243 & 308 users

[af_newbie]

I have T3 in 308 and I was wondering how does 243 compare with
308 for hunting in Ontario.

Hunting to 300 yards, coyotes, deer, maybe moose.

Is the recoil noticably lighter in 243?

 

[maynard]

I would have to say the .243 is a little light for moose. I am sure someone will jump all over this comment and tell us all stories about a world record moose killed with a .22lr. Stick with the .308 and if the recoil is too much get some more trigger time.

 

[JoeP's old business account]

The 243 has always been a bit of a controversal round for big game. I've used it on a limited basis for deer and at closer ranges 100yds and never had a problem. Myself I would never recommend it for moose particularily at 200-300 yds. In the hands of a skilled shooter it will work but no one is perfect and mistakes can be made.

If you do limited coyote hunting, I'd stick with the 308 in this case.

 

[StoneHorse]

The .243 Win is my favorite cartridge. The .243 is an excellent and accurate round for anything up to and including deer. I would leave the .243 at home if your intended game is a moose. IMHO.

 

[Slimbo]

I have shot a few deer and one elk with the 243 winchester. Its a great cartridge, but it does tend to ruin a bit of meat. For larger game I would suggest either a head shot, or a 308. You will ruin a bit less meat and not have to worry about making the head shot.

 

[Leeper]

The 243 does not compare with the 308. The 308 is a big game cartridge; the 243 a varmint round. My opinion. Regards, Bill.

 

[LeePeterson]

Get a 270win or wsm for Southern Ontario.

 

[mdbuckle]

I got my moose this year with a .243...if that means anything...

 

[yupper]

Hello,

I have taken muskox and moose with a .243 but I live in the Arctic and smaller calibers, short open ranges (usually), and head/neck shots are the norm when hunting.

In S Ont, a larger caliber is probably best. If you are a new shooter, recoil may be a consideration, but dirt/range time will make you more comfortable with recoil and improve your shooting/handleing of the firearm.

IMHO.

Lou

 

[Goose25]

if the recoil is too much get some more trigger time.

and a limbsaver recoil pad... has worked wonders on my T3 (30-06) and Stevens 200 (7mmRM)!!!

 

[sunray]

The .243 is too light for moose for most shooters and depending on the bullet. It's dandy for up to deer. Where you hunt in Southern Ontario is important too. Most of southwestern Ontario is the silly calibre restriction area. Nothing larger than .275.
"...recoil noticably lighter..." Yep. However, you'll only notice the felt recoil when shooting on a range.
"...tend to ruin a bit of meat..." Change bullets. No light varmint bullets.