reloading the 243 cal.?

lonewolf5348

New member
I wonder between the 2 bullets would be the better choice?NOSLERS 95 Gr. Ballistic Tip® or 95 Gr. Partition style
I load the sierra 85 grain HPBT which I yet to try on eastern whitetails the bullet will tack drive using IMR 3031 35.9 grains:I think off the top of my head 3100 FPS
I tried 100 grainers but yet to find a load that will shoot great.
my barrel twist is 1 in 91/4" funny thing the gun hates IMR 4831 or IMR 4350 for some strange reason it likes faster burning powder like 3031
 

Shoney

New member
Those 85 gr bullets are my favorite in 243 and 6mm Rem for accuracy. However, they are not designed as a large game hunting bullet. Be ethical and use hunting bullets.

With 100 gr bullets, IMR4831 was accurate in my 243's at about high middle loads. The 6mm likes IMR4831 at over max with no pressure signs

Try some RL22 with the 100 grain bullets, it does very well with the 95's also. Noslers data lists the 95 and 100 gr with RL22 as having their best accuracy at max.
 

James R. Burke

New member
In my wifes .243 I am using RL-22, and Nosler 100 grain partitions. They shoot really accurate, the bigger bullet likes the slower burning powder like Shoney suggested. There at about 3000 f.p.s. She shot at her first two deer last season, and got them both with one shot. There under 1" at 100 yards. I believe her rifle twist is a 1 to 9.
 

gun44

New member
.243

I use the 95 grain ballistic tip, with 42 grs of H-414, and it clocks about 2950fps over my chrony. This is a killer load for me. Between my son, and I, we have killed 14 deer with this combination, and only one ran, and he fell about 35 yards away.

This load is not maximum, but is very accurate. I can shoot about a 3/8 in group@100 off a rest with it!
 

SSG-Gibb

New member
I use an 87gr V-max as my nail driver of choice, and as far as it being en "ethical" bullet for big game that's on you to decide, but a head shot @ 450 yards isn't a problem with my Ruger MK 77. Deer never know what hit them most drop over in their tracks. I also use this load for Ground hogs and turkey as well. Best shot so far was a Squirrel @ 527yds, I love that gun!;)
 
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jim n iowa

New member
The 85g sierra over IMR 3031 was a cloverleaf group in my .243. About the same load. I would not consider this as a white load out west (we have to use shot guns). However its a great critter load, and would be ok for antelopes to 200, if you can get that close.
Jim
 
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