I asked an old friend about .243...

[StPatrick]

Because I'm really interested in 6.8 SPC. Since the two rounds behave nearly identically in terms of energy and velocity (though .243 is generally a 100gr while 6.8 is 115gr) at 200 yards, I was hoping he had some input. Well, he sure had some of that. For the sake of background, he owns a decent-sized spread in northern middle Wisconsin - it's very very very flat. He is also a very serious amateur marksman, so combined with our past history, I believe every word he says.

/Interesting, but not associated: he has spent his entire professional career, when not teaching classes, living with and speaking with the Canada goose. Too bad he didn't learn to speak 'yote.

Here's his thoughts on .243:

XXXXXXX,

What a pleasant surprise to hear from you. As to .243, I've killed over 190 whitetail and mule deer and antelope with mine, and lost only 2. I highly recommend it be used only with 100 grain spire point boat tail bullets, if you reload, or if you can find them prepackaged. Any 100 grain non hollow point will kill cleanly and quickly if placed in the chest cavity. I've used mine out to 575 yards with known hand loads. They still kill, but I only do that if it is a last day, last chance to fill the license issue. On large deer they may not exit, so there is little blood to follow but again they rarely go more than 50-125 yards at worst. In moderately open country I usually watch them fall. I've seen the same loads kill elk, though I think a bit light for that.

It was an interesting read for me; I really like the idea of the 6.8 SPC, but it seems like ammo is only available in FMJ or Sierra MatchKing, which is HPBT.

So: it appears .243 is perfectly acceptable for deer well inside the ranges hunters would encounter in TN, but 6.8 may not be until more bullet offerings are available (though with the shorter ranges since nuttin is flat around here, that may be moot). With the increasing popularity of the AR platform, I would not be surprised if that ended up being the case.

Has anybody had good experience with .243 and/ or 6.8 for deer that could provide reinforcement?

[whiskey]

I am mostly a bow hunter, but when I need a rifle I use a .243 for deer, as does my daughter. I haven't killed anywhere near 190, but the ones I have shot are all dead. As with any caliber on the small end of acceptable, shot placement is critical. The reason most people recommend larger calibers is due to the larger margin of error they offer. Don't let anyone tell you that a .243 is too small for deer. I wouldn't recommend it for most deer hunters that don't practice near enough or give enough concern to excellent shot placement.

[Guest 308Phantom]

The 6.8 is more than adequate for deer. With the sierra pro hunter loads or preferably the barnes bullet loads that are commercially available, either will do the job. I have had nothing but good luck with mine on everything from deer to hogs.

[ShaunM]

haven't used the 6.8 but I would shoot a deer with it. Hell I shoot deer with my 223 without any problems.

[KahrMan]

Both my cousin and my daughter use a 243. It is a great deer round.

[Guest Billetproof]

I've seen plenty of deer put down with a 243, it is a great round. Wanting to stick with your AR, the 6.8 is another very good cartridge or look into the 6.5 Grendal!