243 Cartridges

[Mike in Oregon]

Is the below true? I was always under the impression the 243 was a barrel burner, therefore jumping up in fps, it would be even more of a barrel burner! My plan would be to shoot nothing heavier than an 80-grainer. More likely, a 65 or 70-grain.

243 vs 243 30-degree vs 243AI​

When comparing the .243, .243 30-degree, and .243AI, it's important to consider their specific advantages and disadvantages. The .243 is known for its high velocity and accuracy, making it suitable for long-range shooting and varmint hunting. The .243 30-degree variant offers a slight increase in velocity and improved barrel life, but it may not be as accurate as the .243AI. The .243AI, on the other hand, is designed to reduce case stretch and improve barrel life, making it a great choice for those who prioritize long-term accuracy and less frequent rebarreling.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

Friend of mine is a professional varmint hunter/culler, shoots 1000s of animal every year and exclusively shoots 243AIs and 70gr BTs with a dash of 50greiner now and then. Shoots of the back of his truck out of a chair so runs 30/32"heavy barrels on his varmint rifles, runs 70gr BTs close to 4000fps out of his rifles and he gets around 2200 usable rounds on a barrel for what its worth. He gets paid to shoot them so the harder and quicker he puts them down the better and a rifle barrel is just a consumable to him, I guess if you don't push it that hard you can extend a barrel quite a distance.

The reduction in case stretch/trimming on the Ackley's is a well documented and known fact, every group I shoot with has at least 1 243AI in the group and non of them complain more about rebarreling then say the other guys shooting XCs or Creeds.

Its not the caliber id choose for high volume competition shooting or say high volume groundhog hunting but for a hunter or cayote type varmint hunter I wont look allot further

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Friend of mine is a professional varmint hunter/culler, shoots 1000s of animal every year and exclusively shoots 243AIs and 70gr BTs with a dash of 50greiner now and then. Shoots of the back of his truck out of a chair so runs 30/32"heavy barrels on his varmint rifles, runs 70gr BTs close to 4000fps out of his rifles and he gets around 2200 usable rounds on a barrel for what its worth. He gets paid to shoot them so the harder and quicker he puts them down the better and a rifle barrel is just a consumable to him, I guess if you don't push it that hard you can extend a barrel quite a distance.

The reduction in case stretch/trimming on the Ackley's is a well documented and known fact, every group I shoot with has at least 1 243AI in the group and non of them complain more about rebarreling then say the other guys shooting XCs or Creeds.

Its not the caliber id choose for high volume competition shooting or say high volume groundhog hunting but for a hunter or cayote type varmint hunter I wont look allot further

That is great info! I'm guessing I'll be shooting 500 rounds a year at best. I can live with that. Sounds like he prefers BT's over the Vmax? Any experience with the Vmax down there?

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

That is great info! I'm guessing I'll be shooting 500 rounds a year at best. I can live with that. Sounds like he prefers BT's over the Vmax? Any experience with the Vmax down there?

I used 1000s of 87gr Vmaxs in my 243s and SLRs over the years on animals up to say white tails and loved them but they are "stronger" then the 70gr BTs (less explosive on soft tissue shots).

The 87gr Vmax is highly regarded this side of the world as a medium game hunting bullet and as I said they aren't as explosive in that weight as the 70gr BTs. I used the 75gr Vmaxes for a while but they were more fragile at 243 speeds and i wanted a dual bullet for larger varmints and medium game

That guy is one of the top varminters in the country and also has his own GS so he has access to almost any bullet, if he chooses the 70gr BTs (well varmageddon actually) for larger Varmints I wont argue with him

 

[hoz53]

I used 1000s of 87gr Vmaxs in my 243s and SLRs over the years on animals up to say white tails and loved them but they are "stronger" then the 70gr BTs (less explosive on soft tissue shots).

The 87gr Vmax is highly regarded this side of the world as a medium game hunting bullet and as I said they aren't as explosive in that weight as the 70gr BTs. I used the 75gr Vmaxes for a while but they were more fragile at 243 speeds and i wanted a dual bullet for larger varmints and medium game

That guy is one of the top varminters in the country and also has his own GS so he has access to almost any bullet, if he chooses the 70gr BTs (well varmageddon actually) for larger Varmints I wont argue with him

thats a cool video. seems hardest part would be picking them all up- finding them and remembering where they are. thanks

 

[hoz53]

That is great info! I'm guessing I'll be shooting 500 rounds a year at best. I can live with that. Sounds like he prefers BT's over the Vmax? Any experience with the Vmax down there?

