[coop]

Hey guys just wondering what .243 round would be the most devastating to a good ol' whitetail.

[lonyaeger]

You mean a factory round or do you reload?

[Sniper03]

coop,

In reality the 243 is about the minimum for whitetail. I have shot them with a 243 on several occasions and there is no doubt it will bring a whitetail down. But the considerations must be range which in my opinion should not be more than 100-150 yards. Then the consideration of ammunition. Obviously we have better bullets today than in the past. But If you are going to hunt with one you should be very critical on shot placement as well as use good quality bullets no lighter that 85 and preferably 85-100 gr. Hornady, Barnes and Nosler are making about the best rounds in my opinion for hunting whitetail with the 243 Win. caliber. But even on a good shot expect them to run some. I have found 50-100 yards even with a heart and lung shot. But it is a good caliber and very accurate.
I also love it for coyotes!

03

[303tom]

This is what I would use....

Super-X Power Max Bonded Ammo 243 100 Grain Protected Hollow Point Box of 20

[Marlinman]

Originally Posted by 303tom

This is what I would use....

Super-X Power Max Bonded Ammo 243 100 Grain Protected Hollow Point Box of 20

These are great rounds as are the 100 gr silver points by winchester. All federal 100 gr work awesomely as well

[Marlinman]

Originally Posted by Sniper03

coop,

In reality the 243 is about the minimum for whitetail. I have shot them with a 243 on several occasions and there is no doubt it will bring a whitetail down. But the considerations must be range which in my opinion should not be more than 100-150 yards. Then the consideration of ammunition. Obviously we have better bullets today than in the past. But If you are going to hunt with one you should be very critical on shot placement as well as use good quality bullets no lighter that 85 and preferably 85-100 gr. Hornady, Barnes and Nosler are making about the best rounds in my opinion for hunting whitetail with the 243 Win. caliber. But even on a good shot expect them to run some. I have found 50-100 yards even with a heart and lung shot. But it is a good caliber and very accurate.
I also love it for coyotes!

03

As said shot placement is key but w any good 100 gr bullet they are deer lethal out to 250 yards as a normal rule. Thats hittin em in the boiler room wo hittin a shoulder though.

[coop]

Alright, thank you very much fellas.

[okie50]

I have a reload that is deadly for coyote as well as deer if you or anyone is interested. I normally don't use my .243 during deer season but I have & my boys have taken many deer with this load. This load was recommended to me by a guy that has been reloading for over 32 yrs & his specialty is the .243 plus his a bulletsmith at Sierra Bullets. I would be more than happy to share it if anyone wants to give it a try. Just shoot me a pm.

[dteed4094]

I swear by my 06 but I've seen my cousin, with a 243 drop deer on the spot with an identical shot I made, with almost Identical damage and mine went 50 yds before dropping. Maybe shocking power was the dif.

[cottontop]

I also have a load for the .243 Win. that is deadly on deer and larger varmints. pm me and I will pm it to you.
cottontop