Ammo recommendations for a 1:10, .243 cal.

Cass

Bought myself a new .243 as a second deer rifle, and am hoping to collect her within the week. Thing is i haven't owned a .243 for a few years, and am "rusty" on ammo availability, and which round would suit.

She is a 1:10 twist with 24" barrel. So i'm looking for recommendations for suitable ammo, and if possible groups, performance reviews, price, etc.

TIA.

customrifle

Hi Ezri, had a remy 40xb years ago in 243 with a 1/10 twist and it loved the 85gr federals from what i remember, round the half inch mark at 200yard group if i did my part. never used it on deer it was a target/foxing gun and it was one of those that you look back on and regret trading. Will a 1/10 stablise a 100gr bullet? i only ask as have an xc running 115gr but its a 1/8 twist

Cass

Not too sure. Basic ballistics would tell you that a 1:10 is a "middle twist rate", and as such should prefer something in the mid range in terms of grainage. So from 68 - 85 would most likely be the range i'm looking for.


However with more than one rifle I've owned I've noticed some ammo performs well irrespective of twist rate. Now some of that was down to the rifle, but other times the ammo was just "that good".

That's why i'm hoping to get some feed back from different lads. If a 58gr worked well in one rifle with a 1:10, but another lad said he found them not great then i can hazard a guess the first lad's rifle just preferred them. If i get two lads agreeing on a specific bullet/round and they own two different makes then it's a safe assumption that is a round i should consider.

Well that's my line of thinking anyway.

clivej

Ezridax wrote: »

Bought myself a new .243 as a second deer rifle, and am hoping to collect her within the week. Thing is i haven't owned a .243 for a few years, and am "rusty" on ammo availability, and which round would suit.

She is a 1:10 twist with 24" barrel. So i'm looking for recommendations for suitable ammo, and if possible groups, performance reviews, price, etc.

TIA.

Not enough detail here, what is the rifle your getting Ez. Not that I could recommend any ammo for ya 'cos I never had a little .243

garv123

The lad I do all my deer stalking with uses 100gr Federal in his 1:10 twist 24" cz.243 and never once had a problem with them on foxes or deer. They do a fair bit of damage to foxes. 12" drop at 300 yards. He never really grouped them too much as he's no interest in target shooting.
The few I know with .243's use federal 100's

zlezlius

My Tikka T3 Lite in .243 1:10 twist loves 58gr Hornady V -maxes, does .2-.5 MOA. This is what I use for foxes. Not as tight groups with95gr SST Superformance- just over an inch maybe. Enough for deer though:). Thats all I tried so far (only new rifle). Might try standard 95 gr SST, might get tighter groups, as a lot of lads saying Superformance would'n group that well.
Good luck with the new rifle.

Cass

clivej wrote: »

Not enough detail here, what is the rifle your getting Ez.

Didn't think to put the make in clivej. It's an RPA Thumbhole.

Not that I could recommend any ammo for ya 'cos I never had a little .243

Would have agreed with ya before, but now i'm getting a "little 243" i'm outraged at that remark.

Cass

Thanks for info zlezlius. I understand i'll have to try a few different rounds, but i'm hoping i can narrow down the list from recommendations here.

zlezlius wrote: »

....... Superformance wouldn't group that well.

I've found that with Superperformance across most calibers (.223, .243, .308) from first hand experience, and reports form lads on the range. So i'm staying away from them.

Good luck with the new rifle.

Cheers.

customrifle

Fox and target wise the 75gr accutip bt remingtons are also a very good round through a 1/10 twist. If you are in a position to load down the range try and get some 87gr v max for yourself. Ive been meaning to try them in the xc. High bc and very good reviews.

4200fps

I've 1:10 twist in Tikka 243. Hates Hornady 100grain softpoints and 58 Moly and Superformance fire 100% and 80 Grain Superformance which I use on deer are very accurate too. Never tried other brands

badshot

75 grain norma
70 grain nosler from federal

cookimonster

1:10 Marlin Xs7- Hornady 58gr and 80gr Federals do sub MOA at 100yrds for me. Finally settled on 100gr Remington Express Core-Lokt for the dear season.
Zeroed at 100 theres a 2.8 inch drop at 200 and 11.3 inch at 300.

daithi55

hi mate i can give ya a few different various rounds of 100 grain ammo if ya like ive got some remington hornady and winchester going spare if ya want all soft point and in 100 grain

Cass

Thanks for all the info so, and keep it coming. Also any prices on ammo welcomed.

daithi55 wrote: »

hi mate i can give ya a few different various rounds of 100 grain ammo if ya like ive got some remington hornady and winchester going spare if ya want all soft point and in 100 grain

Generous offer, and i might take you up on that when i get the rifle. Thanks.

