I know this will be a “how long is a piece of string “ question but here goes , new to stalking , done my dsc1 put in for fac , listed both .243 and 6.5 creedmore , question is if I’m mostly after muntjac , roe , fox and occasion day plinking at the range what would be my best option ? Given ammo prices , availability etc , many thanks
Calibre choice ?
- Thread starter spurs14
- Start date
Either will do the job fine! The .243 is a bit of a throat burner compared to the creed due to its design but it’s a nice calibre with a 80 odd grn bullets through it and for all you are going to shoot it will do grand. The creedmoor is a better long range calibre than the .243 but touch slower with the 130/143 grm bullets but will have better barrel life and with the creed you will have a bit more bullet choice if you ever decide or fancy or get the chance to shoot sika/red. As much as I hate to say it if I was only going to have one calibre out of them 2 choices it would be the creed just for it’s flexibility.
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
Dont worry about it. Just dont shoot rapidly. If the barrel stays cool it'll last decades.
.22LR
It’ll kill any if those listed if you put the bullet in the right place
Oh, and if anyone says I’m a poacher I will of coarse flatly deny it
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
First thing I thought, not the poaching, the 22....22LR
It’ll kill any if those listed if you put the bullet in the right place
Oh, and if anyone says I’m a poacher I will of coarse flatly deny it
Definitely not hundreds! It will last yonks. Good calibre for sure and has stood the test of time for sure I just think the creed is a more versatile calibre out of those 2 choices. I’ve had both and liked both.
Had one 13 years still cock on, my .243 has a Drone 10 digital scope and the X hair I use is spot on for in the field muntjac to reds, but a tad thick for zeroing. The rifle got a knock last week so I always check it.
100 yds off sticks top shot walked up the 100 to check it walked back one more bit of chalk on the plate..
Rounds over the years were Factory 100gn Fedrel Rem 95gn last 6 years Hornaday 95.
Close enough for deer/foxes. Had a lot of rounds through it over that time...
They all do a good job but when " throat burner" or the ".270 kicks like a mule" is banded about it is wrong.
![Screenshot_20240522_132137_WhatsApp[1].webp](https://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/data/attachments/319/319179-af4e2ae4a298fd3e64864479616513d1.jpg?hash=WeZY0moqFS "Screenshot_20240522_132137_WhatsApp[1].webp")
Sako75Hunter
Well-Known Member
Given the option, I'd *definitely* go 6.5 creedmore. It'll give you more options in the future, if you want to start taking heavier deer like sika or even reds. CM is also future proof, in that copper bullets in this calibre work great on deer.
If you have the choice (which you do), go for the safe option.
If you have the choice (which you do), go for the safe option.
Seconded
big ears
Well-Known Member
Seen big stags dropped with cooper from a .243.
It’s where the bullet hits and shooting at sensible distances that’s more important than calibre.
Don’t hold to the future proofing idea. Laws are changing in favour of .243 staying.
And gotee beards are going out of fashion
Sako75Hunter
Well-Known Member
I've heard that during the troubles in N. Ireland when it was nigh on impossible to get a licence for a centrefire rifle in the Republic, a LOT of deer (which here means mainly sika, fallow, and some reds) were taken with rimfires, getting in very close and taking head shots. (I'm sure others will be along to add or correct details, but that's what I've heard.)
But was it ideal? Very far from it.
Again: given the choice, I see no advantages of a .243 over 6.5 for deer, but lots of the reverse: the recoil of a 6.5 is mild, and it's super effective.
But was it ideal? Very far from it.
Again: given the choice, I see no advantages of a .243 over 6.5 for deer, but lots of the reverse: the recoil of a 6.5 is mild, and it's super effective.
Brighty3006
Well-Known Member
Easy. .243
HonestJohn
Well-Known Member
For what you’ve listed it’s neither fish nor fowl.
Whatever is a good deal in a good quality rifle that fits you. If plinking is to extended ranges, then 6.5. If you want to use it for Sika or Reds, worth picking the 6.5 first.
But, as the .243 is diminishing into oblivion gradually, there are some really good deals to be had out there in the 2nd hand market. If you could find a Sako 75 with little work for £500 ish - you’d be onto a winner
Whatever is a good deal in a good quality rifle that fits you. If plinking is to extended ranges, then 6.5. If you want to use it for Sika or Reds, worth picking the 6.5 first.
But, as the .243 is diminishing into oblivion gradually, there are some really good deals to be had out there in the 2nd hand market. If you could find a Sako 75 with little work for £500 ish - you’d be onto a winner
Similar threads
