243 vs 257

[denton]

As I mentioned on another thread, I'm relatively unburdened by any real experience using either the 243 or the 257 Roberts on mule deer. Frankly, I'm still a little perplexed.

As far as I can tell, you get almost universal agreement that the 257 is a fine caliber for animals up to large mule deer size.

When it comes to the 243, some people think it's excellent, and some think it's marginal. A friend of mine, who hunts extensively, has a son whose first two mule deer were shot with a 243, both of which required extensive tracking. He promptly switched to an '06--end of problem.

The 257 will propel a 100 grain bullet at up to 3050 fps. The 243 will do 3000 fps with the same weight, not a big difference.

At my age, one factor to consider is the probability of having to track an animal that just doesn't want to go down.

What's the reality of the situation? Is there a real difference between these calibers? Or are guys that have 257's maybe a little more select group, with better skills? Or maybe there is some kind of 257 mystique, and it's really not quite as good as its reputation???