.243 ammo

[Klebanoff]

Okay guys, I just bought a new Weatherby .243 rifle with a Leupold scope. I've heard lots of good things about the round. My intention is to use it for varmints (mostly bobcats and coyotes) and also deer. I understand it is excellent for both applications provided one has the correct ammo.

So that's want I want: Some ammo recommendations for both uses. Thanks!

[Daryl in Az]

I like a 70 grain B-tip for smaller critters. It'll blow up the hides as much as anything else, but not any worse. It does better than the 55 grain bullets at longer ranges.

Actually, I stopped using my .243 Win for coyotes, bobcats, and such several years ago. Too much hide damage. These days I'm using a .17 Rem and it's far superior in that respect.

For deer with the .243 Win, I've always loaded a 100 grain Speer bullet at around 3150 fps. It's worked well for me in the past.

I handload all my centerfire rifle ammo, so can't recommend factory loaded stuff.

Daryl

[Klebanoff]

Actually, I stopped using my .243 Win for coyotes, bobcats, and such several years ago. Too much hide damage. These days I'm using a .17 Rem and it's far superior in that respect.

I know I'm writing away from my original question, but you think the .17 Rem is adequate for coyotes? I don't have a great deal of experience with that cartridge (I took a gray fox with one once), but most of the experienced varmint hunters I know say it's not much good for anything bigger than prairie dogs. I know it has an impressive muzzle velocity, but the bullet's almost microscopic.

But if it works for you, I suppose that's what matters. Thanks for the advice.

[bgmac239]

this is kind of off topic but my neighbor kills three 100-150 pound hogs with his 17 with no problem about 100 yrs out