I recently purchase a .243 with a short barrel what is the best make of bullets for it or should I consider reloading

I shoot nosler 70 grain ballistic tip with a max load imr 3031, I shoot 3/4 in 5 shoot groups 100 yards

Zepchuk what are u planning on hunting with your 243? Do you want a deer load or do you want a varmit load?

What is the best for each one deerslayer2?

Well if you are planning on reloading for varmit i would try the 85grain Seirra Gameking hollow point. For deer i would try Nosler Partitions in either the 95 or 100 grain weights. If you just want to shoot factory For deer i would use the 95grain Winchester SilverTip ballistic tips. For varmit i would use remington premier varmit 75 grain ballistic tips.

In my opinion , I prefer to use a 75gr molycoated X bullet for varmints and a 85 gr XLC BT , Barnes bullet for deer .

I've heard that Federal ammunition is not preferred for short barrels is this true or is that a myth?

I have had good luck with the 100 gr Speer Grand slam's on deer out of a 243.

I have no experience with the 243 as a varmint round. I have used it to take deer and feral hogs. My bullet of choice is the 100 gr. Nosler Partition. I got good accuracy out of the Federal Premium loading in a Winchester model 70 Featherweight. Once I began reloading I chose the Partition again and resumed good accuracy once I found the right combo. This bullet performed well for me on deer ranging from 60-145 lbs field dressed. I also took many feral hogs ranging from about 30-350 lbs with the same load.