assuming you don't have any other rifles and given those 2 choices I'd pick the 270. however here on the east coast a 7mmo8 or 308 (that comes in a short action) will handle anything found just fine at any distance you could hit something.
I'm looking at buying a new rifle should I get the .243 or the .270. I know the .270's more versatile for all big game in north America. I think the .243 wont reach out as far and dosent have a lot of take down power at a distance. What would you guys go with?
This depends on alot of factors. First question would be, why limit yourself to a .243 or .270 when other calibers are much more versatile and have a much larger bullet selection like a .308 or .30-06? If you already have your bases covered with a .308 or .30-06 then I'd go with the .243. If not, I'd go with the .308 or .30-06. .270 is also a good caliber, just not my cup of tea, been there done that and I prefer a .243 over a .270 because of recoil. I also prefer a 7MM-08 or .308 over a .30-06 becuase of recoil, because I'm 5'7" and 160 pounds. There is nothing in North America a .308 or 7MM-08 won't kill cleanly, including Elk, Bear and Moose if loaded with the proper bullet and powder.
If you are limited to only one gun, the caliber selection is VERY important. A .308 or .30-06 probably gives you the most options as far as different bullet weights and ammo manufacturers.
Also, alot depends on where (type of terrain and cover) you are hunting and the style of hunting. Example if you are primarily going to be in a tree stand or box stand a heavier barreled, large scoped (50 or 56MM lens), 12 lb gun (probably a bolt action) will work great, but if you are going to be stalking and still hunting on the ground it will be a PITA to carry and get quick shots off, although it would work. If stalking and still hunting I'd want a shorter barreled, carbine style, small scope (28-35MM lens) or open sighted, 6-7 lb gun, could be a bolt, lever, pump, auto, ect. as you have to carry it and not just let it sit in your lap.
There are a million fators to answer your question and that's why most of us who have been at this for awhile have two or three hunting rifles and a couple shotguns (some have more) depending upon the situation and scenerio you're going to be hunting in.
Give us some more details and we can probably give you some better advice.
Okay thanks. I'm probably going to go and but the Remington whitetail pro model at bass pro in the .270
How much is that gonna cost?
full retail plus tax? if you're not in a hurry, you could do better buying used, IMO.
full retail plus tax? if you're not in a hurry, you could do better buying used, IMO.
Exactly, $349.99 plus tax and call-in (near $400.00) at Bass Pro and it's a Remington Whitetail Pro Model 770 piece of garbage. Better to buy a used Remington Model 700, Ruger Model 77, or a Winchester Model 70 for the same money in good to excellent condition and have a gun that will last you 20 or more years, not just a season or two before the stock cracks, it begins to rust, malfunctions, or something breaks on that piece of garbage.
Impluse buy and get screwed. If you have to sell it you'd be lucky to get $200 for it after you bought it and fired it. Reington is attempting to compete with the "cheaper and less quality" gun manufacturers and are basically ruining their name and reputation, they have been doing it for years. The Express 870 shotgun is a prime example, nothing like a 870 Wingmaster.
Don't run down the hill to screw a cow, walk calmly down the hill and screw them all.
