Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: crazyantler on November 26, 2013, 11:47:30 AM

Title: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: crazyantler on November 26, 2013, 11:47:30 AM: I am looking at getting a new rifle for a younger(age 12) first time hunter and was wondering what would be suitable for hunting deer or coyotes?
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Alchase on November 26, 2013, 11:50:39 AM: I personally believe the .243 is a very good round for a young hunter. Capable of taking any game in Washington, and ammo is available almost everywhere that sell ammo. Recoil is minimal.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Lexi352 on November 26, 2013, 11:53:16 AM: :yeah:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bobcat on November 26, 2013, 11:55:23 AM: The 243 is perfect unless he ever wants to hunt elk. If that might be the case, I'd get the 270, or a 308 would be a great choice as well.

If recoil with the 270 is a concern, both Hornady and Remington have reduced recoil loads available.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: DRobnsn on November 26, 2013, 11:55:49 AM: x3 on the 243 it is a perfect round for what your talking about.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: WenHunter on November 26, 2013, 11:57:15 AM: I agree with everyone so far, but if elk hunting I would say go with the 270 great all around gun.

Other than that nice work getting a new hunter in the woods!!
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: JLS on November 26, 2013, 11:57:28 AM: 7mm-08.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: PolarBear on November 26, 2013, 11:57:44 AM: Quote from: Alchase on November 26, 2013, 11:50:39 AM
I personally believe the .243 is a very good round for a young hunter. Capable of taking any game in Washington, and ammo is available almost everywhere that sell ammo. Recoil is minimal.
:yeah: :yeah:
I bought my (then 11 year old) daughter a full sized Rem 700 in .243 and she (and so do I) loves it. To her it is much more comfortable to shoot than a .270, 30-30 or 30-06. Comfort and confidence are everything when it comes to being consistantly accurate and with kids not being afraid of the gun is the most important thing! :twocents:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2013, 12:04:23 PM: Between the two chamberings mentioned, I would opt for the .270 Winchester.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Griiz on November 26, 2013, 12:07:13 PM: I would prefer my child have a 243 over the 270 because of the reduced recoil. I got my 11 yr. old a 25'06 and it has very moderate recoil and has a little more velocity, energy and bullet weight choices than the 243.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Sportfury on November 26, 2013, 12:13:15 PM: Quote from: PolarBear on November 26, 2013, 11:57:44 AM
Quote from: Alchase on November 26, 2013, 11:50:39 AM
I personally believe the .243 is a very good round for a young hunter. Capable of taking any game in Washington, and ammo is available almost everywhere that sell ammo. Recoil is minimal.
:yeah: :yeah:
I bought my (then 11 year old) daughter a full sized Rem 700 in .243 and she (and so do I) loves it. To her it is much more comfortable to shoot than a .270, 30-30 or 30-06. Comfort and confidence are everything when it comes to being consistantly accurate and with kids not being afraid of the gun is the most important thing! :twocents:

I agree on the .243. I bought my son one when he was twelve and like PolarBear I love it as much as he does. Nothing like having a rifle that kid can shoot with confidence. When it came time to shoot an elk he used my dad's 7mm Rem Mag and he had that confidence from shooting his .243. Two bulls later I can say the .243 is the way to start. Besides having to buy more guns is always fun.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: wildweeds on November 26, 2013, 12:17:01 PM: This is what my buddy started his boys out with in a rem 700 youth rifle,they were 10 years old when they started,they used them through 16 years old,they each killed deer with it no problem in eastern washington with some long shots too.
Quote from: JLS on November 26, 2013, 11:57:28 AM
7mm-08.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: mountainman on November 26, 2013, 12:18:43 PM: All my kids started with either the 243 or the 7/08. If he may be hunting elk in the near future, go with the 7/08. Recoil is just a little more then the .243. But with a good 140, definetly a capable elk round! Have a couple youth 7/08's waiting for the grandkids in a couple more years! You will enjoy a new excitment taking the young one out for the first time!
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Taco280AI on November 26, 2013, 12:21:36 PM: For deer and coyotes, like you mentioned, I'd go 243 all the way :tup:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 26, 2013, 12:32:31 PM: Quote from: Griiz on November 26, 2013, 12:07:13 PM
I got my 11 yr. old a 25'06 and it has very moderate recoil and has a little more velocity, energy and bullet weight choices than the 243.

:yeah: I would say the .25-06 is a good round. I started shooting it when I was an average 10 year old. It's not going to hurt anyone that is taught proper form. The .25-06 is also much flatter shooting for coyotes downrange and is an acceptable elk and black bear cartridge with the larger 117 or 120 grain loads. But there are also the 90 grain loads that work great for deer within 200 +/- yards and have less recoil.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2013, 12:37:56 PM: I guess the bottom line is how well they manage recoil.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 26, 2013, 12:41:25 PM: Quote from: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I guess the bottom line is how well they manage recoil.

:yeah: and if the two choices are truly only .270 or .243, I'm going to say .270. Sure the .243 is "capable of taking any game in Washington" but tennis shoes are also capable of hiking in the Blue Mountains. Most would choose not to pursue elk, black bear, or special draws with the .243.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: BULLBLASTER on November 26, 2013, 01:02:17 PM: I would personally go with the 243. Mostly because I own one and love it! I started hunting at age 9 with a 7 mag and light loaded 120 grain bullets but in high school I bought a 243.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Curly on November 26, 2013, 01:04:23 PM: .243 would be great for a youngster to start out on, but he will probably upgrade once he gets older for a rifle that is better for reaching out there a ways. So, if you want a rifle that he can use as a kid and continue to use as an adult, my vote is for a full size rifle in .270. (Unless the kid is real small for his age, then maybe a youth rifle would fit better, and in that case might as well go with the .243) :twocents:

A .270 with 130 gr bullets doesn't kick much, but like someone else said, you can also get reduced recoil loads or if you reload you can make your own reduced loads or load up some 110 gr E-tip or Barnes and they will not kick very much.

:twocents:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: jay.sharkbait on November 26, 2013, 01:08:59 PM: Wow

I didn't know my .243 was so bad.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bowhunterwa87 on November 26, 2013, 01:11:54 PM: Another .243 vote. I use one for everything I hunt and love the caliber. Just got home from mt in which I took my .243 on a successful mule deer hunt.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2013, 01:16:16 PM: Quote from: jay.sharkbait on November 26, 2013, 01:08:59 PM
Wow

I didn't know my .243 was so bad.

Just your .243. :o

At least you have the right twist for a .243. :tup:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: thinkingman on November 26, 2013, 01:34:50 PM: Get the .243.
No one should try to force a kid to tolerate recoil....A flinch is a heck of a thing to overcome.....I see it all the time at the range.
Furthermore, many parents use their kids rifle as a bleep-measuring contest('my kid shoots a 300WM....oh yeah? My kid shoots a .458 Lott!')
It's parent case, the 7.62X51 is known for much greater accuracy than the .270(X63) and the bullet selection is better.
The .270 shouldn't even be in the discussion.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2013, 01:55:30 PM: Yep, I should be ashamed I started with a 7 Mag. Slummed a Rem700 BDL at that. It was a rough childhood. :chuckle:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Curly on November 26, 2013, 02:17:22 PM: .270 shouldn't be in the discussion for a kid? :dunno:

Reduced recoil (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/882105/remington-managed-recoil-ammunition-270-winchester-115-grain-core-lokt-pointed-soft-point-box-of-20) ammo can be used (probably should be used at first) to get the kid used to shooting the rifle. 115 gr bullet at 2700+ fps will do fine on deer and coyotes. After the kid is comfortable shooting the gun with reduced recoil loads, he can then move up to 130 gr loads (which still won't kick very much anyway).

Those 115 gr loads are probably going to kick similarly to 100 gr .243 loads. What will the .243 get for MV with 100gr bullets? 2900 fps? Reduced recoil 115 gr .270 loads will perform similarly to .243, so the .270 should be in the discussion.

By getting a .270 and using reduced recoil loads, it is like getting 2 rifles for the price of one. Plus you get to use full loads when the need arises.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: runningboard on November 26, 2013, 02:25:00 PM: .243, just because you said intended targets are deer & coyote. from a dyed-in-the-wool .270 user for life :twocents:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: thinkingman on November 26, 2013, 03:22:35 PM: Quote from: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2013, 01:55:30 PM
Yep, I should be ashamed I started with a 7 Mag. Slummed a Rem700 BDL at that. It was a rough childhood. :chuckle:
See line 3.
The apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: wafisherman on November 26, 2013, 03:36:29 PM: My 3 older boys (now 10, 12, and 13) have each fired my 270 at the range. The 12 and 13 yr old don't like. Didn't even want to shoot the managed recoil. But my 10yr old LOVED it and wanted to only shoot the higher grain loads over the wimpy ones. :chuckle: Each kid is different and if they get intimidated at all, you have a lot of work to undo.

My 10 yr old would hunt with the 270, but it is just a bit too heavy to even consider shooting off-hand. So this year, I'm getting them all through hunter ed, then buying a youth sized 243 for them to share that will have low recoil, will be light weight enough to shoot confidently off-hand, and will take out a deer within 200yrds (where we hunt, that is max distance you'd find anyway). As they get older, I'll likely pass down my 270 (i'll upgrade for myself and will likely stick with the 270 in a stainless steel rifle). When they get tired of sharing, they can save up and buy their own :tup:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Orion on November 26, 2013, 03:56:03 PM: REM model 7 youth in 7mm-08. And then added a full length stock. My boys grew up with it and grandkids will too. If they can get it away from grampa. Lite, manuverable, accurate and not much recoil. Will kill elk at reasonable distances and a perfect deer rifle. Just about anything works for yotes.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: gasman on November 26, 2013, 04:03:22 PM: both my kids started with a .243 and moved to a .270 the next year, both now own there own .270. they were 12 and 13 when they started hunting and both take after there mother in size, not there fat a$$sss dad :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

With that said, today I would start them on a .257 Roberts :tup:
Low recoil, and will handle every thing you want to hunt. I put a Limb Saver slip on recoil pad on and handed it to the wife and now I dont get to hunt with it at all.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 26, 2013, 04:08:31 PM: Started both boys and my wife out on 243's. One thing to consider is that you can unload the rifle without having to take the gun off safe. Like some of the older model 77 rugers
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: yakimarcher on November 26, 2013, 04:11:16 PM: .243 is probably the way to go if you're trying to minimize recoil
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: BiggLuke on November 26, 2013, 04:42:09 PM: The truth is....

.243 is smaller.

.270 is bigger.

You must decide why one is better than the other.
Do you shoot lots of smaller animals like coyotes or black tails? Or do you shoot lots of medium sized animals like White tails and Pigs?
Or do you require a cheaper ammo by only a few tenths of a cent per shot?
No one can make you decide. You must choose.
They are both awesome cartridges.
But I like my .30/06. It's all per sonal preferance. :tup:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Griiz on November 26, 2013, 06:24:56 PM: Here is a recoil table. You can see the 243 has modest recoil compared to the 270.

Cartridge (Wb@MV)   Rifle Weight   Recoil energy   Recoil velocity
.243 Win. (75 at 3400)   8.5   7.2   7.4
.243 Win. (95 at 3100)   7.25   11.0   9.9
.243 Win. (100 at 2960)   7.5   8.8   8.7
6mm Rem. (100 at 3100)   8.0   10.0   9.0
.243 WSSM (100 at 3100)   7.5   10.1   9.3
6mm-284 (105 at 3000)   7.5   10.9   9.7
6mm-06 (105 at 3000)   8.0   10.2   9.1
.257 Roberts (100 at 3000)   7.5   9.3   8.9
.257 Roberts (120 at 2800)   8.0   10.7   9.3
.25-06 Rem. (100 at 3230)   8.0   11.0   9.4
.25-06 Rem. (120 at 3000)   8.0   12.5   10.0
.270 Win. (130 at 3140)   8.0   16.5   n/a
.270 Win. (140 at 3000)   8.0   17.1   11.7
.270 Win. (150 at 2900)   8.0   17.0   11.7
7mm-08 Rem. (120 at 3000)   7.5   12.1   10.2
7mm-08 Rem. (140 at 2860)   8.0   12.6   10.1
.308 Win. (150 at 2800)   7.5   15.8   11.7
.308 Win. (165 at 2700)   7.5   18.1   12.5
.308 Win. (180 at 2610)   8.0   17.5   11.9
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2013, 06:39:12 PM: Quote from: Griiz on November 26, 2013, 06:24:56 PM
Here is a recoil table. You can see the 243 has modest recoil compared to the 270.

