Good all around 243 load

Yoter · 04-10-2007, 12:55 PM

I will be picking up my new 243 (Rem 700 LSS)this friday and would like to get some reloading components while I'm at it. I plan to hunt coyotes, antelope and possibly deer and would like to only have one load if I can help it. Does anyone have a good load worked up with a 85gr Barnes TSX? I am curious how this would expand on coyotes. I was hoping it would pretty much just punch a small hole out both sides and not do too much pelt damage.

Any other suggestions for a good all around load are appreciated.

Pawildman · 04-10-2007, 01:04 PM

I think you're on the right track in picking an 85 gr. bullet if you want one load for everything, as you stated. Barnes may be what you end up with, but you may want to try others as well. Some guns just get very picky about what bullet they shoot well.
There has been lots of talk and controversy on here in the past about 85 gr. slugs out of a .243 for deer. Some swear by them. You may want to do a search on here for that info................... Good luck with your gun.

Deleted User · 04-10-2007, 04:20 PM

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Yoter · 04-10-2007, 04:24 PM

What type of pelt damage do you get with the BT's? I like shooting them for deer, but I'm afraid they might make more of a mess with coyotes than I'd like.

Rammer · 04-10-2007, 06:07 PM

'Yoter - I've shot probably close to 30 coyotes with Combined Technology BTs out of my 243 (95gr). I only had one that left an unacceptable (not salvagable hole). In my experience with the 243, as long as you stay away from the shoulder blades, almost anything will preserve the hide.

I have some Barnes XLCs that I loaded up a while back, but have never been fond of, still haven't shot them all yet. I have been thinking about trying out the TSXs someday as well. As of right now I have 100 Combined Technology BTs loaded up for deer, so I don't think I will do any loading for a while for deer.

If you want some coyote loads I have a few good ones worked up with 60gr Sierra HPs and Hornady 75gr HPs as well as 70gr Sierra Blitz Kings.

savagescout · 04-11-2007, 02:58 PM

I have a 700 bdl its an oldie and it is different to reload for than any other rifle I have. I have tried a ton of bullets though it, and the 100 gr. hornady interlock with mag pro (heavy) and 60 gr. sierra hpbt with varget (really light) are what it likes. In my other rifles they seem to find one weight or at least they like heavy or light bullets, this .243 likes the extemes which doesn't make much sense. either way it is one of the most accurate guns I own next to my favorite savage of course.

jason miller · 04-12-2007, 07:08 PM

There's also an 85 grain Partition, and a 90 grain Swift Scirocco. Either of those would probably be good all-around bullets

Sasha_from_RF · 04-20-2007, 09:46 AM

[align=left]Hornady V Max 87 gr.
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jason miller · 04-20-2007, 05:27 PM

If Hornady will ever release the 85 grain Interbond Light Magnum load they're supposed to be coming out with, I think that would be the balls. Otherwise, my vote goes to the 90 grains Swift Scirocco. Especially after looking up its ballistic coefficient.

Swampdog · 05-03-2007, 04:11 AM

I would think maybe a partition with some 4064 behind it for least pelt damage.