.243 Non-Toxic Factory Ammo: Struggling for 1700 ft-lbs in a 20" Barrel

[DGAR089]

Hi all,

I was in my local RFD the other day discussing non-toxic options for my Sako 85 in .243 (20" barrel, 1:10 twist). The dealer recommended trying the Sako Powerhead Blades.

However, after running a few of these over the chronograph, I’m finding they run well under the UK legal limit of 1700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy required for large deer.

For context on my testing: I deep-cleaned the barrel with BoreTech Carbon C4 and CU+2 before hitting the range, fouled the barrel with 3 rounds, and then logged the data. Even at the maximum recorded velocity, I only managed 2,999 fps with the 80gr Blade, which calculates to just 1,598 ft-lbs. I only fired 5 rounds in total because they weren't making power and the groups weren't looking great either.

Doing some fag packet maths based on factory test barrels (usually 24") versus my actual 20" barrel:

• Lead: With 100gr Sako Gameheads, I usually get around 2,830–2,840 fps (~1,785 ft-lbs). Sako quotes 2,950 fps on the box, meaning I'm losing roughly 28 fps per inch over those 4 inches.
• Copper: The 80gr Blade is advertised at 3,182 fps. At my actual 2,999 fps, I'm losing about 45 fps per inch.

Looking at those losses, it seems like I'm going to struggle to hit the legal 1700 ft-lbs requirement with almost any factory non-toxic option out of a 20" barrel if they all drop velocity this hard.

Any suggestions for other factory loads I should try, or am I just ****ing in the wind here? I’d ideally like to try something in the 85–90gr bracket if possible, but I'd appreciate some pointers to potentially save me some cash!

Thanks in advance.

 

[VSS]

Maybe you worry too much?
Anyone who didn't own a chronograph would simply have bought the ammo, gone stalking, and been happy.

 

[Shootgun]

I've found exactly the same problem with the Sako Blades in my .243, so i'm running Wapiti.

 

[Leec6.5]

I’ve seen a lowland red spiker (rta) killed with a 17hmr @ over 100m!

You’re way over thinking too much!

 

[Smellydog]

Many of us always knew this but didn't give a ****.
243 has always needed barrel length to meet the stoopid UK law dreamers figures.

Fortunately is no legal requirement for you to test your ammunition. You got the grant now crack on.

 

[cjm1066]

Late friends Sako Stutzen had same issue, it worked nicely on deer with lead so he continued to use it.

 

[timbrayford]

If the box claims MV 3,182 fps this takes you comfortably over the ME limit, it won't make a jot of difference to the deer if hit in the right place .
I'm not sure that the police ever do spot checks on what you are shooting with anyway?

 

[Smellydog]

If the box claims MV 3,182 fps this takes you comfortably over the ME limit, it won't make a jot of difference to the deer if hit in the right place .
I'm not sure that the police ever do spot checks on what you are shooting with anyway?

Indeed, the police granted it. If there is an issue it's their fault!
243 technically isn't legal from the get go anyway!

 

[Andyquadra]

I've found exactly the same problem with the Sako Blades in my .243, so i'm running Wapiti.

I used to use Wapiti factory and from memory, it was doing 3100fpt ish out of my 20" tikka. I now homeland to factory coal and fps, but with N150 and getting great results

 

[andyk]

That velocity loss is about right for a fairly overbore cartridge like the 243.

You might get an 85gr bullet but I’m not aware of any 90gr copper that’s said to work in a 1:10 (fox do a 100gr intended for a 1:10 if you wanted to go even heavier, but the ballistics are terrible).

If you really want peace of mind, it may be worth trying a few other factory offerings but I wouldn’t hold my breath. I’d not bother with Hornady if you do, as their factory is rarely quick, perhaps Federal if you can get it, they do a premium offering with an 85gr.

All that said, no quarry if going to tell the difference and I really can’t see the police doing more than check the box to see whether the load is said to be deer legal, which it is.

 

[Andyquadra]

Wapiti are 85gr and I believe Hornady CX comes in 80 and 90gr but you'd need a 1in8 twist for the 90gr.

 

[wytonpjs]

I run .243, .270 and .308 rifles, all using Barnes TTSX bullets, which are available as factory loaded VOR-TX ammunition. In all but the the .243, for speed/convenience/lazyness I loaded my own cartridges to match the factory COAL and MV, achieving very good results in both accuracy and performance. For the .243, I too discovered that would only yield a round that was muntjac legal so had to up the MV to achieve (just) the UK minimum large deer legal energy requirements. As many have said, you’re are extremely unlikely to ever have to prove this but to me, that was not a consideration. It’s the law, and as a (generally) law-abiding citizen I choose to work-up a legal load because I could.

 

[wellyboot]

This is the same calibre and ammunition from a 20" barrel...picture taken in the winter.

It's not a rubber a bullet...are you telling me it's not up to the job...?

 

[Leec6.5]

This is the same calibre and ammunition from a 20" barrel...picture taken in the winter.

It's not a rubber a bullet...are you telling me it's not up to the job...?

Was there any need for that pic?

 

[wellyboot]

Apologies if it caused you offense, that was not my intention, more to illustrate the point that it is still very capable. Point taken though...

 

[Leec6.5]

Apologies if it caused you offense, that was not my intention, more to illustrate the point that it is still very capable. Point taken though...

Any bullet is affective when you take a shot to the head, you would have been better off taking a pic of a chest shot

 

[Mike1979]

Why do we struggle with a picture of a well placed head shot but are happy to see pics of an exploded heart or gralloch with a fully developed foetus?

I have to watch things that are sickening to me - TV is full of stuff about vegans and Chris Packham...I just turn them off but am well aware they still exist

 

[VSS]

Why do we struggle with a picture of a well placed head shot but are happy to see pics of an exploded heart or gralloch with a fully developed foetus?

I have to watch things that are sickening to me - TV is full of stuff about vegans and Chris Packham...I just turn them off but am well aware they still exist

I don't think we (meaning us lot) do struggle with it. And I think photos of dead deer, where they are used to illustrate specific points (particularly in the diseases, welfare & biology section of the site) can be very useful. However, we do also need to consider the impact such pictures may have on the casual observer, and whether they stand to either enhance or damage the perception of what we do.
The question was asked whether the photo was neccessary. Was it? The thread wasn't about head shooting.
We should always ask ourselves the same question when posting to social media.
Sometimes they are and sometimes they aren't.

 

[Mike1979]

I don't think we (meaning us lot) do struggle with it. And I think photos of dead deer, where they are used to illustrate specific points (particularly in the diseases, welfare & biology section of the site) can be very useful. However, we do also need to consider the impact such pictures may have on the casual observer, and whether they stand to either enhance or damage the perception of what we do.
The question was asked whether the photo was neccessary. Was it? The thread wasn't about head shooting.
We should always ask ourselves the same question when posting to social media.
Sometimes they and sometimes they aren't.

I see your point and pretty well all the photos I post are "considered" for exactly the reasons above. The issue I have is that we end up posting less and less because a "casual observer" may find it "distressing"..... Plenty of youtube footage with the warning "this is a shooting video, if you dont like shooting dont watch". This is a shooting forum in the main part so discussing shooting and seeing images of animals that have been shot should be expected.

I think the picture highlighted what both you and I know as both of us head shoot fallow with .243 rifles.

Of course we all have different views and at least the two of us can be polite about it

 

[DGAR089]

Ok, I’m probably overthinking things but I would like to stay the right side of the law if I can especially when police can and will remove licences for seemingly any reason possible.

I have plenty of time to test before we are forced to go non toxic and I just wanted to see what others were using.

The fact that these don’t give me the group id expect means I’d have to keep looking anyway.

I’m fully aware that deer can be dispatched with a much smaller calibre with a well placed shot but that’s not really what my question was about. I’m just trying to stay legal and find a factory load that is accurate for my barrel without spending a fortune going through every option available.