Let’s talk about the 243win

[Ringbill27]

With today’s new 6mms shooting heavy bullets is the 243win even relevant?

I think it is but it’s not talked about anymore it seems.

Recently picked up two tikka compacts in 243win for dirt cheap. Pulling the barrel on one and the other went to my wife. I have to say impressed with this rifle and cartridge.

I’ve got the 95gr partition load to 3150fps and the 55gr BTs going 3750fps out of a 20” barrel. It should put a hurting in deer and yotes.

Now to move on to monos.

What’s your thoughts?

 

[Wild Bill]

I don't know why it would ever be irrelevant?
Heavier bullets coming out of other 6mm rifles don't make lighter bullets out of the .243 any less effective.
The .243WIN has always been a great cartridge for deer, pronghorn, varmints etc. and will continue to be.

 

[Sheltowee]

Tikka has started twisting their .243 Win barrels 1:8 to better accommodate heavier-for-caliber 6mm projectiles. Will be a little bit slow still for the really long bullets but the Hornady 103gr. ELD-X or Berger 108gr. Elite Hunter doing about 3000fps should be hellfire on any deer or pronghorn at reasonable ranges. Hammer's 104gr. HHT at 3335fps (side note: holy $#!&) with RL 26 is *real* intriguing but requires a 1:7 twist.

 

[Forkyfinder]

243 win is nasty effective. Its got some solid benefits over 6mm creedmoor - all just depends on your intended use.

If coyote hunting was a primary use - im taking a 243 win

 

[Ringbill27]

I don't know why it would ever be irrelevant?
Heavier bullets coming out of other 6mm rifles don't make lighter bullets out of the .243 any less effective.
The .243WIN has always been a great cartridge for deer, pronghorn, varmints etc. and will continue to be.

There really seems to be a trend that heavy is the only way.

Tikka has started twisting their .243 Win barrels 1:8 to better accommodate heavier-for-caliber 6mm projectiles. Will be a little bit slow still for the really long bullets but the Hornady 103gr. ELD-X or Berger 108gr. Elite Hunter doing about 3000fps should be hellfire on any deer or pronghorn at reasonable ranges. Hammer's 104gr. HHT at 3335fps (side note: holy $#!&) with RL 26 is *real* intriguing but requires a 1:7 twist.

I think the 1:10 twist has crippled the 243win compared to the other 6mms. Unfortunately the two I bought are the 1:10s. But I’m ok with a lighter bullet going stupid fast.

 

[Nick87]

.243 is timeless, it will never die.

 

[Sheltowee]

There really seems to be a trend that heavy is the only way.

I think the 1:10 twist has cripples the 243win compared to the other 6mms. Unfortunately the two I bought are the 1:10s . But I’m ok with a lighter bullet going stupid fast.

In that case, you might try the 75gr. Hammer HHT cruising at a cool 3600-3700fps.

 

[jimh406]

I never had a 243, but I’m considering it now that grandkids are getting older.

 

[Jnasa]

The 243 Winchester is a great cartridge. It is mild to shoot and has a great availability in components, ammo, and rifles. If all I hunted was deer at moderate ranges I would likely carry a 243. My wife has taken all of her deer with it. It may loose some popularity but I don’t see it going anywhere.

 

[Greyman]

All of my 3 sons shot their first deer with a break open, single shot 243. In fact, a bunch of hogs and a turkey have been taken with that same rifle. That said, I prayed that they would drop where they stood because there was almost never a blood trail.

 

[Ringbill27]

In that case, you might try the 75gr. Hammer HHT cruising at a cool 3600-3700fps.

That would be straight lightning on deer.

 

[belshawelk]

I have a Tikka .243 I use for Coyotes, Pronghorn and deer. Primarily for yotes. I shoot 55GR VMAX at 4000FPS. Shoots laser beams out to 300 yards ( unless wind)

Hornady 105GR Superformance for Pronghorn and deer.

Both shoot tiny little groups.

 

[Wild Bill]

It may loose some popularity but I don’t see it going anywhere.

The only people that may be out on it are those that chase numbers on spreadsheets for their own personal gratification.

 

[Forkyfinder]

I will say though - eld vt 80 grain out of a 6mm creedmoor is impressive. Not quite as flat as the v maxes out of a 243 - but close and very good on wind.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Every cartridge has its place. When used in the right situation in the right way it is perfect. Who cares what anybody else is shooting.

 

[F250]

We were issued .243 ‘s in Ruger Model 77. Also issued Federal Premium 100 gr. Nosler Partitions. Very accurate. Super effective on deer, black bear, and the occasional moose.

 

[longbow51]

Passed along my Winchester Featherweight .243 to a 12 yo girl whose Dad took his first buck with it., when he was 13. Nice 4 point, both of them.

Don't know what else I can say.

 

[Djfan]

Love mine. Use it for everything but elk, but I know guys who use theirs for elk. Shot my pronghorn at 300 yards this year with it. Double lung.

Fabulous weapon and round.

 

[mtmuley]

I like mine. I use it for what my cannon can't handle. mtmuley

 

[TN2shot07]

I love mine, 95 grain ballistic tips and the 80 grain ttsx have been great for me.