260 or 243 80%varmint 20% deer

[CaptainMal]

It's the SAME THING only different.

Same case with only .021" of an inch bore diameter difference. 100's to 105's in the 243 kill deer well. Both have bullets that varmint well. 243 probably will not have the barrel life of the 260. The 260 offers you a chance for those long and high BC bullets to shoot way out there better.

Six of one and 1/2 dozen of another. Same thing only different. You can't go wrong either way.

Now if you could get 257 Roberts you would have it all.

 

[TheSnake]

Now if you could get 257 Roberts you would have it all.

+1 on the 257 Roberts and 257 Weatherby in like a Roberts and a half. Ok so it's a little much for the 80% but its killer for the 20% but my wife loves hers. She took a Coyote at 440 yards and a real nice 8 point at 300 last season, both DRT. Did I mention the brass is expensive?

If I was choosing the 260 or 243, I would go with the 260 with a faster twist to be able to shoot the heaver bullets.

 

[BOBC]

I like the 260 over a 243. The 260 has a little more authority especially with the 130 & 140 gr bullets. The 8" twist will handle 80 to 140 gr bullets very well. I know, as I have one. Recoil is very manageable. Heck, there is only .021" dia. difference between the two. And you will most likely get a little longer barrel life from the 260. I've got 1800rds through mine and it still shoots 10 shot groups under half minute with the above mentioned bullets. In my opinion with a 260 you have the best of both worlds.

 

[ttfreestyle]

When you play in the realm of dual purpose cartidges, usually they underperform in both venues.

just thinking how true this statement is, so lets go 100% varmint. whats the best for 600 and closer. coyote and smaller game.

 

[necchi]

whats the best for 600 and closer. coyote and smaller game.

Before anyone can answer that we need to know if you drive a Ford, Chevy or Dodge,,
and If you prefer Blonde, Brunette or Redhead.
Because rifle choices for "best" is just as varied as the above choices.

 

[ttfreestyle]

well i have had 223 and 22-250, so i want something "new to me". i already have the complete rifle (less barrel) so guess i am just asking about caliber. and i drive a chevy truck and like all hair colors..

 

[vmthtr]

I bought a 243 for my son for his first rifle. Coyotes and deer. We use the 90g Btip for deer and have gotten 4 with it so far. I would not hesitate to shoot a big Bruiser with it judging from past performances. With a deer looking at my kinda quarting to, bullet went in the chest, through the paunch and ended in rear ham. Great performance.

 

[PREMOD70]

Barrel life would be the main concern in my choice to the two cartridges followed by recoil, both are very good for the stated purpose but if forced to pick I'd go with the .243 because of the larger variety of varmit type bullets; they make barrels everyday and it's an industry I choose to support.

 

[65BR]

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/3091822/Ruger_1_International_Who_has_#Post3091822

Scroll down that thread and see the 85xbt in action....changed my WHOLE outlook on 243s, since then dropped my last 2 deer w/a 6BR and 95 Ballistic tips. Farthest deer kill? 400 yds, 6BR, 105 amax, double lunged.

Killed deer w/70 TNTs, lungs in Tx at 200 yds, and neck shot at 45 yds.

243s kill fine, but NO round kills or well, if you don't:

A) Place the bullet where it's steered THRU Vitals
B) Pick a bullet that will destroy said Vitals

Both do that, with a 243, it's perhaps more bullet sensitive b/c as many bullets are made for varmints as are those made for deer. In 6.5mm, Most are made for big game.

What varmints are you hunting, and to what range? If Small and far, go 243, or be ready to take recoil for however much volume you shoot, using a good bc 6.5 like 120-130s. 85-100s work, but will fall fast and drift more....if you shoot far.

HOW you hunt is as important as WHAT you use.

 

[rockrat]

With a good bullet (Partition/A-frame, ect!) the 243 is good for Elk. With good placement of course. Neighbors daughter + 243 add 3 shots = 3 Elk. Farthest at 200yds

Have a 243 and a 260. Might lean towards the 260

 

[AckleymanII]

243......

95g Nosler Partition
43.0g of IMR 4350
Win primer
Velocity 3050-3100 with accuracy
bullet touching the lands
this load will rival any 30/06 or 308 load....trust me!

85g Tripple shock
45.5g of R#19@3375 fps
Win primer
win case'
Bullet seated .050 off the lands
1/2" accuracy in my 700's
Will penetrate deer shot from any angle

predators

80g Sierra Blitz BT
39.5-41.0g of IMR 4064
Win case
Fed 210 primer
Bullet seated to touch the lands
3450 fps, with amazing accuracy

Work up to these loads in your rifle, mine are 700's