Deer Load for .243

I shot 3 deer last season with 95 grain Federal Fusions out of my 243. Good bullets and a fairly decent price. I will be shooting them again this season. I already bought a few boxes!
 
i have bought the 85 hpbt sierra's, 95 gr combined technology, and the 100 spbt sierra's no i have to figure out wich one i am going to hunt with
 
Went ahead and bought the rifle. Turned out to be a Model 700 SPS. Same length of pull and as the Model 7, with a little more overall length and about 1/2 pound more weight. That will make it even steadier for her and soak up more recoil. Topped it off with a Nikon 3-9x40 and picked up a box of Federal Fusions in 95 grain. From the research I've done, it appears to be a well constructed bullet with good weight retention and expansion for the close range work we'll be doing. We'll run a couple boxes through it before the season and she'll be ready. Here's the newest deerslayer in the Dawg family. Fortunately, she favors her Mom.

Stinkysnewgun.jpg
 
She is a beautiful child Red, Glad she took after her Momma in the looks department and that she is following her Dad in the hunting arena.
 
Dude, you'd better stock up on lots of big knives to sharpen. I'm thinking you're going to be spending lots of time sitting in the front room trying to intimidate young suitors in the not too distant future! Sweet looking young lady there

Be sure and post about her upcoming hunt.

Great job getting the young ones out and hunting. I think you have done a great job of getting her some decent equipment to start out with.
 
I have always badmouthed the .243 because I have seen much poor performance on deer. Like everyone said premium bullets make it top rate killer for a few extra dollars. I don't think you could have bought her a better setup. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Another thing you might take a look at is the Limbsaver Protective Shooting Pad. It works as good as the Past Recoil Shield, and stayes in place better. Some of the Remingtons come with a Limbsaver recoil pad which is the best in the business. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif A friend has twin girls that have both shot nice bucks for the last three years with .243's, and field dressed them /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I could never find a girl like that when I was young. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
Frank
 
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She is a beautiful child Red, Glad she took after her Momma in the looks department and that she is following her Dad in the hunting arena.



Mrs. Dawg can shoot too. That will come in handy for those suitors. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif This rifle does have the Limbsaver pad on it. Twenty years ago I also saw several run-offs on deer shot with a .243, so I was a little hesitant and leaning toward the .260 Rem. My girl will get get some practice before hunting and she'll know the value of shot placement as well. We watch hunting videos and I'll slo- mo the kill shots so she knows exactly where to aim. I hunt the woods only so most shots will be close. As long as Dad keeps his cool we could very well be dragging out a monster on Nov. 10th. The trophy quality in our neck of the woods is excellent. Youth day produce some whopper bucks in this area every year. As addicted as I am to bowhunting big bucks during the rut, I'd trade the whole season for her to get a crack at a bruiser.
 
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As addicted as I am to bowhunting big bucks during the rut, I'd trade the whole season for her to get a crack at a bruiser.


Don't forget to instill in her the mindset that the hunt itself is to be treasured, not killing something with the biggest antlers.
I stopped trophy hunting years ago and have been a happy hunter ever since.
 
I loaded up some 90g Swift Siroccos that Chronied around 3300fps. I have seen three shots right behind the shoulder and the deer have all ran between 20-50 yards before expiring. I'd stick to a softer bullet like a 100g Core-loct or Sierra for more shock value. Bonded bullets are a little too hard for DRT performance unless your really pushing the velocity barrier or hit a shoulder causing it to shatter into the lung area.
 
My first comment - Dawg, she is a cutie! Good luck and safe hunting to the both of you this season. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Next, it always amazes me how the .243 knocks deer dead as heck in the hands of women and kids, yet, is the biggest crippler of all in the hands of grown men. Pick a bullet designed for larger game than groundhogs, put it in the right place, and enjoy the venison. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
 
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Dude, you'd better stock up on lots of big knives to sharpen. I'm thinking you're going to be spending lots of time sitting in the front room trying to intimidate young suitors in the not too distant future! Sweet looking young lady there



Now that is a classic statement! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Nothing like the "Cold Steel" to scare the s(crap) out of them young boys! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good luck 'Dawg and "Little Miss 'Dawg" with the upcoming hunt! We surely want to hear and see about it come Veterans Day, at the latest! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Redhound80
 
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Don't forget to instill in her the mindset that the hunt itself is to be treasured, not killing something with the biggest antlers.
I stopped trophy hunting years ago and have been a happy hunter ever since.


Amen to that. Hunting used to be a tradition, an experience to enjoy with family and friends. Nowadays its more like a competition sport. And a money sport at that. :crazy
BTW pretty girl you got there,I have a daughter thats 11. Thats what lifes about man. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
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I have seen three shots right behind the shoulder and the deer have all ran between 20-50 yards before expiring.



Dultimatpredator - on a good chest shot the 243 isn't a bang-flopping round on deer. Some go right down, some travel as you stated above. But a 50 yard run is quite exceptable. Most won't go much farther on a good shot.

If you crave a instant knockdown round for deer, look no farther than the 270 Winchester with its classic 130 grain load. I cannot believe how perfect the 270 is on whitetails.

Kind of like a 243 on 'yotes. Perfect.
 
If you want to put deer down with a .243, smack-em with a 85gr. TSX or Sierra HPBT Gameking. Place it just like you would a broadhead. Lower third of the chest, right behind the shoulder. In my experience the 85grainers kill much quicker than the heavier "premium" bullets.
 
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I shot 3 deer last season with 95 grain Federal Fusions out of my 243. Good bullets and a fairly decent price. I will be shooting them again this season. I already bought a few boxes!



Ditto. I have been using the Fusion for the last three years and they are awesome on whitetail. I just got a 25-06 and will using the Fusion in it this year as well. You cant go wrong with the Fusion in my opinion.
 
Redeyeddawg,

I bet she likes going to Gander MTN with ya /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

I have a good friend with twin daughters in Hurlock, the girls shoot the .243 also /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-006.gif
 
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