The .243? Hunting and Reloading

KatManDew

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Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
63
Location
TN
100 gr core lokt in my kids H&R .243 has been a deer slayer over the years. Several bang/flops also. Typical shot 100-125 yards. I'm on my third kid with that little gun as the others have out grown it. It's taken more deer than I can count. I wouldn't hesitate on that caliber. Finding ammo right now may be difficult.
 

TNlandowner

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Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
1,505
Location
Carroll County
My REM 700, 243 Win, has taken a lot of deer (Mule & whitetail) along with several predators ('yotes, etc). We use Nosler 90 grain AccuBonds with 44 grains of IMR 4831 powder traveling 3000 fps. This load has low recoil and deadly results. I used to shoot 100 grain corelokt rounds, but fell in love with the Nosler AB's.
 

Pappabear

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Joined
Jun 27, 2015
Messages
120
Location
S.E. Pa
From my experience, I've taken a number of deer with a .243. Need to be more aware of shot placement. My .270 took them down quicker!
 

Woodman

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Joined
Aug 18, 2000
Messages
399
Location
Blount County, Tn
IMO a .243 will cleanly take deer.....but shot placement is critical. I've killed several deer with a .243 but much prefer a larger caliber.
For a young hunter it's a good entry level round IMO, but hopefully they will quickly be able to move up to a larger caliber round as they get older. I pretty much use my .243 for coyotes and other varmints and use a heavier round for deer and larger sized game. (FJB)
 

ROB

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Joined
Jan 23, 2000
Messages
2,384
Location
Murray, KY USA
I've killed several with the 243 without any complaints. My son is currently shooting a Savage youth model 243 that he's about outgrown. Trying to decide on another 243 or a 7mm-08 for the full size gun. Currently loading IMR 4831 under 100gr Interlocks and they shoot good, but finally found some H4350 so I may hafta try that next.
There are several states where .243 isn't legal to elk hunt but 7mm-08 is, if that makes a difference.
 

Deerhunter

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Joined
Mar 11, 1999
Messages
3,503
Location
East Tennessee
There are several states where .243 isn't legal to elk hunt but 7mm-08 is, if that makes a difference.

He is going to have a Savage 110 Apex in 7mm-08 under the tree on Christmas morning. I already pulled the Crossfire 3-9x40 scope off it and put a new Viper on it.
 
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mr.big

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Joined
Jan 3, 2001
Messages
32,414
Location
Copper Head Road
I had Tim do me an 8 twist Krieger HV at 28 inches for my Tac 30 and shooting 105 VLDs at almost 3300 fps it was my favorite for shooting small steel plates out to about 1000 yards. Only thing I hated was how fast I burnt the throat out of it.
 

Iglow

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Joined
Nov 6, 2021
Messages
2,081
Location
Occupied Tennessee
I've got a Stevens 200 with a 3x9 leupold shooting 90 grn noslers and it kills like double fork lightning. Longest shot I've made was at 325 yds and the deer never switched an ear, just BANG and down.
 

MODEL7FAN

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Joined
Dec 13, 2018
Messages
89
Location
Cleveland
Everyone should own a 243. It's one of the greatest calibers ever. I've killed many deer with it with great success. It is accurate little recoil and great for varmints also
 

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