i need a deer hunting gun?

Question

i'm looking for a good deer hunting gun, but don't know whether to choose the Winchester .30-30 or the Remington .243. what would you recommend?

Answer 1

It all depends on the area your hunting in,
Real brushy area a 30-30 is one of the best going,
if your in a mixed terrain with some wide open spots you might be more comfortable with the .243
Some states have regulations on the type of firearm permitted, you may want to check with your game department to be sure.
I live in the southwest, a .270 or 30-06 or a good 7 mag is better suited to my area

Answer 2

Part of the decision is based on where you are hunting.
If you hunt in heavy brush, I would pick the 30-30 over the 243.
If you are hunting in the open with very little brush, the 243 would be great.
The 243 is a good deer round but it is not the best choice in thick brush.
Where as the 30-30 is not really designed for shots past 150 yards maximum.

Now a good all around caliber both in brush and the open is the 308 Winchester if you don’t wont heavy recoil, the 308 kicks a little more then a 30-30 but not much.

As to range of the 308 it has been used in competition up to 1000 yards.
It will out range and out perform in knock down energy, both the 30-30 and 243.

D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 3

You'll find that the .243 is more accurate than the old .30-30. I'd go with the .243 even though it is considered the minimum deer caliber. It is easier to mount a scope on a Remington than the old Winchester .30-30.

Best.

H

Answer 4

Depends,
i would say .270 if rifles are allowed, the ammo is cheap, and they fall slower than 30-06 and other rounds.
If you live in an area where rifles are restricted, get a remington 870 pump action shotgun with a rifled barrel.
I live and hunt in the midwest, where most states only allow shotguns over rifles. My gun, of the same type i have described, can take down a deer within 200 yards with only 2 inch drop. Remington is probably the best gun manufacturer, i, as a satisfied customer, can testify that they're guns are extremely accurate and precise, and they are very well built to withstand the environment they were made for.

Answer 5

.243 is a bit weak and small for my liking.

30-30 would be a fine caliber. I own a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that I like.For your 100yard or less shots it is great. Of course so is a 12 gauge shotgun with slugs, which is anotehr good option as well.
30-06 is nice too, but it will ruin more meat than a 30-30, unless you take headshots. I have never been able to headshot deer consistantly so I chose the 30-30 instead and shoot for the front shoulder.

Answer 6

lets sart here a 30.30 is and excellent deer round out to about 150 yards, keep in mind that polls show most game is taken at 100 or less yards, the 243 everyone thinks is a great beginner round due to light recoil i disagree to this because of the small bullet shot placement is critical more so than other calibers, so why not a 308 light recoil like a 243 more range than a 30.30, i was boy scout as be prepared, plus a 243 you cant hunt elk or bear with it deer pronghormn and varmints, why limit yourself also checkout other calibers offering reduced recoil loads,

Answer 7

Unless you have the ability to routinely make 200 + yard shots, and will be hunting in a place that offers long shots, a .30-30 WCF will do you just fine.

I would advise you to go with a Marlin M-336 for two reasons. 1. - Winchester went out of business earlier this year and prices on Winchesters has gone through the roof. 2.- It is much easier to scope a Marlin Levergun than it is a Winchester.

FWIW, there have probably been more deer killed with a .30-30 than any other cartridge.

Doc

Answer 8

Either will work fine. A .243 is better in open areas, a 30-30 is awesome for woods work. You could also go up a power level and get a .308, .270 or 30-06. The key is shot placement and useing an adequate penetrating bullet.

Answer 9

I reccomend whatever you are comfortable with. A .243 is a low recoil gun that can be deadly to 200 yards for deer. The same can be said for the 30-30, its just a bigger diameter bullet. IF you like one or the other, get it.

Answer 10

I agree with D58, but would recommend 7mm08 as an alternative. It's a little lighter, so recoil will be a bit milder, and it actually outperforms 308 at long range. The longer bullets like 160 grainers will even outpenetrate a lot of larger boomers, and it shoots almost as flat as the cartridges that are famous for long-range work. 243 will force you to be picky with your shots and it'll occasionally give you grief in two important areas: heavy woods and very close ranges.
30 WCF is great for woods but lacks legs for longer shots. Both can be lots of fun, but they should be added to your battery later. If you just have one deer rifle, you want to start with something more versatile.