Which would be the better rifle???
 

I'm planning on purchasing a new rifle. I have several different calibers already. I want something ideal for long range shooting. I go to the range frequently and enjoy shooting long range, but I also want something that will be good for hunting antelope and deer. I have it narrowed down to .243 and .308 I know they both have different pros and cons. I'd appreciate any input on the two calibers, or info on another caliber my fellow hunters/shooters have for me. Thanks!

Without a doubt the 308 for long range capability and a wide selection of animals you can hunt with it.

yeah if i was picking just one definitely 308

Thanks guys. That's the direction I've been leaning....

Stormin,

" I have several different calibers already"

Which ones do you have already ?

I wouldn't have a problem with the .243........

Sheridan,

I currently have .22 Mag, .223, 762x39, .270, .30-06, and .35 Remington

If I already had a 30-06 I may lean towards a 300wm with a 165 gr bullet for goats and deer.

That .270 is perfect, unless you want to move up to a 7MM Rem Mag.

Both will do what to want to do (Long Range) and more !

You already have a 270 and 30-06. I would look at the 338-Lapua or 6.5 x 284.

I would go with a 308 if you didn't have a 30-06, but depending on what you are doing, 243 is a good niche caliber.

Can't really go wrong with the .308 they are inherently a very accurate caliber.

You may also consider a 270. They are a great all around hunting rifle that can take down a deer or even an Elk. That is what I shoot.

What wrong with the 30-06?

I'm confused as to what your are trying to achieve:confused0024:

For long range maybe a 300wm, 300WSM or 300RUM

of the two I would go with the .308

I just love the .308
 

But, for me and where I hunt the "best" is my .444 Marlin or my 12 GA.

The 308 is a great round and really fun if you reload. There are a lot of things you can play with on such a cartridge. As for the 300 Win Mag, hornady makes a light mag 308 round that gives performance very similar to the 300 Win Mag.

I am with some of the others. You already have "long range" capability. What is long range to you? Notwithstanding the capability of the rifle & round, most people should NOT consider shooting beyond 300 yards. Few people practice at or beyond that range. Most people sight in at 100 yards, 2 inches high and hope for the best.

With that in mind, you have 2 rifles capable of that now. I never want to tell a shooter that they do not need another rifle however, unless you have not told us something. it seems that way.

Personally, based on the guns you already own, if you feel you need a new rifle I'd get a .338 Win Mag. But, you already have most bases covered with the current calibers you own.

I'm still trying to figure out why you would want to waste money on a .308 if you already have a 30-06. That's like shooting a deer with a .38 when you've got a .357 on you.

"That's like wipin' before you poop, it don't make no sense."

.25-06 would be my choice

Overall, 30-06 is better. 308 would be a better pick if you're building an ultralight mountain rifle, in which a few ounces makes a difference.
You also might want to use the rifle for deer instead of dear: the latter would be tragic

lol, 308. nuff said.=}

Hi,
I work on the basis of the right tool for the job. Too many people grab a calibre because they "like" it. Long range - deer - antelope = flat shooting, medium terminal energy = 25-06