Recommendations for .243 non lead factory ammo

[NickJ]

A friend and neighbour of mine has a circa 10 year old Tikka .243 and shoots a dozen or so roe per year at sub 120m. He'd like to go non-lead and doesn't reload, any suggestions?

If it's very barrel dependant I can try and find that out, he'll be able to measure length of course but might not know twist rate (he wasn't sure what model it was.)

 

[devon deer stalker]

I use a .243 Sako 75, the SAKO blade in 80g groups really well and drops anything at the range stated, they aren't cheap though.

 

[takbok]

Twist rate will certainly be 1:10" so 80gr Barnes or Sako would be my choice.

 

[andyk]

My Sako 75 is good with the Hornady CX 80gr, either in the Outfitter factory ammo or hand loaded.

 

[Buchan]

I think the 80gr Fox is reliable.

 

[Stumpy2]

All the ammunition recommended above are excellent suggestions, but the question I would ask him is ‘how convenient does ammunition purchase need to be?”
If the answer is “very convenient” then a chat at his local gun shop is required to find out what is regularly available. Sticking to the big brands might help here.
If he’s prepared to travel and has a reasonable amount of ammunition allowance on his ticket then it will open up more options.

Any of the 80 grain options will be ideal, just needs to find one his rifle likes

 

[Doctorken]

Fox or Sako powerblade, 1:10 should be ok, and all shot to similar poi as the 100g lead at 100 yes. I have shot powerblades old and new, plus I reload what is essentially the fox factory load. Cant comment on other brands.

As above supply chain can be an issue with sako so if something groups just buy 100 now and be done with it for 5 years

Edinburgh Rifles may be able to send fox to your local rfd.

If passing Calton Moor Range they will sell you bullets singly and he keeps a few brands in. Plus the underground range will let you know 100% if they suit his barrel

 

[arron]

Hi Nick all I've ever used with my 243 are sako powerhead 80gr , shoot accurately and kill deer well enough ,

 

[jtl]

Peregrine 82 coppers over 45.5gr 6.5 staball. these shoot really well. its a basic howa and ive got 1/4 min. really impressed

 

[NickJ]

Hi Nick all I've ever used with my 243 are sako powerhead 80gr , shoot accurately and kill deer well enough ,

Thanks Arron, where do you get them? Malmo weren't sure about getting them

 

[NickJ]

All the ammunition recommended above are excellent suggestions, but the question I would ask him is ‘how convenient does ammunition purchase need to be?”
If the answer is “very convenient” then a chat at his local gun shop is required to find out what is regularly available. Sticking to the big brands might help here.
If he’s prepared to travel and has a reasonable amount of ammunition allowance on his ticket then it will open up more options.

Any of the 80 grain options will be ideal, just needs to find one his rifle likes

Indeed, I was going to give a list compiled from these and some pals' comments to our local dealer

 

[arron]

Aye , I did get them from malmo tbh ??

 

[merlin]

Thanks Arron, where do you get them? Malmo weren't sure about getting them

Hi @NickJ I bought some from Richard Sephton in Rufford, not sure how far that is from you but may be worth a try?

 

[Bowland blades]

A friend and neighbour of mine has a circa 10 year old Tikka .243 and shoots a dozen or so roe per year at sub 120m. He'd like to go non-lead and doesn't reload, any suggestions?

If it's very barrel dependant I can try and find that out, he'll be able to measure length of course but might not know twist rate (he wasn't sure what model it was.)

There are lots of 80 grain copper avaiable for .243 now . and its dammed good stuff in the main part .
Hand loading really is the answer

 

[NickJ]

Hi @NickJ I bought some from Richard Sephton in Rufford, not sure how far that is from you but may be worth a try?

Thanks, I'll ask Richard if Malmo can't source them. I and he are only 10 mins from Malmo. I hope they can as I used to buy the same factory round in 6.5x55 from them

 

[patrickt]

Given that FACE and REACH have pressured european decision makers regarding the implementation of a lead ban for bullets, according to recent comments it seems unlikely that the lead ban for bullets will not be implemented, so watch this space

Patrick