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Is the 243 the best whitetail deer cartridge?
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<blockquote data-quote="bengineer" data-source="post: 2347518" data-attributes="member: 36951"><p>Both of my older boys have taken their first big game with a short stocked 20" 243. My youngers will also probably take big game with that gun. Both have moved up in bore diameter. One shoots a 308 with partitions, the other is experimenting with a 35 Whelen. Neither likes the small diameter bullets after they impact flesh; small wounds can confound. Both prefer larger bullets because they create larger wounds, in general. </p><p>My 12 y.o. and I took successive wt does with his 243. He took a mid-lung shot and I took a forward shoulder shot. His lung wound was about 2" dia and exit was 3/4". My whole wound channel was about 2", through both shoulders, just under the spine and out the other ribs and shoulder. Lung wound was 4" across. More resistance equalled wider wound. Both deer dead ran about 90 yards. In my experiences, thats par for the 243 unless a super soft bullet is used. A 308, 7-08, 25, 26, 27… doesnt seem to have that limitation unless too hard of a bullet is used. Were we using too hard of a bullet, then? Possibly. But any softer wont exit on a broadside shot, and may not enter on side ribs. </p><p>Is 243 the best? No way. Is it enough? I believe Ruark would say no, and I know my boys and I say no. Less tracking is better for me. But a wide bullet also doesnt mean an animal is ruined. The 45/70 with a 400 or heavier, or a lighter bullet not going max speed, creates a sufficient wound but isnt destructive. Especially when compared to a 257 Roy using an 80 grain varmint bullet.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="bengineer, post: 2347518, member: 36951"] Both of my older boys have taken their first big game with a short stocked 20” 243. My youngers will also probably take big game with that gun. Both have moved up in bore diameter. One shoots a 308 with partitions, the other is experimenting with a 35 Whelen. Neither likes the small diameter bullets after they impact flesh; small wounds can confound. Both prefer larger bullets because they create larger wounds, in general. My 12 y.o. and I took successive wt does with his 243. He took a mid-lung shot and I took a forward shoulder shot. His lung wound was about 2” dia and exit was 3/4”. My whole wound channel was about 2”, through both shoulders, just under the spine and out the other ribs and shoulder. Lung wound was 4” across. More resistance equalled wider wound. Both deer dead ran about 90 yards. In my experiences, thats par for the 243 unless a super soft bullet is used. A 308, 7-08, 25, 26, 27… doesnt seem to have that limitation unless too hard of a bullet is used. Were we using too hard of a bullet, then? Possibly. But any softer wont exit on a broadside shot, and may not enter on side ribs. Is 243 the best? No way. Is it enough? I believe Ruark would say no, and I know my boys and I say no. Less tracking is better for me. But a wide bullet also doesnt mean an animal is ruined. The 45/70 with a 400 or heavier, or a lighter bullet not going max speed, creates a sufficient wound but isnt destructive. Especially when compared to a 257 Roy using an 80 grain varmint bullet. [/QUOTE]
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Is the 243 the best whitetail deer cartridge?
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