243 bullet Question

[catwithboost]

I am trying to find out what the smallest grain 243 bullet there is with out making my own. Looking for something for yotes or bobcat but also be able to throw a larger grain in just in case of cougar.

[Stape]

I see them all the way down to 55gr in several of my reloading manuals.  A good solid 55gr bonded should fill your needs, provided you do your part and squeeze off a decent shot.  What is the twist in your .243?

[catwithboost]

So that is for guys that want to reload or is that ammo already done. Not sure on the info on the 243 because have not got one yet. Wanting to make sure on the different loads to make sure it can cover all bases when calling.

[ICEMAN]

Hornady makes a pretty hot 58gr v-max moly coated round, I have shot these and they are awesome.

I bought at Olympia's Sportsman Warehouse.

.243 Win., 58 gr. V-MAX MOLY 
Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd 500 yd
3750/1811 3308/1409 2909/1090 2544/833 2206/627 1896/463
 
Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd 400 yd 500 yd
-1.50 0.80 0.00 -5.00 -15.40 -33.00
 
https://www.hornady.com/shop/?ps_session=fc2c395f3bca6af86e433ab93057dd74&page=shop%2Fbrowse&category_id=f8cdc21a7d92383f4cac817fa4c99e7a

[catwithboost]

Ok thanks that is what I needed. Good for even saving hide on a bobcat.

[257 Wby Mag]

I always loaded 55 Nosler BT's in our 243's and 6mm's, just a shade over 4000fps. They always shoot good and are hell on coyotes, work pretty decent on bucks too...  I think Winchester loads some factory's 55 Ballistic Silvertips, they should be up over 3800fps. Try em, you'll like em. Later

[257 Wby Mag]

This is the business end of a 55 Grain Nosler BT @4030, 200 yards away. Might not be what you're looking for, these results are the norm....

[bobcat]

I think an 85 grain bullet would be a better all-around choice. The 55's are way light for a 243 and the ballistic coefficient's gotta be extremely low. Plus, as you can see in the above picture, they just may destroy your hides. What you want is a heavier, slower bullet, and one that is designed for big game so that it doesn't expand too much.

I've got a 243 but haven't done any reloading for it yet. I've got a bunch of bullets on hand however, that I got off ebay. I've got some 85's and some 100's. When I get serious with it, I'm going to load up some Barnes 85 grain TSX's. The TSX would be a great bobcat/coyote bullet, in addition to deer, in my opinion.

[bobcat]

Found some available online if you're interested:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00129P243K

[257 Wby Mag]

I like a little boolit going fast, shot em from 55 to 105, the 55 at over 4 grand is THE most impressive, kinda like that little shhwwwaack when they hit meat. Most think an 87 or 100 grain boolit is to light in the 257 Roy.... Methinks not. This what I need.. But what do I know..grin...

[billythekidrock]

I think an 85 grain bullet would be a better all-around choice. The 55's are way light for a 243 and the ballistic coefficient's gotta be extremely low. Plus, as you can see in the above picture, they just may destroy your hides. What you want is a heavier, slower bullet, and one that is designed for big game so that it doesn't expand too much.

I agree.

[bobcat]

It's not that I don't think the 55's won't work, it's just I don't see any advantage to them. Sure they start out faster, but with the low BC they're also going to lose that velocity quicker, and at longer ranges the wind will likely push them more than it would the heavier, higher BC bullets. But hey more power to ya if the lightweights work for ya...I'm sure they are fun to shoot if nothing else. Probably next to zero recoil so that MIGHT be an advantage. He did mention he was interested in "good for even saving hide on a bobcat." How well do you think the 55's would do in that regard?

[257 Wby Mag]

Here you go Bobcat,55 grain @4025, @ 500 yards 2200Fps, 602 fpe, drops 26'' sighted in 1/2'' @100. wind drift is 23.2. 85 Grain @ 500 yards 1670fps, 495fpe, drops 42'' @500 sighted 1.2 high @100, wind drift 33''? Advantages? Saving hides on a bobcat?? 22 magnum or solids in any caliber. BTW both are factory loads, the former by Winchester, the latter is Remington.Later

[catwithboost]

Ok this was a mistake now I am more confused then before.

[billythekidrock]

Go with an 85-100 grn in 243 and you will be fine, plus have a rifle legal for big game.

[high country]

I kill a good few coyotes with my 243 using both 85 and 55 gr pills. the 55's do not like the wind much, but they are hell on dogs.

[dbllunger]

Are you saving hides?  If yes then use a medium weight FMJ.  You can't have everything so decide what is most important.  I would shoot a couger with a 55BT based on what it does to coyotes.  If not then any expanding will work.  I have had several 55gr BT's @ 4k never exit, but put 2" entrance hole. 

257 where are you shooting bucks with a 55gr BT?

[257 Wby Mag]

If you want optimum varmit performance outta your 243, use the 55's. Legal for deer ? I thought they did away with the grain minimum. The 55's work like lightning on bucks, believe me. This bobby met a 210 Nosler Partition out of a 338 Win.

[bobcat]

Ok this was a mistake now I am more confused then before.

Dont worry. You can't go wrong with just about anything you shoot out of a 243 for coyotes/bobcats. The main difference between them will be how much is left of the hides. I'd just go with whatever Sportsman's Warehouse (or Wal-Mart) has at the lowest price, as long as they shoot accurately in your rifle

[dbllunger]

257..you would be right.  Checked my 06 regs and did not see the restriction.  Must have only been in the lasty couple years or so.

[catwithboost]

Yes I want to keep some hide. Well some are saying 55 and some are saying 85. I guess I will wreck a few hides figuring this out. At this rate might as well use my 7mm mag. LOL

[257 Wby Mag]

I'll have to dig the pics out catwithboost, a couple Rosie bulls over the years that ate *censored* from a 85 grain 243, body shots, 1 shot apiece, no steps taken. Never underestimate a 243, they are pure poison if you're a hunter.....

[bobcat]

Speed and quick expanding bullets is what will ruin your hides. The faster the bullet, the more likely it will be to do so. If you really don't want to take a chance, and don't mind spending $30/box, go with the Barnes 85 grain bullets. Or another good choice in a controlled expansion type bullet, would be the Nosler Partitions, in whatever weight you can find. I think they will be either 80 or 100 grain, and either would work. Also just be careful in where you shoot the animal....try not to hit any major bones, and you probably won't have any problems.

[257 Wby Mag]

Here's anther dog that got caught between the eye's with a 22 mag @ 50 yards. Federal 30 or 33 grain JHP, 1 shot, eyeballs popped out, grey matter running out his ears. Thats another round thats not to be underestimated.....

[catwithboost]

Crap I need to just follow some of you around.

[257 Wby Mag]

This one hates Colt Woodsmans'.grin.....

[257 Wby Mag]

I love killin varmits, almost as much as big Blacktails. This one took a 55 grain JHP from my Tikka T3 223. Its about time to satrt gettin after em again.

[catwithboost]

You al need to stop hunting. So I can go out and find some. I called for 3 months and did not see anything.