Thread: 243 vs .308

Originally Posted by mopheadrob

Also depends if you’re planning on getting a second rifle at some point in the not-too-distant future. In that case the .243 would sit nicely in the cabinet alongside any of the WSMs or a 7RM. I’ve got a .243 and a 7mmWSM, and the .243 is a nice light, cheap alternative when I don’t need the range or hitting power of the WSM. If you go .308, your second rifle will either be small & fast like a 22-250 or .223, or really big. As it’s your first rifle, its suitability for the game and ranges you’re planning to start out at are of primary importance, but it’s just another thing to think about.

My two primary rifles are 7RM and .243 for the same reason. Most deer hunting I take the 7RM also so I can shoot out longer. Goats, bush only sika or fallow, and anything smaller, like hares gets the .243

Get both over time if you want to, as both are very capable calibres. But my advice to a newbie would be start with the .308W. When you have got the hang of using that and the love of hunting and shooting with it then you can consider branching out, either up or down, into different cartridges. Not that you're missing out on anything much if you decide to just stay with the .308W but in a situation where shots need to stretch out beyond 300 - 350 yds there are cartridges more suitable for handling that and carrying good killing energy downrange.
I used to use a .308W ( still have it ) until I graduated to the 30.06 and enjoyed that so much it became my main hunting cartridge.
Also have 2 x .243W rifles, mainly for killing smaller stuff but up to goats, fallow and have shot a very few Sika too. I don't need 2 x .243 W rifles but got a bit carried away as it's such a fun cartridge to shoot.