Cartridge (Wb@MV)   Rifle Weight   Recoil energy   Recoil velocity
.243 Win. (75 at 3400)   8.5   7.2   7.4
.243 Win. (95 at 3100)   7.25   11.0   9.9
.243 Win. (100 at 2960)   7.5   8.8   8.7
6mm Rem. (100 at 3100)   8.0   10.0   9.0
.243 WSSM (100 at 3100)   7.5   10.1   9.3
6mm-284 (105 at 3000)   7.5   10.9   9.7
6mm-06 (105 at 3000)   8.0   10.2   9.1
.257 Roberts (100 at 3000)   7.5   9.3   8.9
.257 Roberts (120 at 2800)   8.0   10.7   9.3
.25-06 Rem. (100 at 3230)   8.0   11.0   9.4
.25-06 Rem. (120 at 3000)   8.0   12.5   10.0
.270 Win. (130 at 3140)   8.0   16.5   n/a
.270 Win. (140 at 3000)   8.0   17.1   11.7
.270 Win. (150 at 2900)   8.0   17.0   11.7
7mm-08 Rem. (120 at 3000)   7.5   12.1   10.2
7mm-08 Rem. (140 at 2860)   8.0   12.6   10.1
.308 Win. (150 at 2800)   7.5   15.8   11.7
.308 Win. (165 at 2700)   7.5   18.1   12.5
.308 Win. (180 at 2610)   8.0   17.5   11.9

Those are all mild.. You should try 20 rounds off the bench with a Recoil Energy of 98-99. :tup: Guaranteed to to keep your mind off anything but driving the rifle. :whoo:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: 12Gauge on November 26, 2013, 06:52:37 PM: Not knowing how big your youngster is, I would have to say .243.

Although I would not recommend a 243 for elk, but it has been done.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: snowpack on November 26, 2013, 06:53:10 PM: I think the 243 would be a great choice for deer-yotes-bobcats and other smaller critters.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: coachcw on November 26, 2013, 07:27:18 PM: 270 over the243 Sunday. if recoil is a concern then the 260 or 25/06 would be fine choices
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 26, 2013, 07:28:01 PM: You may want to re-think your thoughts a little ...I have owned and hunted with a .243 and .270 all my life ...would not trade them 2 for anything ...As I started to read and hear more about the 7mm-08 I finally bought one ...I now love that gun too ... you can go light FOR varmits and heavier for deer elk and bear ....I am sure a few on here would agree ...it is a sweet little gun ... :twocents:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: runningboard on November 26, 2013, 08:13:03 PM: Quote from: Orion on November 26, 2013, 03:56:03 PM
REM model 7 youth in 7mm-08. And then added a full length stock. My boys grew up with it and grandkids will too. If they can get it away from grampa. Lite, manuverable, accurate and not much recoil. Will kill elk at reasonable distances and a perfect deer rifle. Just about anything works for yotes.
what's "reasonable"? my ex got hers at 248 yards one shot from a 7mm-08.
Quote from: BOWHUNTER45 on November 26, 2013, 07:28:01 PM
You may want to re-think your thoughts a little ...I have owned and hunted with a .243 and .270 all my life ...would not trade them 2 for anything ...As I started to read and hear more about the 7mm-08 I finally bought one ...I now love that gun too ... you can go light FOR varmits and heavier for deer elk and bear ....I am sure a few on here would agree ...it is a sweet little gun ... :twocents:
:yeah:
be careful about less than popular cartridges you might have trouble finding ammo for in a pinch. we can argue all day about having it on hand but it seems to be on the kitchen table when you are 1/2 way across the state
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Jim the Plumber on November 26, 2013, 08:48:12 PM: OP, hands down the 243. He will get way more trigger time in before fatigue sets in, and get way more enjoyment out of a 243 than a 270.
I noticed a lot of posters 'what if', well, you were pretty clear, the rifle will be for deer and coyote.
Ergo, 243.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: crazyantler on November 26, 2013, 09:19:23 PM: Thanks for all the feedback and opinions. I agree that alot of things boil down to personal use and experience. I am not getting it for elk as I have other caliber guns for that when the kids get older.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: martin1 on November 26, 2013, 09:28:12 PM: i use my 243 for everything. it is a very effective caliber for coyotes,deer,and ive shot several spike elk with it. not much of a long range rifle but with good shot placement ive taken two spike elk at 300 yards and several deer at that far. all one shot.100 grain nosler partions work great. it is the first rifle i pick up when im headed out the door in a hurry
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bigsads on November 26, 2013, 10:04:29 PM: 270, or 7mm-08
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Bob33 on November 26, 2013, 10:23:14 PM: Quote from: Curly on November 26, 2013, 02:17:22 PM
.270 shouldn't be in the discussion for a kid? :dunno:

