7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

I currently have a .243win in the family which my kids now use. I now have two kids that are hunting and I am looking at buying another rifle for them to use.

Do I buy another .243win or do I buy a 7mm-08.

Or do I buy something different.

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

On the one hand, with another 243 Win you would only have to worry about one type of ammo. The 243 Win is a fine deer cartridge, especially in our neck of the woods. The 243 has a bit less recoil than the 7mm-08 although the 7mm-08 is not a heavy recoiling cartridge as long as the gun isn't too terribly light and the stock fits. The 7mm-08 has better ballistics than the 243 hands down, but dead is dead. The other thing is if you get another 243 they won't be arguing over who gets the 7mm-08.

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

Ditto on what frizzellr said...;)

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

Eh... naturally, I have to say go for the 7mm08 as it's my favorite caliber, but either will do the job. As said, the 7mm08 has better ballistics and more power than the 243. The recoil (atleast in my rifle, a model 7) is almost inconcievable. Brings a smile to my face every time I shoot it, knowing I've got that much power and no recoil. My personal 7mm08 is a great shooter.

The 243 will be more simple because of only having one kind of ammo. What rifle is your current 243 in? I suggest looking at the Remington model 7's for your new one (regular or youth model, depending on the kid)

JMO
Timba

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

Have a good long look at the .260 Rem. But the .243 is still a very fine deer rifle.

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

7mm-08 hands down. Just my opinion.

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

260 remington would be a great cartridge

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

I think the 243 would better in your situation, one caliber, same ammo. If one kid leaves his ammo at home, no problem, use the others, ect...would make life simple for you.

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

If your kids are the type to fight over something different, then buy the .243. No doubt it will make sight in and ammo a bit easier. However if they are just glad dad has supplied them a gun and happy with going hunting whatever one you should dole out, then buy the 7mm-08. Here is why I say this, when they reach that age of needing their very own cannon, you will most likely be left with their starter rifles. This option you'll end up with a .243 and 7mm-08 vs. 2 -.243's. The oldest or most experienced should have first crack at the 7mm08 and the newest just likes their sibling will start off with the .243.

Best of luck!

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

7MM-08

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

The 2 deer I shot with my 7mm08 Friday morning couldnt tell whether it was a 243, 7mm08, or 300 RUM, all they knew was that they were gonna die REALLY quickly. The doe fell in her tracks and shriveled up like a scalded spider, and the buck (my best yet) ran about 50 yards and fell, right about 25 yards from me. Took both of these deer within 30 minutes of eachother using a Model 7 SS in 7mm08 with Winchester Failsafe bullets, nuttin beats em!;)

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

being a younger brother i have always had the second pick at the guns. let the younger one use the 243 and let the older one look at something bigger.

unless the older one still wants the 243, then get the younger one what he wants. :D

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

i am gonna throw another vote for the 260!!!!

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

As previously stated the ammo issue needs to be given consideration. Two kids with limited experiance could be a problem. Only you know the maturity of your childern but IMHO the possibility of ramming a 7mm-08 into a 243 chamber isn't worth it. Buy another 243.

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

Stay with the 243 IMO.

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

How do you figure ? I compared the two, both using federal premium ammo, and out of 4 characteristics the the .243 was better 3 out of 4.
Was faster, was flatter shooting and drifted in the wind less. The 7 had more energy, thats it.


Everyone knows I'm a .243 fan. It does so much. put a 55 gr ballistic tip in it and it's one of the fastest flatest shootin varmint rounds available. almost 4000 fps. Use a federal 100 sierra and its a super whitetail cartridge

RE: 7mm-08 vs. .243win
 

Between the 2 you listed I'd go with the 7mm-08. But of course, I love the .260 round so I'd give it serious considerations as well. I'm just not a fan of the .243 as a deer cartridge. Just my personal opinion.