The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Have you shot a .243 and a 7mm-08

22-rimfire · April 2, 2006, 04:18 PM

My 2 cents: It really depends on what you expect your children to do in the future in terms of shooting. IF they are very accuracy conscious and will shoot the 243 and learn to shoot it well, I would go with the 243. It is more comfortable to shoot than larger calibers and is okay for deer.

If they are going to sight in their rifle and shoot it just prior to hunting season and not be interested in any kind of varmint hunting, I would bounce them up to the 270>30-06>308 power area. The 30 30 would be a fair choice also. They can learn to adapt to a little more recoil in exchange for a more reliable whitetail round. I would not go with 7mm or 300 win mag.

I started out with a 243. Reason was I wanted a combination caliber for varmints and whitetails and I suppose something with a little less recoil. I lost a deer shot in the front shoulder and I purchased a 270 for the following season. I have never regretted that choice.

April 2, 2006, 04:18 PM	#38
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	My 2 cents: It really depends on what you expect your children to do in the future in terms of shooting. IF they are very accuracy conscious and will shoot the 243 and learn to shoot it well, I would go with the 243. It is more comfortable to shoot than larger calibers and is okay for deer. If they are going to sight in their rifle and shoot it just prior to hunting season and not be interested in any kind of varmint hunting, I would bounce them up to the 270>30-06>308 power area. The 30 30 would be a fair choice also. They can learn to adapt to a little more recoil in exchange for a more reliable whitetail round. I would not go with 7mm or 300 win mag. I started out with a 243. Reason was I wanted a combination caliber for varmints and whitetails and I suppose something with a little less recoil. I lost a deer shot in the front shoulder and I purchased a 270 for the following season. I have never regretted that choice.