Author Topic: 308 vs 243: Hunting (Read 6197 times)

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 06, 2009, 11:29:53 AM »

Recoil is relative. I don't care for the recoil of the 308 in a rifle yet don't mind it at all in the pistol. Don't push the 243 to the outside of its range and it will get the job done. Opt for the 308 if your gonna push the range.

Heavy C · « **Reply #31 on:** July 08, 2009, 04:31:57 AM »

Because you are considering a pistol; then I would go with a 308. I have the 308 in a 15" ProHunter barrel. Recoil is a 44 mag revolver x2 maybe 3. The 308 offers lots of options if you begin to reload and can be found at the store more readily then some of the calibers mentioned. Although with the ammo shortage we are experiencing it's almost impossible to find anything out there.

I also own the 7-30 Waters in a Contender and absolutely love it! However, if I'm hunting areas where the shots are regularly over 150 yards; then I prefer the extra umph of the 308. My 308 Encore wears a Bushnell 2x-6x and has done very well so far.

kiddekop · « **Reply #32 on:** July 08, 2009, 06:46:08 AM »

A 100gr nosler out of a 243 will take down columbian blacktail deer as most of my friends hunted with 243's.A friend used a ruger#1 in 6mm to hunt elk successfully in colorado but he shot running elk in the neck or head.

poncaguy · « **Reply #33 on:** July 08, 2009, 02:12:38 PM »

My favorite is the 7-08, then my 7-30 Waters. I have a 460............but wow! My 45-70 with brake isn't that bad...................

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #34 on:** July 08, 2009, 06:39:57 PM »

Well, the wife decided for me! Apparently I've been spending too much money recently so it's going to have to be an ongoing purchase. Going to have to push this to next season now. The GOOD thing about this, is that I was given a reloader so I can get familiar with it and when I am ready I will have a lot more options.

But for right now, if something changes, I would go 308.

lastchanc54 · « **Reply #35 on:** July 10, 2009, 07:10:13 PM »

I have the 308 Encore pistol with the factory rubber grips. I bench 50 rounds without any pain. I also get Remington ammo for under $15. a box at my local Wal mart. These are 150 grain core locks, sutiable for most big game. Love the gun. Good to go for 250 yard shots without hold over!! Just sight an inch high at 100 Good luck!!

ourway77 · « **Reply #36 on:** July 13, 2009, 12:37:37 PM »

My vote is for the 243. I have hunted with one and have killed so many Deer hard to remember. I used the 100 grain spitzer bt sierra. It will killed deer way out there depending on ones ability. Believe me I am not gun shy I have shot many of the magnums, but I just liked my 243.

billjoe · « **Reply #37 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:28:03 AM »

Where I hunt, 100yd shots is about the maximum I shoot. I have brush too that you don't want to lose a deer in either. My sons and I have shot more deer with the .243 than any other caliber and they have ALL been 1 shot heart and lung shots. The deer that traveled the farthest went about 35yds and that's only because he didn't know he was dead. I've shot deer with the same results using 7-30, 357Max, and 6.5JDJ. They all died within seconds of impact. The key is not what you shoot but where you shoot. I have rules that I don't shoot free hand and I don't shoot at moving targets. It works for me.
I also shoot a 375JDJ and it is by far the hardest gun to hit anything with, the reason being is the recoil. I finally got to the point of feeling confident enough to use it for deer hunting last year but never got a chance to shoot it.
If you go with the 308, plan on needing more practise time before you go to the field. Practise time is fun, but it costs money. Either calbier would be fine for what I do, but if I had to choose one over the other for whitetails, it's .243 hands down.

bj

Bill,SC · « **Reply #38 on:** July 14, 2009, 08:11:05 AM »

Gdbyrd,

Put a brake on the 45-70 and use it for all hunting.

I own, have killed deer with both the .308 and the .243. It sounds like you don't like the recoil. I don't like it either! The .308 without a brake HURTS. Yes, it is not much more than the .44mag. But, I think the 44mag hurts. At what range are you going to be shooting the deer? The .243 might be questionable at 200+ yards. But, at 50-100yds all of my shots have been complete pass through. Don't use a 55gr bullet. Get the most common offering, the 100gr bullet and it will do all you need. The .243 is much easier to shoot and the ammo is in every store. I have, and still, used the .243 in rifle and pistol for the last 40 years. It has NEVER let me down.

