.223 or .243

[dean 913]

hey thanks alot for the help. i was wondering what will be a better rifle a .243 or a .223 for whitetail deer

[LAHunter]

That seems like a question that answers itself.

They are so similar: small, fast moving bullets that are best suited for open areas, that it just makes sense to use the .243. Bigger bullet, a little more power.

[savageshooter]

i have always considered the 243 to be minimum for deer hunting.. are you sure you couldent bump it up to a 270 or 30-06? you would have a lot of versitality for larger animals as well, and deer would drop faster.

[buckfever]

cant add much to this. i agree with both LA and savage on this one.

[timberghost]

To choose between the two I would pick the .243. You'll get just a little more wallop from it.

[BruceBruce1959]

I'm with all the others that posted before me, the .243 is the best choice here..

[LAHunter]

My first rifle was a Savage 110 .243

I loved this rifle and would still be hunting with it, had it not been lost / stolen a few years back.

That being said, I see no reason to buy another one. I find my 30-06 just as easy to shoot, and I'm getting a lot more power (and versatility).

If you're looking for a good round with light recoil, consider the 7mm-08.

[scotts]

my 1st kill was with a .243 n it killed it dead. i bought a .223 and asked the same question and someone said you CAN kill with a .223 if u have a heavier grain bullet like a 65 or 70gr but where i come from the highest you can get off the shelf is a 55gr. but a .243 works good

[MIZZOURIHunter]

Well, like other members have said, a .243 would be better, but even a bigger caliber won't make a difference with poor bullet placement. I'm not a crack-shot by any standard, but I can hit where I intend to. I use a Smith & Wesson .222 bolt action often while deer hunting. My first whitetail was shot with that gun from about 75 yards. One shot and he ran about 100 yds and died. BUT back to the original question, yes, buy a .243 or go bigger and get a .308 or .270. A good caliber that packs enough wallop combined with good shooting will always bring down your game.

[DKA]

243 by all means, as some have said no smaller than 243 for deer.