Thread: .243 for 500m shots

Don't listen to the yanks for fuck sake. Most shoot 100lb deer say it was an elk and use premium ammo and think 200 yards is 500.

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I had good luck with mine, although we're going back about 8 years since I had a .243 last. It worked with the 95gr Targex. Shot goats out to about 600m, nanny tahr at 500, a big 12" bull tahr at 450.

It would work better with a heavier/higher BC bullet than the 95gr.

I went with a 6.5 when I rebarrelled the .243 because it works better for a negligible increase in recoil though.

Would I use a .243 again? Yes, including for longer range shots, within my own comfort zone with it, but I'd want a 1:8" twist to shoot something 100gr + and .5+ BC

You just heard it from two kiwis who would have shot more deer each than 99.9% of yanks

The trouble with the 243 (at distance) is the little pill. It may have 1000ft/lbs at x distance, but when it hits something it looses that energy VERY quickly. It (and others) just don't have the momentum to expand AND penetrate well.

the question that hasn't been asked is are we talking targets or animals if targets id say no problem it would be fine animals well that would come down to the experience of the shooter I guess it could be done humanely in the right hands the 222 was used for long enough some of us don't have an endless budget to spend on rifles so have to make do with what we have me personally I prefer to get at or under 200m with any cal I'm using

Thanks Gimp, a fast twist shooting the 103 X or 108 eldm is pretty much what I am looking at, both well north of .5bc and launched circa 3000fps.

Originally Posted by Timmay

Thanks Gimp, a fast twist shooting the 103 X or 108 eldm is pretty much what I am looking at, both well north of .5bc and launched circa 3000fps.

It would work but I just can't think of any compelling reason to bother when .260, 6.5CM, 6.5x55 exist

243 and wind is the only problem I have had. I've proper sacked red stags at 400m with 105Amax and 243AI so I'm not believing the too small ideas. Joules are joules in my book. The extra pace had helped though with about 3100fps from the AI. Current 243Win is a work in progress and is still not the right gun for me in big country. I plan to run the 100g Sierra SPT this Spring-Summer and maybe trial the 100g GK as well.

Iv more than few reds at 500yds plus with 243. Yet to need a second shot. To be fair it is the ai version with 105 vlds pushing 3170 and Im unlikely to be any ones client so take it as you will.

There is 100g pill at 3000fps, mine don't go this fast but was an example. I would not feel comfortable shooting one beyond 200-250m. 1000 foot lbs tip out at 380m. How are you getting 500??

We owe it to the animals. Sure in exceptional circumstances with the right shooter maybe but not new in experienced shooters. I'm afraid I'm not a believer. Paper yes animal now sorry

Hamish

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What brick are you using

.

Shot a shit load of reds and fallow with my little 243. Cheap as chips to run. Not too many shot over 3 or 400 m though. Head shots to 200 ish and neck after that. They always drop. This is just using basic old factory bombs though nothing fancy. Easier to get closer or use a bigger bang stick for longer range, that's the point of them

Just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done. If you're going to go and purposely build a rifle to shoot deer at 500yds than 243 probably shouldnt be your first choice....

why not if that's what you like it would be a pretty boring world if we all had the same rifle ive successfully shot animals beyond what most would consider is acceptable for a 222 but that's what I had at the time I don't make a habbit of it and wouldn't suggest a newbie does it but it can be done in the right hands