i have never had very good luck with a 243. the strait 6br gets me almost the velocity and better accuracy. i suppose i should give the 243 a try once more with a good barrel and if i do mite well be anAI. 4000 with a 70 grain would have to be a hoot.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

thats a cool video. seems hardest part would be picking them all up- finding them and remembering where they are. thanks

They actually have a "device" sort of like a GPS laser that pinpoints where they drop them (trying to explain something I'm not 100% sure of) , id say hardest part is calling them in they don't just run towards him because they like Toyotas. Im talking under correction but I think the most they shot over a weekend with two trucks were 150

 

[K22]

Do you want some real-world experience about the 243 Win and not internet BS?

I don't mean to be flippant, but I shot this outstanding cartridge from the mid 60's until recently. I've taken eastern white tail, groundhogs, foxes and coyotes with this outstanding cartridge. I used factory ammo until I started reloading in the early 70's.

I've owned many various brands of 243's, i.e. Winchester, Remington, Browning, and Tikka. I've tested and shot bullets ranging from 70 to 100 grains.

This rifle shines as a dual-purpose cartridge, i.e., deer and varmints/predators. In today's affluent world, this probably isn't a consideration anymore but in my early days in the sport, most in my area could only afford one rifle. The 243 Win fit the need perfectly.

However, it is also an excellent single use long-range cartridge for varmints and predators. Would I choose it for a high-volume single session varmint cartridge, i.e., p-dog hunting, no. But for deer and varmint/predator hunting applications, you bet.

I never found the 243 to be a "barrel burner" as most gun writers claim. This may be due to my manner of range shooting and hunting. I do not shoot sustained fire sequences which heat up the barrel because this has no real-world applications for me. It's the cold / cool barrel shot that is the money shot for my applications thus that is the way I practice. I've had rifles with 3000+ rounds that still held varmint level accuracy.

Regarding case life, if one controls and monitors F/L sizing with a bump gauge and caliper to produce optimum case fit for a specific rifle, the cases last as long as any other non-magnum cases. In other words, sized properly, case life is not an issue.

The absolute best bullet I ever tested and hunted with in the 243 Win is the 85 Sierra BTHP backed by IMR 4064 or Varget. This is an all-purpose bullet which can be used for deer, varmints and predators. For strictly varmint / predator hunting, the 80 grain Sierra Blitz is outstanding as a long-range option. The 70 Nosler BT is also a very good option. Both back by the same aforementioned powders.

I believe the standard 243 Win case is capable of everything one would want with tailored reloads. If I could own only one hunting rifle for eastern hunting applications, it would be the 243 Win. I base all this statement on my extensive experience with the fine cartridge.

 

[John Beauchamp]

Do you want some real-world experience about the 243 Win and not internet BS?

I 'm curious what makes your internet information reliable and someone else's BS

 

[K22]

That's a fair question and deserves a straightforward answer.

I base my assertions on over 50 years of shooting this cartridge in hunting situations which includes deer, groundhogs, predators, and a fair amount of range practice.

Back in the day when I began first hunting deer with this cartridge many gun magazine writers created the myth that the 243 Winchester was marginal at best for deer. I never found this to be true with correct shot placement which, of course is necessary for any cartridge. This myth seems to persist today although less so.

The are many internet claims about this cartridge being a "barrel burner." This is probably true if you plan to use this cartridge for high volume single session target shooting or single session varmint hunting such as for p-dogs. However, using this cartridge for hunting deer, eastern ground hogs and predators, where this is mostly a low volume single session shooting scenario, I have had barrels continue to shoot well past 3,000 rounds and still hold varmint level accuracy. The key, in my experience, to making barrels last is not to overheat them.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

That's a fair question and deserves a straightforward answer.

I base my assertions on over 50 years of shooting this cartridge in hunting situations which includes deer, groundhogs, predators, and a fair amount of range practice.

Back in the day when I began first hunting deer with this cartridge many gun magazine writers created the myth that the 243 Winchester was marginal at best for deer. I never found this to be true with correct shot placement which, of course is necessary for any cartridge. This myth seems to persist today although less so.

The are many internet claims about this cartridge being a "barrel burner." This is probably true if you plan to use this cartridge for high volume single session target shooting or single session varmint hunting such as for p-dogs. However, using this cartridge for hunting deer, eastern ground hogs and predators, where this is mostly a low volume single session shooting scenario, I have had barrels continue to shoot well past 3,000 rounds and still hold varmint level accuracy. The key, in my experience, to making barrels last is not to overheat them.

