|
Forums46
Topics537,785
Posts9,729,145
Members87,042
| |
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
 AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
#6480943
10/04/16 10:36 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
I really like the .243 cartridge and had an AR in .308 before and felt like it was a little more than I needed for any of the hunting that I do. I've been thinking of getting one in .243...any thoughts or opinions? How would this compare to a 6.8?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6480988
10/04/16 11:10 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,564
TexFlip
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,564 |
I've thought about it but the ability of the round doesn't justify the size of the rifle. I've got a SBR 7mm08 and a 16" 308 AR. For intermediate I went with a 6.8.
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481105
10/05/16 12:31 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,174
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,174 |
Just load a 308 with 125 grain bullets if you want a wimpy gun.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481120
10/05/16 12:42 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,051
Cattleman
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,051 |
I have one and couldn't live without it now . It's my feed truck and varmint hunting rifle. I use 87 grain v-max for varmints and 85 grain Sierra game kings and 100 grain soft points for deer and hogs. It's a good utility rifle.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481133
10/05/16 12:49 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,088
Creedmoor
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,088 |
I'd prefer the 6.5 Grendel instead. But that's just me. It's a very individual choice. If the 243 intrigues you by all means do it.
.
There's a fine line between BRAVE ... and STUPID.
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481190
10/05/16 01:28 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,160
J.G.
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,160 |
As others have said, I'd skip it, and it does not justify the size of the rifle. One of the best combos I have is an LR-308, 16" and suppressed, loaded with 155 gr Sierra Tipped Match Kings. Coyotes, and hogs are all its seen, but I have no doubt it would do a fine job on whitetail.
To run a 243 to full potential, you need the twist to stabilize 105-115 gr bullets, and be a hand-loader. If you have all that, the .243 is salty!
Last edited by FiremanJG; 10/05/16 01:30 AM.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.precisionriflehunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/garvey.jpg) 800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481497
10/05/16 11:24 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,969
thorn4570
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,969 |
I have one and love the thing. Great shooter and fun. 243 is a great round. It was kinda hard to find. I think I found mine on Gunbroker
I once drank muddy water out of a hoof print and was dang glad to get it.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481673
10/05/16 01:43 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,639
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,639 |
There was a thread on here last year, a guy specifically built one in .243 to be pretty light, as AR10s go. I think it was right at 10-10.5lbs fully dressed. I think my 6.8 with a can, full mag, and kill light weighs that much.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.katiecortese.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/texas-tech-logo-2-150x150.jpg) https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481713
10/05/16 02:02 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,118
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,118 |
I think you have nv and I know you have suppressors. So again I will say stick with a ar15 platform and keep the weight down. The 6.8 is awesome unless you go with the 2016 Thf koolaid 6.5 Grendel.
I would keep it handi as possible imo.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6481877
10/05/16 03:29 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657
colt45-90
Texas colt45
|
|
Texas colt45
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657 |
for a truck gun ect., an ar10 platform is to frigging heavy for my tastes
hold on Newt, we got a runaway
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: Brother in-law]
#6481936
10/05/16 04:00 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
I think you have nv and I know you have suppressors. So again I will say stick with a ar15 platform and keep the weight down. The 6.8 is awesome unless you go with the 2016 Thf koolaid 6.5 Grendel.
I would keep it handi as possible imo. Very true. Weight is a factor...my AR10 was a heavy mother to be carrying around. I have most of the above listed calibers (243, 7-08, 308) in bolt guns, but only .223 and 300 BO in AR's. Thanks for the opinions, I'll probably look harder at the 6.8 since it is still in the AR15 platform. It doesn't seem like there is much to be gained by going 243 over the 6.8.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6482628
10/05/16 10:45 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
booradley
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394 |
Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6483103
10/06/16 03:40 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,503
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
|
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,503 |
FWIW, I would buy one. Loaded with 80 grain mono-metal bullets, it should give you a rifle that hunts very will with almost no recoil. Maybe not for everyone, but they seem to sell pretty well on GunBroker.
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6483139
10/06/16 04:37 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,539
okstatefan
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,539 |
Not to derail the topic too much, but is anyone considering the .277 Wolverine? It seems like a competent round, but my never get SAAMI support.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6488890
10/10/16 01:46 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 435
rvrrat14
Bird Dog
|
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 435 |
Not a 243 fan, but I Love my 6mm Remington.......I handload and can really appreciate what it offers this little caliber.
That said, I wanted to build a AR rifle for hog hunting and possibly deer; all around ranch rifle. I figured, after years of killing all kinds of game with my 6mm, if I could get close with another caliber, that would be success in a AR hunting rifle for me. I did not want a AR-10 (heavy) platform, and one that could swap out with my existing M4 5.56. My 6.8 reloads all but equal the 6mm Rem within the ranges I shoot. Game On!
I now have multiples and they are all killers. If you're looking for a AR hunting rifle inside 300 m, the 6.8 SPC II is the ticket.
