Another data point for the .243 Win on deer debate
01-24-2012, 04:30 PM
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Location:
Posts: 585
Another data point for the .243 Win on deer debate
Over the years, I've read multiple debates regarding the use of a .243 win on deer and similar sized game. I bought my son a single shot .243 for his first rifle. After seeing him take a deer with it, I was sold on its take down power and bought a Rem 700 mountain rifle in .243 for myself as a coyote / deer rifle. It has quickly become my go to deer rifle and I've taken several deer with it never exceeding 150 yards and have never had to track. This past season, I harvested a buck with it at 280 yards (rangefinder confirmed) using 100gr Remington corelockts. This experience has removed all doubt for me. The 243 is a great deer rifle. I'll leave the .300 WSM for Elk / Mulies out West.
01-24-2012, 06:23 PM
#5
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 36
Beautiful buck 
I'm a new hunter and new to firearms in general. This was my first hunting season, but before I hunted, I shot several different rifles. I was most comfortable with the .243. Quite honestly, I'm a small gal and the larger rifles intimidated me a bit. I shot them all, but I felt the most confident with the .243. I went to the range several times over the summer, and I certainly don't mean to toot my own horn, but I had consistent and accurate shots in various positions and distances.
I harvested my very first deer (a doe fawn ) this fall with the .243 at 225yards (according to the range finder). It was a heart and lung shot, she jumped in the air, ran about 15 yards and laid down.
I'm a new hunter and new to firearms in general. This was my first hunting season, but before I hunted, I shot several different rifles. I was most comfortable with the .243. Quite honestly, I'm a small gal and the larger rifles intimidated me a bit. I shot them all, but I felt the most confident with the .243. I went to the range several times over the summer, and I certainly don't mean to toot my own horn, but I had consistent and accurate shots in various positions and distances.
I harvested my very first deer (a doe fawn
) this fall with the .243 at 225yards (according to the range finder). It was a heart and lung shot, she jumped in the air, ran about 15 yards and laid down.
01-24-2012, 06:32 PM
#6
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,425
As I've said before (I'll bet some are tired of hearing it)...I bought a Ruger Model 77 in .243 in 1980 it has been the only centerfire rifle I have owned since then...With it I have killed in excess of 300 deer, 6 bears and a slew of varmints...It works...
I also have 2 brothers who have been through several calibers over the same time period...They use to give me heck about using a .243...Haven't heard a thing in over a decade...
I also have 2 brothers who have been through several calibers over the same time period...They use to give me heck about using a .243...Haven't heard a thing in over a decade...
01-24-2012, 06:56 PM
#7
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
The .243 is more than sufficient for antelope and deer sized game on down through varmints. Just don't start arguing that it's also an elk cartridge like some are in a thread that's had over 130 posts on another site I visit!
