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-   -   Which Rifle (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/whitetail-deer-hunting/300097-rifle.html)

A11en 08-09-2009 04:23 PM

Which Rifle
 
In October, I'll be hunting some private land (16,000 acres) in the south east that holds bucks in the 125 - 135 class with some reaching 140+. Average shot will be 100 yards with the potential for 200 - 300 yard shots very possible.

My question is, if you had a .243 Win and a .300 WSM, which rifle would you choose? Both are model 700s and both are topped with Zeiss 4.5x14x44 scopes. I'm equally proficient with these rifles out to 300 yards. I've killed a bunch of deer with the .300 WSM and a few with the .243 which I just bought last year. I really want to shoot a big buck with the .243, I just don't have much experience with the .243 and big bucks. Will it get the job done or would you stick with the .300 WSM. All the deer I've shot with the .243 have been bang flops with the longest shot being 130 yards.

Which rifle would you bring?:confused0024:

hossdaniels 08-09-2009 04:44 PM

243 is plenty to 400.

Sheridan 08-09-2009 05:27 PM

+ 1 for your .243

elgallo114 08-09-2009 10:09 PM

This may sound stupid, but I always bring two or three rifles. I don't choose until I get there. Then I just go on gut feeling.

Either one will do fine.

A11en 08-09-2009 10:24 PM


Originally Posted by elgallo114 (Post 3403994)
This may sound stupid, but I always bring two or three rifles. I don't choose until I get there. Then I just go on gut feeling.

Either one will do fine.

Kind of like walking up to to the tee box on a par 3 that is 165 yards up hill in high wind??? Bring your 7 and your 6 iron and make the decison there.... I get that

Based on the first three responses, I think I'll take the .243

Anthony T. 08-09-2009 10:25 PM

If I wasnt a great shot I Would prolly go with the 300 but since you can shoot both well then definetly the 243. It will do its part for sure. Ive also had more drop dedders with my 6mm than with my 7mm saum. Never have figured that one out. I might would take both of them along and use the 300 over fields and carry the 243 in thw woods but thats just me.

whitetaildreamer 08-09-2009 11:20 PM

I'd use the rifle I would feel most comfortable with. If you are looking at harvesting a deer with a rifle that you have yet to take a deer with then it is simply a personal choice. I do have my favorite rifle I hunt with but I always take a second rifle with me just in case there is a problem with the first or if the hunting location requires a different cal. For example, for the most part I use a 7 mm mag (mostly looking cross and or down long tree lines of 300 yard plus) but at times due to sign and or conditions I may go into the ravines where the woods are fairly thick. For this option I will take my 30-30 Marlin. Cal. isn't near as important as good shot placement so just make sure that you have a good comfort level and practice with which ever gun you choose. Proficiency equals success.

A11en 08-09-2009 11:50 PM


Originally Posted by Anthony T. (Post 3403996)
Ive also had more drop dedders with my 6mm than with my 7mm saum. Never have figured that one out.

I have a theory on this. The mags tend to blow right through deer size game and I don't transfer all their energy to the animal. A standard caliber delivers more energy to the animal as it moves slower and in some cases not completly through the animal.

Every deer I've shot with a 12ga slug or my 44 mag have always dropped on the spot. I've had two deer run 50 yards after being hit with the .300 WSM. Although I use Nosler Accubond, which is more an elk bullet than deer.

I bought the .243 as my primary deer gun. With the 90gr Scirroco's it has the identical trajectory as the 180gr Accubonds I shoot out of my .300 WSM so I never have to think about the different point of impact when I switch rifles.

bugsNbows 08-10-2009 03:04 AM

Use whatever shoots and feels the best. The deer will still be dead.:happy0001:

timbercruiser 08-10-2009 04:02 AM

I would go with the 243 and top it with the best SCOPE you can afford.


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