.243 profile

[iano]

Hello,

 

Have an option of getting a .243, looking to mainly use it for foxes and deer.

 

Haven't used this round much before - would be looking to shoot out at about 300m or so.

How does round perform over that distance?

[steve_b_wales]

I've used a .243 for many years, on Deer and Foxes. I haven't shot these further than 150 yards though, although I know it's capable of doing this. I have shot targets out to 250 yards with great success. I reload my ammunition, and at present, use 100gr bullets. As I no longer do any stalking, once I've used up these rounds, I'm going to use a lighter bullet, probably 75gr.

It's a very versatile round and will do everything you require, providing you play your part.

[iano]

I've used a .243 for many years, on Deer and Foxes. I haven't shot these further than 150 yards though, although I know it's capable of doing this. I have shot targets out to 250 yards with great success. I reload my ammunition, and at present, use 100gr bullets. As I no longer do any stalking, once I've used up these rounds, I'm going to use a lighter bullet, probably 75gr.

It's a very versatile round and will do everything you require, providing you play your part.

 

Thanks - what is the kick off them like? From what I remember, it wasn't too bad (not like a .308 or a .270)

[team tractor]

I'm only new to .243 and find it kicks twice what my .223 is but it is twice the powder.

I prefer my 223 I think as I can keep the target in the cross hairs after pulling the trigger.

[Benthejockey]

It's a great little calibre. My 243 seems to kick more than my 308 but that's when I'm firing 100gr bullets from my 243 and 150gr bullets from the 308. When I'm using lighter bullets the kick is negligible and you can load it so that it shoots like a laser. With a bang rather than a pew pew pew noise obviously.

[steve_b_wales]

 

Thanks - what is the kick off them like? From what I remember, it wasn't too bad (not like a .308 or a .270)

I find the recoil to be acceptable, and not hard at all. As mentioned, I'm using 100gr bullets. If I downsize to 75gr, then I would have to add more powder to the load, so recoil could be about the same. My .308 firing 150gr was a lot harder on the shoulder, but still manageable.

[iano]

Thanks guys.

 

I'll have a chat with the local copshop and hopefully be able to take it from there.

[Grandalf]

Got a Remmington 700 in .243. Super little gun.

Foxes and deer - roe and muntjak most often but have taken a red with it.

100 gr seem to suit it best but I also use 75 and 50.

Kick is noticeable but not bad.

Usually shoot it off the sticks or my landy roof rack.

[Dekers]

The .243 is a very versatile round as already mentioned.

 

The recoil is always a personal thing and will also depend on your individual rifle, my Tikka is well balanced, has a moderator and a decent shoulder pad, compare it with a light rifle a solid Nylon type shoulder pad and no mod etc., and you will notice a difference. As with the powders used in the cartridge.

 

In simple terms I don't believe anyone who has a bit of experience with a number of centrefire calibres would ever describe the .243 as being harsh. Some of the 55/58g V-Max types are amazingly gentle to shoot.

 

You will need to experiment with ammo yourself if you are looking at deer and foxes out to 300 yards. It is true to say that all our shooting requirements are different, but its a long time since I needed to use my .243 out that far, I seldom need it much more than 200 and I would be confident that the majority of my .243 use would be well inside that.

[Lloyd90]

Had my first Roe the other day at 170yds, pretty much aimed bang on and dropped it within few steps. Went through both lungs and just missed the heart.

 

Was using 87gr BTHP home loads that weren't even loaded to max capacity (or anywhere near really).

[Davyo]

Used 100gr throughout,turns foxes inside out.

[steve_b_wales]

Used 100gr throughout,turns foxes inside out.

+1. Soft Points (reloads)