Reduced recoil (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/882105/remington-managed-recoil-ammunition-270-winchester-115-grain-core-lokt-pointed-soft-point-box-of-20) ammo can be used (probably should be used at first) to get the kid used to shooting the rifle. 115 gr bullet at 2700+ fps will do fine on deer and coyotes. After the kid is comfortable shooting the gun with reduced recoil loads, he can then move up to 130 gr loads (which still won't kick very much anyway).

Those 115 gr loads are probably going to kick similarly to 100 gr .243 loads. What will the .243 get for MV with 100gr bullets? 2900 fps? Reduced recoil 115 gr .270 loads will perform similarly to .243, so the .270 should be in the discussion.

By getting a .270 and using reduced recoil loads, it is like getting 2 rifles for the price of one. Plus you get to use full loads when the need arises.
Exactly. A 270 can be loaded to milder levels than a standard 243. The simple question therefore becomes "why not get a 270?" The 7mm-08 would be (and is) my first choice for a youth rifle but the 270 or 243 will work well on deer and coyotes.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: coachcw on November 27, 2013, 06:30:04 AM: I just like the 140's and 150's over the 100's for deer that's the main reason i'd go with the 270. plenty of animals killed with a 243 but I've also seen the little bullet go in and rattle around taking it's sweet time to put the critter down. for a kid I like shoot and flop shots .
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: arees on November 27, 2013, 07:12:22 AM: My 9 year old son shoots a left handed 270. We were lucky enough to be given an extra stock for the rifle so we cut the original down to his size. He hand loads for the rifle using gas checked lead bullets and Trailboss powder. This lets us load it to as little recoil as we want and he can not fit an unsafe amount of powder in the shell.

He can shoot lots of plinking loads, shoot managed recoil loads on game and he will have the same rifle with a full size stock when he grows up. For us it is a perfect solution.

Now we just need a deer that will stand around for a couple minutes longer.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: lhrbull on November 27, 2013, 01:57:46 PM: started my 12 year old daughter out with a 257 roberts now at 5' 4'' she shoots a Rem 280 with a muzzle brake. if i would could have found one at the time i would have started her on a 257 weatherby
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: splitshot on December 07, 2013, 10:05:51 PM: 7 mm-08, go for it if you are small. if you are big go for a 338 all the way. mike w
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: GEARHEAD on December 07, 2013, 10:45:30 PM: 7mm-08........recoil like a 243, yet can throw a 140 gr bullet at 3000 fps, will take deer and elk....i've taken many deer, all the way out to 458 with mine, many deer.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on December 07, 2013, 11:11:13 PM: I bought my boy a 270 when he was 10. He shot the managed recoil rounds for 3 years, and he shot his first elk with 130 grain normal recoil rounds. I like shooting the 270, feels like a 22 compared to my 300. I can't tell you what to buy but I really like the 270 due to the availability of rounds and it is fun to shoot
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: huntnphool on December 07, 2013, 11:36:44 PM: Quote from: JLS on November 26, 2013, 11:57:28 AM
7mm-08.
+1
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: huntnphool on December 07, 2013, 11:44:33 PM: Quote from: GEARHEAD on December 07, 2013, 10:45:30 PM
7mm-08........recoil like a 243, yet can throw a 140 gr bullet at 3000 fps, will take deer and elk....i've taken many deer, all the way out to 458 with mine, many deer.
Just FYI for the OP, the .243, 7mm-08 and .308 all use the same .308 case. The 7mm-08 is necked down to the 7mm (.284) bullet and the .243 is necked down to the .243 or 6mm bullet. ;)
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: OLYTAX on December 11, 2013, 02:55:17 PM: I am a died in the wool 30 caliber fan and user........but I have taken the 243 to Africa (plains game), shot Caribou in Canada and taken multiple deer with the caliber........absolutely love it and its accurate
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on December 11, 2013, 03:23:14 PM: Both very good cals .... I started out with a .243 and moved up to a .270 ...would never ever get rid of either ....I now also own a 7mm-08 and being as hard headed as I am about the .243 and .270 I thought I would never brake down and buy another rifle ..Since then I have bought a 25-06 and then a 7mm-08 In my opinion if you own any of the 4 for doing good ....IF I was buying my kid a new rifle and was planning on him hunting deer elk and bear I would go with the 7mm-08 ...A lot of different bullets to load for it and for what you will be hunting ... :tup: :twocents:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: C-Money on December 11, 2013, 03:42:29 PM: 7mm-08 all the way!!
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: mossback91 on December 11, 2013, 04:56:53 PM: 7mm-08 gets my vote :tup:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bobcat on December 11, 2013, 05:09:42 PM: Funny that the question was "243 or 270" yet people are "voting" for the 7/08. It's not one of the options! :chuckle:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Curly on December 11, 2013, 05:20:35 PM: I probably would have voted 7/08 if the question was: "243 vs. 7/08 vs. 270" :twocents:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Jingles on December 11, 2013, 05:26:26 PM: I will jump in here and bring up a little more to consider IMO. If you are considering the 270 you might as well look at the 30-06 because they both use the same basic brass. Break out a reloading manual and look at the 2 side by side. Personally if purchasing for deer (mule, WT, BT), coyotes, Lions,I'd go with the 243 especially for a younger smaller framed hunter, Don't ruin their experience with to much gun. Emphasize accuracy rather than bigger is better. I killed my 375 pound black bear with a 243 and would not hesitate to use the same gun for elk with good shot placement. Those that need 475 H&H magnums for black bear and similar sized game are probably lousy shots to begin with or at least the ones you see at the range that figure 4 shots on a 6 inch pie plate at 100 yards is good enough because they are shooting their 300RM or RUM instead of concentrating on Accuracy
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: C-Money on December 11, 2013, 05:27:08 PM: The OP said he was looking at getting a new rifle, so why not suggest a cartridge that would work very well for the needs he is looking to cover, and more! 7mm-08 is a very fine cartridge. Cant hurt to bring a new idea to the discussion. Of the two in the original question, for a youngster, I would pick the .243win.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: hiway_99 on December 11, 2013, 05:31:38 PM: I started my oldest out with the 243. There's no reason to get more rifle than they can handle. Plus it gives me a reason in a couple years to get another new rifle.

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Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 05:41:20 PM: Out of the 2 .243 all the way. Devastating on yotes and deer. The right bullet and load is key as my sister proved on her mule deer shot at 520 yards. I would have no problem taking (my .243 with my handloads) 95gn Berger VLD's on an elk hunt (limit range) or black bear hunting.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 05:45:49 PM: Havent read every comment but if you were to look at a diff cartridge ya might look at the .260. Great accurate low recoil and plenty of gun for anything.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: JLS on December 11, 2013, 05:47:28 PM: Quote from: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 05:45:49 PM
Havent read every comment but if you were to look at a diff cartridge ya might look at the .260. Great accurate low recoil and plenty of gun for anything.

It would probably bounce off of them :chuckle:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: buckfvr on December 11, 2013, 05:55:21 PM: Quote from: JLS on December 11, 2013, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 05:45:49 PM
Havent read every comment but if you were to look at a diff cartridge ya might look at the .260. Great accurate low recoil and plenty of gun for anything.

It would probably bounce off of them :chuckle:

Only with the right bullets..............
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 07:05:55 PM: Quote from: JLS on December 11, 2013, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 05:45:49 PM
Havent read every comment but if you were to look at a diff cartridge ya might look at the .260. Great accurate low recoil and plenty of gun for anything.

