.
#5
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SE Wisc
Posts: 677
RE: .243 or 7mm-08?
I would say 7mm-08... I just purchased this caliber to add to my collection. Have the ol trusty 30.06 too, but wanted something a little lighter as well. I don't think you will be disappointed with the 7mm-08.. To me its almost the perfect caliber.
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,476
RE: .243 or 7mm-08?
If you consider yourself a GOOD shot and handload, you could be easily well served with the .243 and have the advantage of a dual purpose gun.
While I don't own a 7mm/08 I have owned a 7 X 57 and a .243 for years.
A few years ago I decided to stop carrying my .243 when I was specifically hunting a large animal. But in reality, with some of the premium bullets now available, a handloaded .243 placed well will take even large deer and will work on your sheep.
The 7mm/08 will have an advantage over the .243 ballistically.
I guess I'd tell you to get the 7mm/08 if you were going to buy just 1 more rifle.
They are both excellent rounds.
While I don't own a 7mm/08 I have owned a 7 X 57 and a .243 for years.
A few years ago I decided to stop carrying my .243 when I was specifically hunting a large animal. But in reality, with some of the premium bullets now available, a handloaded .243 placed well will take even large deer and will work on your sheep.
The 7mm/08 will have an advantage over the .243 ballistically.
I guess I'd tell you to get the 7mm/08 if you were going to buy just 1 more rifle.
They are both excellent rounds.