Would you use a .308 or a .243 rifle for hunting?

Answer 1

The .243 Winchester is indeed a necked down .308 Winchester.

That being said, it depends on what you are hunting. If you just hunt deer, the .243 will serve you find almost anywhere. If you hunt anything bigger, a .243 will work, but you'd be better off with a .308 instead.

Personally, if I were choosing between the two, I'd go for the .308 Winchester, as it will give you more versatility without being overpowered for deer. Of course, I have cousins who hunt PA whitetail with .45-70 Govt., but they also shoot varmints with them as well. The .308 Winchester should do you just fine.

Now, I personally believe that as a tool, you should have the right tool for the job. You don't use a hammer to put in screws, and you don't use a 1/2" wrench to tighten a 1/4" bolt. The right tool for the right job. That's why I have several firearms of different calibers and uses.

Answer 2

243 Vs 308

Answer 3

As for the deer, it kind of depends. If you are in Texas, where most of the deer are closer in size to small dogs, a .223 is plenty gun and is my favorite for target shooting (for price and recoil). When things become more sane, ammo can be had for cheap. Some states won't let you hunt with less than 6mm (243) caliber rifles. If the deer are larger, I'd say the .243 or .308. Either will work just fine. The ammo is going to be cheaper and recoil is pleasant. If I wanted a bear round, personally, I'd want a belted magnum, but I'd take a 30-06 if I had to. Make sure and get some bear ammo, not deer ammo or varmint ammo. I like the winchester model 70 and Remington 700 are two very good guns that can be had at reasonable prices. Google them. Lots of good stuff. My favorite gun right now is my AR15 in .223. But I wouldn't go near a bear with that.

Answer 4

I would never diss the 243 but I would recommend that the 308 be used for hunting on anything larger than antelope. The 30 cal gives you more oomph; and with 308 military ball ammo you can do a fair amount of target practice/plinking at a very reasonable cost. Put the odds in your favor for hunting; weather and conditions sometimes mean we don't make a head shot.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Would you use a .308 or a .243 rifle for hunting?

Answer 6

243 Deer Hunting

Answer 7

The .243 is alright, BUT, if you use a .308, you won't be undergunned if you decide to hunt elk or moose. A .243 is kinda light for big deer, but it'll do for smaller deer, antelope, and coyotes. If you want to hunt bear of any sort, or hogs, you'll definitely need the bigger caliber. Everyone makes a bad shot once or twice, but a badly shot animal shot witha larger caliber will die sooner.

Answer 8

Depends on what you're hunting. I use a .243 for deer hunting and haven't had any problems taking deer. Anything bigger I would definatley go with the .308.

Answer 9

well, it really depends. I use a .243 for coyotes and i would use it on deer, but my state is shotgun only. I would not use a .243 on anything bigger than deer, except for hogs, and they have to be a little smaller. It also shoots faster. Id use a .308 for target shooting, bear, and elk and bigger game if i were to hunt it.

Answer 10

I use a .243 rifle for all kinds of hunting. It has never failed to bring down any animal I have shot with it, including deer and black bear.