Anyone got a used dependable rifle?

[EvBouret]

HEy everyone,
I'm looking for a used varmint/deer rifle. Mainly be used for deer, yotes, jackrabbits. Should I go with a .223 or a .243? I know the .223 can be used for deer but on the weak side and perfect shot placement has to be used. I am willing to pass up shots, being in the outdoors is all I really find important.

I just need something tough, and dependable...doesn't have to be in perfect condition...

thanks in advance

evan

[chap_dog48]

I would Opt for the .243 if you intend it to be used on deer. The .243 then will become a great coyote rifle as well. .223 I consider only a varmit round. You can get a 65 grain round and higher for the .223 but you want to get to a minimum of a 100 gr. round for deer, just my opinion on that. Hope this helps.

[Winchester_wrf]

I have a 25-06 that works great for deer and varmints. Its been a great gun.

Tom

[SierraExplorer]

Originally posted by Winchester_wrf@Mar 19 2005, 12:53 PM
I have a 25-06 that works great for deer and varmints. Its been a great gun.
That is a GREAT caliber for both !

I have been looking for one in the Ruger #1 for the last 4 years that I can afford. Wish me more luck. http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley_prayin_ani.gif

[BigSwad]

My vote would be for .243. It will handle the deer better, even tho a .223 can handle them, just doesnt have the range of the .243 for deer in my opinion.

[Rickster217]

I agree with everyone, if you need a rifle that can hunt Deer/Yotes go with the 243. You can always change the grain of bullet.
Good luck!!! http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-shootin-green.gif

[Taos]

A 25/06 is agreat dual purpose round. It will also take an elk if asked to as will the .243. The .25 will do a lot better job at long range and on the bigger critters. Good luck!

[Val]

Advice I got was, if you&#39;re going to hunt mainly for deer and an occasional coyote, go with a 25-06. If you&#39;re going to hunt mainly coyotes with an occasional deer, go with a .243. I ended getting both.

[bux-n-dux]

Ev-

I have a Smith and Wesson 1500 in .243, made in Japan I believe by Howa. This was my first ever deer rifle and even though I have a couple more now it is still my favorite for blacktails. That&#39;s not to say I&#39;m always carrying it though.............

With the loads available for a .243 these days you really can&#39;t go wrong. 70 grain Nosler Ballistic tips will do a hell of a number on a coyote or a deer, although they do too much damage for me, so if you want the pelt they might not be the best for coyote. My current favorite load for deer is Federal Vital Shok 100 grain Nosler Solid Base. These bullets shoot extremely accurately out of my gun and will knock a deer, even a whitetail, sideways. The speed and downrange weight retention is great. Yeah, shot placement is important but it&#39;s nice to have a little extra downrange energy going for you if you have a long shot. Also, Hornadys light magnum loads for the .243 put it in a whole new class altogether. So, for my 2 cents, go with the .243, a damn fine caliber. And I like the kind of gun you are looking for: tough and functional. I hope you find your gun.

Oh, and I wouldn&#39;t use a .243 for jackrabbits. That is, not if you want anything left.



bux-n-dux