.243 for moose?

I always find it interesting how people figure one cartridge is better or worse then the other based on the huge size difference of the bullet. What's the size difference between a 6mm hole and a 7mm hole? Or the difference between a 6mm and a 6.5mm? If using a bullet like a Barnes X from a .243 Winchester, and the same out of a 7mm Remington magnum, and both shots go through the lungs, will one be any deader then the other?
 
My old hunting partner shot a lot of moose over the years with a .243 and only had to track down one to administer the coup.
An old indian up in northern BC used to bring home his moose every year with 22 long rifle. I don't think I 'd go to that extreme but have no problem with a .243
 
it will do the do the job certainly , but think if its a further shot and with lots of wind, would you want something bigger.
 
pharaoh2 said:
I always find it interesting how people figure one cartridge is better or worse then the other based on the huge size difference of the bullet. What's the size difference between a 6mm hole and a 7mm hole? Or the difference between a 6mm and a 6.5mm? If using a bullet like a Barnes X from a .243 Winchester, and the same out of a 7mm Remington magnum, and both shots go through the lungs, will one be any deader then the other?
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moose developed immunities to conventional calibres recently , so youre powerless unless you have an ultra mega super mag!
 
phreddy said:
An old indian up in northern BC used to bring home his moose every year with 22 long rifle.
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Ah yes, the old Indian who shoots moose with a .22 long rifle. This old Indian is very well known: at least 20 people on every hunting forum in North America are familiar with him. His fame is second only to the old Indian lady that shot a grizzly with a .22 long rifle.
 
pharaoh2 said:
I always find it interesting how people figure one cartridge is better or worse then the other based on the huge size difference of the bullet. What's the size difference between a 6mm hole and a 7mm hole? Or the difference between a 6mm and a 6.5mm? If using a bullet like a Barnes X from a .243 Winchester, and the same out of a 7mm Remington magnum, and both shots go through the lungs, will one be any deader then the other?
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Frontal energy, that's the difference. I don't personally get into the debate as to one cartridge versus the other, I couldn't careless what anyone else does. But I will say this, everything that I've hit with my .338WM, from WT does to Yukon moose and AB elk drops with absolute authority and no chasing. Bottom line is bang flops vs. chasing blood trails with a flashlight.
 
weldboss@hotmail.com said:
What is with all these people saying they wouldn't use a .243 on moose.

SCENARIO: Your rifle has broken a firing pin spring. A buddy in camp brought a .243 as a spare. It is the only extra rifle in camp. Are you people saying you would quit the hunt and go home?
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I always take 2 rifles to camp, and would not rely on someone else to cover my ass...
 
My main question on this thread is, why would anyone intentionally go hunting for moose with a cartridge that was only suitable for broadside heart/lung shots?

My time and hunting seasons are too valuable for me to waste, hoping that maybe I'll get a perfect shot.

I will ALWAYS choose a round that offers me the highest chance of bringing home a moose, every time. If that 1200 lbs bull only gives me a frontal or quartering shot, guess what, I'm taking it...If he is heading for water and I have to break shoulders, guess what, I will. Only because I will never be carrying a .243...:)
 
H 4831 asked "Where in northern BC did this occur?'

Smithers. His ranch was 5 miles south of town. He was one of the guys that helped build the first school there. Allister McMillan

He also canned a lot of salmon from the river running through the property (3/4 section)
 
the .243 would kill the moose no question but why not step up to the 7mm-08 or .308 with 140 / 150 gr bullets - these are good moose cartridges and are often available in a youth model rifle. Great starter caliber for any hunter and may never grow out of it unless they get magnum fever.
 
blargon said:
My main question on this thread is, why would anyone intentionally go hunting for moose with a cartridge that was only suitable for broadside heart/lung shots?

My time and hunting seasons are too valuable for me to waste, hoping that maybe I'll get a perfect shot.

I will ALWAYS choose a round that offers me the highest chance of bringing home a moose, every time. If that 1200 lbs bull only gives me a frontal or quartering shot, guess what, I'm taking it...If he is heading for water and I have to break shoulders, guess what, I will. Only because I will never be carrying a .243...:)
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Exactly! I want a cartridge that will work when things go wrong not a cartridge that will only work when everything is absolutely right.
 
weldboss@hotmail.com said:
SCENARIO: Your rifle has broken a firing pin spring. A buddy in camp brought a .243 as a spare. It is the only extra rifle in camp. Are you people saying you would quit the hunt and go home?
Click to expand...

Oddly enough, no one has replied to your question and this is exactly what I brought up in my original post. Great Post.

So, most of you people in this situation would give up your hunt??

Fish
 
A lot of people suggested a 6.5x55 and I'd really love to have a rifle in that caliber...unfortunately the rifle combo I'm looking at doesn't come in that caliber. It does come with a .243 (hence this whole thread) or .22LR.

Could these be easily converted to accept 6.5x55 bullets? I'm not sure what is involved.

Cheers,

Fish
 
Hi,
I wouldn't worry about using the 243 with a 80-100 grain bullet. Moose die pretty easy, it's the falling over part they forget about. Just shoot them in neck or heart and don't move. We've had them walk back towards us sometimes. Do not head or shoulder shoot them. Get the girls(boy) to do lots of shooting to be comfortable. I wouldn't let them do the shooting if they aren't consistantly hitting the target. Calm well placed shots are a must. If you get convinced to get a larger caliber, get the 7m-08. Less recoil and just as accurate.
Rick
 
The old 6.5x55 or even better the 7x57 Mauser cartridge is as light as I would go when moose hunting.
As others have said I want a caliber that works when everything goes wrong, not only if everything goes right.
YMMV of course.
Eric
 
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