Try and convince me the 243 is actually useful

[cash_tx]

I'm really kind of surprised that the 243 didn't get more traction as a combat application. Seems like it would have been an easy transition from 308 Win for something lighter and faster, but still more heft than the 5.56 (especially with the 55gr bullets at the time).

 

[One Day...]

I'm really kind of surprised that the 243 didn't get more traction as a combat application. Seems like it would have been an easy transition from 308 Win for something lighter and faster, but still more heft than the 5.56 (especially with the 55gr bullets at the time).

Yes from a ballistics point of view, but it would not have addressed the critical perceived "issues" (?) to be resolved with the 7.62x51 : action size, weapon weight, and combatant ammo load, because in the end the .243 Win is nothing but the .308 Win necked down.

Being a big fan of "battle rifles" myself (as opposed to "assault rifles"), I have still to understand what is wrong with 7.62x51 and it amuses me endlessly that all the efforts over the last few decades to beef up 5.56 mm ammo, replace it with 6 mm, 6.5 mm, then 6.8 mm, etc. all aim in the end at replicating what we had to begin with: the performances of 7.62x51...

The big mistake was to put a full auto selector on the M14, because 7.62x51 is uncontrollable on full auto unless you shoot a 11 lbs weapon on bipod, i.e. a M60 or equivalent.

Oh well..................

 

[JG26Irish_2]

I like my 243. It is a Sako S20 and when strangers ask me what it is chambered in, I often tell them it is a 6mm/08, which makes them perk up, and say "A what??". After all there is the new 6ARC, the 6CM, 6GT, 6BR and 6mm Rem, and several other metric 243's. Mine likes the 75g Hornady Superformance ammo and is deadly with it on Coyotes and other Eastern predators. I have not shot deer with it but would using an 80g Fed Fusion or a Barnes TTSX in same weight. I used mine to hunt deer a couple of years ago but failed to see anything worthy of a shot that trip.

The 243 will shoot bullets up to 95g and 100g with good accuracy. My PH in Africa told of seeing Blue WB taken with 243's. I think the issue is bullet choice and placement. I would use mine on Pronghorn but have a 7mm Mag for that. I would not use it on large African PG as it is just asking for problems. They use 223's in Hawaii for axis deer and they do the job. Why would the 243 not be just a little better? Just avoid the highly frangible varmint bullets for wild game hunting on things like deer, hogs, and antelope and you will not have issues.