Stone Cold

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.

frizzellr

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.

PaJack

Ditto on what frizzellr said...

Timbawolf98

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

Vapodog

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

semi

7mm-08 hands down. Just my opinion.

oldelkhunter

260 remington would be a great cartridge

NVMIKE

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.

skeeter 7MM

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!

James B

7MM-08