243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle

[bhawley76]

270 would be my choice, if recoil is a problem put a break on it. maybe down the road you can chamber it out to a weatherby if you are looking for a lil more thats one of my favorate go to's that I have.

[BULLBLASTER]

.270 will do anything the .243 will, but the 243 will not do everything the 270 will.
Carl

A 270 cant shoot as a repeater out of a short action like a 243 can 
  just had to...

[2ndtimer]

I have used the .243 Win, .270 Win, 7mm-08,  and while I haven't had a .260 Rem, I do have a Howa 1500 chambered for the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser.  All of them are fine cartridges and would work well for the tasks mentioned, coyotes and deer.  Obviously, the .243 is going to have the least recoil, but if you get one in a short barrel youth model, the muzzle blast might make for a greater flinch than a 22" barrel .270 Win.  If the OP handloads, I would suggest the .270 Win.  It can easily be loaded down to .243 Win recoil levels, and in full load version is capable of handling larger game.  If the OP is not a handloader, then the .243 Win is probably the best option, just don't fall for the 16" barrel version.  I don't like muzzle brakes, either, because you only get one pair of ears, and they need to last you your whole life.

[bhawley76]

I only use the break at the range, they are loud. but I just take it off and put on the cap when hunting. I had one made for all of my bigger guns it works great

[dscubame]

I like them to be able to hold on target and continue the scope view after the shot, l will even be putting one on the .243.  There are more advantages to them than just recoil reduction.  Also there are certain mfg that do not increase the shooters decibel level.

[buckfvr]

In the day of enlightenment, who the heck shoots without hearing protection ?

Id put a brake on anything....nice watching impact and staying on target through out the shot cycle. 

[bobcat]

In the day of enlightenment, who the heck shoots without hearing protection ??

You mean while hunting? Or target shooting?

[bhawley76]

What?