243 question

[dsa5455]

I bought a 243 a couple of years ago and was planning to hunt with it during gun season. From what I have read, most bullets will work with good shot placement. My question is more about that marginal shot with a smaller caliber such as the 243. If you hit bone like a shoulder would a bullet like the Barns be a better choice because of its all copper construction. Secondly, most my shots are 30 yards or less and I don't like tracking wounded deer. Most of the gun season I use my muzzleloader because they drop quickly and I have confidence in my weapon. I would love to have a setup that gives me that kind of confidence with my 243. Lots here I know but would love some input.

 

[Kimberman]

Barnes is good, so is the Nosler Partition. I have seen the 95 gr Fusion work well too.

 

[7mminatree]

I like the 100 grn Sierra Gameking. Have killed a bunch with that bullet, some drop in thier tracks none go far. I would like to try the new 90 grain Accubond.

 

[SEC]

Partition,partition,partition,

 

[Model70Man]

95 grain Fusion is what I use. DRT

 

[W.Seay]

Partition

 

[Hogbear]

Been using the Barnes X and then TSX since the 80's in my .243. Never had to track one yet.

 

[rem270]

wont use anything besides a hornady sst in a 243 or 270.

 

[Deer Assassin]

if i shot a 243

partition

 

[Greg M]

Nosler Ballistic tips.

 

[Chaneylake]

I have shot a .243 since the late 60's, the partition is the only way to go, I have kills from basically point blank out to a verified 550 yards, just shoot straight and have fun with no recoil

 

[.243win]

Nosler Ballistic tips.

+1

Accurate & they kill. I've shot over 10bucks & 50doe w/95gr BT.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I load the 85gr. Barnes TSX and it is amazing.

I wouldn't have a problem using the Partition though.

I haven't used the 95gr. Fusion, but have heard many good things about it.

 

[.444 Marlin]

Sierra Gameking or Nosler Partition are the "go to" bullets for penetration through the denser muscle and bone.

 

[Gravey]

95-grain Fusions. My son and I both use them.

 

[dsa5455]

Gentlemen, I appreciate your input.

 

[hunt_4646]

All of the above will work fine. My Howa and Savage 243s prefer Hornady 100gr soft point. The Hornady holds together better than some lighter bullets. Many of my shots have been quartering toward me or facing me at 150 yds to 200 yds. No deer ran more than 40 yds. All are one shot kills. At closer range I prefer head or neck shot and that is the reason better accuracy is so important to me. Nosler partitions have very good reputation but not very accurate in my 243s.
In factory ammo, Remington corelok is a standard. It may not be as outstanding as many reloading bullets but it gets the job done with less expense if a hunter is not already into reloading.