I am looking at a good price for the barrel. Just wondering, as long as I do my part, what distance is it good for deer, bear. I kinda limit myself to 200yrds no matter what I shoot being rifle or handgun. I know in a rifle it would be fine. In a 15" is it ok or should I wait for a different barrel like a 25-06 or 7mm-08?

I havent actually shot mine past 100yrds yet but if my memory serves me correct , if you do your part 200yrds is a chip shot. Im like you I limit myaelf to 200yrds for hunting.

The 243 has taken a lot of deer over the years. If bears are on the list, I would like a little bigger bullet. JMO. Within 200 yards any of the -08 or '06 derivatives are going to shoot flat, the decision comes down to how much THUMP you want, on both ends.

The thump is what the problem is now. I have shot a lot of big cal. handguns 45-70 down to the 7-08 and killed a lot with the big guns now author has got my hands and shoulders so bad I can't stand the thump. Now if I was going to shoot bear I would use my 29 and not at 200yrds. I would go down to 75 to 100yrds for them. i just know that the lighter the bullet in a handgun the less penatration you get at longer distance. But if I got a chance to shoot a bear with the 243 what distance would you all stop at as long as you do your part? just asking ....