Dano1
Well-Known Member
I grew up using the .243 and I've taken many Muledeer bucks using a 85g Hunting Nosler Ballistic Tip., However knowing what I know now a 100g would and is my minimum for the .243 for Muledeer and Cow Elk.
I actually have 2 .243s, 1 is a .243 Win, it's a Remington 700 VLS and it is my dedicated varmit rifle. I used it one year to hunt just to prove a point and it did very well. I did use a 95g bullet and it too a buck cleanly. The other is a .243 Ackley Improved and it is a Ruger M77MKII and it has a 22" bbl. It is a light weight rifle and I have it specifically to use to start my own children hunting and shooting. As I've had it for several years, it has of course gone hunting. One season with me and been used by friends and family who didn't have a rifle. It so far has accounted for 4 bucks and 1 doe. I load 100g Sierra Gamekings for it.
While 85g Barnes TSX are good bullets, I opt for heavy for caliber bullets when going for Elk. The Partition and even a Sierra Gameking are both good choices for an Elk Bullet. I would also say that any 100g Bullet placed in the right spot, (heart or Lungs) will cleanly kill a elk. As stated before, Shot placement and confidence are key to success with a .243Win. I have the .243 over any other Cartridge for my children because of the same reason , my Boys are all small and Marksmanship always trumps a big bullet anyday. I want them to be able to hit what they are after and the This is where the .243 Shines.
I wish your daughter the best of luck for her up coming hunt. She'll do great. Make sure you post some photos!
Dan
I actually have 2 .243s, 1 is a .243 Win, it's a Remington 700 VLS and it is my dedicated varmit rifle. I used it one year to hunt just to prove a point and it did very well. I did use a 95g bullet and it too a buck cleanly. The other is a .243 Ackley Improved and it is a Ruger M77MKII and it has a 22" bbl. It is a light weight rifle and I have it specifically to use to start my own children hunting and shooting. As I've had it for several years, it has of course gone hunting. One season with me and been used by friends and family who didn't have a rifle. It so far has accounted for 4 bucks and 1 doe. I load 100g Sierra Gamekings for it.
While 85g Barnes TSX are good bullets, I opt for heavy for caliber bullets when going for Elk. The Partition and even a Sierra Gameking are both good choices for an Elk Bullet. I would also say that any 100g Bullet placed in the right spot, (heart or Lungs) will cleanly kill a elk. As stated before, Shot placement and confidence are key to success with a .243Win. I have the .243 over any other Cartridge for my children because of the same reason , my Boys are all small and Marksmanship always trumps a big bullet anyday. I want them to be able to hit what they are after and the This is where the .243 Shines.
I wish your daughter the best of luck for her up coming hunt. She'll do great. Make sure you post some photos!
Dan
