.243

[Alastair White 1]

What deer species in the UK can i legally shoot with a .243?

[riohog 5,701]

What deer species in the UK can i legally shoot with a .243?

all species

[matt_hooks 188]

What deer species in the UK can i legally shoot with a .243?

all species

 

To be precise, all species as long as you use the right bullet.

 

In Scotland there is a minimum bullet weight (100gr) as well as a minimum velocity and energy requirements.

 

Calibre/energy/velocity requirements are as follows. (copied from the BASC website, http://www.basc.org.uk/en/codes-of-practice/deer-stalking.cfm)

 

England and Wales

 

For Muntjac and Chinese Water deer only- a rifle with a minimum calibre of not less than .220 inches and muzzle energy of not less than 1000 foot pounds and a bullet weight of not less than 50 grains may be used.

For all deer of any species - a minimum calibre of .240 and minimum muzzle energy of 1,700 foot pounds is the legal requirement.

Scotland

 

For roe deer, where the bullet must weigh at least 50 grains AND have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second AND a minimum muzzle energy of 1,000 foot pounds may be used.

For all deer of any species - the bullet must weigh at least 100 grains AND have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second AND a minimum muzzle energy of 1,750 foot pounds.

 

The .243 can be used legally for all UK species with a suitable choice of cartridge/loading.