.243 AI Bullet Recomendation

[Greg Duerr]

I will be bear hunting this fall for the first time and my one and only rifle is a .243 AI.

It has a 1x9 twist 24inch barrel...................I have always used it for Varmints

I need a recomendation for a good bullet for black Bear.....................



G

[Dalebow]

Barnes 85grain TSX, will perform as a heavier bullet, will punch thru the shoulder given reasonable distance 200 yards or less, accurate, you wont flinch with a 243 so you can put it where it needs to be.
once you hit him, keep fireing, they can soak up a lot of lead and poor blood trails due to hair. Kepp shot distance reasonable, wait for broadside and you will be fine.

[redneckclimbing]

Get yourself some of the new 90gr. Deep Curls from Speer. They are supposed to have 90% weight retention and are a hell of a lot cheaper than the Barnes. And best of all, they have lead in them, I like Barnes, but hate the fact that some beurocrats tell me that I can't shoot lead, because it may kill a stupid bird!

[Dalebow]

Deep curl would be great choice for most anything but on bear with hair soaking up blood I want best chance for 2 holes

[bronco]

I agree with the need for two holes. For that I would go with the a 95 or 100 grain Nosler Partition. Research info on bullet placement for bears. The anatomy is different than other big game animals. Wait for a good shot with the front leg on the impact side forward and try to avoid the shoulder blade.
Here is a decent link:
http://www.dundeesportsmansclub.com/...tplacement.pdf

[Dalebow]

I agree that the nosler partition is a great bullet and agree that with a 243 shooting behind the close leg rather than thru the should as typical for a breakdown shot is advised, but as good as the partition is, its still a 243 with a 6mm bullet and the barnes will perform better than a 243 should.

[jt77]

Black bears have alot of fat layers! I would buy another rifle that can do the job with 1 shot 30 30, 44mag,270,3006 or the 308.