I have had my 3rd neck surgery and will need to lessen recoil going forward. I am mainly concerned with antelope and Mule deer. I own a .243 and a 7MM Rem Mag currently. Would I be better off shooting reduced recoil rounds through the 7mm Rem Mag or purchase a different caliber? I think the .243 would suffice for antelope but may be pushing it for a big mule deer. Any thoughts?
Need suggestions on rifle post cervical fusion
- Thread starter Bruce54
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mtnrunner260
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243 will work for deer in all but a few shot scenarios.
Does either rifle have a break or better yet a suppressor?
Does either rifle have a break or better yet a suppressor?
No, none of my rifles are new enough to be threaded and no break on the 7mm. I love the 243 and have killed lots of whitetails but they are smaller then Mule deer. Just want to be sure I have enough gun.
brushcreek
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if you are able to buy a new gun I'd say 308 with a suppressor
A .243 will do everything you need. If legal where you hunt, you could even drop to a 22-250 or something similar and be just fine
belshawelk
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Are we sure a 6.5Cr doesn’t have less recoil than a .243 with heavier loads. Seems like mine goes. My 6.5 with American Whitetail loads shoots amazing and very soft recoil. Really nice one for sale on HT right now.
jpc01101
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6MM Creedmor with a suppressor. Will kill goats and deer like crazy and have absolutely zero recoil when suppressed.
Forkyfinder
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243 will work just fine for mule deer.
longbow51
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.243 has killed tons of mule deer.
shootbrownelk
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A .243 with THE CORRECT bullets will kill any deer and will work for elk as well. Assuming correct shot placement.
El Jason
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This. A .243 will work just fine for elk as well.
JohnCushman
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My 25-06 has very little recoil and has killed antelope at long range and deer also. Good bullet construction is key. Hell, I know guys that hunt elk with one. A good recoil pad is an idea too. I put a limbsaver on my 300WM and the recoil is no worse than my .308 with it.
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This^^^
I know you just said you are going to stick with your .243, but I'll toss my pick into the hat with my newest acquisition, a 6.5PRC with a break is a baby to shoot. I'm planning to get a suppressor instead of the break after the 1/1/26 update and it will be even easier to shoot.
Shooting my .308 I'd start to feel a pinch of soreness the next day if I went over a box of shells in one sitting. Last weekend I shot 60 shots through my 6.5PRC and didn't even notice any soreness in my shoulder the next day. You'd do great with the .243, but who doesn't love getting a new rifle setup!!?!??!?!
mtnrunner260
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A heavy 308 with reduced recoil ammo and suppressor will have closento zero recoil.
If you can rebarrel 243 put a heavy steel barrel on with a fast enough twist and make sure it's threaded.
If you can rebarrel 243 put a heavy steel barrel on with a fast enough twist and make sure it's threaded.
6mm Remington
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Winchester .243 with a good 90 - 100 gr. bullet would work great.
H4350 or IMR4350 with 90 gr. E-tip, 90 gr. Accubond, or 100 gr. Partition would all serve you well. Good luck.
H4350 or IMR4350 with 90 gr. E-tip, 90 gr. Accubond, or 100 gr. Partition would all serve you well. Good luck.
fishing4sanity
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Jumping on the bandwagon for the 243 being a great choice. Now, if you want a new rifle I'd suggest looking at a suppressed 6 Creedmoor.
