|
Forums46
Topics538,016
Posts9,731,820
Members87,055
| |
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
 Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
#325759
03/02/08 10:54 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973
NathanaelGreene
OP
Tracker
|
|
OP
Tracker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973 |
In these days of super-duper magnums and new cartridges being introduced almost daily (it seems), is the .243 becoming obsolete?
I've never hunted with one, but I would think it's a pretty good cartridge. Still, are its best days behind it?
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: NathanaelGreene]
#325760
03/02/08 11:02 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,128
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,128 |
Don't have one, wont have one but I would say no. I think the popularity with .22 centerfires and AR's is just over whelming right now.they will always be around. jmo
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: NathanaelGreene]
#325761
03/02/08 11:15 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,778
ralph
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,778 |
My only experience hunting with the .243 was many years ago,but my brother in law and niece too two deer and a couple of bobcats with one in the last several years.
I think the .243 will always have a place in hunting at least in Texas.
My opinion is based on the belief that the .243 is so entrenched in Texas hunting that it won't easily be dislodged.
In my opinion it really has no other "popular" competition in caliber,recoil,availability and cost.
There are many rounds that are interchangeable in the .27-.30 caliber i.e. 7mm-08,270,280 30-06, 308,etc. but the .24-.26 calibers(6mm,244 Weatherby,257 Roberts,.260) are not that common and certainly not as economical as the .243.
The arguments will continue each season as to whether it is "enough" gun for Texas whitetails and thousands of Texas whitetails will be taken with it each season for many years to come.
I believe the .243 has a future as long as there are hunters in Texas.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: ralph]
#325762
03/03/08 12:05 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 22,268
7mag
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 22,268 |
It's a pretty versitile round, IMO. By far the lightest cartridge I would use on deer. But, you can go way down in bullet size, and also makes a heck of a varmint round.
![[Linked Image]](https://s20.postimg.cc/5cn5isf7d/20180718_153033_1531957938497.jpg) "Laugh with many, but don't trust any"
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: 7mag]
#325763
03/03/08 02:01 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,948
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,948 |
i think its popularity, along with the 7mm mag, is fading.
still, there are plenty of entry level guns being chambered in both.
i would't call it obsolete, but there are alot better choices avalible, like the 7mm-08 and the .260, that take sales away from the .243
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: NathanaelGreene]
#325764
03/03/08 02:19 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
The 243 has as much chance of becoming obsolete as the 270 and 30-06, PERIOD.
New cartridges and new fads are going to come and go, but 10 years down the road, you will still find the 243/270/30-30/308/30-06 in every store that sells ammo.
The only new cartridge I see lasting with that group is the 7mm-08.
All of the newer rounds are just fads and will in time fade away.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: txtrophy85]
#325765
03/03/08 02:31 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 22,268
7mag
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 22,268 |
I see the 7 Mag going before the 243. I disagree the 7mm08 and the 260 are more popular, or even better choice. They all have their place, but the 243 will be around for a while, IMO.
"Laugh with many, but don't trust any"
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#325766
03/03/08 02:33 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074
Wild Boar
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074 |
Your calling the 7mm-08 a new cartridge it came out in 1980 that 28 years.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Wild Boar]
#325767
03/03/08 02:44 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
Did it come out as a FACTORY round in 1980????
Even if it did, how long have the 243/270/308/30-06/30-30/45-70 been around as FACTORY ROUNDS AND LOADINGS????
The 7mm-08 is a NEW round by comparison, and you know it.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#325768
03/03/08 02:52 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074
Wild Boar
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074 |
Yes remington brought it out in 80, I know what you meant.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Wild Boar]
#325769
03/03/08 03:33 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
Thank You.
I did not say anything about the 7mm-08 being a bad round, now did I????
While I do not want one, I do think that it is the only NEW round out there that will survive in the long run.
Do you have a problem with that statement????
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#325770
03/03/08 03:40 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,047
nuprofessor
Extreme Tracker
|
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
The 243 is about the best starter caliber for deer around here. It will never overtake the local popularity of the 30-30, but alot of young hunters and women opt for this caliber in bolt actions. I don't see it fading away any time in the future.
CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE FOR TOMORROW. INVEST IN TOMORROW BY TAKING A CHILD HUNTING OR FISHING TODAY.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: nuprofessor]
#325771
03/03/08 03:42 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,450
TexasTransplant
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,450 |
I wish I had never sold mine.