Al391

I've just bought myself a marlin X7 in .243 so this is very interesting reading.
Thanks lads.

mrbrianj

100grain federal powershok are the business in my rifle.

sealice

Federal powershok 100 grain @ 25 euro a box work well in my 1:10 twist little .243 i tried hornady superformanance 95 grain but didnt group as good as the federal

vulpus

I use 80 grain federal powershock for deer and fox and get 1 inch groups at one hundred yards.The 100 grain feels really tight when cycling the bolt-might just be my rifle.

declan1980

I'm using 95gr sst superformance in mine for deer, and they're deadly. I've shot a sika stag during the rut at 330yards with a high shoulder shot, and the result was bang flop, dead as a stone.
You're saying you'll stay away from the superformance, but you should still try a couple if you can get your hands on them. I'd imagine the ordinary 95sst's would have as good performance on deer.

Cass

declan1980 wrote: »

You're saying you'll stay away from the superformance, but you should still try a couple if you can get your hands on them. .

I know i said i'd stay away from them, but obviously if they work it would be silly to ignore them. My only reservation on them is their performance in .223's, .308's, etc. Even in those the first shot is usually on target, it's the follow up shots that seemed to "stray". Plus as one of the more expensive rounds i usually went with a slower (cheaper) more consistent round.

However if i get the chance to try them, and they work they will definitely be a contender.

Was also looking at the Federal, 85gr BTHP using Sierra Gameking. They seem to have the speed, muzzle energy, and performance. Anyone know of any dealer that stocks them? ANyone any experience with them?

customrifle

They are the 85grs i used in my 243. they also came in a ballistic tip in the 85gr if i rem correctly. its about 4 years since i had the 243 i used to get them in scullys for 32-34quid a box. im sure one of the other midland dealers should have them. the ballistic tip did some damage on the foxes, ill never forget scoopin up a 380 yard one. they were both around the half inch mark at 200 yards groupwise aswell

4200fps

Ezridex hows things.what make of rifle did you buy? I think breaking them in makes them more accurate?

Cass

Went for an RPA Thumbhole Hunter,



with Jet-Z compact mod,



Nightforce rings,



and Sightron S series 3.5-10 scope.




As for breaking them in. I've shot rifles after breaking them in, and some without breaking them in. The ones i found "needed" it were factory especially my old CZ527. Only started to come right after about 200 rounds. Other rifles needed no breaking in, and shot superbly from out of the box.

So it's a hard call either way. Usually i'll run a few rounds either way just for my own peace of mind.

4200fps

Thats a mighty set up. Never seen that rifle before. Its very nice. Looks great. I

The flattest hardest hitting round I could find was the 80 grain Superformance. Its nearly as flat as a 58grain load and hits harder than the 100grain load and they are very accurate. GMX bullet. Its all copper with a plastic tip. Good round I think. I wont leave them and them sst's are very good too. They have a lead core

Cass

As we have all said to someone else when i went out i was looking for a light barreled, timber stocked .243. Seen this and it felt right. So ended up going for it. Plus i know the RPA Quadlite action. Bullet proof (excuse the pun) so reliability won't be an issue.

Then when the barrel is shot out, 6xc


Until then i think buying a few boxes of Federal 85gr, Superperformance, SST could be in order. Test, and see what the rifle likes. I just wanted to narrow down the choices. Don;t want to spend a lot on ammo to find the right one. So this thread will help narrow down my choices to 2-3 types. Want to get it, zero it, and get shooting asap.

badshot

federal 55 grain nosler ballistic tip
beautiful rifle by the way
best of luck with it

sikastag

You could always try these:

RWS 100gr Soft Point ( 6.5g TMS)

RWS 96gr Cone Point (6.2g KS)


I have used both. Both are excellent.


Sika

Cass

Picked up the rifle tonight, and got a box of 58gr V-Max, 85gr Federal, and 100gr . Going to try all three and see which suits best on Friday.



