Don't know if this is the right place to post this topic (moderator if this is posted in the wrong place, please feel free to remove) I was wondering how many of you use the .243 rifle to hunt deer/hogs with, also what ammo (factory) do you use.... I have used the Remington core lokt as well as most recently the Federal blue box ammo. I have found that the federal in my rifle shoot more accurate and seems to be cleaner than the Remington. I have entertained the idea of getting the more premium ammo in 243 such as Hornady Superformance or the ballistic tips from makers such as Winchester or Federal....etc, but can't really see where they would be a real benefit over the regular ammo.....So what ammo do you use, what brand do you all prefer, and do you all use the premium or regular plain ol' ammo and is there any better performance with the premium over the regular ammo....? Thank you for reading and I appreciate any and all info you all can provide.

Fusion

At what ranges do you normally shoot?

The 80 grain Hornady Superformance + 80 grain GMX is in a totally different league, if your rifle will shoot it accurately. I shoot the 80 GMX out of my 6mm Remington, but my rifle much prefers RL17 to Superformance.

Federal blue box. Killed my last 4 or 5 deer with it and around a dozen pigs, all less than 200 yds, all dropped where they stood. The bullet is a 100 gr Speer Hot Cor, shoots right at 1" out of my Abolt. I don't see a reason to spend more with those results.

syncerus, we hunt two different hunting locations one being at 70yrd with the furthest spot being a little over 100yrds.I was considering using the 95gr Hornady Superformance but might give the 80gr some serious consideration... JJH, I've used the Federal Fusion in my .270 with great success, I am currently using the plain Federal blue box ammo in my .243, I haven't even thought about using the Fusion for the .243 seeing as I've had good results with my .270...Thanks you both for the replies.

Super performance is just kool aid. Pick your bullet then find the maker.

don't think it really matters that much frankly..
but I like the 80g Barnes TTSX bullet

X2 on the 80gr ttsx

I use one when I feel like it. As far as ammo I reload and this year it will be 90gr Nosler Accubonds.

I hunt with a couple of 243s. Not factory ammo but I use 90gr Nosler Ballistic Tips right at 3000fps. I do keep shot within 300 yds.

My son,wife and I shoot the 243. I reload 95 nosler ballistic tip and the 100 gr hornady. have dropped everything in its tracks. Love shooting them.

At the comparatively short ranges you describe, I'd much prefer the 80 grain gmx to the 95 grain sst. Since you asked about factory ammo rather than specific components, I tried to avoid specific recipes, but everyone I know who's used the Barnes 80 grain TTSX has been very happy, and Barnes is using it in their ammo now. I think the Accubond is a winner as well, and you can probably buy it in Nosler ammo.

Here's a thought for you: at the short ranges you describe, the conventional 100 grain bullet is great if you keep the velocities moderate. I've been using the 105 grain Speer HotCore at a very modest 2575 fps on hogs, and it's been nothing short of terrific with shoulder to shoulder penetration on 200 lb + hogs, etc. At velocities under 2800 fps, the cup and core 100 grain bullets are really pretty good.

I hunt with a .243 and have killed a lot with it. The best ammo out there is the Hornady 95gr. It has been very difficult to locate this year though.

I have killed a lot of deer since childhood with a 243
from cheap 80g softpoints, to 100s, and everythign in between.
handloads, factory ammo, etc..

For now I am sticking with the Barnes Vortex load with the 80g TTSX. In the interest of full disclosure, I get the ammo free but would pay for it..

I am not using it but my kids are and it's a wicked round.
My old Sako shoots that ammo .3" center to center and is running over 3300 FPS.

I like it because it shoots flat, and hits hard.
if a kid hits shoulder on a close shot or lungs at a distance, the bullet will work in both.

My oldest son dropped two does with a high shoulder shot last year, one at about 50 and one at 125, both went straight down, with a clean exit wound. Also dropped a buck with a neck shot at 150.

Grandpa hunted with one for 50 years or so. I shot 100 grain either rem green and yellow box or Winchester white box.

Good buddy hunts with one and shoots 100 grain partitions. Im going to buy one for my wife soon and it will shoot 100 grain partitions for deer.

My Savage 110 loves the Remington Core Lokts in 100gr.

shot placement trumps everything of course

I shoot the 100 grain Core-Lok. Shoots very well.

I've killed many deer and hogs with 100 grain Remington CorLokt ammo in my little .243. But I have a new box of Hornady 95 grain ammo that bought just to see of they made a difference.

I've killed plenty of deer and coyotes with whatever .243 ammo was the cheapest.

I love the 243, potent little round there. Barnes 80 tsx

Took 4 deer last year with plain old 100gr Core Lokts. 70 yards, 120 yards, 120 yards, 175 yards. Two were DRT and the other two ran about 25 yards.

I have shot a lot of game with the 100gr Core loket 243's as well.

Deadliest mushroom in the woods!

Hornady 100gr, in my 50,+ yr old Parker Hale!

Shot 70-105s on deer, all killed.

MY pick, a 95 Ballistic tip, handload, or a Winchester Ballistic Silvertip. Would shoot any deer or hog 0 to 500 yds with this bullet. It will blow thru shoulders, shoot .25 MOA, and flys flat and retains energy well, expands at any sane range, but holds together. It is MY fave all around - would even punch an Elk or Black Bear. Plain works.