243 for deer

I"ve never been a big fan of the .243 for deer, but I realized I was basing my prejudice on poor varmit style bullet performance and not the cartridge. Using good bullets in your .243 will make it into a reliable deer slayer. I'd recommend the 85gr TSX, they work incredibly well, although most of the heavier 100gr+ bullets will do the job too.
 
If you do a search here, you will find a ton of information.
The .243 Win is my whitetail, mule and black bear cartridge. Use proper bullet and take out lungs. Nuff' said.
 
It's certainly enough rifle for deer and blackies as was mentioned before. With premium bullets I have shot a lot of deer and bears with mine, and every one was a bang flop. It's enough rifle, inherently accurate, and a true pleasure to shoot. Don't hesitate to use it for deer or blackies.
 
I've killed more deer than I can remember with a .243 from 25 yard to 200 yard, most being on the run. Dropped 4 one opening morning. Use 100 grain on deer, lighter on varmints, coyotes. You don't need premium bullets on deer. Ordinary 100 grain Remington or Winchesters work fine.
 
canadaman30 said:
Never owned a 243 but I'm about to. What are these like on Whitetail. Any opinions. Or is this calibre better suited for smaller game?
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The .243 is commonly used in NL for moose.
I think that says it well enough.
The .243 is an excellent whitetail cartridge.

As with any game, place your shot well and your deer will be in the freezer!
 
I got me a .243 I'm gonna be trying out on deer with some tsx or ttsx depends on which ones I can find in volume. They work great. Though I always thought the .243 was a little light for a blackie. I much prefer using my other rifle .308 for something that has claws. Same brass different necking for bullet. Good luck and happy huntings.
 
I use a magnum on deer because it is my only rifle. Maybe a few years from now, and I have money, I'll have a rifle for each occasion. Now I just have a rifle for every occasion.:D
 
Mine is a model 70. I've taken more whitetail with it than any other rifle I own. Fast, flat, light on recoil ( the wife loves it). Most of my shots are @200-250 yards, most have been bang-flops, few have made it more than a couple yards. I've never had to put the chase on after hitting one, I guess shot placement is always the major factor.

I've also recovered most of my bullets after field dressing the deer as well. You usually locate the round on the inner wall of the opposing side's ribcage. It seems to be a tac driver even with 100gr Federal Classics.

I don't think you can go wrong with one.
 
Ive got 3 deer with my .243 using regular winchester 100gr. P.P. All 3 were hit in the lungs or heart and still managed to run about 75 yards. .243 works fine.
 
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