I appreciate your post sir. Common sense is to not shoot long strings and allowing the barrel to build heat. Perhaps this is where the ferry tail came from? If a guy can get 2K plus rounds out of a barrel at speeds mentioned, I'm good with that. I think I have narrowed the field down.

 

[Evlshnngns]

I run a straight 243, great cartridge. I'd get a 6mm creedmoor if I wanted a 30°shoulder version. If I wanted more barrel life Id go 6gt or dasher.

We have so many great brass options for 6mm, I don't see the point in fire forming and custom dies.

 

[John Beauchamp]

That's a fair question and deserves a straightforward answer.

I base my assertions on over 50 years of shooting this cartridge in hunting situations which includes deer, groundhogs, predators, and a fair amount of range practice.

Back in the day when I began first hunting deer with this cartridge many gun magazine writers created the myth that the 243 Winchester was marginal at best for deer. I never found this to be true with correct shot placement which, of course is necessary for any cartridge. This myth seems to persist today although less so.

The are many internet claims about this cartridge being a "barrel burner." This is probably true if you plan to use this cartridge for high volume single session target shooting or single session varmint hunting such as for p-dogs. However, using this cartridge for hunting deer, eastern ground hogs and predators, where this is mostly a low volume single session shooting scenario, I have had barrels continue to shoot well past 3,000 rounds and still hold varmint level accuracy. The key, in my experience, to making barrels last is not to overheat them.

I'm an old man too, been loading since 1958. I wasn't disagreeing with your 243 information, i was just pointing out that you dissed other internet information and then gave information over the internet. Not trying to be sarcastic just old and ornery

 

[K22]

I'm an old man too, been loading since 1958. I wasn't disagreeing with your 243 information, i was just pointing out that you dissed other internet information and then gave information over the internet. Not trying to be sarcastic just old and ornery

Your point is well taken and was a fair question. I kind of over did it bashing the net. It's just that I get frustrated seeing so much misinformation promulgated on the net. However, there is a lot of useful and valid information also on the net posted by creditable shooters.

I will try to me more measured in my responses.

 

[K22]

I appreciate your post sir. Common sense is to not shoot long strings and allowing the barrel to build heat. Perhaps this is where the ferry tail came from? If a guy can get 2K plus rounds out of a barrel at speeds mentioned, I'm good with that. I think I have narrowed the field down.

I should add that for years, the load I used was the Sierra accuracy load of 37.0 grains of IMR 4064 for their 85 BTHP published their 50th Anniversary Edition Reloading Manual so I wasn't pushing 42 to 45 grains of powder down that 6mm bore like some do using slower burning powders like IMR 4350 and 4831.

Perhaps along that load and with my measured shooting approach at the range, I was able to obtain the barrel life that I did.

I will try to moderate my emotions when it comes to the 243 Win. It's just it such a great cartridge in my experience. The modest recoil, excellent accuracy and effective terminal performance are top notch in my experience.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I should add that for years, the load I used was the Sierra accuracy load of 37.0 grains of IMR 4064 for their 85 BTHP published their 50th Anniversary Edition Reloading Manual so I wasn't pushing 42 to 45 grains of powder down that 6mm bore like some do using slower burning powders like IMR 4350 and 4831.

Perhaps along that load and with my measured shooting approach at the range, I was able to obtain the barrel life that I did.

I will try to moderate my emotions when it comes to the 243 Win. It's just it such a great cartridge in my experience. The modest recoil, excellent accuracy and effective terminal performance are top notch in my experience.

So, you hit on the next issue, recoil. I know that this will be at least a 13-14 lb. setup. Even at that, I still won't be able to see my kills. I'm guessing either a brake, mercury tube or weight will have to be added. Thoughts?

 

[John Beauchamp]

I think if you are limited to one gun for all purposes the 243 fills that job very well. I'm more of the idea that if you can have 13 special purpose golf clubs i should be able to have the same for shooting. specialized not all purpose, but that's just me

 

[C.E.Smith043]

To my understanding, a longer neck contributes to a cartridge being less of a barrel burner.

The biggest thing that will burn up a barrel the quickest is consecutive shots without letting the barrel cool. Heat is the number one factor, friction is next.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Let's add twist into this now. In order to shoot the lighter (65-grain Vmax or 70-grain BT) end of the spectrum, I'm guessing a 10 to 12T. I'm leaning towards the 12T.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

12 should do you fine