Thread: .243 Varminting

I had a Tikka 243 for many years and it accounted for a lot of deer and foxes over here in the UK. I experimented with a whole range of bullets and found the ones that performed best on both deer and vermin were the Hornady 87gr BT HP's, can't rate them highly enough. Pushed out at 3,200 FPS (if my memory serves me rightly) they would consistently cloverleaf and dropped many a large fallow in it's tracks. In my opinion the .243 is a very effective and underrated calibre.

Lots of people complain of meat damage on deer with a .243, but it's the bullet that causes the damage not the calibre - if it's causing excessive meat damage slow the bullet down or go heavier.

Originally Posted by bully

its not the recoil of a .243 that bothers me . . . but the idea i might miss seeing the hits.... Quote, that's because of recoil isn't it....
As far as scope I use 8-32 which is good but more is always better. A rabbit at 500 plus is very small. Also finding them at these kind of ranges with binos is challenging.

the Rabbits do stand out down here in Central against the back ground at any range so thats not a problem where i shoot, theres just so many of them as well . . . my 10X Khales binos are a real asset when t comes to spotting them.

not to worried about +500yard shots at this stage but that will come i am sure, further and further is the rule . .. more wanting to get my 400yrd shots more consistent at this stage . . . the 204R / .22VarTarg just cant cut it down here when the wind blows, it can be done on a calm day but that doesnt happen to often where i shoot.

what brand / model of scope are you using @bully

R.

Originally Posted by Sauer_202_6.5x55

I had a Tikka 243 for many years and it accounted for a lot of deer and foxes over here in the UK. I experimented with a whole range of bullets and found the ones that performed best on both deer and vermin were the Hornady 87gr BT HP's, can't rate them highly enough. Pushed out at 3,200 FPS (if my memory serves me rightly) they would consistently cloverleaf and dropped many a large fallow in it's tracks. In my opinion the .243 is a very effective and underrated calibre.

Lots of people complain of meat damage on deer with a .243, but it's the bullet that causes the damage not the calibre - if it's causing excessive meat damage slow the bullet down or go heavier.

the 87grn. Hornady certainly has a reputation, goes way back, its on the list . . . as far as that meat damage thing goes so many cartridges get beaten over the head with it, and then it becomes an urban folk tale pulled out by any fckwit to prove that his rifle cartridge is better, very tiresome.

Sightron s3 8-32 I could easy go to the next bigger model like the target shooters I shoot with at times. I forget what it is... 10-60? In saying that I don't know if I would use much past 40-50. But I always like to zoom right in with the 32.

that kind of magnification is something i have never tried . . . certainly will keep it mind for later consideration tho . . . cheers

so what kind of powder is everyone using . . . and case life, this is important to me.

R.

2209 mate... That's for the 80+ weights though I believe.
Other people use something else for the lighter stuff but it seems like you like the idea of the 75+ so it will probably be ok.
Brake on that will be fecking loud... But you'll be able to spot the spray!!

I used a Sako Hunter in 243 for a while; 75 grain HP Sierra, in very carefully assembled cartridges to get consistent 3/4" five shot 100yd grouping. Shot a lot of rabbits and hares at longer ranges in windy conditions. Had the muzzle magna-ported so that I could see the shot land. The barrel was rather shot out at 750 rounds with lots of fire cracking from the chamber onwards, despite being careful to keep the barrel cool.

I have 2x 243's.
one a savage 99 20" great for goats and deer at shorter ranges with a 2.5x german#4 scope. I have 2 loads for this. 87gn Berger over W760 (H414) a couple of grains under max book load. (Did test up to max load with no issues) . For Shots under 200 mtr an extra 2-300 fps is not important. For real short range goats I load Horandy 58gn vmax over trail boss for a 22 hornet like 2400 fps. No problem dumping 5 rounds rapid fire and staying on target.

Second is a bolt action 1:8 twist 24" no3 contour with hardy gen5. This also loves the 87gn Berbers driven a bit harder. Currently I'm loading 105gn Berger over 780 supreme for around 3020 fps. Went up another grain in load testing then pulled back by 1gn. Was happy to get 3000fps. However I'm struggling to get this combination to work

Zane
Ps the 87gn Berger Vld Is very destructive even in small bodied goats side on. Starts opening up by the time it's through the shoulder Blade or ribs.
So while not a true varmint round I would recomend getting a test pack and trying them on some rabbits.

Hi guys, just noticed this thread. If it is of any interest I do make a 70gr HP/FB for target shooting & varmint shooting. I can also make variations in weight but the 70gr is the bullet I keep in stock.
I was making an 80gr but wasnt a lot of demand for that so have dropped that one except for making a few for my sons 6mm284 which has a 12" barrel & won't take the heavier bullets I make.
Cheers

Bryn,

Do you make an 87 gr and what is the pricing on the 70 and 87 if you do?

Still keen on some more projectiles but have had NO shooting lately!

I don't do an 87 but can make a 90gr minimum order on special bullet weights is 200x. I keep in stock a 95gr which is very popular, always have those here.
Cost on the 70gr is $56 per100x & the 90gr-95gr are $65per 100x.
All of these are made using Berger J4 jackets.
Cheers

Cool man.

I think I want to play with the 90 grain bad boys!!

Now, I just need to find some money. Anyone seen some lying around?

Late to this thread. It's Friday night here
When I first got my Belgium made BLR in .243 I took it out rabbit shooting really helped in getting used to the gun for deer stalking. Made a bit of a mess from memory I was using 80gr Norma factory ammo.
Scopes changed but I still have the gun here's a Muntjac could call it a tasty varmint

Originally Posted by TARGEX

I don't do an 87 but can make a 90gr minimum order on special bullet weights is 200x. I keep in stock a 95gr which is very popular, always have those here.
Cost on the 70gr is $56 per100x & the 90gr-95gr are $65per 100x.
All of these are made using Berger J4 jackets.
Cheers

Iv use these in 80gr 22cal they expand well and for me have grouped very well.
Support this man, great NZ made product, always available and a good price.
Another thing about these projectiles is they weigh and measure up very well! I'd almost say every projectile is exactly the same. I challenge anyone to get a bag of targex and a bag of there current favourite projectiles and compare them for consistent weight and measurements. These are as good as consistency gets.
Also a very helpful man with advise, who helped me a lot with a 22br.
Thank you.

Crikey,I like this post! Must get you to do advertising for me.
Thanks for the positive feedback.
Cheers, Bryn