.243 vs .308: Which One is the Best for Hunting?
By When it comes to hunting, there are many different factors to consider. One of the most important is the type of ammunition you use. There are many different calibers available, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will compare the .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester cartridges. We will discuss the pros and cons of each round, so that you can decide which one is best for you!
.243 vs .308
The .243 Winchester is a popular choice for hunters who want a light recoil round. It is also a good choice for those who are looking to take down smaller game, such as deer or pronghorn. The .308 Winchester is a more powerful cartridge, and it is often used by hunters who are targeting larger game, such as elk or moose. Both cartridges have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it ultimately comes down to the individual hunter’s needs.
One benefit of the .243 Winchester is that it has less recoil than the .308 Winchester. This can be an important consideration for many hunters, especially if they are new to the sport. The .243 also has a relatively flat trajectory, which makes it easier to hit targets at long range. However, the .243 is not as powerful as the .308, and it may not be ideal for hunters who are looking to take down large game.
What is .243 good for?
The .243 Winchester is a very versatile cartridge and can be used for hunting a wide variety of game, including deer, pronghorn, and even varmints. It is also a popular choice for target shooting and plinking. The .243 is not only a great all-around cartridge, but it is also relatively inexpensive to shoot. So, if you are looking for an affordable and versatile cartridge, the .243 Winchester may be the perfect choice for you.
What is .308 good for?
The .308 is a popular choice for hunting, target shooting, and even some tactical applications. Its versatility makes it a good choice for many different types of shooters.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a .308 rifle. First, the .308 is a high-powered round, so it can be loud and have significant recoil. Second, the .308 is not well suited for long-range shooting. It is more accurate at shorter ranges. Finally, the .308 can be difficult to find ammunition for in some areas.
Overall, the .308 is a great choice for many different types of shooters. It is versatile and powerful without being too big or bulky. If you are considering a .308 rifle, be sure to keep these things in mind.
Is a 243 a necked down 308?
The short answer is no. The 243 Winchester and the 308 Winchester cartridges are two different designs. The 243 was developed as a varmint cartridge, while the 308 was designed as a general-purpose cartridge. The difference in design results in significant differences in performance between the two cartridges.
While the 243 and 308 use the same .308″ diameter bullet, that is where the similarity ends. The 243 has a much shorter case than the 308, which gives it less powder capacity. This results in lower muzzle velocities and less energy than the 308. The shorter case of the 243 also means that it can be chambered in lighter weight rifles, making it a popular choice for varmint hunters who need to carry their rifle for long periods of time.
The 243 Winchester is a very popular cartridge and is used by hunters all over the world. If you are looking for a light, fast, and accurate varmint rifle, the 243 is an excellent choice. However, if you need more power for deer hunting or other large game, the 308 Winchester is a better option. Whatever your needs, make sure to choose the right cartridge for the job at hand.
How much harder is a 308 than a 243?
This is a question that I get asked a lot, and it’s not an easy one to answer. There are a lot of factors that come into play when determining how much harder one caliber is than another. Here are a few things to consider:
- The weight of the bullet: Heavier bullets will generally penetrate further than lighter bullets.
- The velocity of the bullet: Faster bullets will generally penetrate further than slower bullets.
- The construction of the bullet: Solid copper or lead bullets will usually penetration further than hollow point or soft point bullets.
- The type of game you’re hunting: Larger, tougher animals will require more penetration than smaller, weaker ones.
All things being equal, a heavier bullet fired at a higher velocity will penetrate further than a lighter bullet fired at a lower velocity. So, in general, a 308 Winchester will penetrate further than a 243 Winchester. However, there are always exceptions to the rule and it’s important to consider all of the factors when choosing a caliber for hunting.
How much drop does a 243 have at 500 yards?
It honestly depends on a lot of factors, like what kind of bullet you’re using, what your muzzle velocity is, your zero distance, and even the temperature and altitude. So many things can affect it!
That being said, I’ve put together a little chart that will give you a general idea of how much drop to expect with a typical 243 Winchester hunting load. These are averages, so please keep that in mind as you use this chart.
- 100 yard zero – 18.0 inches
- 200 yard zero – 36.0 inches
- 300 yard zero – 60.0 inches
- 400 yard zero – 90.0 inches
- 500 yard zero – 126.0 inches
As you can see, the drop increases pretty rapidly as you get out to longer distances. That’s why it’s so important to know your rifle and your ammunition, and to practice as much as you can. The more you know about your rifle and how it performs, the better chance you have of making a clean shot when it counts.
How far will a 243 shoot flat?
It really depends on the rifle and ammunition you are using. A good rule of thumb is that a 243 will be accurate up to about 300 yards. Beyond that, the trajectory starts to get too steep for most shooters. That said, there are always exceptions and some rifles may be able to shoot flatter than others. If you are interested in long range shooting with a 243, it is best to consult with a gunsmith or experienced shooter to find out what your specific rifle is capable of.
