Which Rifle
08-09-2009, 04:23 PM
#1
Typical Buck
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Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 585
Which Rifle
In October, I'll be hunting some private land (16,000 acres) in the south east that holds bucks in the 125 - 135 class with some reaching 140+. Average shot will be 100 yards with the potential for 200 - 300 yard shots very possible.
My question is, if you had a .243 Win and a .300 WSM, which rifle would you choose? Both are model 700s and both are topped with Zeiss 4.5x14x44 scopes. I'm equally proficient with these rifles out to 300 yards. I've killed a bunch of deer with the .300 WSM and a few with the .243 which I just bought last year. I really want to shoot a big buck with the .243, I just don't have much experience with the .243 and big bucks. Will it get the job done or would you stick with the .300 WSM. All the deer I've shot with the .243 have been bang flops with the longest shot being 130 yards.
Which rifle would you bring?
My question is, if you had a .243 Win and a .300 WSM, which rifle would you choose? Both are model 700s and both are topped with Zeiss 4.5x14x44 scopes. I'm equally proficient with these rifles out to 300 yards. I've killed a bunch of deer with the .300 WSM and a few with the .243 which I just bought last year. I really want to shoot a big buck with the .243, I just don't have much experience with the .243 and big bucks. Will it get the job done or would you stick with the .300 WSM. All the deer I've shot with the .243 have been bang flops with the longest shot being 130 yards.
Which rifle would you bring?
08-09-2009, 10:24 PM
#5
Typical Buck
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Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 585
Based on the first three responses, I think I'll take the .243
08-09-2009, 10:25 PM
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Posts: 781
If I wasnt a great shot I Would prolly go with the 300 but since you can shoot both well then definetly the 243. It will do its part for sure. Ive also had more drop dedders with my 6mm than with my 7mm saum. Never have figured that one out. I might would take both of them along and use the 300 over fields and carry the 243 in thw woods but thats just me.
08-09-2009, 11:20 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winnipeg, Mb, Canada
Posts: 1,309
I'd use the rifle I would feel most comfortable with. If you are looking at harvesting a deer with a rifle that you have yet to take a deer with then it is simply a personal choice. I do have my favorite rifle I hunt with but I always take a second rifle with me just in case there is a problem with the first or if the hunting location requires a different cal. For example, for the most part I use a 7 mm mag (mostly looking cross and or down long tree lines of 300 yard plus) but at times due to sign and or conditions I may go into the ravines where the woods are fairly thick. For this option I will take my 30-30 Marlin. Cal. isn't near as important as good shot placement so just make sure that you have a good comfort level and practice with which ever gun you choose. Proficiency equals success.
08-09-2009, 11:50 PM
#8
Typical Buck
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Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 585
Every deer I've shot with a 12ga slug or my 44 mag have always dropped on the spot. I've had two deer run 50 yards after being hit with the .300 WSM. Although I use Nosler Accubond, which is more an elk bullet than deer.
I bought the .243 as my primary deer gun. With the 90gr Scirroco's it has the identical trajectory as the 180gr Accubonds I shoot out of my .300 WSM so I never have to think about the different point of impact when I switch rifles.