Last edited by rvrrat14; 10/10/16 01:47 PM.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: okstatefan]
#6489032
10/10/16 03:42 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499
charlesb
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499 |
Not to derail the topic too much, but is anyone considering the .277 Wolverine? It seems like a competent round, but my never get SAAMI support. It looks like it would do OK but still be somewhat on the marginal side for deer. Past 100 yards, I would only shoot at varmints with it. It ought to be great for varmints with the lighter bullets, perhaps out to 200 yards or so. - But the .223 will do better. I'd feel under-gunned with the .277 Wolverine against medium game, even with a whitetail there would be a lot of shots that I would pass up, knowing that this round is not going to give me bone-breaking penetration. - A regular old 30-30 lever gun is good for about the same ranges, but is light years ahead of the .277 Wolverine as a killer, at any range. A good bolt action carbine in .308 would be so much more effective that it would be ridiculous. In the end, there is a limit to the performance cuts that I am willing to put up with, just to be able to say that I shot something with an AR15.
Kind regards, charlesb
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6489943
10/11/16 02:40 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,806
Deerhunter61
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,806 |
I own a 6.5 CM in an AR and love it. As long as the twist is right and you will load for it I'd say go for it.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6489948
10/11/16 02:43 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,952
LFD2037
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,952 |
Seems like a solution searching for a problem.
R.I.P. CPO Matt Mills-(DEVGRU)- You will NEVER be forgotten!
10-25-75 / 8-6-11 *K.I.A.*
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: charlesb]
#6490051
10/11/16 04:07 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,539
okstatefan
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,539 |
Not to derail the topic too much, but is anyone considering the .277 Wolverine? It seems like a competent round, but my never get SAAMI support. It looks like it would do OK but still be somewhat on the marginal side for deer. Past 100 yards, I would only shoot at varmints with it. It ought to be great for varmints with the lighter bullets, perhaps out to 200 yards or so. - But the .223 will do better. I'd feel under-gunned with the .277 Wolverine against medium game, even with a whitetail there would be a lot of shots that I would pass up, knowing that this round is not going to give me bone-breaking penetration. - A regular old 30-30 lever gun is good for about the same ranges, but is light years ahead of the .277 Wolverine as a killer, at any range. A good bolt action carbine in .308 would be so much more effective that it would be ridiculous. In the end, there is a limit to the performance cuts that I am willing to put up with, just to be able to say that I shot something with an AR15. I appreciate the knowledgeable feedback. I'm just at a point where the .223 has lost its fiz for me; but I like the ergonomics and platform. I tried the 300blk for a bit, but it didn't offer much more than my handy little .357 M92 carbine. I'll either re-evaluate the 6.8 or 6.5, or just relegate the AR15 as a plinking rifle. Heck, I might just give up all rifle calibers except .308 and .357 magnum for any harvesting. I'll probably keep a .223 for two and four legged varmints.
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: okstatefan]
#6490206
10/11/16 12:02 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499
charlesb
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499 |
Not to derail the topic too much, but is anyone considering the .277 Wolverine? It seems like a competent round, but my never get SAAMI support. It looks like it would do OK but still be somewhat on the marginal side for deer. Past 100 yards, I would only shoot at varmints with it. It ought to be great for varmints with the lighter bullets, perhaps out to 200 yards or so. - But the .223 will do better. I'd feel under-gunned with the .277 Wolverine against medium game, even with a whitetail there would be a lot of shots that I would pass up, knowing that this round is not going to give me bone-breaking penetration. - A regular old 30-30 lever gun is good for about the same ranges, but is light years ahead of the .277 Wolverine as a killer, at any range. A good bolt action carbine in .308 would be so much more effective that it would be ridiculous. In the end, there is a limit to the performance cuts that I am willing to put up with, just to be able to say that I shot something with an AR15. I appreciate the knowledgeable feedback. I'm just at a point where the .223 has lost its fiz for me; but I like the ergonomics and platform. I tried the 300blk for a bit, but it didn't offer much more than my handy little .357 M92 carbine. I'll either re-evaluate the 6.8 or 6.5, or just relegate the AR15 as a plinking rifle. Heck, I might just give up all rifle calibers except .308 and .357 magnum for any harvesting. I'll probably keep a .223 for two and four legged varmints. The 6.8spc and the 6.5 Grendel are both quite a bit more powerful than the .277 Wolverine. Getting set up for one of those is going to be more expensive, but you get a lot more for the money. Both are widely recognized as good all-around deer and pig cartridges, out to several hundred yards. I hope that you do not think that I am trying to discourage you from trying out the .277 Wolverine. My point there is that with a cartridge that is marginally powerful, you'll just have to be awfully picky about the shots that you take. - Just as handgun hunters must do. Placed in the right spot at a moderate range, the .277 Wolverine will most definitely kill a whitetail.
Kind regards, charlesb
|
|
|
|
Re: AR in 243... thoughts or opinions?
[Re: DocHorton]
#6490377
10/11/16 02:06 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,709
huntandfish
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,709 |
My wife bolt action 18.5" barrel pushes a 95 grain fusion factory load 2720 fps, my 12.5" 6.8 pushes a 120 sst 2400 both have pratically same amount of energy out to 300 yards. Put a 18" barrel on the 6.8 and gain 100 fps then the 6.8 would overtake it, but then again run a 22" barrel on a .243 and its the other way around! I also tried the blackout for a bit with 8.5" and 16" barrels, but was not satisfied in the speeds i got. I was going to build a 6.5 grendel recently but at the distances i shoot out to 300 yards its no difference in the 6.8, so i scrapped that idea. Was going to build a 18-20" 6.8 but i wouldnt gain much over my 12.5" so it was another idea trashed! Guess i will just enjoy the 12.5" 6.8 and shoot the heck out of it!
|
|
|
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
|
