Hey guys I'm asking what is probably a rookie question but I am thoroughly confused. On the federal website comparing 100 gr to 80 gr .243 bullets(both softpoints), the 80 grain bullets have a higher velocity from the muzzle and to all distances listed. The 8o grain bullets also have a higher energy(footpounds) than the 100 grains. THe 80 grains also have a lower wind drift and less drop at all distances. So from the information, which is straight off the federal webiste, the 80 grains are superior in velocity, energy, wind drift and drop. So why wouldn't the 80 grains be a better choice for deer hunting? do they just the lack the weight behind all that velcoity and energy to knockdown animals? thanks in advance for your wisdom!
.243 win. 100gr vs. 80 gr
- Thread starter bandl
- Start date
Kinetic energy does not translate directly into terminal effect. 80 grain .243" bullets aren't heavy enough for their calibre to insure reliable penetration on deer sized game. They are also probably lightly constructed to provide easy expansion and/or fragmentation on smaller animals such as coyotes, woodchucks, and the like, which would also tend to exacerbate the tendency for underpenetration.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Of all the .243 bullets avialable in 80 grains in weight, only one or two would be considered big game bullets because the majority of them are built lightly to use on varmints. They would blow up and fail to penetrate if shot into heavy shoulder muscles. Such bullets if slipped between the ribs can be spectacular killers on deer, but can also wound with shallow gastly craters of destroyed flesh but may not reach the vitals.
The .243 with heavier controlled expansion bullets is a reliable deer cartridge, but it has a less than perfect reputation because too many folks fail to realize the difference between paper ballistics and results on game, and they pick a varmint bullet for big game.
An 80 grain all-copper hollowpoint like the tsx is a good deer bullet, but for standard jacketed lead core bullets stick to 100 grains and you won't be disappointed.
The .243 with heavier controlled expansion bullets is a reliable deer cartridge, but it has a less than perfect reputation because too many folks fail to realize the difference between paper ballistics and results on game, and they pick a varmint bullet for big game.
An 80 grain all-copper hollowpoint like the tsx is a good deer bullet, but for standard jacketed lead core bullets stick to 100 grains and you won't be disappointed.
"...a better choice for deer hunting?..." Like Longwalker says, most 80 grain and under .243" bullets are varmint bullets. Varmint bullets are designed to expand rapidly upon impact with little penetration. Deer sized game needs penetration with controlled expansion. Most 85 grain and up .243" bullets are made for larger game.
If you want a 'one bullet' does all, use the heavier bullets. A varmint doesn't care what weight the bullet is and you'll have a good deer load. Most commercial hunting rifles have a rifling twist made for heavy bullets anyway.
My .243 likes Speer 105 grain SP's. Handloaded. They do astounding things to a ground hog.
If you want a 'one bullet' does all, use the heavier bullets. A varmint doesn't care what weight the bullet is and you'll have a good deer load. Most commercial hunting rifles have a rifling twist made for heavy bullets anyway.
My .243 likes Speer 105 grain SP's. Handloaded. They do astounding things to a ground hog.
BC Bigbore
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- BC's Peace Country
Our .243 is stoked with either 70gr or 80gr handloads as it's used for coyote & wolf not deer. I have other rifles in more robust chamberings for deer hunting.
