260 And 243

[savageman]

Hi gang, I'm new here, names savageman, cuz i like savage rifles.
I own and shoot many rifles and handguns. Favoites are 45 Colt, 308 Win., 45-70, 30-30, 223, 30-06.
Am looking for info and experiences with the 260 Remington and 243 winchester.
My daughter is buying a 260 for an out of state deer hunt and I picked up a 243 for the same purpose, (actually I like to take more than 1 gun for deer season, just never know when something is going to break). Any info would be appreciated, espeically termial effect on deer sized game. We will be hunting in W.VA., ranges not to exceed 300 yards, more like 200 yards for furthest shot. I believe in shot placement and will pass on shots I deem too long.
All the deer I have taken in 30 years of hunting have been 1 shot.
Just in case you are wondering my 308 is a heavy target rifle, my 30-06 is an M-1. Was looking for a little lighter sling weight.
Also, i figure a 3-9X40 would be plenty of scope. Thanks

[todbartell]

A good bullet for deer in the 260 Rem is the 140 gr. Nosler Partition. I handloaded this bullet over 46 grs. H4831sc, and get 2630 fps/22" barrel, and sub MOA groups. Others to try would be the 125 gr. Partition or 120 gr. Barnes XLC. If you want a cheaper bullet, many swear by the 129 gr. Hornady.

Can't help you with any real experience with the 243, but I would try the 85 gr. Barnes XLC-BT.

A 3-9X40mm scope is about perfect for either the 243 or 260.

[vern]

I've used a 243 in the model 70 winchester extra feather weight for some years on whitetail. I used factory ammo, remington 100 grain corelocks. I've dropped deer dead in their tracks and had a few go 50 yards or so. The fartherest I shot one was about 100 yards, give or take a few yards. I also used this round for groundhog out to 300 yards or so. I'm quite impressed with this little rifle for its accuracy and dependability. My little sister also likes this gun, its light weight enough for her and her girls to use, as well as light recoil. When the groundhogs start popping out of their holes here soon, she'll be calling asking to use a rifle. I know what she wants before she asks. Good luck I personally feel you can't go wrong with this gun.

[Mossyhorns]

I shoot the Rem Model 700 in a .243.And it is a great shooting rifle.The 100 gr core lokt is a good bullet for whitetails.A nd you can use the 75 gr v-max for varmits.Personally i reload with the sierra 60 gr hollow points for varmits with 39grs of IMR 4064 powder.Like vern said you really cant go wrong with the 243.

[outlaw from Idaho]

savageman, Mossyhorns the man. I have taken 30+ mule deer and a big boat load of coyotes with a 243 over the years. I liked the 100gr Speer spbt for deer and loaded the 70 gr Sierra for coyotes. Great caliber for deer and coyotes.Outlaw

[rojo36]

I use a 243 Win for deer and antelope and have always had good penetration with it even at long ranges . I recently tried the 260 rem and it would make a good deer round also ,but if I was asked to make a choice it would be the 243 Win all the way . More a matter of preference than anything else ,and my 243 shot a little better groups . rojo

[rojo36]

As long as I double posted I would suggest trying a 6.5X55 swedish Mauser as a good deer round with better range than the 260 rem .

['da law]

Hey Sav,

Welcome aboard! Gotta go w/Moss and Outlaw, I shoot a T/C Encore rifle in the .243, just got it for X-Mas but it's managed to take a red fox and a couple of 'yotes so far. Moreover, busted a groundhog at 225 yards this afternoon w/her! Been shooting the Fed Classic w/the 80 gr Sierras and the little rig is flat scary in the accuracy dept. I have hunted whitetail here in KY in the past w/the .243 and if you do your part you won't have any trouble w/the l'il '43!

'da law