I think this have been covered before, but I can't find it now... Is 243 Win legal for red deer in England or Scotland? If so, is it seen as an efficient cartridge for such large game?

Regards,
Martin

Thanks! I was curious, because here in Sweden the minimum requierments for both red and fallow deer is 140 gr bullet with an impact energy of at least 2.700 joules 100 metres from the muzzle (2.000 joules for bullets over 154 grains). But on the other hand, these cartridges are legal for everything including moose and bear. However, this means that 6.5 Swede is the smalles cartridge allowed for fallow deer and bigger, but the 243 Win is popular with those stalking roe deer.



Regards,

Martin

I agree with Ian. It is all about the shot placement. However I think the .243 is plenty of gun to take occasional reds with if you go up once a year and spend the rest of your time shooting smaller lowland deer species. Saying that I'm taking the 308win with me next month. My point is I don't thik someone going up to scotland needs to go buy more gun if they own a 243. They just need to know their capabilities with the rifle.

The law in Scotland states you must use a minimum of 100gr bullet for the reds. But you can use a smaler bullet in England. However in England you need minimum muzzle energy of 1700 (I think).

FB

Martin.



Yes, in England and Scotland the .243win is a legal calibre for taking Red Deer.



Many people have had very successful careers taking Stags with this calibre. My own thoughts are that I prefer something with a bit more authority. It's really hard to kill something 'too' dead - however, shot placement is all!



30'06, .308win, 6.5 Swede, 270 win - all calibres I favour above the .243.



I'm departing next thursday for a week of red culling on a forest in Oban. I'm packing the '06.



Just my opinion.



Rgds Ian