elk/mule deer loads for 243???

[chad44]

My daughter just drew a mule deer buck and cow elk tag this year. she is small and can only handle a 243. I'm wondering what some good bullets/weights are for that size game. I've always reloaded nosler 70 gr ballistic tips for coyotes and stuff so not sure what to load for elk. was thinking 100 gr something. any help???

[winmagman]

I've got my oldest son (11) shooting the 100 gr Partition in his 243. Fairly good hunting accuracy and plenty potent for Wi whitetails. I would assume they would work well with a well placed shot at conservative distances on elk, but I don't have any actual experience.

Chris

[the444shooter]

My dad has shot several elk ~5(?) with his .243 and they have all been with 100gr Remington CoreLokts, and the distances have all been under 200yds. There are better cartridges out there for this task, but the .243 will definitely do the trick on a cow elk if the shots are behind the shoulder and the distances are reasonable. You can up the percentage of penetration with the 100gr Nosler Partition or something in the Barnes lineup, and that combo should be a little more forgiving if the shots touch any sizable bone. Tell her congratulations and good luck!

[BuckSnort]

I'd try a TSX or an Accubond...

[Tikkamike]

Originally Posted by winmagman

I've got my oldest son (11) shooting the 100 gr Partition in his 243. Fairly good hunting accuracy and plenty potent for Wi whitetails. I would assume they would work well with a well placed shot at conservative distances on elk, but I don't have any actual experience.

Chris

I agree with chris. My sister started hunting with a remington model 7 in 243 and we loaded 100 partitions and I have personally seen her kill 8-10 elk with it over the years. She has never lost one. it doesnt flatten them by any means but it does kill them. I even saw her kill one at 350 yards. That would be my first choice. While I do like accubonds and TSX I feel in this particular situation the partition is the best choice. (BTW now she insists on killing everything with my 338 Lapua)

[newmexkid]

I agree with 444Shooter..."If the shot is placed right and at a reasonable distance". When I lived in Wyoming I shot over 15 elk. I have seen a cow elk absorb a well placed shot, (chest area) from a .300 win mag and hardly flinch...Then run into the timber aways and drop. But...On the other hand while in Wyoming a buddy always used a .243 and always got an elk. I personally saw him shoot a cow moose with his .243 with 100 gr. Part'. at about 80 yards and it dropped like a sack of wheat. Shot placement, shot placement. Good Luck I hope you guys have a good memorable hunt.

[str8meat]

40 gr. h4350 and 100 gr bergers or partitions. will do just fine. shot placement is key