.243 for Mule Deer?

[Shockwave]

Wife shoots a 243 and has always filled her tag. Her first deer she dropped at 300 yards, thing didn't take one step. Furthermore, I have a friend who shot a 243 for years, some other guy talked him into the bigger is better theory and he bought a 30-06. After a few years he went back to the 243 because he was comfortable with it. Also, practice, practice, practice. I was always the guy who took the guns out a week before season opened just make sure they were sighted in and went hunting. Missed a few really nice bucks and decided to start shooting a little more during the year, haven't missed for some time now.

 

[harveyspecter]

Wife shoots a 243 and has always filled her tag. Her first deer she dropped at 300 yards, thing didn't take one step. Furthermore, I have a friend who shot a 243 for years, some other guy talked him into the bigger is better theory and he bought a 30-06. After a few years he went back to the 243 because he was comfortable with it. Also, practice, practice, practice. I was always the guy who took the guns out a week before season opened just make sure they were sighted in and went hunting. Missed a few really nice bucks and decided to start shooting a little more during the year, haven't missed for some time now.

What's wrong with 30-06? I am using 30-06, it's good still now

 

[Bowhunter_24]

I shot this doe today with a 55 grain .223 bullet. She went straight down

 

[eyexer]

It doesn't matter which legal caliber you use. It's all about actually being able to place a bullet in a spot that will kill the animal your seeking. A bigger gun won't kill it anymore dead

 

[Davey Crockett]

It doesn't matter which legal caliber you use. It's all about actually being able to place a bullet in a spot that will kill the animal your seeking. A bigger gun won't kill it anymore dead

You said it better on post #50 " If your a piss poor shot then by all means get the biggest cannon you can handle shooting."

 

[AR-15]

The biggest cannon, you mean a 105 Howitzler, it's a family gun the whole family can use

 

[Kurtr]

105 why mess with the pea shooters I am a 155 mm guy

 

[2400]

I've killed coyotes, bobcats, a lion, deer, antelope and 1 elk with a 243 so far. With the right bullet, some practice shooting and waiting for a "good" shot your 243 will kill a mule deer with no problem

 

[Big Iron]

Looks like an overwhelming agreement that yes, a .243 will kill a deer.

Just curious- how many #eastside slough busting/ tree row pushing/ running deer shooting guys are chiming in agreeing that the .243 is a good deer caliber.

 

[espringers]

my .243 BAR is all i use for walking or slough busting. i like the fact that i can pull the trigger on that gun and the deer never leaves the scope. sure helps with running animals. although, i've been known to put an extra hole in them from time to time.

 

[lunkerslayer]

I use a 244 or herters 6mm model u9 shoots 6mm 100 gr Remington core lokt , scope is a 3x9 Redfield illuminator widefield. I want to learn how to reload as well since shells are 25 dollars a box.

 

[SupressYourself]

Just curious- how many #eastside slough busting/ tree row pushing/ running deer shooting guys are chiming in agreeing that the .243 is a good deer caliber.

This used to be the only way I knew how to deer hunt. That bullet is so fast, you barely have to lead them.

 

[Kurtr]

I use a 244 or herters 6mm model u9 shoots 6mm 100 gr Remington core lokt , scope is a 3x9 Redfield illuminator widefield. I want to learn how to reload as well since shells are 25 dollars a box.

i might have a shit ton of 6mm brass if you want i can check

 

[Migrator Man]

Shot placement is always key. I always shoot smaller calibers when doe hunting because my mind thinks I'm less likely to shoot up the meat. If you don't put the shot in the boiler room it is a toss up whether you will bring a muley for down. I smoked one this year in the shoulder and it dropped right where it was standing but I have seen mule deer go down and look like they are hit and then take off running full speed.

Solution? Use a big caliber so it goes down no matter where they are hit. Nothing worse than wounding a deer.

 

[Kurtr]

I seen a mule deer shot in the guts with a .375 RUM should he go to a 404 or maybe right to the 505 gibbs? He was shooting a little 260 grn bullet just shy of 3000 fps. Funny thing is after that deer ran for a mile plus a guy with an old 6mm rem shot it high shoulder with a 95 grn sst and it died right there.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I seen a mule deer shot in the guts with a .375 RUM should he go to a 404 or maybe right to the 505 gibbs? He was shooting a little 260 grn bullet just shy of 3000 fps. Funny thing is after that deer ran for a mile plus a guy with an old 6mm rem shot it high shoulder with a 95 grn sst and it died right there.

I watched a muley get smoked in the guts and in the leg with a 300 Win Mag. It jumped the fence first and his intestines jumped it a little later. I tracked it down and put a 25-06 round in his neck to end the misery.

 

[deactivated]

Someone should tell the Army to keep the 5.56 and improve their marksmanship program only.

http://www.wearethemighty.com/tacti...ook&utm_content=army-range-problem&utm_term=2

 

[thriller1]

Shot my doe with a .25-45 Sharps I just built. Without a doubt, my new favorite gun. I used 70 grain Blitzkings and the damage was comparable to my .243 I've always used

 

[luvcatchingbass]

It doesn't matter which legal caliber you use. It's all about actually being able to place a bullet in a spot that will kill the animal your seeking. A bigger gun won't kill it anymore dead

My 6.5 has killed deer dead, my 7mm kills them deader, my science has proved this:::