It would probably bounce off of them :chuckle:
my nephews mule deer must have died from laughter than. ;)
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 07:09:50 PM: Quote from: buckfvr on December 11, 2013, 05:55:21 PM
Quote from: JLS on December 11, 2013, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 05:45:49 PM
Havent read every comment but if you were to look at a diff cartridge ya might look at the .260. Great accurate low recoil and plenty of gun for anything.

It would probably bounce off of them :chuckle:

Only with the right bullets..............
Quote from: buckfvr on December 11, 2013, 05:55:21 PM
Quote from: JLS on December 11, 2013, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: Mxracer532 on December 11, 2013, 05:45:49 PM
Havent read every comment but if you were to look at a diff cartridge ya might look at the .260. Great accurate low recoil and plenty of gun for anything.

It would probably bounce off of them :chuckle:

Only with the right bullets..............

130 or 140gn Berger VLD's will kill just as well as the guys that gotta shoot the 300win mags for alittle whitetail. U know one im sure. Haha
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: demontang on December 11, 2013, 09:00:51 PM: I have a 243 to start my wife an kids. As long as your only after deer. Elk id step up to a 25-06, 7mm08 or even the 6.8spc.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: mossback91 on December 12, 2013, 06:16:28 AM: Quote from: bobcat on December 11, 2013, 05:09:42 PM
Funny that the question was "243 or 270" yet people are "voting" for the 7/08. It's not one of the options! :chuckle:

There is always more than 2 options when talking guns!! you should know that! :hello:
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: coachcw on December 12, 2013, 06:40:37 AM: With more options in ammo I cant see why a 7mm 08 is a better choice than a .270win the .270 in a 140 class bullet carry's aprox 200 more ft lbs of energy and slightly less drop one inch at 300 and 5 at five hundred . when using light loads the .270 is a fine choice for a youth pick up a tikka t3 stainless in .270 and don't look back .
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: LndShrk on December 12, 2013, 06:45:35 AM: Quote from: crazyantler on November 26, 2013, 11:47:30 AM
I am looking at getting a new rifle for a younger(age 12) first time hunter and was wondering what would be suitable for hunting deer or coyotes?

If for only deer or coyotes I would personally choose the .243 for the younger shooter. They are young enough to get in on some good youth hunts and graduate into a larger cal as they grow.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: WoodlandShooter on December 12, 2013, 08:24:33 AM: go to a couple of local Wallmarts and some remote hardware stores...

Take a look at what they have on the shelf for ammunition....

Buy a rifle that has the most "available" off the shelf ammo.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: Bofire on December 12, 2013, 09:03:57 AM: :) .270 will do anything the .243 will, but the 243 will not do everything the 270 will.
Carl
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: dscubame on December 12, 2013, 11:26:04 AM: Quote from: martin1 on November 26, 2013, 09:28:12 PM
i use my 243 for everything. it is a very effective caliber for coyotes,deer,and ive shot several spike elk with it. not much of a long range rifle but with good shot placement ive taken two spike elk at 300 yards and several deer at that far. all one shot.100 grain nosler partions work great. it is the first rifle i pick up when im headed out the door in a hurry

Agree. If it can be done with a bow it can be done with a .243
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bhawley76 on December 12, 2013, 12:18:54 PM: 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 :twocents: thats one of my favorate go to's that I have.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: BULLBLASTER on December 12, 2013, 12:44:32 PM: Quote from: Bofire on December 12, 2013, 09:03:57 AM
:) .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 :chuckle:
:sry: just had to...
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: 2ndtimer on December 15, 2013, 06:23:38 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bhawley76 on December 16, 2013, 07:45:20 AM: 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
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: dscubame on December 16, 2013, 02:58:53 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: buckfvr on December 16, 2013, 03:26:13 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bobcat on December 16, 2013, 04:39:36 PM: Quote from: buckfvr on December 16, 2013, 03:26:13 PM
In the day of enlightenment, who the heck shoots without hearing protection ??

You mean while hunting? Or target shooting?
Title: Re: 243 vs. 270 opinions for general purpose rifle
Post by: bhawley76 on December 17, 2013, 07:22:08 AM: What? :chuckle: