Need Advice for a .243 bullet

Mac1 · 10-10-2004, 05:02 AM

This question goes out to the .243 shooters. I would like to hear some recomendations for the best bullet for deer hunting. I am really sold on the 70 gr for coyotes and have shot dozens. Should I use a solid bullet for the deer, or would the 70 noslers be okay. Since I don't handload, I have to stick to the factory loads from the shelf.

mounting man · 10-10-2004, 07:06 AM

I use 100 grain bullets,for Pa. Whitetails. Some my hand loading friends use 85's or 90's. I would not go below 85's and only in a pinch!!!!!!!! We have taken a bunch of deer with the 243.

jmfa1957 · 10-10-2004, 08:30 AM

You really want to use the heavier 100 grain bullets if you're going to hunt deer with your .243. There are quite a number of factory loads out there, and any of them should work well enough if you can place your shots well. If your deer are so big that you are worried about an expanding bullet not penetrating enough, then you should probably be using a larger caliber.

My .243 is very accurate and is quite pleasant to shoot. I have taken a deer with it, but this was a ~75 yard head shot on a doe (she never knew what hit her.) As small as our California blacktail deer are, 120 lbs or so, I am fairly sure that a heart/lung shot would have also been effective. However, lighter bullets usually don't penetrate as deeply as heavier ones, and if you are hunting the really big bucks at longer ranges, you'll want to be really, really sure that you can place your shot exactly where you want it, even with a 100 grain bullet. I would recommend avoiding quartering shots.

gopher slayer · 10-10-2004, 10:16 AM

100 gr. nosler partitions.

Deleted User · 10-10-2004, 10:50 AM

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zrexpilot · 10-10-2004, 01:48 PM

I personally am fond of Hornady factory ammo in 100 gr. I have taken deer at 300 yds with complete pass throughs one at 200 yds right through both shoulder bones, took a Axis buck around 300-350 yds with a coplete pass through, took a big 8 pointer last year with a neck shot that blew right through the spine and all, complete pass through again. Took a 200lb hog at 190 yds with a neck shot, again complete pass through.
I have read that the Federal 85 gr holow point was rated the best drop'em in their tracks ammo. I have yet to try them, but thats what I read, heres a link for you to read. I'm sticking to whats been working for me the hornady 100 gr.
I also hear that the new remington 90 gr, scirocco boned bullet is an awsome cartridge I'm waiting for the gun shop to get some in and try them out.
http://www.udarrell.com/ultimate_deer_cartridge.htm

Josh Sorensen · 10-10-2004, 04:05 PM

I have had really good luck with the sierra 100gr Gameking SBT. I have shot deer from 60-280 yards with this bullet, never been dissapointed. THe 85gr gameking HPBT is another one that is supposed to be a good deer bullet but I haven't tried it either.

PaJack · 10-10-2004, 04:23 PM

My favorite bullet for the .243 is Sierra 85gr. BTHP,deer just drop with a lung shot...

killer243 · 10-10-2004, 04:58 PM

i have been using the 100 gr horandy light mags they work great and don't blow up on close shots. i also shot 2 deer with the 100 gr. noslers and they worked good.

i think this year i am going to use 90 gr. barnes x bullets i bought online.

James B · 10-11-2004, 10:17 AM

If you can find the Nosler Partition in a factory load, I think Fereral loads them, that would be far and away the best choice. Its the only bullet I ever found that worked all the time in the 243 for deer. The Hollow points are intended for varmit shooting.