First medium game rifle: .243?

domyalex

domyalex

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Maple Ridge, BC
Hello folks,

I'm planning on getting my first rifle for medium game; it will be used primarily for black tail deer and black bear, but it could double for mountain goat, elk and maybe varmint/predators.

It will be used mainly in BC coastal mountains, so hiking up and down is pretty much guaranteed.

I'm 5'9" and 150lbs, so low recoil, low rifle weights (in addition to backpack et al) and ammo availability are the primary concerns.

I will probably start into hand loading, but at least in the beginning I'd like to be able to just get of the shelf ammo without paying exorbitant prices.

Given all of the above, would .243 be a good choice?

Yeah, I know, proper bullets and shot placement...

The other option is .308, but somehow I suspect the .243 will be more enjoyable to practice with and therefore more trigger time will be devoted. On the other hand, I don't want to be second guessing the bullet performance when I'm 50 yds from a blackie.

Thanks
 
I agree with a 308 for reasons of ammo availability, versatility, and range. You didn't say action type, but a Rem model 7 or similar should serve your needs. A 7mm08 is another consideration.
 
well I really like the 25-06 as my intermediate rifle.

My main go to rifles are 22-250 for small critters, 25-06 for medium critters and 300WM for bigger critters.

but your looking for something light so the longer action of the 25-06 might not work.

and if your not going to handload ammo that limits you to the more popular cartridges, no 257 Roberts or 7-08.

might have to go with the 6.5x55
 
With black bear as a primary target and elk as a possible target and factory ammo a must, I would say 243 win is an absolute no. If you must use factory ammo and you want the versatility you mentioned with factory loaded ammo, you are best off with 308 Win. Put a good aftermarket recoil pad on it and shoot it till you are used to the recoil.

Jim
 
No mention of 30-06 for an all round shooter?
ammo is readily availible in a variety of loads. Pick your load for what you'll be shooting at and off you go.
 
The good 'ole .270 will do all you can think you may want to do with your gun. I use it for all the game you mentioned, including varmints . 100 grains do a marvelous job at 3200 FPS..
 
I'd get that 243. Practice till you can shoot it blindfolded and go hunting. Seen many a huge elk taken with a 243. In fact I ate some of ones.tasty bits just a couple of days ago.
 
domyalex said:
Not really very cheap (for non realoaders)...

Action will be bolt, specific rifle still undecided, but shooting for something ~6.5 lbs (ie no Vanguards or CZs).
Click to expand...

The difference in recoil between the .308 and .243 would be minimal, if noticeable at all. A .308 in a Tikka T3 Lite, with a fixed 4x would more than get the job done. Plus it would come in right about the weight specified, wouldn't be too hard on the ole wallet, both for rilfe and ammo!

R.
 
I would give serious consideration to a 6.5x55 -- 95 Mauser from Tradeexcanada - without spending a fortune you would have a great rifle albeit used. --- John303.
 
.243 will do ya just dandy. Practice and practice and practice, same as with any cartridge. One of the guys who influenced my rifle choice is in his 80s and has used one for everything from grouse to grizzlies. I have a 30-06 that I'll choose over my .243 for moose or bear, but I wouldn't feel inadequate with the "lady's gun."
 
I chose 7mm-08's for both my sons, a close to ideal one-cartridge low recoil solution to the game that you seek. I do own and use a .243, and for me it is an adequate minimum, but not comfortably reliable black bear and elk rifle. Other options better than the .243 are 25-06, .260 rem, 6.5x55, .308, 7x57, .257 Roberts and the .270 with mid and heavy weight bullets. The .243 is a wonderful dual purpose deer and varmint round, but I just don't have confidence in it for elk, goats and bear. One caveat - judging from others posts (but not my personal experience) the .243 85 gr. TSX bullet by Barnes seems to make the .243 punch above it's weight. But you specified ammo availability and price, and you can't have it all...
 
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