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]

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

 

[roninflag]

Chad - where are you? i would use a 95 or 100 grain partition. h or imr 4350. what kind of .243?

 

[cahunter805]

Chad I would look into either the 90gr Etip or 100gr partition. Loaded over 4350 or 4831 they would be perfect. I think the more important factor is teaching your daughter proper shot placement and giving her ample practice behind the rifle. This will build her confidence and will make the shot that much easier. Limiting shots to under 200 yards also. Good luck and let me know if you need any load data. I love my 243!

 

[Tukadeka]

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???

I'm glad to see that the 243 is alive and well still! I would recomend shooting a 90gr barnes X bullet with 47gr of IMR 4831 powder. My remington 700 with a 1 in 10 twist likes it. As long as she can place her shot, this cartridge has the ability to stop an elk dead in it's tracks. If your rifle don't like this load, try 100gr Sierra Spitzer boat tail with 42gr of IMR 4831. Good luck and keep her shooting.gun)You may have to play with these to get the load your rifle likes, all rifles have thier own taste. I would try to keep the shots under 350 yrds.

 

[screech]

I opt for the 100gr. Or 85gr. Partition depending on what your rifle will shoot. If it stabilizes the 100 that would be my preference

 

[devon]

Now this post has really interested me.
I do plan on coming over to Montana sometime in the near future.
Last year i bought a 30-06 for the wild boar we have over here, but i have had, and still am having issues with it, although i'm sure i will get to the bottom of it in the end.
So i assumed this would be the weapon of choice to bring over.
But i have used a .243 for almost 20 years and it has knocked over some really big red deer stags, and i am 100% confident using it out to 250 yards.
I use 100 grain Speer with Reloader 19 and 40.4 grains.
Decisions,decisions!
Cheers
Richard

 

[youngbuck]

I load my .243 with 58gr V-max only now. When I was younger I took a lot of mule deer and one cow elk with the same rifle. The cheap yellow and green factory 100gr core-lokts are killing machines. They aren't fancy, or spendy, but they work. They aren't made for LR work , but they do do a number on the critters. I can't imagine shooting factory center-fire ammo anymore in any of my rifles, but this load would be my only exception.

 

[matt_3479]

My neighbor has used a 243. Win shooting 95 grain partitions and dropped a huge 320lbs mule deer at 387 yards. Shot placement is everything and the 243. Win will do everything you want it too. I suggest the 85 grain bullets if your gun can't stabilize anything else, if not then 95 grain vld, partition, 100 Cor lokt, 105 vld