.243 for NI

[robgal]

I’m currently awaiting doing DSC1 (next available is end of Feb) before putting in a variation for a deer calibre rifle, so have been spending too much time researching calibre choice.

I’ve shot a .243 with a friend previously (in RoI) and found it to be really comfortable to shoot with good retaining of sight picture and bullet strike etc so was keen on it to start out, but I’ve been using the search on here and reading extensively regarding the potential issues around non lead loads in lower twist rate barrels. I believe the lead ban doesn’t apply in Northern Ireland (yet), but also that the minimum bullet weight required here is 100gr?

Is this likely to cause any issues if I go ahead and get a rifle with a faster twist rate and a lead ban comes in later? Presuming that they don’t use common sense and retain the minimum weight of 100gr.

Or should I just bin the calibre and go for a 6.5 or .308? I only plan to have one rifle for the job so having one of each isn’t on the table for now.

Thanks
Robbie

 

[dryan]

308 or 30-06 or 7x57

 

[robgal]

308 or 30-06 or 7x57

I’m trying to simplify the decision not make it more complicated

 

[Brighty3006]

.243 .....easy

 

[dryan]

I’m trying to simplify the decision not make it more complicated

You’ll be shooting I assume sika, maybe red and maybe fallow. A 308 will be enough gun for all and future proof for copper.

I don’t like using my 243 for reds as I don’t feel it has the knock down power due to limitations on bullet weight. I love it for fallow and fox though.

 

[robgal]

You’ll be shooting I assume sika, maybe red and maybe fallow. A 308 will be enough gun for all and future proof for copper.

I don’t like using my 243 for reds as I don’t feel it has the knock down power due to limitations on bullet weight. I love it for fallow and fox though.

Probably mostly reds where I am with the occasional trip for sika and/or fallow. Also likely foxes and there are lots of rumours of muntjac locally but I haven’t seen any evidence of them in the permissions I have walked.

 

[GBR66]

I have been zeroing my 6.5x55 for new ammo and a newly acquired 6.5 Creedmoor this afternoon, and both are a pleasure to shoot with little recoil, 6.5CM rifle is 1.5kg heavier and sight picture retention is perfect, I prefer a heavier bullet and harder hitting calibre if given the choice but for low eecoil and effective killing I would suggest go 6.5 and for factory ammo availability go Creedmoor and it will be more suitable for big reds or sika if you have the chance AND you haven't got to worry about a lead ban. I was using Sako Gamehead Pro 6.5CM 140gr and according to their website the 90gr .243 is a bit flatter - 8cm drop at 200m vs 13cm when zeroed at 100m, but zero at 150m and aim "on" every time..

 

[robgal]

I have been zeroing my 6.5x55 for new ammo and a newly acquired 6.5 Creedmoor this afternoon, and both are a pleasure to shoot with little recoil, 6.5CM rifle is 1.5kg heavier and sight picture retention is perfect, I prefer a heavier bullet and harder hitting calibre if given the choice but for low eecoil and effective killing I would suggest go 6.5 and for factory ammo availability go Creedmoor and it will be more suitable for big reds or sika if you have the chance AND you haven't got to worry about a lead ban. I was using Sako Gamehead Pro 6.5CM 140gr and according to their website the 90gr .243 is a bit flatter - 8cm drop at 200m vs 13cm when zeroed at 100m, but zero at 150m and aim "on" every time..

That’s interesting info, I’m a big fan of tracking a shot through the scope with air rifle and rimfire so the recoil of the bigger calibres is a concern for that reason. 6.5 might be a good middle ground.

 

[Big Tam]

270win 143g Eld-x does the job every time

 

[dryan]

I was shooting a moderated 300win mag in Africa earlier this year and found it just as shootable and no difference in watching shot reaction v my 243. I think a moderator to reduce muzzle flip is key. I never get why people worry about recoil on medium calibres.

 

[GBR66]

308 or 30-06 or 7x57

I love my .30-06 but wouldn't recommend it for maintaining the sight picture!

 

[Hunter 6.5]

270win 143g Eld-x does the job every time

You mean 145gr Eld-x maybe .

 

[dryan]

I love my .30-06 but wouldn't recommend it for maintaining the sight picture!

Granted the 300 win mag was a target rifle with a heavy barrel so it weighed a bit. .308 is nothing to be worried about though

 

[Big Tam]

You mean 145gr Eld-x maybe .

Yes mate I stand corrected 145g eld-x

 

[robgal]

I was shooting a moderated 300win mag in Africa earlier this year and found it just as shootable and no difference in watching shot reaction v my 243. I think a moderator to reduce muzzle flip is key. I never get why people worry about recoil on medium calibres.

I’ve no experience with any of the medium to large calibre stuff so nothing to provide a datum on how much recoil to expect. I’ve no concerns about recoil as such, just not bothered about machismo vibes if I can get something that will be more enjoyable to shoot out of the box

 

[Big Tam]

Or 300prc

 

[GBR66]

That’s interesting info, I’m a big fan of tracking a shot through the scope with air rifle and rimfire so the recoil of the bigger calibres is a concern for that reason. 6.5 might be a good middle ground.

Given what you said above re "mainly reds", I've got friends who swear by .243 who have shot a lot more deer than me, but for bigger deer and Sike who seem to do their best to shrug off being shot I like a bit more whoomph, and a bigger bullet. I personally prefer a bullet that does more damage hence the `Sako ballistic tips, but that is entirely "each to his own"!

 

[GBR66]

Granted the 300 win mag was a target rifle with a heavy barrel so it weighed a bit. .308 is nothing to be worried about though

Agree with that but also a good point for the OP, weight of rifle vs. recoil control...it depends on the type of ground you are covering but a heavier rifle/scope set up will make a difference, .30-06 in my 4.9kg set up is very different to 6.5CM in 6.4kg, I know which one I had rather carry on a long hill day, but in lowland and forestry I wouldn't care, and I'm getting old!

 

[buckfever]

New tikka and sako .243 are 1/8 twist. Good for copper or heavy lead

 

[Bowland blades]

I’m currently awaiting doing DSC1 (next available is end of Feb) before putting in a variation for a deer calibre rifle, so have been spending too much time researching calibre choice.

I’ve shot a .243 with a friend previously (in RoI) and found it to be really comfortable to shoot with good retaining of sight picture and bullet strike etc so was keen on it to start out, but I’ve been using the search on here and reading extensively regarding the potential issues around non lead loads in lower twist rate barrels. I believe the lead ban doesn’t apply in Northern Ireland (yet), but also that the minimum bullet weight required here is 100gr?

Is this likely to cause any issues if I go ahead and get a rifle with a faster twist rate and a lead ban comes in later? Presuming that they don’t use common sense and retain the minimum weight of 100gr.

Or should I just bin the calibre and go for a 6.5 or .308? I only plan to have one rifle for the job so having one of each isn’t on the table for now.

Thanks
Robbie

I shot .243 win for a good few decades . It will kill all UK deer no problems if the bullet is placed in the recommended places. My main deer rifle has been a .260 rem for the last few years . Guess what i just added another .243 win dedicated for night shooting and i am very much going to be using it on deer . I have shot Big Sika sags with the .243 win and all my longest shots foxes all fell to it . Leaving my 260 rem for daylight scope and the 243 for night work in the main
6.5 mm is just half a mm wider but it really doesn't effect the kill over the 6.5 mm - ITS PLACEMENT