Complimentary Second Rifle

[TheDaveyBoy]

Would like your opinion on that rifle to purchase as a second 'larger' calibre:

 

I already have a std 22lr and shoot the usual, however have opportunity to take larger game:

Im aware of the minimum calibre size for game, however .243 sounds the most logical .270 sounds more 'over kill' but has range !

 

I want reasonable priced and wide selection of second hand weapons, and reasonably priced ammunition

 

I know Naff All about these calibres and their effective range, ammunition types, effectiveness with different game types..

 

And before anyone asks .. I'm not trading my 22lr in .. I like it

 

Cheers in advance

[beatingisbest]

Im going to guess that when you say game you mean deer?

[TheDaveyBoy]

Yep. Deer, Fox .. anything required of me to take by the land owner

I know .243 is minimum for deer, but also have desire to visit Bisley, Ash ranges at some point too .. Thats my connection to the larger calibres as I used to shoot over 600 - 1mile at Pirbright so I have an appreciation of range from larger calibres.

 

So I'd like to achieve a solid 400 - 600 yrds if possible mainly to relive the old days I guess.

 

But as I say I've no clue ranges on the 243 etc

 

THX

[njc110381]

Why not look at a .308? The ammo is really cheap if you get surplus 7.62, and it's as good a Deer calibre as any. Or there's the 6.5x55. Not so big, with a little more punch than a .243 and less bark than a .270? I've heard they're a good 1000 yard bench rest gun too, although I can't comment too much on that as it's second hand info

[robbo243]

Well Daveyboy

At the moment I am still pondering if your post is a wind up or indeed sincere.If you are indeed sincere then perhaps you should reconsider your needs and aims deer stalking/fox shooting is not carried out at the ranges that you wish.Deer stalking/culling by its name is carried out using fieldcraft skill to get in close to the chosen animal and kill it in the most humane manner available.Your question makes this very difficult as I for one could not choose the correct beast to cull at the range you talk of in terms of sex /age /condition and primarily at that range for field stalking safety.I can only suggest if you are intent on this that you take a DSC1 course and keep the long range shooting for the likes of Bisley its not for the field.I hope this does not offend you but I feel its the truth

[Traztaz]

Robbo has it in a nutshell, game managment can only be carried out with close and informed observation, followed by good reasoned thought , and very very lastly by a well aimed shot , normally at no more than 100m, the caliber question is all about knock down power or for the buffs kinnetik felt effect................................. Me thinks you should go do one of the courses available my friend.

[Big_Sam]

At the end of the day look at your FAC.

 

What slots do you have? .243, .270? That will dictate your choice in the end.

[duey]

Robbo I believe that davey boy is asking as to whether a .243 would be suitable as a deer rifle AND capable on the range for target work at Bisley between 4-600yds or maybe even 1000yds

 

Davey boy the answer is yes a .243 will do all that you wish but a limiting factor will be the scope that you use especially at 1000yds it will require sufficient elevation to allow you to 'dial' into the target, your looking at top end Leupold, Nightforce, S&B, etc etc

 

If you can afford it then it may be worth considering two rifles one for each discipline stalking and target shooting then the required calibers can be reconsidered

 

the reason that i say this is if you have the rifle set up for a bullet suitable for deer and fox it may not be suitable for longer range target work and will require a change of bullet weight and type to accommodate this and will therefore require a change of zero each time that you change discipline

 

just some food for thought

 

Ian