Best Fox/Deer Round?

[jamross65]

I have owned 5x .243 rifles and a custom built .243AI which I absolutely loved with 85grn Sierra Gameking HP's. I owned a semi custom 25-06 for several years that was used primarily on Sika. I agree that the .243 can and does kill an awful lot of deer in the UK all things considered. But, even if used as a primarily foxing rifle with the occasional visit for sika stags as an example, the .243 IMO falls short as suitable round on such a beast unless neck or head shooting. It simply cannot match the 25-06 in ballistic performance or energy with 120grn bullets. If all I was shooting was foxes, roe, muntys and CWD Iwould think the .243 is the right choice or more inportanty giving nothing necessary away to the 25-06. If even 2 or 3 visits a year were expected on sika/red stags though it would not be my first choice. I would compromise that ideal foxing/smaller deer chambering for having 'more rifle' for stags in the rut.

If a guest comes out with me for rutting stags with a .243 I am afraid I would insist on them using my 308.

My 25-06 with 100grn Hornady SP out a 26'' barrel was pushing along at a fair old pace, far quicker than any 243 would manage with the same bullet weight. The number of times it did not exit on neck shots was significant.

I would normally agree 100% that the choice of rifle/chambering should be based on what quarry is pursued the majority of the time, but when it comes to sika (if indeed the OP is going to be having a go at them) I do not think it really is much of a compromise to use a 75grn out a 25-06 for foxes (devastating round) but have the ability to up it to 120grns should the chance arise.

I use the 25cal as an example because I have a lot of experience with it and it still allows for the use of ligh frangible bullets on foxes, the 6.5mm bullets may only go down to 90grn (I think????) but then I think you are starting to move further away from what may be considered an ideal foxing round. Plus I have no experience with 6.5mm...

 

[www.yorkshireroestalking.]

The OP was asking about calibres for Foxes and Deer.
I would therefore take it to mean fox as the primary quarry & deer secondary.
The .243 is an excellent fox round and more than adequate to despatch any deer in the UK.
Thanks to its popularity in the US, there are a large variety of both rifles and ammunition available in this calibre to choose from, all of which is to it's advantage.
I agree that other calibres demonstrate better ballistics but do not consider ballistics to be the only factor in considering what is "Best".

Good points, but I would hazard a guess you have or had a .243 and have never had a 2506?
Think you will find on this thread those who have a .243 will state its the best, those who have experience of other calibres will state that.
Just look back at the answers given its obvious.
If only small deer or roe in scotland then many would say get a .223
There are still unanswered parameters.
But if you can get it opened for fox I have my 7mm rem mag and with 110gr bullets its an awesome fox round beyond 500m's
With a 175 take anything in europe on.
Thats the ultimate fox/deer round and with the same power at 350m's as a .243 has at the muzzle i'm telling you ballistics do play a big part in making it stand out.
A specialised gun/cartridge indeed but a fine one.
I still say 2506 as a general rifle.

 

[Boomerang]

I am in a similar position and have gone for a 6.5x55. It is at the upper end of what the HO considers as a "good reason" calibre for fox and is more than adequate for UK deer species. AFAIK the lightest bullet is a Norma 80grn with 120 and 140grn being good deer loads - so this is a deer rifle that I can shoot the occasional fox with rather than one that I would choose if I was foxing and going after the occasion deer...

Take a look at this article: http://www.chuckhawks.com/6-5x55.htm

 

[jcampbellsmith]

....If a guest comes out with me for rutting stags with a .243 I am afraid I would insist on them using my 308....

Exactly, this is the fundamental issue with 243s. They don't cut the mustard from a welfare perspective. Regards JCS

 

[libensvolenspotens]

Gents I agree with all that you have said I am not decrying 25-06 or any other calibre.
What I am suggesting, to a novice applying for his first FAC, is that .243 will give him the greatest choice in rifles and factory ammunition and is more than adequate for what he requires.
Furthermore I would expect the FEO to pass .243 for fox & deer without argument.(I doubt that they would be so forthcoming with 7mm Rem Mag)
It is for the above reasons that I would suggest that the .243 is the calibre to request and why not request .308 as an extra slot for another day if he has bigger fish to fry?
Cheers,
Dave

 

[www.yorkshireroestalking.]

Then why not go 22250 and 308, its not what was asked.
Though I agree with your reasons for a first applicant.

