243 reloads for white tail deer.

[out front]

I've only shot a few deer with this load but numerous coyotes and it has worked great for me.

I prefer NABs for my 270wsm/300winny and if I used this rifle for deer on a regular basis, I'd use them too.

85gn Sierra Gameking
H4350
3380fps
SD 24

I developed this load using a ladder test and I caution anyone from using anyone elses data. Seat depth, chamber dimensions, and other factors contribute to chamber pressures.

[Vapodog]

Originally Posted by sauer06

what is the most accurate/ deadly combo you use in regards to powder/bullets ect? I hunted white tail last year with the 243 using Hornady 100 gr bullets and they were deadly,

IMO you started with the best bullet you can use.....stay with it...it's as good as it gets for whitetails!

[153]

I shoot 85 gr Sierra HPBT over 44gr of 100V(3170 fps) or 45.5 gr of H4350(3210fps) with CCI Benchrest primers in Winchester Brass. Both of these loads shoot 1/2MOA in my Tikka and MOA in my brothers 742. Five deer were shot last year with this load and all five were DRT. Little recoil, very accurate and great terminal performance(all pass throughs). Deer weight was 50-140 pounds.

[homers brother]

JMO, but the .243 with even the lowly CoreLokt or PowerPoint is THE ticket for whitetail and pronghorns. I've had more animals drop in their tracks using the .243 than any other caliber.

My personal favorite is the 100 gr Hornady BTSP over 42.5 grains of H4350, yields just under 3000 fps, prints around .875" at 100 yards. Backed down to 41.8 grains, I can make a ragged hole with a Remington 600, and about .5" with a Ruger No. 1-B. Haven't put that one on the chrono yet, but I expect it to come in somewhere around 2875. Might just be my own experience, but the .243 does seem to be a bit more sensitive to case prep than the .223s and .30-06s I also reload for.

[gonewest]

If you like the Hornady custom load 100 gr bullets I just bought some on sale at MidwayUsa.com for 16 dollars and change. Thats a heck of a deal about 6-7 bucks off a box. Good luck.

[needs_recoil]

I like 80 gr ballistic tips over 45 grains of imr 4350. Mule deer and antelope drop where they stand.

[deerslayer223]

I load a 95gr Ballistic Tip over 43.8gr of IMR 4350 personaly ive never killed a deer with it load em for my cousin and he folds em on the spot.

[keyshunter]

I like 100 gr. Sierra Prohunters in my .243. I use them for everything from groundhogs and coyotes to deer in my Howa farm beater with excellent results. The Sierra 85 gr. hp also does a good job.

[Duckbutter48]

Have you ever wondered if folks should post.."Hey what bullets dont work well in a 243 for Whitetails?" I been reading these posts for years here on bullets out of 243's and have pretty much seen everything made from 80-100 grns listed as very accurate and kills quite well.

I use a 85grn Nosler Part. out of my 243 WSSM and have had good luck and it shoots very accurate. I use 90grn Nos BT out of my 6mm and have been happy with the performance. I am low on WSSM rounds for this year and think I am changing to a different load, looking for something less expensive. Im not sure Ill find a bad bullet from 80 to 100grn so I am leaning towards cheaper for a change. Almost $30 for 50 bullets with the Partitions is a bit high.

Bud has used 80grn Sierra Blitz out of his for a long time now and has always had good luck.

[tsbowers]

I found a great load in my Remington model 700 .243 Win with the Nosler 95 grain Ballistic Tip bullets, 42.5 grains of Hodgdon H4350. Work up to this load safely.