i just finished up the last of my .243 shells today at the range and i am thinking about tring some new bullets for the upcoming deer season.

i really want to try the 85 gr barnes tsx federal is offering i am just wondering if anyone has any experience with it or if its worth giving a shot.

they will work fine if you are shooting long distance for groundhogs or other rodents.I have taken several deer with the Wenchester 80 grain PSP.they work good if you watch you shot placement.I do not recomend any less than 100 grain PSP.they are like a 22 short.they will kill a deer ; but not what you really want to use.
Normally I shoot 100 grain Wenchester PSP.have taken many,many deer with these and only had one that I didn't get.(My fault;bad hit).most deer taken with the 243 , 80 or 100 grain will run off unless you break the spine.the most I have ever had one go is maybe 80 yards.most are about 50 yards.if you want them to drop; you would need spine shots or a bigger gun.the sholder shot with the 243 is not really a shot you want to take.

all this is from my 40 years of deer hunting with my 243, and "JMHO". I know some people will disagree with what I have said here ; "But They Are Wrong". just kidding.

shot placement is the main thing with any gun, and any ammo.

Ive shot remington core lok 100 grain and winchester BST's 95 grain and both produced great groups at 200 yards.

When I use my .243 on deer, I use Sierra 100gr Game Kings....

try the federal fusion ammo,not sure if it comes in .243.but if it doess,give it a try.

As someone else who's hunted for years with a .243, I wouldn't use anything but 100 gr bullets for deer.