.243 short mag

[Fraidenburg]

Looking for a new deer gun.  Does anyone on here have the 243 in a short mag.  Like to know what you think of it.  I also am open to any other guns just want to buy a new one.

Thanks
Dustin

[LITTLEBUCK]

Dustin, that sure wouldn't be my first choice for a new deer gun. Don't get me wrong ,  I have always wanted a .243 myself but not for a primary deer gun.  But a new gun is a new gun and who am I to stop anyone from buying a new gun, Heck by the time I get done writing this I might have to just go buy one. I am sure it will do the job just fine, but I have no experience with the short mag. So if you want to fill some space in your gun safe go for it and tell us how you like.

[Alchase]

Yes I have one. I bought the Walmart youth model Win model 70 in .243WSSM. It shoots pretty well. This little round really scoots. There are a couple draw backs, the cartridges are so small it can be hard to load and unload (this model 70 does not have a magazine or drop plate). Another is the limited bullet types for this Caliber. This round is very loud. It has a very sharp report especially when compared to a standard .243.
I think if I was to do it again I would buy a standard .243 for bullet variety and the ease of loading for a novice youth.
I do love to shoot this round though, and it does a decent job dropping deer.

[MountainWalk]

tween the two, i would take the traditional 243 winchester. that or a 257 bob

[popeshawnpaul]

.243 is a little light for deer.  Don't get me wrong, that's what I use and have been for 24 years of deer hunting.  I have killed probably 15 deer with it at least.  However, you really must limit shots to under 300 yards.  I have taken one at about 500 yards and the bullets don't even mushroom.  I was lucky I took that deer in the heart or I would have probably lost it.  Bullet selection is also limited.  The best and only good deer round is the 100 grain nosler partition.  All the others are too light.  They work at 50 yards plus but if you try and shoot a deer up close they all expode and don't penetrate, especially the Sierra 100 grain boattail.  I shot a deer 7 times at about 20 yards and the Sierra bullets just exploded on the hide and didn't penetrate.  I finally figured it out and shot him in the head. 

If I were you I would get a slightly larger caliber.  I would but I know the limitation of the caliber and don't rifle hunt much anymore or I would change.  Just one opinion...

[WDFW-SUX]

I've shot one deer with a .243 The bullet was a 115 grain Barnes original it made one of the biggest nastiest holes I have seen.....Something about round nose bullets is just plane wicked

Wouldn't be my first choice but it can definitely do the job.

[Head-shot]

As stated above, It a good caliber, but it would not be my first choice . If deer are all your going to shoot with it I still would go up to a .270 or my favorite .308. They are both plenty of gun for any deer in the state and the 308 will drop even a big elk in it's tracks. As Pope mentioned about limits in bullet selection, that is not a problem with the .308 as there are many different 30 cal bullets out there in both factory and especially hand loads.

If your gonna keep your shots under 250yds and my use it for yotes as well then the .243 short mag would be good.

Just my

[huntnphool]

tween the two, i would take the traditional 243 winchester. that or a 257 bob

X2

[Fraidenburg]

This is just for a new gun but thanks for all the feed back I think I might look at the .270 short mag a little more.

Does any one know if they make a .308 in a short mag?

[WDFW-SUX]

 check these out 270 win mag ,270 wby mag 

[WAcoyotehunter]

A friend kills his deer every year with a .243 short, as well as bear when he gets the chance.  If you limit your range to the normal hunting distance <300 yards, it's a really good caliber. 
I use the .243 win and have had great luck on both deer and bear, It's particularly important to to shoot them right with the lighter rounds.
I use the cheapo winchester factory rounds and cannot complain.

[popeshawnpaul]

Fraidenburg, they don't have a .308 short mag but technically it's a short action caliber.  I believe the .243 is just a .308 necked down to .243.  If you want a short action magnum then they make a 300 short mag.  They also make a 7mm short mag.  And I believe they make .257 or .270 is short mags too.  For deer only, .257 or .270 are perfect calibers.

[Curly]

And I believe they make .257 or .270 is short mags too.  For deer only, .257 or .270 are perfect calibers.

They don't make a .257WSM.........but they definately should.

Does any one know if they make a .308 in a short mag?

Like Pope said, 300WSM...................I'm a little surprised they didn't name it 308WSM.  But then, why didn't they name the 270WSM a 277WSM?  I think it would have been nice to change things up a little bit.

[Fraidenburg]

I have a 300 wby mag for elk and long shots

The 243 and 270 shorts just looked a little differnt so I thought I would give one of them a try

I like to buy two or three guns a month if I can

You never know when the law will change now   

[bankwalker]

the 257 is already a short mag...kinda anyway.

they make a 25wssm which is a f'n canon...its the loudest gun ive shot in a long time.

[shanevg]

I have not personally owned a 243, but what from ive heard i wouldnt recommend it.  My fav. round for deer is the .270 win. Ive taken a few deer with it, and it does the job well, even if you dont hit it right. 

[high country]

I am not a fan of the ssm's just from a feeding stand point.....too much to go wrong. as for caliber selection. choose what ever you can shoot comfortably. a well placed 85gr bullet is way more deadly than a 378 wby in the hoof.  too many people place this magical limit on calibers. there is a reason it is legal to use, especially in our harsh ass state. they use hot 22's in many other states. heck in alaska 22's prolly take more game than anything.