243 Cartridges

[K22]

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?

Even with a varmint contour barrel, it's difficult to "see your hits" but, if you make an accurate shot you won't have to worry about that. Seeing my hits was never a priority for me. In fact, I never even considered it. I never had any difficulty getting back on target if necessary.

I do not know your hunting style but for me, since I when I hunted, I like to move around a lot, the last thing I wanted was more weight especially if it added no value for making a hit. In other words, I would not add weight to a rifle so I could see my hits.

Let me also add, since 1999, I have almost exclusively used various 223 Rem varmint grade accuracy rifles as my dominant varmint/predator rifle since where I hunt, shot opportunities are rarely over 300 yards. Most of my 243 varmint/predator hunting was done in Western PA from the mid 60's to mid 80's with the 222 Remington added later into the mix. Occasionally I would pull out the 243 Win for a nostalgia hunt, but it is overkill here in eastern PA plus the increase noise is not desirable in many the settled areas.

Due to a spinal condition, I have had to give up almost all hunting in 2025. But I can share my many years of experience in the field that hopefully may be helpful.

 

[243winxb]

243 Winchester - Not a bbl burner with IMR 4350 or 4831. I feel the longer bullets 85/90 gr seal the bore before the bullet base leaves the case. Less blowby

10 twist shoots 68 gr Berger, Sierra 85 gr #1530 & 90 gr Berger hpbt out of Rem 40X 27 1/4" bbl. 9 3/4 lbs. Plus scope.

The 90 Berger does no shoot in Rem 600 carbine with 18.5 bbl. Velocity to low, for twist.
Bullet Impack from prone, can be see in scope @ around 175 yards.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Even with a varmint contour barrel, it's difficult to "see your hits" but, if you make an accurate shot you won't have to worry about that. Seeing my hits was never a priority for me. In fact, I never even considered it. I never had any difficulty getting back on target if necessary.

I do not know your hunting style but for me, since I when I hunted, I like to move around a lot, the last thing I wanted was more weight especially if it added no value for making a hit. In other words, I would not add weight to a rifle so I could see my hits.

Let me also add, since 1999, I have almost exclusively used various 223 Rem varmint grade accuracy rifles as my dominant varmint/predator rifle since where I hunt, shot opportunities are rarely over 300 yards. Most of my 243 varmint/predator hunting was done in Western PA from the mid 60's to mid 80's with the 222 Remington added later into the mix. Occasionally I would pull out the 243 Win for a nostalgia hunt, but it is overkill here in eastern PA plus the increase noise is not desirable in many the settled areas.

Due to a spinal condition, I have had to give up almost all hunting in 2025. But I can share my many years of experience in the field that hopefully may be helpful.

I hear what your saying. As for my rat patch calibers I will be using a 17FB, 20VT, 20P and the 223, strictly shot of the bench, covering 400-yards with ease. As for the 6mm cartridges being discussed, this will be for rock chucks long distance and more than likely shoot off a bench or prone position. I seriously doubt I shoot anything heavier than a 70-grain bullet.

 

[357Mag]

“ Due to a spinal condition, I have had to give up almost all hunting in 2025. “

“ But I can share my many years of experience in the field that hopefully may be helpful. “

Bill -

We are thankful for your many helpful inputs !


With regards,
357Mag

 

[357Mag]

Even with a varmint contour barrel, it's difficult to "see your hits" but, if you make an accurate shot you won't have to worry about that. Seeing my hits was never a priority for me. In fact, I never even considered it. I never had any difficulty getting back on target if necessary.

I do not know your hunting style but for me, since I when I hunted, I like to move around a lot, the last thing I wanted was more weight especially if it added no value for making a hit. In other words, I would not add weight to a rifle so I could see my hits.

Let me also add, since 1999, I have almost exclusively used various 223 Rem varmint grade accuracy rifles as my dominant varmint/predator rifle since where I hunt, shot opportunities are rarely over 300 yards. Most of my 243 varmint/predator hunting was done in Western PA from the mid 60's to mid 80's with the 222 Remington added later into the mix. Occasionally I would pull out the 243 Win for a nostalgia hunt, but it is overkill here in eastern PA plus the increase noise is not desirable in many the settled areas.

Due to a spinal condition, I have had to give up almost all hunting in 2025. But I can share my many years of experience in the field that hopefully may be helpful.

Bill -

We are thankful for your many helpful inputs !


With regards,
357Mag

Even with a varmint contour barrel, it's difficult to "see your hits" but, if you make an accurate shot you won't have to worry about that. Seeing my hits was never a priority for me. In fact, I never even considered it. I never had any difficulty getting back on target if necessary.

I do not know your hunting style but for me, since I when I hunted, I like to move around a lot, the last thing I wanted was more weight especially if it added no value for making a hit. In other words, I would not add weight to a rifle so I could see my hits.

Let me also add, since 1999, I have almost exclusively used various 223 Rem varmint grade accuracy rifles as my dominant varmint/predator rifle since where I hunt, shot opportunities are rarely over 300 yards. Most of my 243 varmint/predator hunting was done in Western PA from the mid 60's to mid 80's with the 222 Remington added later into the mix. Occasionally I would pull out the 243 Win for a nostalgia hunt, but it is overkill here in eastern PA plus the increase noise is not desirable in many the settled areas.

Due to a spinal condition, I have had to give up almost all hunting in 2025. But I can share my many years of experience in the field that hopefully may be helpful.

K22 -

Oops ! A thousand apologies for calling you Bill, in my immediately prior post response!

I had just reviewed post input from another member, and you can guess his name !

Again, sorry ‘ bout the slip up !


Regards,
357Mag

 

[K22]

K22 -

Oops ! A thousand apologies for calling you Bill, in my immediately prior post response!

I had just reviewed post input from another member, and you can guess his name !

Again, sorry ‘ bout the slip up !


Regards,
357Mag

No problem.

 

[spaniel]

The 243Win is a fine cartridge. I've not reloaded a round that requires as much brass trimming as it does though. I went to the 243AI, and brass trimming became a thing of the past. I really don't see a downside to it. My first barrel got about 1200 rounds before it started to lose match performance accuracy. It's still fine for prairie dogs, but I pulled it to save as a serviceable fireforming barrel. I get about 3200fps or a bit more with 105s, I don't shoot the light stuff.

I've become inclined to view the 6mm as a varmint round, I moved up to 6.5-06AI as my perfect deer rifle. YMMV. I grew up in a non-rifle zone used to big holes in things, I just found 6mm stuff uninspiring on medium game.