243 for deer

I take exception to the argument that a larger, more powerful cartridge some how makes up for poor shot placement. I've seen many, many people with 30+ calibre magnums make piss poor shots on stationary targets only 100 yards out, on a range, with their rifles bench rested. I have no idea how well these people shoot under field conditions at game animals. The "I can reach out, touch them far and hit them hard" argument falls flat if you can not aim and hit your target properly. Use whatever calibre YOU are comfortable and capable of handling. If that is a magnum, then so be it.

Back on topic. The original post asked if the .243 Win was suitable for whitetail deer. The short, short answer is yes. See post #4.
 
Experienced hunters know that 99% of all cartridge debate (including the majority of this thread) is just mental masturbation. I would MUCH rather use an 85gr TSX on a huge, "fleeting" Alberta deer (and I have, several times) than some 150gr SP clearance ammo from a .300 Mag. I can tell you right now that the 85gr TSX will penetrate stem to stern on a big deer, and I doubt you could say that the 150gr SP will consistently do the same. It is true that shot placement is the #1 key to clean kills, but that is a function of the rifleman, not the rifle. Number 2 in line, however, is BULLET CONSTRUCTION (and performance). Somewhere far down the list is which headstamp happens to be on the cartridge.
 
Dogleg said:
I take exception to the argument that a small gun is going to make a poor shot into a good shot.:p
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It will if you don't close your eyes and flinch every time you pull the trigger on a magnum :rolleyes:. A magnum does you no good if you can't hit what you are aiming at. But if a using a 30+ calibre magnum on whitetail deer is what give you confidence, then be my guest.

This thread was about the .243 Win on whitetails.

I have a suggestion, why don't you start a thread such as "Is the .300 Winchester Magnum enough gun for whitetail deer?"
:p

I'm done with this thread.
:wave:
 
Out of 10 guys in deer camp one year (2003 I believe) I was the only guy NOT carying a .243win, I had a .308.win

243 is not marginal or too light, its a fine whitetail round. Those that think otherwise likely have never used one and I'll bet in some cases likely never shot a deer either. This is the internet you know.
 
farshot said:
ok to answer the OP - No, a .243 is not suitable for whitetail deer. It is marginal at best.
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In the reply you posted approx 3 hours prior to this reply you said the "243 is fine". Now you say it is "not suitable" and "is marginal at best".

You have covered all the bases:
Yes it is
No it isn't
Sort of

Answers reminiscent of a Politician? :rolleyes:
 
This is a stupid, moronic and childish pissing contest. I can't believe we can't agree on such a simple question that boils down to sufficient energy and projectile choice.
Opinions aside...
 
Anyone who states that the .243 is not a suitable caliber for hunting whitetails is a fool. I have harvested over 20 deer (Whitetails and Mule Deer) with my .243 on shots ranging from 18-400 yards. Most of the deer that are unfortunate enough to be hit by one of my .243 bullets only go a few yards with many of them dropping in their tracks. You cannot convince me that the .243 is anything other than the perfect deer cartridge.

Farshot, the OP was asking for info on the .243 of which you obviously have no experience with. I think most on this thread would agree that the only thing that is "marginal at best" is your advice on this topic.
 
a buddy of mine has hunted deer with me for over 25 years. he used only a .243 and took a deer opening day every year. guess i better tell him that he needs a new gun as deer are different this coming season and his gun is "marginal".....wonder how he will take the news...lol...lol
 
My opinion - dont like it, too bad. I can have one like anyone else. Does not make yours gospel either.

Calling someone a fool for not agreeing with you is just silly.
 
A vote for the 243 here; been there, done that, worked great. Maybe not for larger game; moose , elk, bears, trot out the uber-magnums. On the prairies where there is no bigger game I can understand wanting to shoot further( I don't agree with 400 yd game shots; I think it maximizes kill rate and minimizes hunting skill req'd...but thats my opinion), but it's a deer for Christ's sake. If you are planning on eating it why shoot it with something that makes it explode in a cloud of hair and blood.
When I am too old , out of shape and short sighted to hunt with-out the aid of a uber-magnum that can kill at ranges " further than sound can travel in 3 sec's"; I'll give my guns away.
 
1899 said:
No, it is not enough. You need to step up to a 6mm Rem, or even better a .250 Savage.

:)
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You are kidding right? I really hope thats what the smiley guy was about...
Because saying a 6mm is in another class is like saying a 303 savage is better than a 30-30
Looks like pretty much the same thing to me; different shoulder. Maybe slightly better but not worth arguing about for sure.
Bench racing is kind of mindless mental mastrabation anyhow
 
tokguy said:
You are kidding right? I really hope thats what the smiley guy was about...
Because saying a 6mm is in another class is like saying a 303 savage is better than a 30-30
Looks like pretty much the same thing to me; different shoulder. Maybe slightly better but not worth arguing about for sure.
Bench racing is kind of mindless mental mastrabation anyhow
Click to expand...

Yes, that's what the smiley was about...

And the .303 Savage is the same as the .30-30 but the .30 Remington...now we are talking about a very different kettle of fish!
 
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