Caliber decision

[GrizZLy9]

I agree with everything that has been said above

you must be confused then

 

[25 Sharps]

I agree with everything that has been said above and am very interested in peoples views on the impact of the possible non lead legislation on the .243. The research I have done suggest a lighter bullet for calibre for non lead which could open a can of worms for the .243. I currently use a .243 for Roe, Fallow, and Muntjac. I have just been asked by TVP to renew my shotgun and Firearms certificates 1 year early to help with their admin, I was sorely tempted to add a .308 or 6.5X55 Swede to future proof myself. The feedback I got from my stalking friends was as stated above, they are not going to write off the most popular deer stalking calibre overnight, so I left my ticket as is, if the worse comes to worse I shall have to put in for a variation.

.243 lead free only becomes an issue in Scotland where a 100 gr projectile is required

 

[Grandhubert]

“Lobbing” was a tongue in cheek statement. I find ballistics and it’s many, many combinations and variations complex. I like to keep things simple and functional. To my inexperienced eye, the .308 comes across as a Jack of all trades and master of none. A bit like a Kia Sportage I once had. It wasn’t as good as a big saloon for high mileage driving, it wasn’t an estate with a big boot, it wasn’t a hot hatch, it certainly wasn’t a 4x4 even though it was styled as one. I felt it was always a compromise and after 4 years was glad to see it gone. I don’t want to feel that way about my first centre fire rifle.

You won’t, as explained the differences at stalking distances are negligible.

 

[Ellio8]

Trying to choose a rifle for DSC1 and use thereafter. In all likelihood this will eventually be for roe once I have gained experience under supervision. Realistically yomping over the Perthshire and Sutherland hills is beyond me health wise. So, I think a .243 is the sensible option for me, especially with the numbers available second hand. My question is, with like for like shot placement am I more likely to get runners with it than I would be with a .308. I’m ruling out what appears to be the flavour of the month the 6.5 Creedmoor, there seems to be too few second hand rifles available and the ammunition looks expensive in comparison.

As has been said above every one will vouch for the caliber they use.

Having had/used several different Deer Legal calibers myself I've gone back to a .243 simply because I'm comfortable with and like my Rifle and its more than capable of doing everything I need it to (Roe, Sika, Fallow, Red Hinds and Foxing).

I wouldn't get to caught up on the calibre just make sure buy a rifle your comfortable with and establish what both you and the rifle you choose are capable of on paper before taking it out for real.

Welcome to a world of overcomplication!

 

[Ooops]

I carry a rear bag attached to the butt of my rifle ......
...... with a bag to rest on and quad sticks to support the butt of the rifle it was a very easy shot.

Ben

brave do you have any photos of your set up?

 

[Brave Echo Niner]

PM’d you @Ooops

Ben

 

[Ben rodge]

Start with a 243 or 6.5x55
Both are nice soft rounds to shoot
I have killed all 6 of the british deer plus goat and sheep with 6.5x55 with no issues
Alot will tell ypu that is not a good round on bigger deer but they kill bull moose with the 6.5x55 so its more than enough for uk deer

 

[Carlsuffolk]

Another vote for the 6.5x55, just check ammo availablity in your area 129grain hornady and sako gameheads are a great round and home loading is good with plenty of data available

 

[scotch_egg]

PM’d you @Ooops

Ben

I am pretty sure @brave echo niner won’t mind me saying this.

He is a VERY fit young man, he practices regularly and competes in competition.

Whatever you decide practice.

With whatever kit you have and then decide how far you are comfortable taking stressful shots.

 

[NullMac]

My question is, with like for like shot placement am I more likely to get runners with it than I would be with a .308.

If you put it in position A all the time then no.

But that's not necessarily the problem as the further out we go the more often things don't go to plan. In that case the larger bullets will create larger wound channels and drop the deer faster. Hence why pro's tend to use larger calibres.

So it depends on what size deer you are shooting and how consistently you can hit position A.

243 is a bit easier to shoot so may be easier to put on target, 308 etc create bigger wound channel when it is a bit off. It is a balance.