Interesting target study

[ozark]

Here is the skinny: I placed this target at 150 yards to run a test on .243 loads. 1. 85 grain Nosler partition handloads. 2 Hornady 95 grain SST. 3 Remington 100 grain Core-lokt, The wind was probably gusting up to 15 MPH crosswind. The two that is touching are two of the three hand loads the other is at two oclock. My conclusion is that for deer with my rifle everything would have to depend on bullet performance after the hit because any of these would be a dead deer if the bullet performed. Comments invited. I am not bragging on the group at all just pointing out that if you grab a cartridge it will probably do the job in my rifle. Ozark

[youp50]

I would agree with you, provided you are punching through the ribs. If you get into the shoulder I personally would trust the Partitions. I used some 25 caliber corelokts some years ago and the penetration left very much to be desired. The SST will likewise, expand rather quickly. This usually limits penetration.

My Dad uses a 243 and I will testify that one through the slats is as dramatic bangflop as you will see.

[ozark]

The partitions are the handloads and I plan to use them if I get a chance this season. I was curious as to the accuracy of factory and it appears that they are adaquate. Maybe the .243 is just more accurate than the average deer rifle. Mine is a Sagage and it outshoots my son's Remington 700BDL. My Savage is a short barrel composite stock job that hasn't been modified at all.
Ben

[petev]

Ben, I compared Winchester 100 gr powerpoints and Rem 100 gr core lokt at 100 yards. The Winchesters were grouped about 2 inches higher than the Rems. This was holding against a tree, as I rarely use a benchrest. My point being that my experience was similar to yours. The .243 is the most accrurate of the common deer cartridges that I am aware of, but I don't have the expertise to say that 25-06 or 7mm or some other caliber that I have no experience with is as or more accurate. Mine is a Savage with wood stock by the way.

[ozark]

I am reasonably sure that had I shot the same number of shots using the same ammo I would have had a more dense group. But I wanted to know if there should be doubts when you are zeroed in and then change ammo or bullet weights. My confidence is fine with anything that I used out to the 150 yard distance. Some of the lateral despersion could have been wind. I made no attempt to check or compensate for that. Bullet performance may create an obvious choice but to say that any of these are inaccurate is stretching the truth.
OZARK

[Davexx1]

Ben

If you have adequate range, try each load at 200 and 300 yards. The 243 is a very accurate cartridge and you should be able to work up a very good long distance hunting load.

I loaded 100 grain BTSP Siera's and Hornady's and both would group under 2" at 300 yards with a good rest. A very basic/simple barrel free float job and lightening the trigger pull a bit made a great difference on my Remington 700 BDL 243. My longest kill was 299 measured yards with a broadside double lung shot on a 155lb 8pt here in Florida.

Dave

[ozark]

I forgot to mention that my son's 700 BDL was in the 30-06 Caliber. Had his been in the .243 it may have equaled or exceded mine in accuacy. Davexx1 I 175 yards would be the maximum distance I could place a test target on our property. 299 yards is well within the range of the .243 but outside the range most shooters should be taking shots. I say most knowing that for many it would be a piece of cake. I am high on the .243 caliber for deer. Isn't it odd that the 6mm Remington (same bullet diameter) is as accurate but just didn't catch on like the .243? I have owned 25-06, and several other rifles I would class as small caliber deer rifles. There are many good choices and a wide variety of bullets that will do the job. I think I like my .243 because it has the accu-trigger, has proved itself accurate and I have shot four deer with one shot kills. One out a bit over 170 yards that made a brief stop allowing the shot. It is a fun rifle that can double as a varmint rifle for me. Ozark.