Help choosing caliber
I am going to buy either a Browning or Remington semi-automatic rifle, currently I am leaning towards the Browning BAR. I plan on using this rifle for deer hunting and target shooting. Most of my hunting shots will be between 50 and 75 yards while the target shots will be up to 100 yards. When I was younger I had a Remington 742 in 30-06 but the recoil is more than I care for now. I am considering a .243, .308 or .270. What is the best caliber for this type of shooting?
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I like the .243 and the .308. My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former
USMC
ANGLICO0 -
sycamore,
Welcome to the forum.I've long been a .270 fan,but if recoil is an issue,the .243 may be the ticket.Though frowned upon by many as being
too small for deer,it will definitely do the job if you do yours.I've never had a .308,but I hear that it is a good all around cartridge
as well.
Hope this helps,
BW
IT'S WHAT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THEMSELVES THAT MAKES THEM AFRAID.0 -
I would go with the .308 just as if you like to plink for fun as well, it is cheapest.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
the flat accuracy the 243 offers is unbelievable but the 308 will do the deer thing.
former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.0 -
Nothing against a Bar or any semi-autos....but I prefer a bolt action. Would select a .270 WSM caliber/3X9 scope, if shopping for a new gun. I have an old Sako .308 that will group less than 1" @ 100 yds. with 165 grain match boatail ammo.
Thanks,
Bob [:)]
Robert L. Ford0 -
I wanted to thank everyone who responded to my question. I appreciate all your comments and suggestions. 0 -
if you want a auto, go with the browning. i work on both a lot and the browning is best by far. also go with the .270, better range and power than the others, less recoil than an /06. 0 -
For what you are going to use it for the .243 will do everything you need it to with a lot less recoil than either the .308 or the .270. Some will argue the point that the .243 is to light for deer I have a couple of wallhangers to validate that it was more than enough. 0 -
The 243 will do plenty at shots less than 200 yards. My boy shot his mule deer at about 150 and the deer went straight down.
Will also shoot flat enough if you are shooting under 250 yards. The 270 and 30-06 will both have recoil but the .243 you can shoot all day long.
Mad Dog0 -
First, I'd suggest that you go with the BAR. Second, if you do go with the BAR, I wouldn't worry about the recoil with anything less than a 300 win mag. I bought one awhile back in 30-06 with the BOSS system. It had absolutely no recoil with the muzzle brake installed, and has extremely little with the non-ported weight installed. My girlfriend even shot it without the brake, and thought it was a lot of fun. 0 -
308 you have more loads to pick from I think the 308 is a better round more of the big game hunting. 243 more on the varmmit side softer recoil no real top end. 270 more recoil but a lot flater shooting. Go with a Browining BAR with a Boss if you shoot at targets a lot wear hearing protection I use plug's and muff's with my boss it's loud, hunting one shot isn't bad.
psalms 160 -
.308 would be my choice among those you listed, but I also like .257 Roberts and .260 Rem. Since you dislike recoil, you will find these are in the same recoil class as the .243. I shoot both extensively and like each better than .243 which I like a lot.
He Dog0
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