Optima Elite .243 Best Factory Load

[marshall9779]

I just got my .243 barrel that I sent of for from the combo I bought. I just sent the form off a little over aweek ago. I'm impressed. I was just wondering if anyone has an Elite with the .243 barrel and what factory loads it likes. Guess I need to start looking for a new scope too. I wasn't expectig it this quick. It should be a fun little gun.

[eldeguello]

ORIGINAL: marshall9779

I just got my .243 barrel that I sent of for from the combo I bought. I just sent the form off a little over aweek ago. I'm impressed. I was just wondering if anyone has an Elite with the .243 barrel and what factory loads it likes. Guess I need to start looking for a new scope too. I wasn't expectig it this quick. It should be a fun little gun.

Just because one factory barrel performs well with any cewrtain load is no sign the next one will, even if the barrels are "identical". But I'd try the Remington 100-grain Corelokt load to begin with. That is, if you are using the rifle for deer hunting.

If you are seeking ultimate accuracy, such as for varmint hunting, see if you can find a factory load that features the Sierra 85-grain HPBT bullet.

[marshall9779]

I do plan on using it for deer and as something that a kid could handle further down the road. No kids yet though. I think I will plan on trying the Corelokts first as they are cheaper. I found something interesting that Hornady has called Light Magnum rounds. They will put a 95 gr bullet out of the muzzle at 3100fps. They are expensive, but they might be fun to try later on.

[eldeguello]

IF those 95-grain Light Magnum loads use Nosler Partition bullets, they may be just great deer & black bear loads. But of course, they are too expensive for plinking & target practice.......

[cjwink]

The 85 grain BTHP is great on deer also

[coachsteve]

i do not have an O.E. but my savage shoots the 100gr. Federal Nosler Partition the best and 95gr. Win. Ballistic silver tip is a close #2