|
|
Post by darinfry on Jun 3, 2016 19:14:51 GMT -5
I wasnt overly excited about rifles being legalized for deer season, but as the old saying goes "If ya can't beat em join em". I've been looking for an excuse to buy a new rifle anyway lol. So my question is which caliber does everyone out there plan on using or recommend? Been eying a ruger American in 243, which I figure I could use for coyotes too if need be. Also thought about the 308 namely because some say the 243 is too light for deer, but being the ruger American is a relatively light rifle I am afraid the 308 will kick like a mule. Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
Post by swetz on Jun 3, 2016 19:43:59 GMT -5
I plan to pick up a 30-06 for this year personally
|
|
|
|
Post by jjas on Jun 3, 2016 20:05:12 GMT -5
How about a .308 with managed recoil ammo? It would be fine out to a couple of hundred yards, would kick about like a standard .243 load and if you really want to push it on a hunt out west, you could always pick up some standard recoil ammo. Here's a link.... www.hornady.com/store/308-Win-125-gr-SST-Custom-Lite/ |
|
|
|
Post by wesb81219 on Jun 3, 2016 20:24:01 GMT -5
I personally don't think. 308 kicks too much. the .30-06 would be a good choice also or .300 blackout
|
|
|
|
Post by firstwd on Jun 3, 2016 20:25:10 GMT -5
A 50 caliber is too lite for deer if the person pulling the trigger can't put the bullet in the right place.
|
|
|
|
Post by onebentarrow on Jun 3, 2016 22:42:44 GMT -5
I wasnt overly excited about rifles being legalized for deer season, but as the old saying goes "If ya can't beat em join em". I've been looking for an excuse to buy a new rifle anyway lol. So my question is which caliber does everyone out there plan on using or recommend? Been eying a ruger American in 243, which I figure I could use for coyotes too if need be. Also thought about the 308 namely because some say the 243 is too light for deer, but being the ruger American is a relatively light rifle I am afraid the 308 will kick like a mule. Thoughts? I think the 243 would be fine with a heavy bullet on deer. I would also look at the 30-06. It does not kick too bad in my opinion. I would also stick with these 2 because IF you would ever want to hunt out of state the amo is readily available at any rink-ie-dink place that sells amo. Some thing could go wrong with a scope and if you shoot all your amo to sight it back in you would have to find a replacement amo to hunt. This amo will almost likely be the least expensive to get too. Good luck with your choice. |
|
|
|
Post by Jamie Brooks 1John5:13 on Jun 3, 2016 23:12:41 GMT -5
I will be using my 300 Blackout and 30-06. The Blackout has NO recoil.
It's not like we'll be shooting trap with these rifles. I wouldn't be afraid of a .308 at all; it's a great one to have.'
I've read that friends don't let friends hunt deer with a .243, but ...
|
|
|
|
Post by esshup on Jun 3, 2016 23:17:00 GMT -5
I use a .243 that weighs around 6 pounds with scope, sling, ammo, etc., for whitetails in Wisconsin. 85g Barnes bullet. Never had a problem killing a deer. If the gun weighs the same, a .308 will recoil less than a 30-06 if the bullet weight is the same. 30-06 can use more powder, and push the bullet faster.
|
|
|
|
Post by deadeer on Jun 4, 2016 0:52:56 GMT -5
I use a .243 that weighs around 6 pounds with scope, sling, ammo, etc., for whitetails in Wisconsin. 85g Barnes bullet. Never had a problem killing a deer. If the gun weighs the same, a .308 will recoil less than a 30-06 if the bullet weight is the same. 30-06 can use more powder, and push the bullet faster. Yep, just poke a hole where it needs to go, and eat venison. Not much harder than that. Some just make a bigger hole. That's why I am using the 300wm this year. I want to shoot, gut, and butcher all in one motion. Lol. |
|
|
|
Post by dbd870 on Jun 4, 2016 4:35:52 GMT -5
I would not be afraid of a .243 for deer. It comes down to what do you see using the rifle for. If you are going to be a combo varmint deer hunter get the .243; if you think bigger game is in your future get the 30-06. As for recoil it comes down to spending the time to get used to centerfire rifles. Starting out I thought the 06 was a pretty heavy round, now taking out my 416 Rigby brings a smile to my face. The 308 or 30-06 can be handled just fine by most who are willing to put the range time in. The one I find that bothers me is the 338Mag, the sharp impulse is tougher to handle than the heavy but slower impulse rounds I think.
