Henry Rifle Forums

I’ve check again and no luck with the .243, they don’t have barrels and don’t know when they’ll be available. They sent a list of what’s available and the only ones I’d consider is a 308 or the 350 legend. I have access to a 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor and would need it here to hunt deer even black bear over bait the shot would be 25-35 yards so the legend what be enough to do the job. I’ve had shoulder surgery in the past and Dr recommended low recoil fire arms, and nothing like pulling cords to start snowblower, chain saw etc. So if they’ll give me it at the same price I’ll take it or I’ll wait for the 243. Anyone has input as to why I shouldn’t get a 350 let me know. The man who did handle the transfer did the 410 for me said the legend is a great deer rifle out to 150 yds. He said if I have access to a 6.5 and 308 get the 350!
Anyway thought I’d share the update.

Guide

Are you going to buy the ammo or reload your own

I had a Ruger No1 in .243 and it was a great rifle for varmints, but when I shot deer with it the bullet would shatter hitting bone and ruin a lot of meat. The velocity was just to high. If you hand load you can slow it down a bit and it would probably work.
I will say that every deer I, or anyone else shot that I saw, dropped in it's tracks, and the recoil is fairly light.

I switched to a 7MM Mauser cartridge that I can load up or down to suit my needs. Heavier bullet with less velocity.

I've heard good about the 350.

cooperhawk wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 7:53 pm

I had a Ruger No1 in .243 and it was a great rifle for varmints, but when I shot deer with it the bullet would shatter hitting bone and ruin a lot of meat. The velocity was just to high. If you hand load you can slow it down a bit and it would probably work.
I will say that every deer I, or anyone else shot that I saw, dropped in it's tracks, and the recoil is fairly light.

Not velocity but wrong bullet, I hunt sambar deer here in Aus with a 240wby, they are similar in size to elk using nosler partitions. Never had a problem with bullets shattering and 240wby launches them at considerably higher velocity than a 243. Rarely do they stay inside, even after shattering a shoulder they continue to penetrate and exit the majority of the time.
6mm/243 you do need to carefully select the bullet for what you are hunting, being a dual purpose rifle there are certain highly frangible bullets that will shatter on impact and premium big game bullets that will hold together and continue to penetrate on even the biggest animals often available in the same weight.

I cant see why the 350 would not do what you need, recoil and ME will be similar to 243, not the same range but doesnt sound like that is a consideration.

I spoke with Henry and they don’t have barrels for the 243 and are waiting for some.They have the 350 Legend and I was able to get them to let me have it for the Hunter Safety discount so I bit the bullet no pun intended. I should have it in hand within a week or so.


Guide