 She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: TexasTransplant]
#325772
03/03/08 03:44 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,777
mightyp
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,777 |
It's still "we the people", right?
"If it bleeds, we can kill it."
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#325773
03/03/08 03:51 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074
Wild Boar
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074 |
Quote:
Thank You.
I did not say anything about the 7mm-08 being a bad round, now did I????
While I do not want one, I do think that it is the only NEW round out there that will survive in the long run.
Do you have a problem with that statement????
I dont have a problem with anything.
Last edited by HWY_MAN; 03/03/08 01:09 PM.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Wild Boar]
#325774
03/03/08 03:56 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#325775
03/03/08 04:13 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074
Wild Boar
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,074 |
Quote:
This from, a man that knows full well that anything that was turned into a FACTORY ROUND AFTER 1970 is new.Just remember, you were the one that questioned my classifying the 7mm-08 as a NEW round.
new my have alittle different meaning to me, means in the last 5 or so years not way back when i was in pullups.
Quote:
Notice, I did not make one deragatory remark about the 22-250 either now did I????
no but you were thinking about it. 
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Wild Boar]
#325776
03/03/08 05:32 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 78
dadof5girls
Outdoorsman
|
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 78 |
This caliber is used all over the US. It is used for everything from Predators to Deer to Black Bears. I know that ever time I shop for ammo at any store you always see 243. Great round for all hunting possibilities.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: dadof5girls]
#325777
03/03/08 05:54 AM
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,175
yukons95
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,175 |
Actually by saying the 260 is more popular is it is totally untrue! I have a good friend of mine that works here in a very reputable gun shop, the 260 was really a failure to remington! It was suppose to have taken over as the ultimate whitetail caliber. It did not, sales started off very good. Then have dramatically declined in the last years! Who knows if other companys will ever keep chambering rifles for it. Remington would probably keep doing it in one or so of their rifles. 243 will always remain popular. People buying the cannons are realizing there is no need for them! 300 win mag,7mm mag,30-06, even 308's, 7mm 08's 270's is all you will ever need here in north america! And hunters are starting to realize that! Those new adverised cannons are being brought back to the gunshop to be traded for those i just mentioned.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: yukons95]
#325778
03/03/08 10:55 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,246
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
|
|
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,246 |
I think the .243 is still popular and it looks like a WSM cartridge at a glance. What I mean is if you saw a couple of rounds sitting on the table in your camper when you walked in they would resemble a WSM round. The fact is it will always be a great round for recoil sensative people
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#325779
03/03/08 02:52 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,838
Big Daddy K
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,838 |
Quote:
The 243 has as much chance of becoming obsolete as the 270 and 30-06, PERIOD.
New cartridges and new fads are going to come and go, but 10 years down the road, you will still find the 243/270/30-30/308/30-06 in every store that sells ammo.
The only new cartridge I see lasting with that group is the 7mm-08.
All of the newer rounds are just fads and will in time fade away.
Agree.
I have most of those and will have them all. I would include the 223 in that group however.
It ain't easy being me.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: Big Daddy K]
#325780
03/03/08 04:16 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 391
jjbrown
Bird Dog
|
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 391 |
I have 3 of them and the are good all around guns here in texas. I dont see them going any where.
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: NathanaelGreene]
#325781
03/03/08 04:21 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 16,464
txcornhusker
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 16,464 |
Quote:
is the .243 becoming obsolete?
Absolutely and for good reason!  
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: txcornhusker]
#325782
03/03/08 04:34 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 22,268
7mag
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 22,268 |
The 243 WSM, along with the other short mags are another thing. I spoke with a local gungun shop owner, and he said they are the sorriest thing to happen to a long gun. His inventory is overstocked, and he can't sell them. The only manafacturer who will buy back is Remington. The others say he is just stuck with them. He asked if I had one, which I don't. He told me if I did or know of people who do, to make sure they save all brass. He wouldn't tell me why, but said 2 big ammo manafactures are pulling the plug on the WSM, all together witint the next year.Come to think about it, can't say I see much in the way of long guns or ammo, on these calibers 
"Laugh with many, but don't trust any"
|
|
|
|
Re: Is the .243 becoming obsolete?
[Re: txcornhusker]
#325783
03/03/08 04:35 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,006
4X4FOREVER
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,006 |
The 243 WIN has about as much of a chance of becoming obsolete as the 22LR.
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|
