223 vs 243 Bolt Action and Ammo

[3006]

Both are great cartridges the 2.23 gets the win for being cost effective to shoot great for out 400 yards or so on small game or targets.
The 243 for longer ranges and take down power probably cost 3 times as much to shoot if you dont reload
At the range I shoot at theres a 12x12 plate at 400 yards the with the 243 it's hardly challenging off the bench the 2.23 drops a lot more and is noticeably more effected by wind which is almost always a factor at this range.

[More Artillery]

Going by the original post, if you are looking for much less recoil, then the .223 should work great. It's a fine round with great availability. As noted already, the .243 is also a fantastic round (I own more .243 than .223) but it does have more recoil. For rough guidance take a look at the Chuckhawks recoil table; energy for .223 is in the 3 to 4 range, for .243 is in the 7 to 11 range and .308 is in the 9 to 17 range. Heavier guns will have less felt recoil.

https://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

[DueceMcGurk]

"223 Rem is good starting caliber for newby like me?"

Yes.

[RideWest]

Originally Posted by cz74

Thanks for all the feedback, took me while to soak it all in :-) Watching that youtube series sniper 101 is very helpful! I should've clarified my goal is just target shooting centerfire rifle to get started. Called my local FFL asked for several models of Savage Axis series 223 REM, they told me none of their distributors able to deliver right now. They had a CZ 527 American on consignment, but was grabbed before I could even ask for it. So meanwhile, I will continue honing my skills on 22lr and watching 223 Rem videos. Thanks folks!

If your not hunting and want something with light recoil that can easily reach 1000 yards. Take a look at the .224 Valkyrie, ammo is available and not very expensive. Plus if you already have a .223 lower, you can pick up an inexpensive upper and a couple of SPC mags and be good.

[The War Wagon]

If you're looking for ammo NOW, I can still find .243 at LGS's. I don't think the election results are gonna help much with the .223 supply...

[morrcarr67]

Originally Posted by Cowboy T

Ruger American, Savage Axis, Mossberg Patriot, any of those will shoot pretty darn well, especially as you're just getting started. Any of those three will outshoot you for several years.

Don't forget the T/C Compass with it's 5R barrel it's very accurate. Last year they ran on sale around this time of the year for $200 after rebate. This year they have a new model out with a better trigger listed for MSRP of $405 but I'm sure the street price will be a bit better.

[pennstater]

As Duece said, .223 for the win.

MLC

[Flouncer]

Originally Posted by ar15barrels

And by slightly, you mean about half as the bullets are about half the weight.

Pretty close !!

62g bullet at 2900 with 24 g powder for the .223 and 90g bullet with 40g powder and 3,000 fps for the .243 Win. 7 1/2 lb weapon

http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmrecoil-5.1.cgi

Best interactive ballistics on the web !!!

edit: the Creed with a 140g bullet is about 14 lbs recoil vs 4/5 for the .223 and 8/9 for a 90g in the .243.

.308 will be more . . . . . . .

[smoothy8500]

Originally Posted by AGGRO

Says someone who doesn't hunt dangerous or large game.

You are the less-than 1% of typical Calgunner that actually use your magnum for intended purposes.

[Cowboy T]

Originally Posted by morrcarr67

Don't forget the T/C Compass with it's 5R barrel it's very accurate. Last year they ran on sale around this time of the year for $200 after rebate. This year they have a new model out with a better trigger listed for MSRP of $405 but I'm sure the street price will be a bit better.

Didn't know about that. I know you meant this for the OP, but still, thanks for the tip!

Just had a look. Looks like there are two versions of the T/C Compass. The "Compass II" has barrel threading and what looks like a Savage-style trigger blade. The "Compass Utility" looks like the same rifle with a traditional trigger and no barrel threading; this "Utility" version is $359 MSRP.

[usr1987]

Originally Posted by cz74

My first plunge into centerfire rifles, being shooting only 22lr bolt actions so far. I want something much less recoil than 308, shot my friend's 308 and after 10 rounds my shoulder hurt and bruised. Watched several videos on 223 bolt action, seemed less recoil, a friend also mentioned looking into 243 Win caliber, as I understand, it is basically same caliber as 6.5 Grendel? Love to hear your feedback if 223 Rem is good starting caliber for newby like me? Thanks!

I recently was looking for a new bolt center fired and realize 243 is quite available vs 308 or others. 300 winmag is out there too!

[bruceflinch]

Nice discussion, for the most part.
As soon as the OP gets his new rifle, he should consider starting to reload.

Originally Posted by MongooseV8

That would be an adage of the simple minded. I find that people that share this point of view are never picked first in the game of life. They have to tear down the success of others to make themselves feel sufficient.

What kind of comment would you expect for a guy named “last inline”

[Bull Elk]

Go into any gun store and count the number of boxes of .243 vs 6.5 Grendel. I hope that answers your question.

[cannon]

OP, may I suggest a Mossberg 223/5.56 rifle?

Put a scope or go with iron sights but the ammo is cheaper and the rifle wicked accurate.

Buy new or used.

[RNE228]

Then you could add most of the 22 centerfires. 222, 218, 222mag etc. There's a number of 22 centerfires out there.

If you're going to open a can of worms...

Originally Posted by RideWest

If your not hunting and want something with light recoil that can easily reach 1000 yards. Take a look at the .224 Valkyrie, ammo is available and not very expensive. Plus if you already have a .223 lower, you can pick up an inexpensive upper and a couple of SPC mags and be good.