243 Deer Bullet

thatmikeguy

thatmikeguy

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Steinbach, Manitoba
I've had a Tikka 243 for about a year now and I'm going deer hunting. I've never shot a deer with a 243. I actually didn't think I'd even go out this year but plans have changed.
I worked up a load for the Sierra 85 grain bthp and I'm thinking of using it for deer but I wanted to ask first, those who have experience shooting deer with 243.
I've read mixed results online. Many hunters swear by them and some steer clear and use more robust bullets.
My shots could be as long as 250 yards. I'd buy new bullets if I feel the need but at this point I'm not sure. I don't want to spend extra money right now so I'd like to use what I have, if possible.
 
I wouldn't, the 243 is like the 22-250, you want good bullets for deer. I've never been impressed with the performance of regular bullets, let alone a light HP, in the 243.
 
I hunt deer with a 243.

I load my own 85 grain Sierra's (bthp's) and they work fine.

But I do hunt from my bow stand so my rifle hunts are still in "bow range" (35 yards or less).

If I was stretching it out I would go with something more stout - a Partition, something bonded or maybe a mono.
 
Broadside lungs........anything works ............hit a shoulder different story. It's false economy to scrimp on iffy bullet.I shoot a .250 Savage with either 100gr Partitions or 100gr Sierra SP 70-80 % retention out to as far as 300 yards so far one rd per customer......Harold
 
If you are willing to pass questionable shots I wouldn't loose any sleep with the 85 grain gameking hollow point even if it may not exit. Mbogo above does have a point though a better bullet is cheap insurance. I'd see how well the rifle shot the 95 grain federal fusion load or a partition or accubond factory load. Accuracy is the crucial factor to me as long as the bullet is suited to big game.
 
I have used the 100gr partition and also the Sako 90gr 'Gamehead' factory load in 243W on small and medium size Ontario white tail. they work as well as any other calibre/bullet combination (at least under 130yds from my experience)

If you dont reload the Sako 90gr Gamehead seems to work fine from my experience
 
This.....stick to 100gr Nosler or Grand slam on 243 for deer, you won't go wrong if you do your part - shooting.

HPBT are made to expand quickly, light jacket, great for smaller critters. Especially at high speeds, will disintegrate .......
 
I haven't used my 243 on deer but my first deer rifle was a 6mm rem. I shot 7 or 8 deer with it anywhere from 15 to 250 yds or so using 100 gr Remington core lokts and never had 1 go more than 40-50 yds. They actually did a surprisingly big amount of damage to every deer I shot.
 
Has anyone tried the Hornady interlock 100 grain?
From what I see here, it seems any 100 grain will do.
I'll have to visit Canadian tire to see what they have.
I don't want to try and make deer loads yet when the season is around the corner.
 
mbogo3 said:
The SST's will also come apart on bone.
Click to expand...

I had very bad luck with a box of 30 cal 150 gr SST's. 2 different bucks I hit with them and both times the bullet never opened up and just pencil holed all the way through. The first 1 went well over 1000 yds and was claimed by another hunter on the next property. 2nd 1 went about half that distance but we did get him. I had used 165 gr SST's before with no issues so thinking I just got a bad box. After that I pulled the leads from about 3 1/2 boxes and reloaded them with Sierra btsp.
 
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