Get the .243 you want. Pick the right bullet. Wait for the right shot. You will have meat in the freezer.

Bill

highwayman · « **Reply #39 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:55:59 AM »

how much more is the 308 than a 30-30 with a full 150gr. load??

Gdbyrd · « **Reply #40 on:** July 14, 2009, 12:30:47 PM »

Quote from: Bill,SC on July 14, 2009, 08:11:05 AM

Gdbyrd,

Put a brake on the 45-70 and use it for all hunting.

I own, have killed deer with both the .308 and the .243. It sounds like you don't like the recoil. I don't like it either! The .308 without a brake HURTS. Yes, it is not much more than the .44mag. But, I think the 44mag hurts. At what range are you going to be shooting the deer? The .243 might be questionable at 200+ yards. But, at 50-100yds all of my shots have been complete pass through. Don't use a 55gr bullet. Get the most common offering, the 100gr bullet and it will do all you need. The .243 is much easier to shoot and the ammo is in every store. I have, and still, used the .243 in rifle and pistol for the last 40 years. It has NEVER let me down.

Get the .243 you want. Pick the right bullet. Wait for the right shot. You will have meat in the freezer.

Bill

Well originally I was planning on 100 yards, but after looking at satellite pics of my lease and measuring it out, it looks like my longest possible shot will be 250 yards. BUT, like I said, the wife already decided for me so it looks like I'm using my 44 mag...and that is really going to limit where I can hunt..It was a difference of about $500, between the encore or the SRH...saving it up for next year, give me time to get practice in and get setup in reloading.

hunterspistol · « **Reply #41 on:** July 14, 2009, 02:00:06 PM »

In terms of recoil, according to free recoil in the Lyman manual, a 30-30 (7-30 Waters) would have 8 pounds of recoil where the same load in a .308 has 12. These equate to how big a hammer you want to thump you on the shoulder, it doesn't take into account that a handgun allows more energy absorption. But stictly factory ammo, that would be the difference. The 7-30 Waters was designed by Ken Waters to do one thing, hunting. The 308 is designed for long range military use.

VARMONTER · « **Reply #42 on:** July 15, 2009, 01:03:05 AM »

You can't go wrong with either choice.
I am thinking the 6mm may be a bit more versatile in that you can get smaller bullets.
for popping wood chucks, coyotes, p dogs and the ilk. .243 is flat and fast.
So if the biggest thing your going after is deer the 243 should work

lynneil · « **Reply #43 on:** July 15, 2009, 01:35:15 AM »

Why not just go with a 30-30. Ammo is everywhere.

rickt300 · « **Reply #44 on:** July 15, 2009, 11:10:02 AM »

I played with the 44 magnum, 30-30 and the 35 Remington in my Contender. Killed deer with all and to me the 14 inch 30-30 barrel kicked less than the 10 inch barreled 44 magnum. The 35 Remington is my current an probably last barrel for deer hunting with a pistol. If I had an issue with recoil I would certainly pick the 30-30, it is easy to find and works well on deer. My choice between the 243 and 308 would be neither.

BBF · « **Reply #45 on:** July 16, 2009, 07:11:10 AM »

Not having anything as short as a 15" barrel*I wonder if you can get one for your pistol chambered in 30-30 Win?
Same size hole as the 308 but not the recoil. If range is a concern, Hdy makes that pointy stuff of theirs for the
30-30.

* you got to be loosing a fair bit of velocity in the .243 with that lenghts

BubbaNColo · « **Reply #46 on:** August 15, 2009, 01:18:40 PM »

Just couldn't help but reply:
I just put togather my 2nd Encore Pistol in 308 Pro Hunter with a Lep 2x8 scope and Pach grips.
Haven't shot it yet but will very soon.
I've shot Contenders in many calibers and will list these against my 44 mag Ruger Redhawk.