|
|
|
|
Post by esshup on Jun 4, 2016 11:19:41 GMT -5
I use a .243 that weighs around 6 pounds with scope, sling, ammo, etc., for whitetails in Wisconsin. 85g Barnes bullet. Never had a problem killing a deer. If the gun weighs the same, a .308 will recoil less than a 30-06 if the bullet weight is the same. 30-06 can use more powder, and push the bullet faster. Yep, just poke a hole where it needs to go, and eat venison. Not much harder than that. Some just make a bigger hole. That's why I am using the 300wm this year. I want to shoot, gut, and butcher all in one motion. Lol. I was going to offer my .458 Win Mag, but then realized that it wasn't legal for deer here. BUT, I can offer you the use of my .50 Cal. Savage ML shooting .45 cal 350g Barnes "X" bullets that are running over 2500 fps. Will that be enough for you?  That combo IS legal for deer here in Indiana! |
|
|
|
Post by squirrelhunter on Jun 5, 2016 14:16:51 GMT -5
I'll be using my 30-06.
|
|
|
|
Post by parson on Jun 5, 2016 19:46:42 GMT -5
I've taken deer with .243. They never noticed the "smallness" of the caliber. I'll likely use a .308 this year, just because I came across a great deal on one.
|
|
|
|
Post by droptine84 on Jun 6, 2016 6:18:11 GMT -5
I just purchased a Mossberg 243 patriot. I really like it so far. Havnt put any rounds through it yet but I did do a lot of research on them before, and everyone seems to have good thoughts on them.
|
|
|
|
Post by darinfry on Jun 6, 2016 7:09:49 GMT -5
Yeah I've seen where they have a camo patriot in 243 at Wal Mart now for a lil over 300$. Looks like a good gun. Thinking I'm going to save my pennies though and get a savage model 16 in 308. I have a savage in 204 and it's a tackdriver as well as a lil savage 17hmr.
|
|
|
|
Post by tynimiller on Jun 6, 2016 7:55:46 GMT -5
If you don't desire to be proficient and practice go with the .300 Win Mag which is legal....otherwise a .243 will do just fine. **PS if you fall in the first category go to the gun store go to the .300 Win Mag...pick it up and then walk out without and take up fishing.  |
|
|
|
Post by ncmountainman on Jun 6, 2016 12:25:30 GMT -5
I used a .243 for a few years and then switched to .308 on my Encore pistol. A .308 is not a heavy kicking round unless someone is very small or frail. The .243 would kill a deer but a lot ran farther than the .308 after the hit. My farmer friend in Indiana told me "your problem is you are hunting full grown deer here with a groundhog gun". LOL I will have my 30.06 Winchester Model 70 next year the Good Lord willing.
|
|
|
|
Post by tynimiller on Jun 6, 2016 12:51:23 GMT -5
I used a .243 for a few years and then switched to .308 on my Encore pistol. A .308 is not a heavy kicking round unless someone is very small or frail. The .243 would kill a deer but a lot ran farther than the .308 after the hit. My farmer friend in Indiana told me "your problem is you are hunting full grown deer here with a groundhog gun". LOL I will have my 30.06 Winchester Model 70 next year the Good Lord willing. You put a .243 in the lungs and/or heart that deer isn't going far at all. The caliber means as little as the broadhead in bow hunting...hunter becomes proficient you can give them whatever head you want and they'll slay deer like it is their habit. |
|
|
|
Post by ncmountainman on Jun 6, 2016 16:16:13 GMT -5
I agree that a perfect heart or double lung shot is the only way to go. Things do happen though. I myself am very proficient with a weapon. I was high shooter at Parris Island USMC in 1976 shooting a .223 at 200, 300, and 500 meters with open sights at a man target. Expert in rifle and handgun.
Still pretty fair shot. I am always open to a good wager LOL
Shot many many deer in many states with bow, crossbow, pistol, ML, and rifle. I have NEVER used a semiauto. Single shot, bolt, or pump. Have I ever had one get away? Sure have. Anyone that hasn't has not shot many.
Point I was making is that a .308 does not have a hard kick and the ballistics are much better than a .243 so why go underpowered.
That is all I was saying......
|
|
|
|
Post by bullseye69 on Jun 6, 2016 16:38:53 GMT -5
308 would be my choice. Lots of ammo out there for it too. Same as 243 but more choices for the 308. IMO.
Get a Remington 742 in 308 or 30-06.
|
|
