.243 in big game

[sunray]

"...got drawn for a big game tag..." Long time waiting to get that?
"...don't want to buy a new gun just for one hunt..." Understandable. You don't want an insufficient calibre either.
The .243 the biggest you have? No "tactical" rifle in .308? Not that there is such a thing as a 'tactical' rifle.
Bullwinkle can go over 1,000 lbs. The .243 is too light for moose at 300. Not enough energy left for a reliable kill. For example, a Remington 100 grain Premier® Core-Lokt® Ultra only has 1120 ft-lbs of energy at 300.

 

[kayaker1]

...I would not choose a VLD either for a marginal calibre, rather a TSX but I think .243 is wat to small personally.

 

[kevguy]

I find this thread very appropriate to have a question mark connected to it. That is exactly what the 243 is ecspecially for the larger of the north american deer species. You don't have sectional density

I have shot 2 deer this year with a .30-06. This caliber works well for deer and moose. I would not use .243 on moose.

 

[niftyfifty]

ok enough with the comical side notes. I'm not a big game hunter by any means, and yes I can shoot shot placement will be fine. I got drawn for a big game tag with a friend and don't really want to buy a new gun just for a one time hunt. most of my guns are varmint & tactical, hence why I asked if anyone has used the .243 round. back in the day when I used to hunt most of my deer were all taken under 80yrds so getting close to the animal will be very important to me. I asked the 250/300yd question because I wanted to know if it would have the stopping power at that range. predators & varmints this is not an issue. If I was to use the .243 for this hunt I would want the best bullet I could get for the hunt.

If this is an issue I can always use a buddies rifle in 270 or 30-06 I just hate borrowing guns. and I don't want to buy a new gun just for one hunt.

I almost hate to see these on any forum, be it gun,car whatever. because the OP has already made up his mind and comes to the forum for justification on what he knows is slight. I wouldn't waste your time fellows