Factory .243 ammo for bear

[rynokron]

I know it's not ideal but what is some good factory ammo for a .243 for black bear? Mostly I'm a coyote hunter, but I've seen a few bears out and about so I'll be leaving the .223 at home August 1st and bringing the .243. Also will be packing my trusty Benelli with some 00 buck.

[Wazukie]

I shoot a 100grn bullet out of my .243 for bear and deer.  I would bet that 100grn corlokt would work well.  We took a 200lb bear with a 87 grn last year

[RadSav]

I've seen a good number of bear killed with the old standard 100 grain Core-Lokt and Hornady Inner-Lok.  I've always been impressed with the penetration you get out of the 100 grain 6mm.  I prefer .25 for bear, but the 6mm will definately slam a bear with some proper bullet placement. 

[BLR 243]

Nosler partitions kill bears and 300lb blacktails.

[deerhunter_98520]

Nosler partitions kill bears and 300lb blacktails.

Thats all ive shot out of my .243  spendy for the federal premiums at $40 but if you reload it cuts the cost in half

[whackmaster]

I have taken big bears with 100 grain Core-Lokt .243 this is the deadliest mushroom in the woods

[Huntbear]

I am planning on handloading 95 gr. Partitions for my .243 WSSM for deer and bear.  It shoots the 95 gr. Ballistic Tips lights out..

[rynokron]

Thanks. Sounds like the 100 grainers are the way to go. I have some Fedral 85gr game kings BTHP that shoot good. Guess I have an excuse to to run up to Cabelas again. 

[BOWHUNTER45]

100 gr hornaday Inner - Lok 

[C-Money]

If I need to shoot factory, I grab a box of the Federal classic ammo in the blue box. Always work well for me, 243win included.

[xXLojackXx]

I would shoot the Barnes TSX out of a .243 for almost 100% weight retention, deadly expansion, and reliable performance.

[rynokron]

Did some shooting at the range today. My rifle seems to favor lighter bullets. Shoots Hornady 58gr superformance Vmax the best. The Fedral Premium 85gr Sierra Game King BTHP was second and Blue box Fedral 80gr soft points third. The 100gr soft points I've tried in the past were similar results as the 80gr Fedral.

Any feed back on the 85gr Sierra's? They are rated as a medium game round. (deer and black bear) As far as shot placement they seem to be my best bet for a heavier round.

[RadSav]

Any feed back on the 85gr Sierra's? They are rated as a medium game round. (deer and black bear) As far as shot placement they seem to be my best bet for a heavier round.

.206 SD and around .300 BC - would make me nervous shooting bear with that.  Especially with Sierra history of loosing it's jacket at high speeds.

What groups are you getting with the 100 grainers?

[rasbo]

go with the core-lokt,never a problem here with them,put your shot where it belongs

[bearpaw]

Did some shooting at the range today. My rifle seems to favor lighter bullets. Shoots Hornady 58gr superformance Vmax the best. The Fedral Premium 85gr Sierra Game King BTHP was second and Blue box Fedral 80gr soft points third. The 100gr soft points I've tried in the past were similar results as the 80gr Fedral.

Any feed back on the 85gr Sierra's? They are rated as a medium game round. (deer and black bear) As far as shot placement they seem to be my best bet for a heavier round.

I would be nervous with an 85gr too, I have seen a couple bear get away shot with older style 100gr in 243. I would go for a top quality 100 gr bullet. Small bear die easy, but you do not want to run into a 300 to 400 pounder with light or low grade bullets.