Thread: Best 243 load

Hay guys just started loading for my 243, just wanted to know what people are running or any recommendations?

I use 87 gn Hornady SP with 43.6 gn 2209 for everything from hares to goats and large reds. Mind you I do not shoot at anything over 150 meters away.

Get on to Extensive Field-Tested Rifle & Cartridge Research - BallisticStudies.com. and ask Nathan for his .243 info. I shot one for years with varying results- I wish I had known then what I now know about the calibre.

Thanks, the rife is going to be more of a bush rifle so it wouldn't be pushing out past 150 meters,

Thanks ill have a read, haven't loaded for 243 so im just see what everyone finds good for nz bush

Myself and a couple of mates are using Sierra 85g HPBT with fantastic results, from memory 44grns of 2209, at work so don't have all the info at hand...have been great, even out to 209m..certainly worth a look at... I'm about to look at a load on Sierra 107g MK still playing with the idea...

Has anyone tryed 95gn projectiles?

Originally Posted by garyp

I use 87 gn Hornady SP with 43.6 gn 2209 for everything from hares to goats and large reds. Mind you I do not shoot at anything over 150 meters away.

I have had good success with the 90 grain speer hotcor 44.0 grains 2209, have got some 87 grain hornady softpoint to load up and test when I run out of the speers. Have loaded up hdy 95g sst but the speers are more accurate. Have only tested on goats so far.

Originally Posted by calez

Has anyone tryed 95gn projectiles?

Yep bergers. They hit harder than a freight train! I tipped over two pigs last time I took the .243 out. One at 100 yards and one at just over 200; those projectiles are devastating killers - waste some meat though.

I was just loading some 162 Amax and compared them with the 95 burgers - the bergers look like toy bullets!

So overall 2209 powder is the way to go? Might have to get some sample packs but i think im going to try some 87gn & some 95gn projectiles

Have had lots of success with Sierra 100gr pro hunters on Reds haven't shot anything else with them.

I've only used factory ammo but 95gn sst have dropped everything I've pointed them at including a good sika stag at 310m. Love the 243.

I chase alot of fellow so I don't want anything to hard on the meat

Originally Posted by calez

Has anyone tryed 95gn projectiles?

95g Partitions worked well in my 243AI. I will be running them again once I get my next 243.


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The easy recipe that works for most people is 43-44gn AR2209 with a sierra 85gn or the 87gn Hornady on top. They will be doing around the 3000fps.
Most people get a reliable load in that sort of combination. Then you can try different combos later -95gn targex, different powders like w760 or R17.