This isn't a theoretical discussion; I'm trying to decide which rifle to take on my public land deer hunt Fri-Sun. The choices are my bolt-action Mauser in .243 that has a Leupold scope and is very accurate, or my autoloader Remington in .30-06 with a vintage Weaver fixed 6x scope. The Remington is more powerful but considerably less accurate. I don't expect shots over 100 yards, but you never know. The Mauser overall length is about 4 inches longer, making it a little more cumbersome to carry in the woods. Weight between the two is about the same. Both have felled whitetail.

Which would you take? I'm not good at tracking so I prefer for the deer to drop quickly. Is it better to have accurate shot placement with a smaller and less powerful round, or sacrifice some shot placement for the damage of a 160 gr .30-06 round?

where are you going hunting?

I vote accuracy.

Lol!

Put the Leupold on the 30-06??

I had a Remington autoloader once upon a time and thought it was designed by PETA. Take the .243.

I would take the .243 if the scope has a lower power variable scope on it. Hitting a limb with a .243 or 30.06 is not going make much difference in the end result IMO. I would take one accurate shot over more shots under stress if I have missed already.

Accuracy, shoot'em where it counts.

Sounds like you might have a confidence doubt in the back of your mind on one of your rifle's. I would generally take accuracy over power in any situation but I would take confidence over all else.

Accuracy is Better than power because if you are shooting a inaccurate gun and you miss, It don't matter how powerful it is if you miss.

Thanks everybody, I was leaning toward the .243 and the wisdom of this forum confirms it.


The Luminant #603 state land outside Marquez, about a four hour drive from San Antonio. It sucks to have to go that far, but I don't have a lease and there aren't any other rifle-whitetail WMAs closer. I've been there several times and know the sweet spots, and shot a doe there last Thanksgiving weekend.


I don't think the scope is the issue. I think it's closer to this:

shoot them in the head

X2!

another vote for the .243

Add me to the count!

I vote power

....it's an autoloader...squeeze off 3 quick shots your bound to hit something.


Just kidding. Accuracy is more important. I'd take time to get the .30-06 dialed in at 100yds.

I agree that accuracy is more important.

BUT, if the '06 shoots into 2" or less and it is properly sighted in, it has plently of accuracy.

Even if the 243 shoots 1/4 groups, its incremental accuracy won't make any difference for normal deer hunting.

More important is the bullet you are using. If you are going to take the 243, make sure it has a bullet designed for deer and not varmints.

I would take the .243. I thought you might be going to east texas where you might get a 50 yard shot and then would take the .30-06

Accuracy every time.

What good s 1500 ft/lbs of energy is it misses the animal?

Power means nothing if you miss. Good luck on your hunt

And accuracy can mean nothing if you have the wrong bullet...

Good choice, another vote for accuracy.



I visited Luminant right before the 2012-2013 season to scout and made treks from both gates. Though I didn't end up hunting there that season I liked the feel and plan to return.

Hopefully you enjoy the property *and* have a successful hunt.

To success,
Mickey