.243 Discussion

**Andrew Leigh** · 01-05-2012, 09:13

Hi,

in the market probably for a second rifle. After reading many of the calibre threads I belive the next logical choice would need to be a .243 which could be a perfect companion for my .30-06. The reason for this choice is as follows, if you can fault my logic please chip in.

1. This will primarily be the grandbuddies starter rifle.
2. This appears to be the miniumum calibre for commercial farms. (Don't think I want a .222 / 250 etc)
3. A .243 will allow them to hunt well up the range and won't limit them to Springbok and Impala.
4. Was looking at a CZ550 but is is just as heavy as my .30-06? I think too heavy and I don't want to pay a Tikka's price. The Howa Vogue looks like an option? What would you guys recommend?
5. What would be the best twist rate for a .243

Anyone?

**Rudib** · 01-05-2012, 09:46

I would look at a Howa 243. They are well priced and have a 1-10 twist barrel. I have a Winchester Ultimate shadow and they are also very nice, but become a little expensive lately R15k. My friend shoots a Howa .243 and it works well.

**Andrew Leigh** · 01-05-2012, 10:30

If I were a PH then rifle choice would be somewhat different.

The Howa's look good value for money, I have shot my mates .308 and it was sweet and accurate. Because the grandbuddies will battle to fit the rifle I was considering buying the barreled action and fitting a cheap laminated stock that I would convert into a variable stock where the pull and comb can be altered.

Are the barreled actions proportionately cheaper?

**marshy** · 01-05-2012, 11:06

Hogue also make a "youth stock" which you should be able to slip on when the kiddies are wanting to shoot with it, and when they're older, they can use the full size :)

**Andrew Leigh** · 01-05-2012, 11:12

Awesome, thanks for the heads up.

**Webster** · 01-05-2012, 12:11

Grandbuddies

- love it!

**Maroelas** · 01-05-2012, 12:57

Hi Andrew, I can't fault your logic on calibre. I also have a .243 and love it (Sako Forrester). It is very accurate and light on the shoulder. can also download lekker for the grandbuddies.

I wouldn't recommend the 243 for bushveld hunting, it is very fast and will damage a lot of meat at ranges below 100m. I use mine for springbok and blesbok in the Freestate (voorsit hunting). I have taken a warthog with a shot behind the ear as well.

Enjoy hunting for a new rifle.

Ps. Weren't you considering a .22 not too long ago to start the younguns off?

**Andrew Leigh** · 01-05-2012, 13:04

Hi Roelof,

No bushveld for the little guys yet, will start out in the plains.

I was considering the .22 but in hindsight it is not the best option. Target shooting would bore them to bits so unless we were doing something constructive like hunting it would be wasted.

**Maroelas** · 01-05-2012, 13:29

I just remember you mentioning a while back you're considering a .22.

As long as the kids are old enough (I would say at least 9) a 243 should be fine. You and I are big guys weighing well over 100kg and to us that kick is nothing much, but a youngster weighing 40kg might interpret that kick differently.

Have they got shooting experience yet? Like pellet or .22?

**Andrew Leigh** · 01-05-2012, 14:05

We are 8 to 14 so spot on for the age group. I am actually 80kg's it's my boep that adds the extra 45kg's

.

They have not had any experience so there will be lots of time at the range, not a bad thing. Just need to check how eager they really are.

Anyways off to the OR Tambo to collect wifey, she was visiting the other grandbuddies in Cape Town.

Spot you guys later.