which bullet to use??
#1

Ok ive had my Savage .243 for 5 years now and have killed 10 deer with it. NO DROPS. I have hit atleast 4 of the 10 exactly perfect but they always manage to run. Now theyare recoverd but still. I have used Core-lokts and ballistic tip. which bullet will give me the best chance at dropin a deer. i know it can happen ive seen where plent of ppl have done it w/ 243s
#4

i too am wondering the same thing. the closest ive ever gotten to dropping a deer was when i shot a doe last year. she did like a barrel roll and got right back up and ran down a hill. but i need a good bullet and grain to use with my .243 as well
#5

Not probably as much the bullet as it is the shot placement...maybe just a touch off. You may use the same bullets for the next 5 years and get drops on every one. All depends on a few things...and luck. Keep in mind, as good as a .243 is as a great whitetail round, it's not throwing the same downrange energy as a 7mm, .30-06, etc..
#6

ORIGINAL: Sangster
What is the distance of those shots? Did they pass through or penetrate without an exit wound?
What is the distance of those shots? Did they pass through or penetrate without an exit wound?
#7
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ponce de Leon Florida USA
Posts: 10,079

For a folded up drop dead deer you will probably need to go with the high shoulder shot. If you are hitting the lungs they usually have to bleed out to fall. I would suggest the 100 gr Hornady BTSP, I don't like a balistic tip.
#9
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location:
Posts: 42

I have shot deer with many different calibers from .243 to 300 win mag. some have dropped, yet the last one I shot with my 300 win mag., I shot at 35yds with a 180gr. speer bullet and it ran 75yds. before it fell.
All that matters to me, isthat I get the deer.
All that matters to me, isthat I get the deer.
#10

i've only had 1 drop without taking a step my entire life and that was this year. it took a .50 caliber 295 grain Powerbelt to the neck (only shot i had) to do it. to me, as long as their is a recovery, i'm happy.