308 or 243 ?

[1066]

Out of the two you've mentioned then a .308 without a shadow of a doubt. But I would consider some of the others mentioned by the gun pimp.

My 'suggestions' were a bit 'tongue in cheek' - the guy asks a sensible question - "308 or 234" but then gets a load of other 'flavor of the month' cartridges suggested.

The answer to his question is '308'.

Agree with that GP, but I'd like to toss 6mmbr in the pot too - easy to load, plenty of components, low recoil, efficient cartridge and just plain accurate. On a still day will give most a run for the money out to 600 yards or more.

[Matt]

308, for all the reasons already listed, in terms of accuracy just pop along to any F Class FTR comp and you'll be pleasantly surprised (some people are very surprised )

Saying that I am very biased

[Laurie]

Don't write 243 off though. John Whidden (of Whidden Gunworks fame) has been winning US National Long-Range prone championships for years with his own-build 243s using 1 in 8 or 7.5" twist barrels and 115s at around 3,000 fps. In the right set-up it is as accurate as 308, maybe more so, and is easier to shoot with its light recoil.

It's interesting that Ruger and Savage both offer the 243 as one of the very few options in the 'hottest' factory rifles around currently for range use - the Ruger Precsion Rifle, and Savage 12 LRP (Long Range Precision). In fact, Savage doesn't offer 308 at all in its model (260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor being the only other two chamberings) and Ruger's 308 option has a 20-inch barrel compared to 26" for 243 and 6.5mm models. In both of these cases, a 1 in 8" barrel is used though, and one presumes (surely?) is also throated long for heavy bullets.

I had some interesting times on the ranges with an HBar ex-police Parker-Hale M87 in 243 some years back, and am going to have another play soon with the cartridge having acquired a bargain mint Howa 1500V in the early model metal Axiom stock with the Howa kit to handle AI magazines and a Timney trigger already on. The slow rifling twist and bullet limitations, especially with our stupid expanding bullets laws, do severely restrict opportunities though, and there is always the barrel life issue too. For the multi-user varmint, deer, MacQueens and club F-Class / S-Class shooter this should be quite useable, for short and mid-range competitions anyway.

[mullen7]

Out of the two you've mentioned then a .308 without a shadow of a doubt. But I would consider some of the others mentioned by the gun pimp.

My 'suggestions' were a bit 'tongue in cheek' - the guy asks a sensible question - "308 or 234" but then gets a load of other 'flavor of the month' cartridges suggested.

The answer to his question is '308'.

I know but still, they were much better suggestions compared to a .243 as personally I do not rate it as a target rifle, I know Laurie has just made a post re a US shooter but I still find that there are more suitable target rifles out there.

[Top Hunter]

Hi Guys. Thanks for all your views on my caliber post, all very helpful.
After much deliberation I have gone for a 308, Howa 1500 heavy barrel.
I had I come with a laminate stock to make gun more rigid.
Just got to scope it, run the barrel in then I'm good to go.
Why the 308 ? Plenty of ammo options, easy to reload plenty of components for experimentation.
It will suit me. If I can shoot out to 600 to 800 yards I will be well happy.
Some won't agree ! I know, but it ticks my boxes.

[The Gun Pimp]

If I can shoot out to 600 to 800 yards I will be well happy.
Some won't agree ! I know, but it ticks my boxes.

It will and you will be!

[ovenpaa]

The Howa 1500 is a very capable rifle, chambered in .308 what is not to like

You need to post a picture or two now!

[Maggot]

308, for all the reasons already listed, in terms of accuracy just pop along to any F Class FTR comp and you'll be pleasantly surprised (some people are very surprised )

Saying that I am very biased

The point is though Matt that should you fancy a bash at FTR....you wont be doing it with a .243 or a 6mmBR mate.

308 is a bit like Amex....accepted everywhere.....sometimes

Think about what your future applications might be. If you are one of the Bisley snipers (rock up in a perfect calm with more aids and crap than they can carry/know how to use, in a load that shoots like a laser, build the thing into the firing point and fire it eletrically from their Ipad....or on a bad day with a lanyard.....shoot a V on an NRA target at 600 and then post it on arse book....ideal....) however, if you want to compete, look for something that broadly (or ideally perfectly) fits into one of the disicplines.

There is quite a lot you can do with a reasonable .308 (Actually Matt I seem to remember your first FTR rifle was slowly improved on until you out grew it). McQueens, FTR, PR, CSR/PO, TR (with the right rifle) Match rifle I guess....all require thinking about and some work putting in.

[Top Hunter]

Thanks Maggot very well put these guys do exist !
I am more old fashion, I like to 'squieeze' the trigger myself. In the future who knows ? Until that time the Howa will do it for me.
Thanks guys

[knewmans]

.308 Howa was my first rifle. Still got it but its now a 6.5x47 and looks a bit different. Its shot more rounds than any of my other guns and still love it. Today's choice is just an opportunity to enjoy finding out what you really want.

Have fun.