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Thread: The .243 for Deer...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
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    'Down in the Holler', SC
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    Default The .243 for Deer...

    Who here uses, or has used a .243 to look a deer?

    Let’s assume a 90-100 grain load, recognizing that those are the most common loads for most hunters. And we’re talking about SC deer that run from 100-150 lbs, for the most part.

    What is the longest range you have, or would, comfortably use as an ethical DRT limit? For the sake of this discussion we can go +/- 50 yds for ‘DRT’, but none of this ‘I needed a tracking dog to finally find it’.

    Chuck Hawks claims the maximum killing range of the .243 runs from 180-275 yds, depending on the bullet. He is also using a minimum of 1300 ft lbs as the kill energy required, although other sources drop that minimum as low as 800 ft lbs.

    I have never used my .243 for deer, but for some odd reason(s) it has become my long-range rifle along with my 30-30, which is why I’m checking on it.

    Do what is realistic?
    .
    Foothills Golden Retriever Rescue
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    "Keep your powder dry, Boys!"
    ~ George Washington

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  2. #2
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    Dec 2007
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    Providence
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    Default

    95gr Nosler Ballistic tip, as far as you can shoot out the deer stand is probably within range.

  3. #3
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    Dec 2013
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    South Florida
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    Default

    I think 300 yards with good shot placement. A NOSLER BT or Berger VLD is what I'd shoot.
    "Hunt today to kill tomorrow." - Ron Jolly

  4. #4
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    Mar 2006
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    Diameter at Breast Height aka "DBH"
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    Been shooting a .243 since I was 7.... going on 35 years now. Shot them from 20 yards to 300 yards. I love that caliber. Son shot a doe at +/-265 yards last Thursday and she didn't move. All about what you have confidence in....I shoot factory Winchester CXP2 100 grain power points.

    Quote Originally Posted by Ghetto View Post
    A larger caliber will help you with your deer kills. Try it.


    Quote Originally Posted by Sportin' Woodies View Post
    I agree with timber22

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
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    Gray Court, SC
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    Default

    I shoot .243 as well for most of my hunting. Shoot a Barnes 80gr ttsx and I feel confident out to 300yd with it.
    "If its better than cold beer and hot pussy it'll probably kill us all" ~ Rebel Son

  6. #6
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    Jun 2010
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    Default

    Shot a few with 100 grain power points 50-200 yards- always dead

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
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    572

    Default

    Have shot power points, corelocts, powershock, powermax, and nosler trophy all in 100 gr.
    Imo this caliber is overlooked way to often.
    300 yards is not out of reach with this caliber. Just like with any other caliber shot placement is important.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
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    I shot a 50lb doe a few years ago with one, 12 ring, ran about 75 yds to my amazement.
    "They are who we thought they were"

    You can dress a fat chick up, but you cant fix stupid

  9. #9
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    Sep 2015
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    Shot placement !!! Problem here is some hunters can shoot and some cannot ,and gun always seems to take the blaim , shot placement ,smaller guns > easier on shoulder 1 light to carry 2 not to painful to shoot ,personally I think the 257 weatherby is the best rifle ever ,

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    God's Country
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    1,789

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    Zoom in on this picture and you’ll see a blur laying in the shooting lane. Right at 220 yard shot in the neck. DRT. Shot placement and confidence of the shooter is where it’s at. I shoot a 95 Grain Hornady SST Superformance in my Ruger 243.





    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by SCHUNTINFANATIC; 11-21-2020 at 01:22 AM.

  11. #11
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    Jan 2019
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    Hells half acre
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    I’ve only shot one deer with a 30-30. All the others I’ve ever shot was with a 243. Longest shot was 185, dropped in his tracks.
    Last edited by SpottailSpecialist; 11-21-2020 at 02:11 AM.

  12. #12
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    Mar 2004
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    Columbia
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    I love these threads
    Them that don't know him won't like him, and them that do sometimes won't know how to take him

    He ain't wrong, he's just different, and his pride won't let him do things to make you think he's right

    They don't put Championship rings on smooth hands

  13. #13
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    I bought a abolt 3 .243 last year for PSA Black Friday. I still
    Ain’t took it out of the box. Thanks for reminding me.
    Quote Originally Posted by JABIII View Post
    Indeed, yet I have killed no Jack Miners today, this month, or this season as our boy DHall has. I am more jealous of his awesome pig of a bird than everyone else combined.

    First Peter 5:7 "Cast all your care upon God"

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
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    Border of both Carolinas
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    My wife has killed quite a few deer with a 243 and most within 50 yds from a turkey chair. Killing them up close is a lot of fun.

    B6F91B88-8B16-43AA-9FD5-5FC97698DF57.jpg

    92C4B5FB-8AF6-41F6-BFC2-585B6EF932AB.jpg

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2019
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    Have killed several with the .243. I like it and am actually wanting to add another rifle to the arsenal in the same caliber. Maybe a Tikka.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
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    SC
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    When you buy a .243 for deer hunting and go to sight it in, use bags of rice instead of sand bags.

    You'll thank me later.

    Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    22 Mag is how we roll. Killed a 95/lb.doe this week with a .177 In her tracks
    Gettin old is for pussies! AND MY NEW TRUE people say like Capt. Tom >>>>>>>>>/
    "Wow, often imitated but never duplicated. No one can do it like the master. My hat is off to you DRDUCK!"

  18. #18
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    Sep 2001
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    Wateree, South Carolina
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    My longest .243 was just under 500 yds. Dead shoulder hit she ran 20 yards and piled up on the edge of the field.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    Gobbler's Knob, GA/ Bamberg,SC
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    Capable round. Biggest Black bear I ever witnessed being shot was DRT from a double lung with a 100 grain Corelokt at about 70 yards. Weighed on a certified scale at 503 lbs. 10 year old girl shot him. He made Boone and Crockett record book too.
    F**K Cancer

    Just Damn.

  20. #20
    Join Date
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    Gobbler's Knob, GA/ Bamberg,SC
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    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    F**K Cancer

    Just Damn.

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