Is The .243 Winchester a Good Caliber for Deer Hunting?

by Lisa Matthew Roofing Contractors Tennessee

When deer season rolls around, we always take a good hard look at our gun safes and ponder if we have the best deer rifle.

You can count on seeing there the always-preferred Weatherby, Remington, and Ruger among the selection of historic rifles. Also, we argue back and forth over whether of these three cartridges—.270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, or .30-06 Springfield—is superior.

However, it seems that one particular bolt action is the one most commonly used by hunters. Although it is smaller than other hunting rifles, this one packs quite a punch when it comes to deer.

In case you were wondering, I am obviously talking about the .243 Winchester.

The .243 rifle is a great choice for novice deer hunters. This weapon is compact, easy to carry, and has a manageable caliber. But those advantages are not all this rifle's caliber offers.

Western big-game hunters use these rifle rounds to take down mule deer and even bears. If you are shooting at distances of less than 200 yards, this rifle will perform among the best. Still, this caliber's speed and low recoil also allow it to reach and strike targets at great distances.

The .243 rifle is not large enough, according to some hunters. However, with experience, this round's increased precision will allow for pinpoint shot placement. To those who are skilled, a heart shot from 200 yards with this rifle is nothing out of the ordinary.

Should We Prefer a Bolt or a Lever Actioned Rifle?

Both types of rifle actions have their merits. However, bolt-action has always been considered the best gun in terms of accuracy and utility. The Remington 783, available in .243 caliber, is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and durable firearms available.

A bolt-action has the advantage of being easier and less likely to break in the field because of its fewer moving components. For example, in my experience with the .243-caliber Savage Axis II XP, I can attest to the rifle's precision and manageability. The .243's power and accuracy are more than adequate for deer.

Without a doubt, a lever-action gives your firearm an air of vintage and coolness that a bolt-action lacks. Although they are not as precise, you can accomplish a lot and have a great time with them. Moreover, you may go on hunts feeling like Clint Eastwood!

Henry has been one of the most reliable manufacturers of lever-action rifles for quite some time.

Even the 243 Long Ranger doesn't break the mold. With a price of around $700, it is not the cheapest rifle, but it does have superior accuracy than most others.

When it comes to whitetail deer, the .243 Winchester is a go-to cartridge that provides everything a hunter might want. You might not take it with you on an elk or moose hunt. But its potency against the smaller large game is astounding.

Thus, it is easy to understand why this is one of the best guns for hunting whitetail deer, given its speed, accuracy, compact size, and mild recoil.

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