.243 Win. factory load recommendations?

Triggernosis

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Dec 30, 2006
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Any suggestions as to some of the better factory loads for a .243 Win. for both long-range, particularly something that I could both target shoot with and hunt deer/antelope with.
So far I've only tried Hornady Custom 95 gr. SST and Rem. Core Lokt PSP in 100 gr..
The Core-Lokt's shot really well at 100 and 200 yds., but they aren't necessarily a longer-range bullet being flat-based and all.

Any suggestions on others to try? I know I'll have to try each in my individual rifle, but there's no need in fooling around with the wrong bullet to start with.
 
I have tried the Hornady Vmax with good results (am not sure if available in a factory offering though). Then reload if necessary would be my suggestion on that. Also, if the Core lokt is working well for you, give them a try at the longer distances you want in order to disprove if they will or will not work. A thought anyway. Good luck.
1kstr
 
The 75-gr. V-Max IS available as a factory round, but that would be a bit light for longer-range shooting, wouldn't it? (wind-wise, I mean).
I'll try the Core-Lokt's at distance and see how they do. I'd love it if they did well, as they're usually the least expensive factory round on the shelf.

Thanks for the recommendations.
 
I don't know if it's still available but years ago I shot the Federal Premium loaded with a 100 Sierra Boat Tail softpoint. I shot deer out to 375 yards and never had to track them over 50 yards.
 
I have shot the corelocks and they are a very good bullet. sometimes not the most accurate and they are not made for elk but they play havock on deer. I would suggest an corelock to a hunter. Never tried them at long range though. I have a friend that shot a deer at a little over 400 with a factory loaded 80gr. federal soft point and he only made it a few yards. It punched all the way through.
 
i have shot a lot of deer with .243. none were all that far. none with factory ammo. for factory ammo: the hornady light mag 100 grain boattail . if it groups well .
 
for shooting factory ammo i like federal for rifles and shotguns i use to shoot the 95 grain nosler ballistic tips with good sucess and any of my freinds that shoot a 243 shoot the nbts
 
Federal Premium offers a loading with the Barnes 85gr TSX that shoots really well.
 
I use core-lokts in 100 grain and have nailed a few groundhogs at 400 yards. I'm still struggling to push past 500 or 600, and I'll let you know if I can get good groups (once i work out the wind issues... and get a target big enough to find my shots).
 
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