.223 Vs .243 for white tail deer hunting?

[chefcreed]

Howa Mini Action or CZ in 6.5 Grendel would be worth poking at. Low recoil but also lower muzzle blast than a .242,which is a problem for some. Either way hope she loves what you decide in shoots some deer with it!

 

[davescarp]

read these 20 pages. then buy a tikka t3x compact... in 223...

.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ 176 PAGES? HERE'S THE CHEAT SHEET. “Bullets matter more than headstamps.” “Spent primers offer the supreme tutorial”. I’ve read it here and elsewhere online. It got my attention. I started digging and asking questions and listened. The 77gr TMK delivered by a .223...

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[Backpack Hunter]

I have used the 243 with great results for years. I initially started my kids with the 243, but have since transitioned to the 223. The 223 is definitely more than capable for deer.

Esse quam videri

 

[RoyalKnight]

243 with 95gr ballistic tip. 100gr partition is an excellent bullet as well in a .243.

 

[mibighntr]

The key to the .223 is a well constructed bullet. I've killed several MI whitetails with the Federal Fusion 62gn. It is designed for deer size game and stoutly constructed.

 

[crich]

Bullet selection is paramount as previously said. A .223 will hammer deer with the right pill, but a .243 will hammer even harder with the right bullet. Recoil is not all that much more.

My wife has a .243 stainless tikka that we cut the stock down and added a limbsaver pad. Everyone perceives recoil differently but fwiw she is 5'3" 115lbs and hasn't mentioned the word "kick" once when shooting it.

 

[airbuds]

Just go with the .243 it's by all means the better choice since she's not an expert

 

[OldGrayWolf]

Only thing to watch out for with the compact 243’s is a short barrel, which most come with, will have more muzzle blast, which many shooters find objectionable. 20” with a 243 will be a bit strong in that aspect.

 

[ericwh]

My dad has a 20" .243 carbine and I always found it more obnoxious and less fun than some rifles that might have more actual recoil, but less muzzle blast.