First 243 and about to learn about hand loading - questions

[OldWalt]

I did search but did not find the answer to my question. Noob here - please help.

Been shooting 30-06 for hunting deer - my max is 350-375 yards. So I comfortable hunting within that range. I know more than a few people hunting with 243 and they are getting much less meat damage and good terminal performance. So I have purchased a Tikka in 243 with 22.4" barrel 1:8 twist.

I'm going to start out shooting box ammo - Sig Sauer 90gr Sierra Tipped Game King and Hornady Precision Hunter 90gr ELDX - as both of these rounds should allow me terminal performance out to and past 350 yards on deer with the 243.

But I want to start dabbling with longer range target shooting too. And the thought of the low recoiling 243 for that application appeals to me. So for the sake of practicality I am going to stick with the 243 for that.

I keep reading about how great the 105s are for distance. These bullets are longer than standard box 243 stuff. I am about to invest in all the reloading equipment. My question is - Do I need to have a smith do anything to my rifle in order to shoot the longer oal that I will have if loading 105s or larger? Chamber or throat change? If so, will that affect my ability to hunt with box ammo? I know Berger has a 105 VLD for hunting but don't want to waste any box ammo I have laying around. Am I not thinking of something that I should be?

I new at this so please forgive my ignorance. Just trying to learn!

 

[CJ6]

I'd leave your rifle AS IS. TIKKA CIP chambers are pretty good the way they are. You (I) wouldn't want to do anything to the barrel that would or could jeopardize what you already have.
105s-110s will run just fine with your stock barrel. You'll be down a bit in velocity because of the shorter barrel for longer ranges but it will work.
Sierra, Hornady, Berger Lapua try them all.
If you want to get serious about shooting long get a longer heavier barrel.

 

[OldWalt]

Wow that's great! Thank you for insight.

 

[koger]

I have a Tikka T3 stainless with a Vortex 4x12x40 on it with BDC reticle. With 100gr handloads it shoots 1/2" or less for 3 shot groups and with a 70-75 gr Sierra it shoots a ragged hole in the low .3's. I have 4 Tikkas and they all are shooters. I am sure yours will be too.

 

[K22]

I have shot a lot of deer with the 243 Win but never at those distances you mention. That's not to say that it can't be done, just that I have never shot them at those distances here in the east.

I have also shot and hunted with the 243 since the mid to late 60's, hunting varmints, predator and deer. The absolute best bullet both in accuracy and terminal performance I ever used was the Sierra 85 BTHP. However, all my rifles were either 10 or 9 1/4" twists.

All the Tikka's I have own, including the 243 Win are outstanding rifles, both from an accuracy and functionality standpoint. I would not mess with the chamber. There are plenty of excellent bullets to fit the existing chamber. The only aftermarket changes I made is replacing the original pistol grip with Tikka's vertical pistol grip. This improved my ability to shoot these rifles since it provided a better trigger finger position.

I also never shot the 243 Win in competition, but David Tubb did years ago and won some matches with it. However, if I was interested in serious long-range competition, I would consider one of the cartridges being used by the top competitors today since there are better choices for target shooting.

In my experience, the 243 Win is one of the best dural purpose cartridges for hunting varmint/predators and deer. This is where it really shines especially with the 85 BTHP. You have one load that works exceptionally well for all these critters. The advantage should be obvious.

Some claim that the 243 is a "barrel burning". I have not found that to be the case at all if used sensibly as a hunting rifle limiting sustained fire sequences and only, when necessary, in a hunting situation. I have retained hunting grade accuracy in at least two rifles that had 3,000+ rounds. In other words, it's not a cartridge that lends itself to a prairie dog hunt or sustained fired sequences often required in competitive shooting.

 

[JEFFPPC]

My grandkids in Idaho have killed multiple elk and mule deer, all with .243s using Federal Fusion. My Tikka .243 with with 100 gr Nosler Partion got me a nice Pa 8pt at 200 yds. DRT.

 

[Plumsask]

I shoot the 90 sierra tipped game king in one of my ,6mm AI's. N-169-h4350, H4831sc, N-165 all worked well, I settled on 4831sc. It was amazing easy to tune, very accurate, awesome on whitetail, mule deer, antelope and coyotes, with my furthest coyote at 650 yards with that bullet. Furthest deer at 347. Drt. I was pushing them at 3500 FPS put of a 26" barrel with the 6AI. With the 243 I think 3300- possibly 3350 fps is achievable.

 

[243winxb]

85 gr Sierra #1530 & IMR4350 for 243 Win.

Berger 90gr hpbt match & IMR4831 for target. 10 twist barrel. Br2 Primers. Win brass full benchrest prep.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

85 gr Sierra #1530 & IMR4350 for 243 Win.

Berger 90gr hpbt match & IMR4831 for target. 10 twist barrel. Br2 Primers. Win brass full benchrest prep.

Correct - and don't get the barrel too hot at the range!

 

[Jr solocam]

As others have stated, no need for any 'Smith work. The Sierra 85 bthp is great for coyotes and broadside deer shots. I am a fan of the TGK for deer/pronghorn. H4350 and H4831sc are the historical winners with the .243 although newer powders such as R26 will yield higher velocities. Shoot whatever your rifle likes and good luck!

 

[5spd]

Best bullets for a 243, IMO.
Sierra 85g jhp
Sierra 90g TGK
Nosler 90 & 95g HBT
My go to is sierras 90g TGk.
Every deer, antelope I've shot with the above have all been 1 shot, drop on the spot kills.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Try, the 107 Grain SMK, Lightly JAMMED,.. If you can,... reach, the Throat in your chamber.
Look at Med Fast to slow, Powders, like IMR-4350, N-150, H-4831, N-160 etc. Sierra HAS, Data !
The 107's shoot Okay when, "Jumped", too, Shooting, Well above their,.. "Pay grade" for,.. the Price !
Those are what I use for, Long Range, Steel Plates, in my 6 XC.
108 grain, Elite Hunter, BERGERS are also Great for, LR,..Steel OR, Hunting Deer, in an 8 Twist Barrel.
Worth, the Extra cost FOR,.. Deer,.. IMO !