243 win Rifles

[LI0NSFAN]

I have another post up about what long range rifle to get, this round keeps coming up. I have shot a lot of other rounds but never shot this one. I was wondering what the pros/cons are to this round. I would need it for a 300yd ridge to ridge shot. Will a 243 make that shot(provided I can) and still have enough take down power. I have read things on it and it look like it will but I would like to know from someone who has shot it. Question 2: what would be a good bolt action rifle with irons that comes in this round.

[gregintenn]

Answer #1: Yes.

Answer #2: Model 70 Winchester.

[TnShooter83]

Yes, It will have enough energy to take deer at 300 yards.

Pros are that it shoots flat and recoil is minimal.

Cons are it's a light(er) bullet and carries less energy down range.

So if you plan to shoot Moose/Elk etc. your 300 yard gun is now 150 yard gun and shot placement is even more critical.

The 7mm-08 is in between the 243-308 and would be good round to look at if you haven't yet.

I agree the Winchester 70 or a Remington 700 BDL would be a fine choice.

[StPatrick]

I actually asked an old professor of mine about this years ago, and he responded that .243 was his favorite deer cartridge. He is a serious hunter and amateur ballistician, so his opinion carried some weight with me. He loved the round inside 400 yards, but had used it farther, though admitted that unless one was absolutely confident in shot placement, that was not a good and ethical practice. Doc told me that he only took shots beyond 400 yards if it was late in season and he was trying to fill a tag (deer only, but the deer up in the WI wilderness where he farms are pretty beefy compared to TN), preferring to get closer if possible. He did take several elk with the cartridge, but those were at much shorter ranges. His late wife used to take turkey with a .243 (legal up there in the middle of nowhere, at least when she was still around) by shooting in front of the bird and letting the bullet fragments jump up and make the kill - that's neither here nor there, but I thought it was kinda neat.

[peejman]

1. As with anything, shot placement is key. Stick with larger bullets, 95gr or larger.

2. Finding one with factory installed iron sights is tough these days. Easy enough to have them added, and you'll likely get better sights that way.