Well if it’s a stalking rifle and it can’t be achieved then it’s going to need a new barrel anyway so what’s the harm in trying, provided you stick to safe reloading practices - N160 definitely won't do it though...Nope, I really don't think so in such an overbore chambering as a 243. Even if remotely achievable and could stuff in enough of the best powder to the limit of pressure, even beyond, it would have to be stoked up to the max. I don't really think that trying to get a 16" 243 all-deer legal is the wisest idea.. Nor the best recipe for barrel life.
@takbok posted this link on a similar thread 5 years ago
243 Winchester- Effect of barrel length on velocity
80 gr seems to lose around 320 fps dropping from 24 to 16", Nosler shows 2 loads that would give 1700 ft-lb with a 320 fps loss, just, - IMR4831 and unsurprisingly RL17
243 Winchester Load Data
Explore the world of Nosler, renowned for crafting the finest bullets, ammunition, rifles, and brass. Discover our extensive lineup, including Partition, AccuBond, E-Tip, Ballistic Tip, Custom Competition, and more. Experience superior quality and performance with Nosler products.
That's not to say its possible but there is potential. Yes it is going to eat the barrel but the barrel is on there so it may as well get eaten then replaced with an 18.5" or something along those lines.
The other thing, as I found with the Sharps is you need to experiment with different brass and primers (always starting low and working up with each change) and then you might just get lucky and hit on a combination that works, safely. It took me over a year and a dozen or so test loads to get there!
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