 

[libensvolenspotens]

Then why not go 22250 and 308, its not what was asked.
Though I agree with your reasons for a first applicant.

I added the .308 to placate (Just in case the chap was after sika & red stags)

 

[Deer Assassin]

My main rifle for fox & roe deer is the .223 - flat shooting, plenty of bullet choice & knock down power out to 200yards.

However - if i could only have 1 gun in the cabinet, after i got over the upset of having to choose it would be the 25-06 everytime.

DA

 

[jamross65]

Then why not go 22250 and 308, its not what was asked.
Though I agree with your reasons for a first applicant.

Aaah.....

Now there IMO is the very best small deer/foxing chambering out there, 55grn SP Sierra Gamekings...

I am digressing now though...

 

[libensvolenspotens]

I think that you will find the OP lives in England. If one assumes that he will be shooting there, then taking roe with .223 or 22/250 is frowned upon.

 

[Deer Assassin]

I think that you will find the OP lives in England. If one assumes that he will be shooting there, then taking roe with .223 or 22/250 is frowned upon.

In that case that narrows down his choice then, he'll have to get a 25-06.

 

[libensvolenspotens]

In that case that narrows down his choice then, he'll have to get a 25-06.

Oh no he won't!!!!

 

[Deer Assassin]

Oh no he won't!!!!

Ok your right, there is always the .300WM - but its a bit much to take on as a first rifle.

 

[jamross65]

I think that you will find the OP lives in England. If one assumes that he will be shooting there, then taking roe with .223 or 22/250 is frowned upon.

I know, I was just taking the opportunity to again highlight that the law in England in restricting the use of this cracking wee centre-fire 22 chambering is a farce on the smaller deer species, and that includes roe... you guys are missing out.

 

[www.yorkshireroestalking.]

you guys are missing out.

I agree, when in a syndicate up north I had my rem mag and a .308... my weapon of choice was my 22250 with 55gr sierra sp's BRILL

 

[charlieg43]

Ahhhh I appeared to have stirred up a hornets nest with this thread. Just to clarrify a few things;

Firstly, much of the land around me and in my county is not cleared for large calibre rifles, therefor I am looking for something under 308, which kinda rules out 7mm and the like. Secondly, I am after olny one rifle, I'v noticed a few people saying why dont I get a few rifles, it is because im a student and (surprisingly!) on a budget. The use of the rifle I have mentioned is for small deer, with the slim chance of seeing a red around.

And yes, im not in Scotland, so no 22-250 for me. Although saying that I have used one for roe in Fife with a friend, and it was a very handy little gun. Really enjoying reading all of your responses everyone, it makes for interesting reading, so many thanks!

 

[nuttyspaniel]

Ahhhh I appeared to have stirred up a hornets nest with this thread. Just to clarrify a few things;

Firstly, much of the land around me and in my county is not cleared for large calibre rifles, therefor I am looking for something under 308, which kinda rules out 7mm and the like. Secondly, I am after olny one rifle, I'v noticed a few people saying why dont I get a few rifles, it is because im a student and (surprisingly!) on a budget. The use of the rifle I have mentioned is for small deer, with the slim chance of seeing a red around.

And yes, im not in Scotland, so no 22-250 for me. Although saying that I have used one for roe in Fife with a friend, and it was a very handy little gun. Really enjoying reading all of your responses everyone, it makes for interesting reading, so many thanks!

Is there is a chance even slim of Red, then again mate Ill say 25-06. Especially if there is no ground cleared for 308's etc.


nutty

 

[ian 243]

Exactly, this is the fundamental issue with 243s. They don't cut the mustard from a welfare perspective. Regards JCS

have shot a highland bull 70 yard stoned it. 100 grain sp .243 .the bull had gone mad had to be shot.

 

[MONGOOSE]

Well the biggest calibre I could get on my first fac was 6.5x55 and I see you come under the Norfolk/Suffolk area so thats what i would choose ,I was happy with that it will do for deer and fox no problem got .17hmr as well which will do reds to.....

 

[Cyres]

Out of intrest my shooting partner has both a 6mm BR and a .257Roberts AI, both custom built. The 6mm is used 99% of the time and is an awesome round for fox and deer, when using BT Noslers. Roberts only comes out if it is very windy.

Does that answer the question?

D