How about the .243?

**Matt-J2** · 12-13-11, 22:59

I did a few searches on here, and it doesn't seem to come up often, so I figured I'd start a thread.
I'm looking at getting a decent bolt-action I can shoot for a while, learn what I want, then modify to suit my needs. First choice is a Rem. 700 SPS of some flavor, and I've been thinking about a .243.
Uses would be mainly for mid-long range target shooting, and some hunting(smaller game like coyotes, with largest being whitetails). I currently only regularly have access to a 600yd range, with potentially out to 1k on rare occasions if I can get permissions from landowners. Long term, I'd like to enter one of the long range practical comps like the Steel Safari.
So, I know .308 wins in popularity here, but any thoughts on the .243 for my purposes? If it matters, I do handload so ammo availability isn't a concern.
Thanks for any pointers.

**ICANHITHIMMAN** · 12-13-11, 23:53

If you handload than why the hell not. Alot of great hugh BC 6mm bullets out there. I say go for it and dont look back. There is a real hot looking 243AI for sale on longrangehunting fourm right now just wish I had some cash.

I think the 105g AMAX will suit all your needs well.

**anthony1** · 12-14-11, 03:34

243 is a good caliber, easy to shoot, good bullet selection,can be a barrel burner but if your flying through barrels your ammo cost will make a 2-3 hundo barrel change seem cheap.

If your mainly gonna shoot 600 and under you might consider a 223. With the right bullet it will drop a whitetail and Its about half the cost of any other centerfire round to shoot. I can reload match grade 223 for around .25, most all my other calibers are .50 or more.

**ICANHITHIMMAN** · 12-14-11, 10:38

Originally Posted by anthony1

243 is a good caliber, easy to shoot, good bullet selection,can be a barrel burner but if your flying through barrels your ammo cost will make a 2-3 hundo barrel change seem cheap.

If your mainly gonna shoot 600 and under you might consider a 223. With the right bullet it will drop a whitetail and Its about half the cost of any other centerfire round to shoot. I can reload match grade 223 for around .25, most all my other calibers are .50 or more.

With absolute perfect shot placement, I would not use a 223 on a deer at more than 200 yards unless I was planing to shoot again. With my bullet of choice the 70g tsx at 2700fps it only generates 1132 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. You are going to punch a hole sure but thats not enough for expansion.

243 is also no a barrel burner. Sure if you shoot fast and let your rifle heat up its going to eat away your throat faster. Which only means one thing, you will have to adjust your handload or maybe swith to a more forgiving bullet.

**Grizzly16** · 12-14-11, 10:50

I'd rather go with .308 for long range shots and hunting. THe .243 is a nice little cartridge but unless you are recoil sensitive I can't think of what it does better than a .308 or 30-06 for deer hunting.

**Mr blasty** · 12-14-11, 13:03

Originally Posted by anthony1

can be a barrel burner but if your flying through barrels your ammo cost will make a 2-3 hundo barrel change seem cheap.

Could you be thinking of 243 AI instead? Thats a barrel burner.

**jwfuhrman** · 12-14-11, 14:07

http://www.6mmbr.com/243Win.html

**ICANHITHIMMAN** · 12-14-11, 15:35

Originally Posted by Mr blasty

Could you be thinking of 243 AI instead? Thats a barrel burner.

AI improvements only give at most 100fps gain. Barrels "burn out" cause guys let them heat up.

**Noodle** · 12-14-11, 17:18

My son has a .243 Mossberg. He took down his first deer this season with it. Created a massive wound at around 30 yards. We hunt deer in the deeper woods of Vermont so the .243 does the trick. Longer range shots probably call for a bigger caliber.