243?

[splitshot]

several questions.  is a 243 good enough to kill a large buck deer?  is there much difference in a 243 and say a 25-06,260 rem, 6 mm. or a 257?  i will be getting a deer rifle soon and want some expert opinions.  i had a 243 but my grand daughter wanted it so thats why i am looking.  thanks,  mike w

[Woodchuck]

.243 will kill just about anything, just need to be sure of shot placement and use a quality bullet 

[fishermanjoe]

My first deer rifle was a .243. I have dumped deer with it on more than one occasion. As long as there is good shot placement you can get it done.

[7mag.]

A .243 is a great deer cartridge, as are all of the cartridges you mentioned. The .243 is also a great varmint round as well.

[jackelope]

shot placement.
A .223 will kill a deer, so will a .22LR if you hit them in the right place.
 

[7mag.]

shot placement.
A .223 will kill a deer, so will a .22LR if you hit them in the right place.
 

That's right. There are several states that allow deer hunting with a .22 cal. centerfire's.

[Birdguy]

As stated shot placement is key. A bad shot form a big caliber may not kill a deer, but a good shot from a small gun will do it just fine. That being said I am no expert, shot distance, comfort level of the shooter with the gun, bullet weight and make up, and several other factors all play a role in success regardless of caliber. I am certain there are several folks on here that will have other thoughts and knowledge to help you decide.

[300UltraMagShooter]

If it is all about shot placement, why don't we see people using .243s brown bear hunting?

I'm serious and not being smart....  I've asked this type question 50 times and havn't got an answer that I'm satisfied with yet.

I love shooting my 300 ultra so doubt I'll change anytime soon...  but it isn't the best brush gun I'll have to admit.

[danceswitharrows]

You will find that bear faster if it was a vitals shot from a 243 over a gut shot 300ultramag 

[hoyt2002]

A 243 will kill an elk but why use that when there are better elk guns out there. There are tons of opinion's on what makes a good elk gun and there all different. So here is mine. A 243 is a deer gun I believe elk should be hunted with larger bullets 30 cal or better. I'm sure someone will come along and tell me I'm wrong. Like I said it's my opinion. Have fun picking out your next rifle.

[cascademountainhunter]

Ive used a .243 and deer before. It has always done good for me. I also like how its doesnt ruin as much meat as bigger calibers will.

[hoyt2002]

boy I didn't read that good. I don't know were i got elk from. Anyways a 243 is a good deer gun. I don't see a big difference in a 2506 257 and the 243 there all good deer guns. the only difference would be fps. I've never had any of those guns but my friends shoot them and take nice animals with them. 

[MichaelD]

My dad, brother and I have put a lot of deer in the freezer over the years using a .243 and 6mm.   Soon my kids will be taking over duties of the 6mm and my nephews will take over duty on the ol' .243 for a new generation of freezer fillers.  

[6x6in6]

Dad's dropped an awful lot of deer in Montana over his years with his 257AI

[bobcat]

There is nothing wrong with the 243, but if you're going to buy a new rifle, I would suggest getting something just a bit bigger. The 25-06 and 260 that you mentioned would be fine, or step it up just a little more and get a 308 or 270.