.243 with Sierra's 85 gr HPBT

[bigjeepman]

I am sure this has been discussed somewhere in the past but .....

For the last several years, I have been shooting Sierra's 60 gr HP, Nosler's 70 gr BT, and Nosler's 80 gr BT at the range and coyote hunting. I have shot 3 or 5 shot groups with these bullets under .500" on occasion at the range. In my opinion, I have three pretty darn good loads for my Ruger rifle. For several weeks, I have been considering trying the highly regarded Sierra 85 gr HPBT and today at the gunshop, I purchased a box.

My question is what powder/powders have you had your best experiences with this caliber/bullet combination? I use Varget and H-380 in a lot of my "best" loads and I have a good supply of both. Will these two choices cover my coyote needs? I use the H-380 in my best 80 gr NBT load and am thinking that might be where I need to start.

Will this Sierra 85 gr HPBT also be a good round for up to 150 to 175 yard shot for whitetails if I was so inclined to use it? I know there are opinions against using a .243 for deer hunting so I am just asking as I have never used this rifle for deer.

[victorcharlie]

IMR 4831.........

[mbp708]

Heard alot about the Sierra 85 gr HPBT so I tried it in a 6/284 but was not impressed at all. No blood, no exit wound, didn't drop in their tracks. Might be OK for coyotes but not for deer. Go with a heavier or well constructed bullet. Have not got any problems with .243 for deer sized game, I shoot a 6mm JDJ with 90 gr Nosler BT and works fine.Mike

[flintlock]

bigjeep...I've killed about 30 whitetails with the Federal Premium 85gr HPBT with my .243...Hunting buddies have killed another 30 or so...This bullet really shines when you get past 150-200 yards...I have killed deer with it out to 300 yards...No problems...