Post-Season 243

[takenoprisoners]

So, I wound up not taking up my guns for this hunting season (financial), but I'm hoping to get on the hunt next season.

That said, my plan at this moment is to get a .243 rifle of some sort.

Why? My research (online and talking to a few folks) has me convinced it's the perfect round. If the gun (and I) shoot accurately, it'll take down anything I'd hunt—deer, hog, coyote. On top of that, it has practically no kick (akin to a .22) and ammo is readily available.

Once deer season is over, I'm hoping someone will be getting rid of their barely used rifle on the cheap.

Anyway, I post this here because if there are good arguments for something besides .243 (remember - it needs to be multi-purpose and nearly void of kick), I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Please note that I realize wanting a gun with little to no kick makes me a pansy. I'm fine with that. I want to get good at shooting it, and it'll take some time to do that. Don't want to be sore after a day of shooting.

 

[churly]

Have you ever shot a center fire rifle?

 

[TnBullet]

A 25.06, and a 6mm is all about the same round. I had a Ruger M77 in 25.06 that was awesome! I shot a couple of deer that went down in their tracks. No kick, at all. You cant take risky shots though, they have to be well placed.

 

[SpurHunter]

243 is a fine caliber, but unless you have a medical issue forcing you into zero recoil guns, Id look at other options.
My daughter has been shooting her 7-08 since she was a 60lb 10 yr old.
At an absolute minimum I would look at that first.

There are many other option available, including installing a Limbsaver recoil pad on your gun, or buying a model in a heavy barrel. Remington makes recoil reduced loads in most common calibers as well.

I would look for a 308, add the recoil pad, and shoot the reduced loads before going with the 243.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Hahaha...I've indeed shot a centerfire rifle. Think it was a 30-06. Me no like kick.

And I've heard good stuff about 25-06 and lately, the 7-08. Actually had a friend say all he shoots now is the 7-08.

Who knows...I may wind up with a .308. It may kick a bit, but...can't be a wuss all my life, can I?

Suppose the investigation continues.

 

[Buoy-Master]

I'm with Erik on that...

You need to gather up people that own these calibers and get on a range. Remember, your not shooting 20 rounds a day when you hunt, your most likely getting 1 shot and drop. My daughter is hooked on my 30-06 Mossberg but I'm gonna let get shoot a 7-08 soon and see what gives.

SHOT placement is CRUCIAL with those smaller calibers and TRUST ME, you may rush a shot or even flinch when you hammer down.

 

[TnBullet]

I absolutely hate a .308....I had a .300 Win mag, Id rather shoot ! A 30.06 wasnt bad. Ive never shot a 7.08 so I cant speak on it, but dont be scared of a .243, or a 25.06. Youre less likely to flinch because you know what is coming. I always flinch with a bigger caliber, its just human nature for some.
Take your time, and squeeze, that little bullet will do its job.

I owned that .308 for several years, and shot it a bunch , and it got me several times. Thats why it found a new home.

 

[TnBullet]

Guys, I have heard the arguments, but trust me, for those of us, that simply dont like that recoil, nothing you can say, or add to the gun makes it any fun to shoot. Its not about your man-hood, its whats comfortable, which interprets into a well placed shot, because of your confidence.

If an arrow will kill a deer, why wouldnt a .243 ?????.......there is no reason to take a bad shot with anything.

 

[SpurHunter]

Certainly an arrow can kill a deer, they do about 35% of the time per years of research. A 243 will kill them, and .22LR will kill them.
I caught my first striper on an ultralight rod with 4lb Mr crappie line, do I think that's the best or close to the best option? Nope.

This isn't about his manhood, its about choosing an option that best fits for him.

 

[decaturbullet]

A 243 is a Great caliber!!Are there more options,of course!!But the 243 will do anything You need it to!!!I use one to Coyote hunt and it is as good as any!!

 

[churly]

I think sometimes novices choose a .243 because of the recoil, but when they get a marginal shot and loose a buck, they get discouraged and loose interest. The point I am making is there are many more important variables to consider on a rifle that will be used to harvest big game animals. I carry a .300 because the particualr model (tika t3 light) is very easy to carry through the mountains. Also, I wanted a flat round that packs a wollop. From 0-300 yards I can hold dead on pretty much. Check out the ballistics of the round you are considering and compare it to other rounds. Yes it kicks hard, but I have shot it a lot at the range and the way I see it, I spend hundreds of hours on the mountain for everytime I pull the trigger, so recoil isnt something I even think about when I shoulder my gun, but yes, I do have a scar on my brow and It goes well with the huge melanoma scar on my cheek...lol

 

[takenoprisoners]

I'd like to think I wouldn't take any shot except the best shot. But I also know if I get out there and there's something in my sights, I may have a hard time waiting for the animal to get out from behind that stinking bush.

Think I'll sound the alarm and try to get as many folks' rifles as possible and give 'em all a little test drive.

Thanks again!

 

[Sniperchoke]

Do yourself a favor and get a Ruger 30-06 or 308. Ammo is availible and cheap. If you can hit a coke can at 100 yds youll be fine at whatever you hunt around here.. Keep it simple. No reason to spend enormous amounts of coin unless u just like that kinda stuff.

 

[TnBullet]

Anyway, I post this here because if there are good arguments for something besides .243 (remember - it needs to be multi-purpose and nearly void of kick), I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Are you guys not reading???? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A .30 caliber is probably the most widely used gun on the market, and is fine, but he stated he wanted a low recoil, multi use gun........
If he had said he was going Elk hunting, in Colorado, I would agree, get a bigger gun.

 

[takenoprisoners]

Thanks to all. TnBullet - I knew I'd get some of the bigger caliber recommendations. Folks tend to love what they know, and a lot of folks know the bigger caliber. Gonna pick up a friend's 270 sometime soon to give it a shot. I'm expecting a pretty light recoil.

 

[TnBullet]

.270, is a great caliber......try all that you can get ahold of. If I still had my 25.06, Id offer to let you shoot it.

 

[churly]

Im just having fun....lol. I enjoy a good debate.

 

[TnBullet]

churly - 1/3/2014 12:53 PM

Im just having fun....lol. I enjoy a good debate.

I know

 

[Sniperchoke]

If u can't shoot a 30-06 or a 308? Leave ur man card at the door!! Hahaha

 

[Buoy-Master]

Yea Mark..we are reading just fine. Point is, everyone has an opinion and I for one am glad to have asked these same questions a few years back. It actually changed my mind on some things too. Looks like he is reading as well here too.