243 win vs 270 win

James1873

James1873

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for deer hunting what would be your pick? 243 or 270? Reason being, my buddy wanted my 30-06, and didn’t have cash so offered me a 270. Was planning on using my 243 for deer, but I like a 270 also. I’m not invested in ammo yet for either, so I figure I’d pick one and sell the other. Rifles on the chopping block are a Henry long ranger 243, or browning a bolt 270. I don’t plan on hunting anything larger then deer anytime soon, as I’m a novice hunter. I am a decent shot with either rifle, about 1 inch at 100 yards. Does it really matter to the caliber? Or more the rifle itself you think? Thanks
 
Unless you have recoil intolerance the 270 is the better rifle.

For the question....which is the best rifle for the recoil sensitive, woman, child= 243

For the question ....which is the best low recoil deer caliber = 270.

IMO, if you are looking for a one rifle does all....pick one...270..7mag, 30-06, 300wm.
 
As I see it these are two completely different animals. Hard to compare. Both are spectacular, in my opinion, on deer, but deer are not hard to kill with any legal centerfire rifle calibre ( usually 243 Win or larger). To me it comes down to application over calibre. The 243 Win is a good 400 yard or in calibre in the hands of a very good marksman. Average shooter probably should stick to under 300 yards maybe even 250. The 270 Win is the quintessential "western cartridge" and is great for the one gun hunter in my humble opinion. You get a bit more range from this calibre as well. Used in the right circumstance I don't think either would let you down, just make sure the range and skills are in line with the calibr and range you will be shooting at. ( I am a western hunter so ranges here can be longer than normal and my personal 243 Win limit is 400 yards despite being a very experienced shooter/hunter, I have a 7mm RM and 300 Wbee for long range) That you use the right bullet (this is the most important part really although deer are not tough and cup and core bullets work fine) and make sure you put the bullet in the right spot. Result ... dead deer! Good luck and enjoy shopping for whatever rifle you want!
 
I own a .243 that I use for deer and coyotes. The .243 is more than enough for deer, but in my opinion bullet selection is a lot more important. As long as you're willing to use premium bullets on deer you won't have any problems.
 
The .243 is enough. The .270 is more than enough. Although you say you that as a novice you "don’t plan on hunting anything larger then deer anytime soon" that will probably change sooner than you think. So keep the .243 and you'll have an excuse to buy another gun when you want to hunt moose or elk.
 
270 is the better choice out of the two for hunting. Heavier weight, faster, extended range, still fairly moderate recoil. When time comes you can move up to 150-180gr bullets for larger game if needed. Its a all-around cartridge that will do almost anything required of it. I myself would go directly to 30-06.
 
Ok thanks guys. I don’t mind recoil, I had a 300 wm. Handled it alright. I just find I shoot more accurately with less recoil. Only shot two deer in my life, both were with a 30-30. Just wanted something with a bit more range. 300 yards is probably my max range. Any farther I’ll tey to get closer or let it go.
 
I'd pick the 270 over the 243 for heavier bullets but both are fine deer rifle chamberings.

Also, many of those old A-Bolts are fine shooters. The mag system is a bit tedious but not a deal breaker.
 
James1873 said:
Ok thanks guys. I don’t mind recoil, I had a 300 wm. Handled it alright. I just find I shoot more accurately with less recoil. Only shot two deer in my life, both were with a 30-30. Just wanted something with a bit more range. 300 yards is probably my max range. Any farther I’ll tey to get closer or let it go.
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Sooo, you do mind recoil? The solution as I see it is to buy two rifles, a .458 and another .300 magnum. Over a few weekends, put a couple of hundred rounds of full power .458 (not the way the factory loads it) down range, taking care not to allow the rifle to hurt you. By then the .300 will feel so much like a BB gun, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. If you have a .300 that you've worked up a good load for, 500 yards is a chump shot. In the meantime you could do worse than a good .270. Just makes sure the .270 your pal wants to trade is at least as good a rifle as the .30/06 you'll be giving up. With all of Alberta's hunting opportunities, it seems unfortunate to limit yourself to deer only.
 
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270 is fine, more about picking the right bullets for game. 130gr cup/core are pretty explody on deer and can ruin meat.
 
For deer and smaller the 243 is fine. Both calibers when loaded with appropriate bullets for deer will work just fine. It comes down to which rifle you like best. I havent shot the new henry lever so i wont try to compare the platforms
My centerfire deer rifle is a 2506. When i debated the same question i chose to split the difference but i knew black bear was on my list and the 25 had more punch than the 243
The 270 can do almost everything as could your 3006. Id keep the 243 and buy another larger caliber later.
 
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