Thanks for all the recommendations, and i'll stick up a few groups when i get to test her out.

Grizzly 45

Been running in mine with 1/10 twist. 243 semi auto

95 Grain Hornady V max @26/28 euros for 20
100 Grain Remington Core Lokt @ 24 euros for 20 appx
100 Grain Winchester Silver tip " " " " " "
100 Grain Privi Partizan 18 euros for 20

Thats also in order of price and preference.Find the Winch and Remmy is almost exactly the same.
Privi is fine for banging away on the range or foxes or goats.

However,it has one weird quirk in my rifle.When it is in battery,and you want to extract and clear the rifle ,the round can somtimes refuse to extract manually.It feels like it "bulges" slighty in the chamber,but with a lever like a screwdriver or knife blade levering it clears no problem.
When fired it EE&L no problem whatsoever.

4200fps

There is tighter grouping out of the superformance 58grain as I used many boxs of the standard v-max and they were good too but its a small step bellow the superformance. The 80 grain will be a great round. Perfect weight for any 243

Chesapeake

anything sub a 100 gr sould be peachy!

cookimonster

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Privi is fine for banging away on the range or foxes or goats.........
However,it has one weird quirk in my rifle.When it is in battery,and you want to extract and clear the rifle ,the round can somtimes refuse to extract manually.It feels like it "bulges" slighty in the chamber,but with a lever like a screwdriver or knife blade levering it clears no problem.
When fired it EE&L no problem whatsoever.

Something similar with the Marlin and the Privi, its tight to chamber but when fired it will extract and eject perfect and the fired case will fit perfect back in chamber. Was wondering if it was to do with the seating of the bullet. The gun cycles all other makes with no problems. Bummer as would love some cheep stuff for the range.

Grizzly 45

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with this problem.:D
Have you noticed that if you have shot the gun a few times and then manually extract/unload,there is no problem at all??
Think you might be onto somthing about the seating.

Cass

Eventually got to the range, but only for about 45 minutes (busy day).

I tried S&B 100 gr, Federal 85 gr, and Hornady 58 gr.

At 100 yards all three brands one holed with no difference in POI. By one holed i mean they all shot into the one hole. Took a little time to get the hang o the scope as i'm used to more powerful ones, but got there.

At 200 i had a little more "difficulty" holding dead steady. Eventually found my spot, and was getting between ragged one hole groups form the V-Max to 3/4" from the other two. I reckon in the hands o better shooter more used to lower powered scopes she would do better or maybe i might throw the 10-50x60 on her, and see shat happens.

I was expecting good things from the Federal, and Hornady, but was surprised at the Sellior & Bellot 100gr. they performed the same as the federal at 100 & 200. The Hornady was far faster, and there was a 1-1.25 MOA difference between them and the other two at 200 yards even though they were pretty much the exact same POI at 100.

All in all i'm delighted with the rifle. With the mod on the recoil is almost unnoticeable. Using the 58 gr there is no recoil, and battery is perfect meaning a quick second shot is easy. The illuminated mil-dot at the centre of the crosshair (not visible until you turn on the light) is a gift. It acts like a red dot sight. The gun cycles like a dream, and the trigger is crisp, and predictable.

Thanks to everyone for their recommendations. I'm happy with what i have tried so far, and will use them for the time being. I hope to try more ammo over the coming days/weeks, and will update as i try them.

Also thanks to dCorbus, and ruger1894 for spotting for me today. Hope you enjoyed the few shots.:cool:;)

4200fps

She be a demon when shes broken in. As you know yourself it will take time. I find all the hornadys great bar the soft points. Yet to try federal. I'd say your happy with it tho by the sounds of things

Cass

4200fps wrote: »

She be a demon when shes broken in.

Yeah. From initial performance i cannot wait until it's fully in. Signs are good so far.

As you know yourself it will take time.

Well used to it by now.

I'd say your happy with it tho by the sounds of things

Absolutely. I'd compare it to the FTR rig for comfort, with the practicality of a hunting rifle.

Expecting good things.

cookimonster

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with this problem.:D
Have you noticed that if you have shot the gun a few times and then manually extract/unload,there is no problem at all??
Think you might be onto somthing about the seating.

