243 vs 260 for plains hunting?

[Nguni]

Any comments?

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[sa-shooter]

Well, you'll have to give more detail than that. Are you looking at hunting buffalo of squirrel?

[driepootx]

I think this would refer to springbuck, blesbuck, hartebeest and black wildebeest.

[414gates]

If only rifle shooters could learn to state their requirements in terms of bullet type, weight and muzzle velocity.

[pre 64]

The cost of factory ammo favours the 243. Reloading closes the cost gap a bit.

Other advantages which make the 243 a better choice than the 260 [or 6.5 Swede or 6.5 Credemoor] are um..um..no nothing comes to mind.

[pre 64]

Have a squizzie at the 'stickie' in this thread on hunting rifles by Tetelestai.

Substitute 6.5x55 with 260.

[A-R]

I have a 243 and I like it. However, for more versatility I would not hesitate to recommend one of the 6,5mm's. Heavier bullets, better sectional densities, better long range capabilities and better barrel life all contribute to this. Where the 243 has the advantage is in lower recoil and flatter short-range trajectory.

The 260 Rem, 6,5x55 Swede and 6,5 Creedmoore are very similar in performance. The springbuck won't be able to tell them apart.

[SBB]

243 Winchester

[Wesley]

.260 every time.

You can shoot better bullets with a barrel that will last longer.

[Koebelwagen]

I don't know. Somehow my 243 has never been lacking if I do my part using good quality components. How dead do you want the animal to be? There is also nothing wrong with 6.5mm or 7mm for that matter just in case you think I have something against any given caliber.

The flavour of the month at this time just seems to be 6.5mm, it is gaining mystical/ mythical powers as we speak but eventually just like what happened to the 243, people who don't put in the effort to get to know the caliber they shoot with and its limitations will ruin its reputation. No caliber is a magic wand, you still need to make sure you hit whatever animal you are aiming at in the vitals.