I am looking at buying a new hunting rifle for White Tail Deer, Antelope (When I go back to Visit Wyoming), and Hogs. I have decided that the .243 would be the best all around for the terrain and conditions. What I would like is advice on make and model?
Currently the only Bolt gun in our inventory is my Wife’s Howa M1500 in the .223 (Love the rifle, is great to shoot)
Granted, not buying a new rifle, and just using the Howa is also an option as Texas Deer don’t get all that big.
What are your requirements/parameters? Any specific preferences?
Price, $500 range not including optics. I am looking at a Redfield 3-9x40. Not super high dollar, but for my needs should do just fine.
I am not a fan of the Camouflage stocks, and prefer wood to fiber.
Just get another HOWA in 243 great guns
My buddy in South dakota has a vangaurd by weatherby that he uses for everything from varmits to mule deer to anolope and he loves it. they go for $400 - $500
A real dissapointment coming from NE Ohio. Howa is still a good option if you like the .223 you are using. Weatherby Vanguard, Ruger M77, CZ550 and Winchester M70 would all fill the bill nicely too. I prefer CRF but I like “express” rifles and big calibers.
I know our deer typically aren’t monsterous, but I don’t consider the 223 to be sufficient, and the 243 to be only marginal…but the OP is set on 243 so I’ll shut up now. 