243 or 223 best for varmint hunting

[wyosam]

I love the 243. It is a fantastic round, that I have used for varmints. However, I’d give the 223 the nod. Its plenty, its cheap, and the tube will last a hell of a lot longer.


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[COHunter1994]

.223 is my preferance, but it's also what I have the most experience with.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

From a few nights ago... 475 and 515 yard shots on these two rabbits with the .22-250.



If you shoot a lot of varmints and want a dedicated rifle just for that application you can’t really beat this little cartridge. Speed kills.

 

[Elkhntr08]

Have my AR that I built, have a .243 and a 6mm, but when I’m going coyote or groundhog hunting, I grab the 22-250 out of the safe.
To me, the .223 can be a little light for some situations and the 6mm’s a little much. The 22-250 is just right in most all situations with a 55 gr hollow point, haven’t found a varmint it won’t put down.

 

[Wright406]

Depends on your intentions.

223- Better for saving pelts, cheaper, not as good in wind, best for shorter ranges.

243- Great in wind, can be used on larger game, flatter trajectory, good for LR shooting.

I vote 243.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I've killed yotes with everything from a .17HMR to 45-70 Govt. They all died. Why? I hit em in the vitals. The ole buffalo gun split the sucker in half.

 

[rayporter]

i am a 6 mm fan, for versatility. even a little 6 br will get the 55 BT over 3700 fps.

a big [big?] 22 would work for me too. a 22-243 or a swift will both reach out. at the moment all i have in the 22 line is a .223 but i favor the others.

 

[TheGDog]

Answer these questions for yourself:
Do you live somewhere where the terrain will even afford you longer range shots?
Do you have the skills and practice to make shots out to distances that would make folks tell you to begin leaning towards the .243 or .22-250?
Do you want a 1 rifle solution for both Predators and Deer?

 

[GSPHUNTER]

.223 for me. because that's what I have. But the .243 is had to beat. GSPHUNTER, AKA, GUNDOGLOVER

 

[FLAK]

.220 Swift????

 

[Bowhunter02]

Anyone have opinions and these two calibers for varmint hunting? Whats works best and why?

.243 with 55 grain bullets. Over 4,000fps, and accurate at long ranges. It’s easy on the shoulder too!!

 

[6mm Remington]

I had too many coyotes run off after being well hit with 22 caliber bullets at extended ranges. I was trying to earn a living off of pelts so it hurt the bottom line. I switched to a 6mm Rem and the problem went away. Pelt damage wasn’t bad if I used a controlled expansion bullet and shot them thru the lungs, not guts, shoulder or head. I still use 224 bullets when I anticipate ranges between 70 and 300 yards. Closer than that I use a shotgun.


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Another vote for the 6mm Remington. Fast, accurate, and very mild recoil! Mines a Ruger 1B single shot with a 6x42mm Leupold scope on it.