Stubbornly put 20 through the gun with more or less the same results, cycled 20 more to see if there was a difference but to no avail, gave them to a friend, he said he had no problem with them.
Just a thing though the brass is very popular for reload so it must be ok and I've read that some of this ammo can have an over generous lube coat on them????????.

cookimonster

Ezridax wrote: »

Eventually got to the range, but only for about 45 minutes (busy day).

I tried S&B 100 gr, Federal 85 gr, and Hornady 58 gr.

At 100 yards all three brands one holed with no difference in POI. By one holed i mean they all shot into the one hole......

Very interesting, I did the same with my rifle when I got it but there was a marked difference between the POI of the different grains and makes. The lighter grains impacted higher on the target than the heavier bullets.
What distance are you zeroing for to have each bullet trajectory intersect at 100 yards. This would be useful for many to know, as this would allow you to shoot three different weights for various quarry at different ranges with out re zeroing ...........

Cass

cookimonster wrote: »

What distance are you zeroing for to have each bullet trajectory intersect at 100 yards............

100 yards.

I don't do the "1/1.5/2 inch high at 100" thing. I zero for the range i want the gun zeroed for. in this instance i wanted to try the ammo at 100 before moving out further. At 100 yards they all had the same POI. As said i had two lads spotting for me that can confirm this.

The shift in POI only occured when i moved out to 200 yards. The 85 & 100gr had a 1.75 inch drop. The 58gr, (maybe) one click (1/4").

The gun is now set for the 85 gr as i have more of them than the others, but if i want to use the 58gr i simply give it three clicks up, and i'm zeroed for them. With mod off everything is 2 inches higher.

cookimonster

I must put a few more down range and compare POI and do a DOPE card for the 58 gr. I did so like shooting them and would like to have a more flatter shooting rnd for Mr Fox over longer distances. At present the 100gr are dropping 5 inches at 250 yards and 10 at 300 yards.

Grizzly 45

Just a thing though the brass is very popular for reload so it must be ok and I've read that some of this ammo can have an over generous lube coat on them????????.

Stuff I got was bone dry.Both brass and bullet head.An odd one...

4200fps

Ezridax wrote: »

100 yards.

I don't do the "1/1.5/2 inch high at 100" thing. I zero for the range i want the gun zeroed for. in this instance i wanted to try the ammo at 100 before moving out further. At 100 yards they all had the same POI. As said i had two lads spotting for me that can confirm this.

The shift in POI only occured when i moved out to 200 yards. The 85 & 100gr had a 1.75 inch drop. The 58gr, (maybe) one click (1/4").

The gun is now set for the 85 gr as i have more of them than the others, but if i want to use the 58gr i simply give it three clicks up, and i'm zeroed for them. With mod off everything is 2 inches higher.

I take it your scope is 1 click is 1/4 inch @100yrd? Why I ask is I'm on 80 grain and 58 grain and I've 7 clicks of a difference in both. Its very handy to know this. Have you your round hitting bulls eye at 100yrds?

Cass

4200fps wrote: »

I take it your scope is 1 click is 1/4 inch @100yrd?

Yup.

Have you your round hitting bulls eye at 100yrds?

Yup again.


I was surprised myself. I tried three rounds of each to see what the difference in each was. Then i loaded one round of each brand and fired them one after the other. dCorbus was spotting for me, and he can confirm that they made one large hole effectively removing the bullseye of the target.

As said above the difference came when i moved out to 200 yards. I fired three of each again, and the 85 & 100 gr were pretty much the same (1.75 inch drop). The 58 gr however was barely a click (1/4 - 1/2") out. When i adjusted the zero for the 85 & 100 gr to be on bull at 200 yards the 58 gr came up 1.5 inches hitting the top of the shoot-n-c. ruger1894 was spotting for these.


So what i have now is the rifle zeroed for the 85 gr as i have 45 rounds left at 200 yard. There is only an inch and a half difference between 100 & 200 yards with them.

The 58 gr have almost no difference in POI at 100 or 200 yards. However as they are 1.5 inches high compared to the 200 yard zero for the 85 gr i would need to drop them by 3 - 4 clicks to zero for them. Also there is a 1-2 click variation in windage with the 58 gr, but is so small as to nt be an issue.

Then all the rounds are 2 inches lower with the mod on than with the mod off.

So i now have a zero for 3 rounds, with mod on and off.

Sorted.:cool: