I personally feel that what the .243 lacks in bullet weight compared to the 30-30 it makes up in velocity. And with the right bullet velocity can be very effective. Big heavy bullets don't impress me much. I hunt with muzzle loaders and shotguns mostly because centerfires are not legal in my area. A .243 with a light fast bullet is much more effective on game than a brenneke full bore 600 grn slug is.

I'm curious as to what some think a 30-30 will accomplish at close distances that a .243 won't that would pick it instead? If it's more effective up close it should be more effective farther out as well, you would just have to aim a bit higher is all.

Paul

Folks are likely to say "the lever actions are light, small and handy in the brush..." Those folks have probably never seen a Model 7.

I would opt for the 243. Most of the rifle brands out there will do well for you so just go out and see which one you like best. I happen to like Savage.
Get you a nice clear scope and you will be ready to go.

If I had to choose one of the two,it would be the 243 win,however the 7mm-08 is superior to both as a deer cartridge.

deffinatly .243. I dropped 3 of my 4 deer with it!

I agree - go with the .243. I have both (.243 & .30-30). The .243 is a great deer and varmit rifle. It has more energy and shoots flatter than the .30-30. Three years ago, I bought my son a H&R .243 Handi Rifle with an inexpensive scope The whole thing cost only $300. I enjoyed shooting it so much, I bought a Remington 700 SS Mountainrifle in .243 for my deer/ antelope rifle. Now my .300 WSM only comes out of the safe for Elk and Muley hunts.

Here with all the old cuttings growing up means alot of brush to shoot threw. The heavier lead will go straight threw without much veering off. The lighter quicker bullets appear to veer of course when shooting threw this stuff. With the .243 being lighter gives it a flatter shot alonger ranges unlike the arck of the 30-30.. Yeah you can shoot higher and hope you do not over shoot it or hit it to low and have to hunt for it for a few days.So longer and more openshots is .243 for me. But the thick brush and closer shots I will take the 30-30 snyday..

Smaller yes lighter no! In fact some 30-30s are heavier than most think they are. But shorter helps out alot when bring the rifle up and swing it on your target..

I've read that this is just a myth.

I agree with you whole heartetly.
I built three rifles in gunsmithing school, 2 Mausers,
and one an older savage model 110 in 308 caliber.
The way the barrel is put on the receiver makes it Very Very Accurate.

JMHO

I don't agree with shooting through brush either. Normally the term brush gun means that the gun is short, light and balanced well so it is easier to carry and maneuver in brushy areas. Most do not advise shooting any bullet through brush or foliage. And you could also get harder cast bullet for the .243 that would probably perform just as well when shooting through stuff, but they wouldn't perform as well on the game.

This is one of those things that boils done to opinion though and we could discuss it forever. It's easier to just concede that some believe one thing and others believe something else. Neither may be right or wrong.

Paul