.308 vs. .243

[mjhworth]

I'm a newbie to the site but not to shooting. Debating on a 243 vs 308. I'm sure this has been discussed on here somewhere. Can someone post the discussion link. I <span style="font-weight: bold">don't</span> want to start a great debate.

My intended use is target/tac. Probably mostly target out to 1k yards. I've read the "Getting Started" post and the favorite is the 308. I don't reload at this point, but will in the future.

Current rifle collection:
RRA 24" .223 varmint/Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50
Mega/CMMG A4 .223/Bushnell Elite 4200 1.25-4x illum.
Winchester Model 70 7mm mag/Zeiss 4.5-14x50(my hunter)
Marlin model 60 .22lr/BSA 3-9x

 

[desertHK]

Re: .308 vs. .243

For target punching only, 243 is a great cartridge. However, if you don't reload, it's hard to find match grade quality ammo. I am taking about 105, 107, or even 115 grains bullets. So, you will be better off wit h 308 since you can get match grade ammo. BTW, they are not cheap either.

 

[neoinarien]

Re: .308 vs. .243

Insert the obligatory question that should have been in OP:

Do you reload? If not, do you plan on reloading?

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: .308 vs. .243

.243 is a great 1000yard cartridge. Easy to load for with a killer selection of outstanding long range bullets, cases are readily available.Same boltface as the 308. Only one drawback to 308. It's a BARREL BURNER! You'll get over 5K through a 308 tube-maybe 1500 in a .243 before accuracy starts dropping off.

 

[rackchaser71]

Re: .308 vs. .243

wow what a close fight, i would go with the 308, i have a 243 and it is awesome but im currently shopping for a 308 because a canada whitetail trip may be in the future and i just simply need a bigger round, being a newbie you will not be dissapointed with either, personally i would go with .308, its a better allaround round

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: .308 vs. .243

Good point,op didn't say exactly what he was going to use the stick for. Short of busting Dogs-I'd want AT LEAST a 308 for big Canadian game.

But for Tactical comps a .243 can get it done.

 

[desertHK]

Re: .308 vs. .243

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mjhworth</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a newbie to the site but not to shooting. Debating on a 243 vs 308. I'm sure this has been discussed on here somewhere. Can someone post the discussion link. I <span style="font-weight: bold">don't</span> want to start a great debate.

<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">My intended use is target/tac.</span></span> Probably mostly target out to 1k yards. I've read the "Getting Started" post and the favorite is the 308. I don't reload at this point, but will in the future.

Current rifle collection:
RRA 24" .223 varmint/Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50
Mega/CMMG A4 .223/Bushnell Elite 4200 1.25-4x illum.
Winchester Model 70 7mm mag/Zeiss 4.5-14x50(my hunter)
Marlin model 60 .22lr/BSA 3-9x </div></div>

If it's not for hunting, like OP stated, I would vote for 243 win. but you must learn to reload to take advantage of the high BC bullets. Otherwise, stick with the 308. You can learn alot from a 308.

 

[Rob01]

Re: .308 vs. .243

And you also have to get a barrel put on with the right twist with the .243. Factory barrels aren't fast enough to take advantage of the heavier 6mm bullets so if you plan on going with a factory rifle and factory ammo then the .308 seems like a better option.

If you have no problem rebarreling and then still using factory ammo then look at the 6.5 Creedmoor. Excellent factory ammo in the 140 AMAX with better ballistics than a .308 and only around $24/20.

 

[mjhworth]

Re: .308 vs. .243

I agree with the barrel twist issue. None of the factory .243's have the desireable 1:8 twist needed to spin heavy rounds with best BC. Eventually would need to rebarrel the .243 to take full advantage of it's capabilities.

 

[desertHK]

Re: .308 vs. .243

What I am doing with my 243, which is a Remy stock barrel, is to shoot it out and then replace it with a faster twist. It stabilizes the 105 scenars and 105 AMAX quite well. You want at least 1:7 or so to be sure.

 

[Rob01]

Re: .308 vs. .243

7.5 twist in the .243 will handle all the heavy bullets.

 

[JamieD]

Re: .308 vs. .243

Love and have both but I would go .308 if you don't reload. Another often overlooked choice when getting started is the .223 in a bolt gun. My Remmy LTR ran to 1000 pretty well - liked it so much I built a fast twist in an AICS with .223 mags on the way : ) This will afford you to spend more time behind the trigger, learning the wind and proper technique without dealing with recoil.

Good luck
JamieD
Wolf Precision
All Hogs Go to Heaven

 

[scotharr]

Re: .308 vs. .243

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamieD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love and have both but I would go .308 if you don't reload. Another often overlooked choice when getting started is the .223 in a bolt gun. My Remmy LTR ran to 1000 pretty well - liked it so much I built a fast twist in an AICS with .223 mags on the way : ) This will afford you to spend more time behind the trigger, learning the wind and proper technique without dealing with recoil.

Good luck
JamieD
Wolf Precision
All Hogs Go to Heaven </div></div>

It really is amazing what a tiny little 223 will do out to 600 yards no problem....with a 20" barrel. It is way cheaper to reload for, especially in a bolt action which will treat the brass more nicely. A 223 bolt action would allow you to put more bullets down-range for less dough. I shoot 243 for comps and my son uses 223. He is only about 10 points behind my bolt gun with his 20" AR...not bad...and that is more about his ability than the gun.

 

[mjhworth]

Re: .308 vs. .243

I think I will stick with the .308... here's what I am thinking...
Howa barreled action .308, stainless. (1:12 twist)
B&C tactical medalist
CDI DBM, inletted by CDI (optional)
Muzzle break (Badger FTE)(mandatory)
20moa one piece pic rail, Badger mounts
Scope???? either a SS10x HD, Sightron SIII 6-24x50LRMD or what I would really like -Leupold Mark 4 LRT 8.5-25x50

 

[bohem]

Re: .308 vs. .243

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mjhworth</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I will stick with the .308... here's what I am thinking...
Howa barreled action .308, stainless. (1:12 twist)
B&C tactical medalist
CDI DBM, inletted by CDI (optional)
Muzzle break (Badger FTE)(mandatory)
20moa one piece pic rail, Badger mounts
Scope???? either a SS10x HD, Sightron SIII 6-24x50LRMD or what I would really like -Leupold Mark 4 LRT 8.5-25x50
</div></div>

If you do end up spending the coin involved with that Leupold, skip it and get a Viper instead. If you do a little reading in the optics section on this place you'll find the Leupold feedback threads. There's better glass available for that kind of money.

The specs you have listed above will treat you well up to 175gr bullets in the 308 and you'll certainly learn lots about shooting.

Once you get it built save your coin and get into reloading. An RCBS kit will run you $300 bucks, which is only about 150 rounds of match grade 308's...

 

[mjhworth]

Re: .308 vs. .243

I've got the Viper in the Wide plex reticle and am happy with it..... if I get another it would be with the mildot..

 

[desertHK]

Re: .308 vs. .243

I have the Viper 6.2-22x50 in MD. Very happy with it. Was going to say that if you plan for a Leupy MkIV, you may want to consider a used Nightforce. I have both the MkIV and the Nightforce scopes and I must say I favor the Nightforce.