223 Simply sweet
7-30 Waters barks but no kick and no need for break use 130 grain Sierras for SSSP
6.5 JDJ Starting to kick some but still not bad, no stinking break
44 Mag Ruger Redhawk with 300 XTP loads
309 JDJ Kicks pretty good enough to limit shooting to less than 20 rounds
35 Rem in a 12" Hunter WOW lots of kick but it didn't hurt and yes it had a factory break, using 180 SP bullets
44 mag in a 14" Contender no break, unbelieveable kick and it tore my fingers on back of trigger guard, sold it next day

I would assume the 308 and 309JDJ should be pretty much the same, same bullet almost same loads maybe 308 could be a bit hotter.
Can't wait to try her out, remember the kick that goes vertical doesn't hurt as bad as straight back.

BubbaNColo · « **Reply #47 on:** August 17, 2009, 07:06:43 AM »

Just got back from range shooting the 308 Encore pistol with 165 Hornady bullets with full loads.
I found it kicked less than my 454 and comes close to my 300 grain loads on the 44 Redhawk.
Very sweet rig and accurate.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #48 on:** August 17, 2009, 08:05:02 AM »

If whitetail are the targets a 243 is all in hell anyone needs.I've been shooting white tail with 6 mm and 243 since the 60's and have never lost one, for that matter I have never seen one run more thaN 30 YARDS. Now I have seen em run 30 or so yards shot with a 300 win mag. So it aint always the arrow its sometimes the Indian!

BBF · « **Reply #49 on:** August 17, 2009, 09:17:02 AM »

If you can get "Managed Recoil" factory fodder, I'd go 308

southernutah · « **Reply #50 on:** August 17, 2009, 01:49:33 PM »

My encore pistol is a 16" Virgin Valley in 308. I load 125gr Nosler balistic tips for mule deer and would go 165s if I ever pack it for elk( an other option with 308) I have the hanger bar system and use a rifle forearm. the rubber factory grip absorbs more than wood or laminate. I usually pack a Encore rifle in 243 for deer when not using the 308 pistol. I make the JSI pistol slings that help in control and recoil. Straton Custom does the hanger bars and sells my slings.

Heavy C · « **Reply #51 on:** August 19, 2009, 09:52:14 AM »

Quote from: Oldshooter on August 17, 2009, 08:05:02 AM

If whitetail are the targets a 243 is all in hell anyone needs.I've been shooting white tail with 6 mm and 243 since the 60's and have never lost one, for that matter I have never seen one run more thaN 30 YARDS. Now I have seen em run 30 or so yards shot with a 300 win mag. So it aint always the arrow its sometimes the Indian!

Were those with a 6 mm or 243 pistol? I know it holds true for rifles in those calibers. Just wondering.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #52 on:** August 19, 2009, 11:30:43 AM »

RIFLE! I personally dont want to shoot a 243 pistol! Not scared just not interested!

Heavy C · « **Reply #53 on:** August 20, 2009, 07:13:55 AM »

That's interesting considering this is a TC Handguns forum. No need to get excited.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #54 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:52:06 PM »

Now I see that, I beg your pardon and please forgive my intrusion!

.Dirty-.30 · « **Reply #55 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:17:50 PM »

I shot the .308 barrel a couple days ago, recoil is very nice, very pleasant to shoot. I've looked all over the internet and can't find the twist rate for the 15" .308 barrel, can anybody give me that info? Also which factory load have you found to be your best shooter? Thanks .Dirty-.30

Heavy C · « **Reply #56 on:** August 21, 2009, 10:10:33 AM »

Quote from: Oldshooter on August 20, 2009, 03:52:06 PM

Now I see that, I beg your pardon and please forgive my intrusion!

No sweat Randy. You are welcome here any time.

As far as twist rates go it is between 10 and 12. I guess you can try and call TC if you need specifics. I get the best results from 150 gr Federal soft points - they are in a blue box. They run about $13 to $15 per box. I've also tried Winchester silver box also in 150 grain, but I'm gonna stick with Federal.

scottzerger · « **Reply #57 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:25:23 AM »

243 all the way . Less recoil . Factory ammo everywhere. Reloading is a snap. Or go 250 savage ,257 roberts. Me 250sav AI

jy951 · « **Reply #58 on:** October 19, 2009, 08:22:12 AM »

Might consider 7.62x39 russian. Cheap ammo is everywhere to practice with and you can get regular good hunting stuff if needed.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #59 on:** October 19, 2009, 09:28:30 AM »

The 7X30 would be best for deer , if you had to go 308 convert to 307 and have a rim , most helpful in a break open gun for head spacing ease .
243 ? why ? nice ground hog gun .