Is the .243 Win Obsolete ?

[Dusty Stevens]

Lots of old wives tales out there- especially with this newer age of shooters coming up. Be aware of what you believe when it comes to characteristics of different cartridges.

 

[Laurie]

It's really nothing fancy...

Good enough though! It shoots well too from the groups you've put up. I had three single-shot Savage 12 based rifles at one time, now down to two. At the risk of starting up more controversy, I've always thought Savage actions are a good basis for budget precision rifles.

 

[500yards]

The thing is, lack of affordable factory match ammo.

 

[NDAR15MAN]

I know there has been a very very good argument to support the 243 cal is not obsolete. But the pro 243 cal shooters that say not obsolete are from shooters that own the gun already.
Which includes me , I have that light Tikka 3 in 243 with the Burris eliminator lll Scope on it. I call it the the sod buster.
When I put that scope on a coyote or deer and pull the trigger it puts the animal on the dirt or grass when it falls. Ha ha ha. But I just don’t see a new firearm buyer kid or woman or man or outerspace alien buying A NEW 243 cal GUN OUT OF THE BOX. Maybe a hunter or reloader wanting convert it over to a wildcat / hybrid or a buyer that can buy a used 243 in good shape cheaper than a new one off the rack. I will see if I can find some firearm data that breaks down the caliber of NEW guns sold the last 2 or 3 years and what % the 243 cal has gone up or down yet to year.
I think the 243 cal does have some years of production left because the number of rifles already in firearm owners hand like myself that will need the factory ammo.
But I think for the long haul I am thinking not just own opinion.
Might see ammo prices go way up like the 45-70 cal , but now that cal ammo is coming down again because it is allowed in the shotgun / deer slug hunting states and have seen a rebound. Ha ha.
Go figure. Ha ha ha. Time will tell.
So maybe everything all goes in a circle.
Ha ha ha. MD

 

[Oso]

The thing is, lack of affordable factory match ammo.

I felt screwed when I had to pay +$100 for box of 243 (Lapua brass) when everyone with the 308 (mule) only paid $75. Whenever it went on sale, I got GIDDY if I only paid $90 as if I had committed highway robbery when in fact it was the other way around. I now smile when I see the 6mm Creedmoor in the +$100 penalty price by Lapua.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I believe I'll be buying another .243 barrel when this starts opening up.

 

[Knotwild]

I don't know if it's obsolete or not, but I am not fond of the 20 degree shoulder and body taper as far as case life goes. But then again, I don't really care for the newer Chevy's either.

 

[wa11abee]

I have a .243 and love it and I am having another 6mm hunting rifle built. I am on the fence between a .243 and a 6 creedmoor. Please don't kill me here. lol Everyone keep telling me the creedmoor is a little faster. Is this true? I wondered if the creedmoor will let me shoot a heavier bullet in a shorter mag?

Mark

 

[rafale]

I have a .243 and love it and I am having another 6mm hunting rifle built. I am on the fence between a .243 and a 6 creedmoor. Please don't kill me here. lol Everyone keep telling me the creedmoor is a little faster. Is this true? I wondered if the creedmoor will let me shoot a heavier bullet in a shorter mag?

Mark

In my experience the 243 (Match chamber) is a little faster but I have a 32" Krieger barrel !

 

[Oso]

I think the 6mm Creedmoor addresses the 243 shoulder angle and short neck that is hard on the throat. It is really just splitting hairs between the two cartridges. For what its worth, .243 Win just rolls off the tongue a little easier.

 

[sqrlgtr]

Been available in factory rifles since 1955 and who knows how long as a wildcat before then.I dont know if these new cartridges will survive as long and good as the ol 243win.I hope they do, nothing wrong with having different options.

 

[shooter65]

LRI blueprinted 700 action, 27" Bartlein 8 twist,
Mesa Precision Altitude stock