New to rifles, advice about .243 ammunition would be appreciated

[8x57]

So you are new to rifles and would like to get some practise in before deciding on whether you are going to go straight down the non lead route.

Forget what you were told about using full metal jacket rounds for the range that's old hat and dates back to when legislation was slightly different and you couldn't use expanding ammunition for target shooting on the range. Even back then you would find it extremely hard to find FMJ in .243win ammo.

To start off I would buy a box of PPU ammo and see if your rifle likes it. It's probably the cheapest commercial ammunition available and can be a bit of a mixed bag because it suits some rifles well, but others not at all. If it works for you it will probably be the cheapest way to gain some shooting experience.
Once you've gained a bit of experience with your rifle and hopefully built your skill levels it's then time to start experimenting with ammo from different manufacturers but unfortunately that's where it can get expensive because it will always be a case of buy a box and try it in your rifle, there's no short cuts unfortunately.

 

[8x57]

Ok as an example I use in my .243 a 95gn round by Hornady for everything from foxes to Red Deer the reason I use these is some of my ground holds reds but I also shoot muntjac on there so if a Red steps out and in season then the 95gn round works well.
If it is a blank I will carry on and see if I can knock off a fox.

That's exactly the same logic my buddy uses with his .243 but with a Sierra bullet if I remember correctly.
He is also required to use non lead ammo on some ground and I'm sure that there is a corresponding non lead round available.

I'm not going to get into the lead/non lead argument, I have my own views on it. Just to say I have only just started down the non lead route in preparation trials for the forthcoming inevitable legislation change.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Thanks for you contribution to the thread, it was very helpful.

No problem. I do try hard to assist, and in a constructive manner!

K

 

[Buchan]

If'd ask for a one for one and get a 6.5 instead - because of the shift to non-lead.

One of the more baffling aspects of firearms grants is this obsession with 243 as a starter calibre, despite a lot of training delivered to forces.

 

[8x57]

If'd ask for a one for one and get a 6.5 instead - because of the shift to non-lead.

One of the more baffling aspects of firearms grants is this obsession with 243 as a starter calibre, despite a lot of training delivered to forces.

While I would agree with what you have said Buchan don't forget that if the OP is intending to use MOD ranges there is currently a ban on the use of 6.5mm rifles on many ranges so that could pose a potential difficulty.

 

[Tim.243]

If'd ask for a one for one and get a 6.5 instead - because of the shift to non-lead.

One of the more baffling aspects of firearms grants is this obsession with 243 as a starter calibre, despite a lot of training delivered to for.

Still using mine also a lot of experience to be gained in 3 years, judging by this obsession to have every caliber under the sun also things change, I think the .243 is a good choice....who knows what is going to happen.
Re training and knowing people 1 new vet said my new pup is a bit "round"
My reply was "well mine get held back for a year and a half so when he starts work on the marsh" the weight will come off.

 

[Heym SR20]

A Tikka 243 with a 1 in 8 twist is more than capable of shooting lead free ammunition. Older 243’s use a 1 in 10” and will shoot 80gn non lead bullets perfectly well.

But like any rifle, lead or non lead each rifle will have its own preference for particular brands of ammo, and no two rifles are the same.

With a 1 in 8 twist you will probably have the option to use 90 to 100gn non lead bullets. I have been using 80gn Fox in my 243, they do go fast and kill well but do cause quite a bit of bruising on Roe. A bigger bullet a bit slower will kill just as well, but with less mess.

 

[Buchan]

Still using mine also a lot of experience to be gained in 3 years, judging by this obsession to have every caliber under the sun also things change, I think the .243 is a good choice....who knows what is going to happen.
Re training and knowing people 1 new vet said my new pup is a bit "round"
My reply was "well mine get held back for a year and a half so when he starts work on the marsh" the weight will come off.

Keep your pups light, skinny even. Steady growth and less weight will pay dividend when they are older.

That'll be 5 guineas

 

[Tim.243]

Keep your pups light, skinny even. Steady growth and less weight will pay dividend when they are older.

That'll be 5 guineas

Well chip was a heavy weight and he did ok.


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