257 Roberts or 243?

[EastWaViking]

My uncle passed away a couple years ago, and my aunt is now ready to part with some
of his rifles.  I am trying to decide between a 257 roberts and a 243.  Anybody
have an opinion on which is the better caliber of the two?  It would be used for coyotes
and deer when my son is old enough to shoot. 

As far as the guns themselves, the 257 is a newer Ruger M77, the 243 is a 1961 Win model 70  Both in brand new condition (I know the pre 64 Win is what everyone will say to get, but the question is about the caliber, not the value of the gun)

[addicted]

in the interest of keeping things simple...... get them both lol

[Bscman]

Specifically for caliber...
I'd choose the .257 Roberts...specifically because I reload. .243 will be easier to find on the shelves. 

But, like you said, for the sake of the rifles....I'd choose the Winny, hands down.

[Gutpile]

.243 would be easier to find ammo for and would probably be a better choice with coyotes in mind. Realistically speaking not to big a difference though. If you don't reload I wouldn't take the 257.

That said, I do reload and I want a 257 roberts BAD for deer / antelope hunting. If she'd be interested in selling let me know. I won't be around till the 1st but I'd be able to come up to Elk anytime if you do want to sell.

As far as rifles go, everybody loves the winny's including me but I've been happy with my 2 rugers.

[Big10gauge]

Keep them both, Put the Win away and get the 257 Ackleyed if you're a reloader and want a fun gun or would like to try something different. Of course once you do that and want to sell it you might have trouble selling it. So let me know when you want to sell it!!! It'll make a superb long range coyote gun

[bankwalker]

im a big fan of both so for me it would come down to which rifle i like and which one fit me better.

[FOsteology]

I'd choose the Pre64 M70 no matter the caliber!

[Ray]

Just for shooting - I'd rather have a .257 over a .243

But for nostalgic purposes that old winchester would be a cool piece to have.

[high country]

i'll give you a ruger in each caliber for a decent early winny.

243 will be knocking on 4k fps with light bullets...........that aint gonna happen with the bob.

[huntnphool]

Take the winny and have her sell me the bob

[mkcj]

I really like my 243! Ammo is cheap for target shooting and you can buy good ammo off the shelf. But I would really like to live in elk I love it there drive around there everytime I get over that way your a lucky guy

[shag]

257 Rob.

 

[jdb]

tough call the .243 is pre 64 but 257 roberts is a round that has always intrigued me. let us know what you pick and why. JB

[Bookworm]

I had an A-bolt in 243 back in the early 90's. I never could get that gun to shoot right for me. My gramps gave me his Remmy 257 awhile back, that thing shoots lights out with either 85 or 100 grain bullets.

[EastWaViking]

Thanks for all of the input.  I won't be making a decision until sometime in Oct.  When  I
do, I will let you know.  I will also make a list of all of the other rifles and shotguns
that she still has and post it here in case anyone is in the market for one.  I know there
are several more pre 64 win. in different cal.