243/6mm bullets for hunting

T

TheCarpenter

Member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hey folks. Just on X-reload looking around. Looking at the different options here, price is a factor of course but not a major one. If it was plinking with FMJ id just get cheap stuff. For knocking down game ethically want to make sure I have a good bullet. the options are:

Sierra 100 grain Spitzer pointed

Sierra 100 grain Spitzer boat tail

Hornady 100 grain Boat tail soft point

Speer 100 grain boat tail soft point.


Would prefer a heavier bullet just for more "oomph" for lack of a better word. I typically take game close at 40-75 yards in the bush but may be hunting more mixed, going through bush and game trails coming out to choppings, maybe small fields where i'll be shooting 100-200 yards.

Thanks CGN
 
There's no right answer. The best bullet is the one that goes where you want it to consistently. Sierra boat tails always shoot well in my guns across multiple chamberings, so if I had to recommend one, that would be it based on my experiences.
 
I've always had luck with Hornady's SST 95 gr.
Not on your list, but worth considering.
Really, any quality hunting or "premium" bullet will do it's job in a .243 or 6mm Rem.
 
ForealBoreal said:
Heavy for caliber ELD-X or M
Click to expand...

If OP is shooting a 243win it's probably a 1:10 twist and Hornady recommends faster twists for the ELDs - 1:8 for the 103gr eldX for example.


I don't typically reach for my 243 when it comes to hunting, but I like the results I get at the range with 100gr Hornady btsp. If I were to regularly hunt with it I'd be looking towards a premium bullet, 243win is a decently fast cartridge and if shots are going to be as short as the OP suggested then a bonded bullet would help ensure it holds together at those impact speeds.
 
We just did some testing with my son, as it is his first year hunting, and I don’t have any experience with the 243. We doubled up washer fluid jugs full of water and used those as a test medium. The Speer Grand Slam 100 grain, Nosler Ballistic Tip 95 grain, and Nosler 100 grain Partitions.

The grand slam held together well and expanded in a more controlled manner. The ballistic tip rapidly expanded, gave a lot of shock and energy. The partition did as expected, expanded quickly, but punched through. We chose the partitions based on this, as they seemed to have the best exit out of the 3 we tested and consistent expansion to start. The ballistic tip didn’t make it through the second huge, the grand slam did, and I would use it in a heartbeat.

Overall I think they all did okay, just wanted to make sure if we get a marginal shot or hit that the bullet will be up to the task.
 
What type of 'game'?
any that you listed are just fine for deer at normal distances
could go with lighter 85 gr in a mono or bonded
consider a flat base also, at normal distances it won't make a ballistic difference and often a fb can perform on game better
 
TheCarpenter said:
Hey folks. Just on X-reload looking around. Looking at the different options here, price is a factor of course but not a major one. If it was plinking with FMJ id just get cheap stuff. For knocking down game ethically want to make sure I have a good bullet. the options are:

Sierra 100 grain Spitzer pointed

Sierra 100 grain Spitzer boat tail

Hornady 100 grain Boat tail soft point

Speer 100 grain boat tail soft point.


Would prefer a heavier bullet just for more "oomph" for lack of a better word. I typically take game close at 40-75 yards in the bush but may be hunting more mixed, going through bush and game trails coming out to choppings, maybe small fields where i'll be shooting 100-200 yards.

Thanks CGN
Click to expand...
We hunters and shooters stress over the smallest details and that’s part of the fun. Of the 4 bullets there isn’t one that is any better or worse. Pick a bullet and try it in your rifle and on game. If you are happy with the results at the range and in the field keep using it. If you are not change the pulley and try again. They will all work.

I’d probably grab the red box first and then the green box and the black box last.
 
I haven’t used a 243 for a number of years but the Hornady 100gr BTSP was money when I did hunt with it. Cheap to load and opened up nicely on deer I’ve taken. Short enough bullet to stabilize in traditional 1:10 twist as well.
 
If I was to choose one of the 4 bullets you listed I'd go with the 100gr Sierra Pro hunter.
You don't need a boat tail for those distances and
I've always been impressed with Sierra's accuracy.
I'm in the process of working up a load for the Speer 100gr Grand Slam.
I have a 243 w iron sights and would be shooting the shorter distances you mentioned.
it's supposed to be a very tough bullet and not too pricey. Might be an option to look at.
Good luck choosing! They'll all do the job so can't lose
 
Any of the ones you listed will work for deer sized game. Take a second look at some Nosler rounds. 95 grain Nosler ballistic tip, 95 grain accubonds, and basically any partition. Very stout bullets that work very well on game.

The 95 grain ballistic tip was designed by Nosler chief ballistician, Gail Root. It was his favorite bullet, and has quite a thick wall. Not all ballistic tips are the same, like the 150 vs 180 grain in 30 caliber. The 180 grain is much thicker wall, and designed for larger game, and heavier magnums.

I like my Nosler rounds for hunting. I have never had one fail to put what I'm hunting down. But any bullet that is designed for hunting will work for hunting. Just pay attention to what twist rate the bullet you pick needs. As others have stated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom