Ive never had a problem stabilizing federal 100g lead bullets but maybe Ive been lucky. I understand stability is binary, either it will stabilize or it wont. Im currently using up lead but soon I'll switch to copper. I fancy trying something lighter (and shorter) like a 85gr Peregrine VRG3, mainly for close range woodland roe. Im sure more ammo choices will turn up.
243 second hand market dead
- Thread starter charlie-fox
- Start date
I’ve got a feeling quite a few people think the 100gr minimum still applies, or have been persuaded that no copper will stabilise in a 243.
I don’t think BASC helps in this regard, the mag keeps including articles about how 243 doesn’t properly stabilise copper as they’re continuing to push the idea of the exemption applying up to 6.5mm. My fear is all they’re doing is convincing people that 243 is no good when they’ve got no hope of turning back the tide on the lead ban.
I don’t think BASC helps in this regard, the mag keeps including articles about how 243 doesn’t properly stabilise copper as they’re continuing to push the idea of the exemption applying up to 6.5mm. My fear is all they’re doing is convincing people that 243 is no good when they’ve got no hope of turning back the tide on the lead ban.
You were doing so well until that bit there.
Firstly, these fox bullets have the BC of a brick and even at 200, the difference between them and the likes of a TGK for your windage is definitely enough to consider. After all, BC isn't just about drop.
The 243 is also absolutely capable of 300+ yards on deer, providing the correct bullet is used (as any cartridge). My load in specific still has just shy of 1500fpe at 300 which is more than capable of killing deer.
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Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
The 85gr Peregrine VRG3 works very well. I have used the 100gn VRG3 and that cloverleafs in my 243 Heym.
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
I would agree with you re articles on 243. There is also the matter of lack of energy to meet legal requirements. Fundamentally if the barrel is too short the 243 Rifle wont meet energy requirements regardless of whether its shooting copper or lead.
There is some truth in the energy point but, as you say, that’s also the case with lead and I don’t recall that being pushed with any vigour.
The reality is that 1,600ft/lbs will work and I really can’t see anyone being prosecuted if using factory 243 with a stated ME in excess of the requirements.
farrieral
Well-Known Member
I love my .243 and wouldn't be without one! Much misinformation out there I feel, some from a YouTube channel recently, the host loves a lot of hand gestures, which makes it unwatchable for me 
if you know, you'll know!!
I know copper isn't for everyone, different strokes for different folks and all that, but hand loading 80 grain TTSX has actually given me more confidence in the little cartridge. 22" barrel producing 3350 fps.
Took my biggest red hind with it during a thin out last winter (highly deer pressured area), 72kg cleaned and on the hook, quartering away, full pass through at 160 yards... if I didn't know and understand the penetrative qualities of TTSX I probably wouldn't of taken that animal. The bullet did alot of work internally and she didn't go far at all.
We have red, fallow and roe on one of the pieces of ground we look after, so although I have larger chamberings if solely pursuing reds, its handy to know that the .243 and my chosen load will perform if required! Plus its a pleasure to shoot!
if you know, you'll know!! I know copper isn't for everyone, different strokes for different folks and all that, but hand loading 80 grain TTSX has actually given me more confidence in the little cartridge. 22" barrel producing 3350 fps.
Took my biggest red hind with it during a thin out last winter (highly deer pressured area), 72kg cleaned and on the hook, quartering away, full pass through at 160 yards... if I didn't know and understand the penetrative qualities of TTSX I probably wouldn't of taken that animal. The bullet did alot of work internally and she didn't go far at all.
We have red, fallow and roe on one of the pieces of ground we look after, so although I have larger chamberings if solely pursuing reds, its handy to know that the .243 and my chosen load will perform if required! Plus its a pleasure to shoot!
243 win has been in the top 3 deer rifles for all our lives , copper only needed faster twist OR more simply use the law passed and use the 80 grain copper . There has however been changes again in Europe and Lead 100 grain .
There is the fact that many nations like The USA have been dropping bigger than we have in the UK with 55 grain lead just fine ! Also the .223 ,22-250 22swift etc .
The UK legal limitation on bullet size , weight bullets has seemingly has be set the rules off poor info from the get go IMHO !
Exactly. Also the minimum for Scottish roe is 1,000ft/lbs, why is that fine in Scotland but not England? Which is good because I hate stalking with long barrels!
Completely agree, I've shot on some ground where I can shoot roe with a .22cf on one side of the hedge, but not the other
IMHO BASC has put its input in places it should not . Best not get cosy under their wing , look back at events and all these new orgs and such we now have
Yep I got a 8 twist recently ! I run it on the 80Grain and the 95 grain LRX
Will likely try the 95gr offering at some stage
Anoyinng isn't it ! Here in England i cannot shoot Roe , Scotland I can and if i am correct the few muntjac in Scotland need to be shot with 243 up ? Richard Prior could no longer use his .22 Hornet on Roe along with every other .22 Hornet user ! But it was done by a vote i believe the other voters wanted it gone , wonder why ? His vast experience of use was carried more weight
NickJ
Well-Known Member
The .223, 22.250, .220 Swift and even .22 Hornet and the like are generally used in Southern Africa for head shooting for biltong/culling, relatively short ranges, often at night with a lamp. Often behind fences (in RSA and below the line in Namibia.) Quite different from a lot of stalking here.
That said I used a .243 to great effect for over 15 years including fallow does down south and red hinds on the hill in Scotland.
Hmmmm.
Why bother giving yourself the hassle when a 6.5x55SE or even it’s younger pretender will do all you want with not a lot more recoil and ammo which is widely available in squillions of bullet weights….
I would much sooner shoot a .243 than a swede using factory non toxic. The swede can perform terrible with its anemic factory loads with non toxic ammunition. I recently took my tracking dog to Sweden to work as a dog handler for a few days and some of the distances we were tracking game that had been well shot with 6.5x55 non toxic factory loads was amazing.
Leec6.5
Well-Known Member
Federal powershok 100gn for the 243 is the bread and butter bullet!
all I ever used to use back in the day, until I couldn’t get them, then I went onto Norma 100gn soft points
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