243 is a barrel eater

[line052]

I think you would be right on that. I reload, but can't find a use to justify, just nice to have on the future list...Lebaron has some ammo listed at $98.00 per box of 20...not...

I would almost wager the .338 Lapua is the most resold gun in Canada.

Seems all want one until they lay prone behind it OR start feeding it a 5 dollar bill every trigger pull.

[dannyboy]

Hey there i had to make thats choice not long ago for my first rifle, and had the same idea for uses. I ended up with a savage axis in .243. My reason being was , i'm not planning on hunting moose elk or bear till im more exsperienced in hunting, and the the .243 (FELT) to me to be a good starter caliber. low recoil, and flat shooting. have had lots of fun with it plinking hadnt had at coyotes yet with it, but love shooting it. Im not a big guy so i stayed with a smaller caliber to learn, though i regret not getting it in .223. .243 is even good for taken jack rabbits at a distance. Just learning and cant wait till this barrel burns out lol so i have an acscuse to go for another caliber probally .270, it is a very versitile calibre and was my original pick. Just thought it might be abit much to learn. Better safe than sorry.

[DGearyFTE]

Dannyboy - good selection. I am a long time advocate of the right tool for the right job. The Savage Axis is a great platform. Friend of mine shot a 1" group right out of the box with a Savage 30-06. The new 2014 Axis line will come with the Accu-Trigger which will make it a very hard combination to beat at any price.
Since I had the option, I use a 30 cal for hunting deer (>165 Gr bullets = quick kill) but it is a funtion of bullet placement and energy. The 243 at the right range is very effective for deer as well as small game. A 270 and 308 have about the same recoil and both provide potent stopping power for deer and other big game. Either of these two are painless to shoot and the ammo is readily available. With lighter bullets they can both be loaded for small game.

[Gerald]

Highly classified information lol.big box store...we all love

I doubt if you talked to a gunsmith at a big box store. If any of them have a gunsmith on staff I stand corrected, but I doubt it.

[Bluebulldog]

I doubt if you talked to a gunsmith at a big box store. If any of them have a gunsmith on staff I stand corrected, but I doubt it.

I'd be willing to bet it was BPS.

[beagles1111]

Hahaha

[blasted_saber]

I'd wager the average hunter doesnt come anywhere close to 1500 rounds through a centrefire rifle in over time he owns it.

I wouldnt worry about it.

[Goosesniper]

You have to take into consideration how much you will be shooting and what you are shooting. I hear the biggest barrel burner is the 22-250 and you should get about 4000 rounds before you notice a difference. Even then it is a small difference in groups. Depending what you shoot and what you intend on doing with the pelts. I would recommend a 3006. Largest range of billet weight.

[rambill]

270 is the caliber beagles1111 (27) I think what your asking is bullet weight. I believe the 243 will burn barrels but only if you were to hand load to maximum volocities and shoot lots. By the way a barrel only burns out the last inch or so of the barrel, so by cutting an inch off the end and re crowning it your good to go. If your worried about over heating with stainless, perhaps get a fluted barrel (or slow down lol). As far as 270 or 243 its your choice, 243 might seem a little light for moose, but my son has shot 12 moose with a 25-06 remington 700 which is in the same catagory, and a guy in my gang has taken them with a 6mm. Bullet placement is everthing, just owning a 375 H&H mag does not make you a better hunter.

[rambill]

I couldnt agree more canada man!! 6 mm, 243, 25-06 are all excellent deer cartidges. In the north where I live if we want a bigger gun most of us skip the "basleline" 270 and go to the big 30s. lol