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Offline handirifle

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Info on the 243
« on: April 19, 2005, 12:24:15 PM »
I was just on the phone with the bullet tech's from Sierra, asking about bullet recommendations.  Happen to mention that the Handi's seem to like the 85gr BTHP from Sierra.

He stated that is WAS DESIGNED as medium game bullet.  Meaning, in his words, an excellent "soft tissue" deer bullet.  So if shots are placed properly, as in just behind the shoulder, it will stop them fast he said.

Said it was meant for coyote's too but is a little harder on them than they thought it would be.  I know that from personal experience.

Thought ya'all 243 shooters might like to know.
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Offline marv

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85 HPBT
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2005, 05:03:52 PM »
You place one of those right behind the ear and it's back strap
 for breakfast next morning. :)  I know I have done it. Never used more
 than one on a deer. Marv.
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Offline Nuttinbutchunks

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Info on the 243
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2005, 05:31:45 PM »
I have some 75 grainers loaded for coyotes AND deer, I figure if folks hunt deer with .223's, a light 243 load will do the trick too :grin:

I think I will take my .223 out for coyotes first this year.
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Offline BuzzKill

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Info on the 243
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2005, 04:23:31 AM »
Handi-

Thanks for the info.  I believe I have heard similar statements from Sierra regarding the 85 HPBT.  I use the Federal loading of this bullet at 3320 fps as my all around 243 load.  I originally used 55-58 gr. varmint loads and then a heavy load for deer sized usage.  I was a dual 243 use shooter.  Now, I moved the small to medium varmint shooting to my 223 and left the 243 for coyote/deer.  The 85 gr. Sierra hpbt is indeed harder and good for deer.  I have been trying my best at coyote calling to test the 85 gr on hide, but coyote hunting is turning into as difficult of hunting as turkey calling, for me atleast.
Well, good luck with the loading.  If you find a good powder and load, please post as I may someday move to reloading and would naturally want to use the same bullet.  The Federal load works for now, but they have a short overall length which may not be best suited for the longer throat handi.  This load bridged the gap, because my bull barrel would not shoot 95-100 gr. bullets well.   Many would keyhole.  BuzzKill
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Offline handirifle

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Info on the 243
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2005, 08:04:50 AM »
Buzz
I have long since sold off my 243 but the best load using the 85grHP was with IMR 4350 (can't remember the charge) with CCI primers.  My Savage made one jagged hole at 100yds with that load.

I have used in on yotes!  Don't if you want to keep the pelt. :eek:

Mine was a 250yd shot and he hit the ground like a ton of bricks.
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Offline James B

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Info on the 243
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2005, 08:23:54 AM »
The Sierra Loading manual does list the 85 gain HP Game King as a medium Game bullet. I have been trying to work up a good load for that bullet. Early tests look pretty good. I have just tried one load but I am getting some stuck cases so far.
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Offline Ditchdigger

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Info on the 243
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2005, 08:40:52 AM »
When I was using a 243,I used the 85 gr BTHP with IMR 4350. Thats when I found out boatail bullets would group as well at 200 yds.as they do at 100 yds. 1" at 100,and 1" at 200. Its really weird when you see it. Also they did at one time make the 85 gr.Sierra bthp in a match grade,thats the one I used.   Digger
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Offline rmtaylor

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Info on the 243
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2005, 11:14:51 AM »
The most accurate bullet out of my 243 so far has been the speer 100 gr SPBT. I won't be afraid to use it on deer this year.

Richard
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Offline foxcaller

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85 gr sierra
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2005, 03:05:11 PM »
Well, after buying my Handi in 243 a few years back I soon discovered that it just does not like the heavier 6mm bullets. Anything 95 grs and up go all over the place some better than others but most print about a 3" group at 100 and I just could not deal with that. I tried all the tinkering suggestions and handloaded like crazy to find an accurate deer and antelope bullet. Finally I gave up and tried lighter bullets and boy was I surprised! My barrel loves lighter bullets and shoots 3 into one jagged hole as long as I do my part. Among those that I tried were the Sierra 85gr BTHP. Now it is my favorite bullet for small deer and antelope. I have taken several with it and it performs wonderful if you make good hits of course.
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Offline James B

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Info on the 243
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2005, 04:59:32 PM »
Mine shoots about 1 1/2 inches or a bit better with both 100 grain Factory 100 grainers in Remington  and 100 grain PMC factory loads.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Info on the 243
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2005, 05:17:35 PM »
Mine has shot the Federal Classic 100gr ammo in less the ½" at 100yds....hoping it will do as well with the 100gr Power-shok ammo and some 55gr CT Ballistic Silvertips.
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Offline nofun1

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Info on the 243
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2005, 07:28:57 PM »
Mine is a POS I cold not do better than 3-4" at 100 I tried all my tricks so I sent it back to NEF and havent heard back yet (3 weeks ago) I hope mine works like some of yours.
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Offline Greysky

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Info on the 243
« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2005, 08:14:47 AM »
I've already posted my own positive personal experience with the 85 grain HPBT. But here it is again:

Bullets sorted into lots by weight.
Cases sorted into lots by weight.
Flash holes uniformed.
Each 37.5 grain charge of RE-15 weighed.
CCI BR-2 primers used.

I consistently achieve three round groups that can be covered with a dime at 100 yards with this ammo.

Yes, this is a devastatingly destructive varmint round. And it is more than adequate for medium sized game. Too me, the versatility of the .243 Winchester round is only surpassed by the venerable 30-06, which has to kick harder to achieve this ballistic supremacy.
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Offline Mac11700

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Info on the 243
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2005, 08:28:04 AM »
I'm wanting to see how the 55 grain CT BST's do myself...for a nice varmint load...I've got 1 box of the heavier 95 grainers (same make) to start loading with on the shelf...along with a new set of Forster Bench Rest dies and a 100 new Remington nickle cases to load up...for my 243...should be real interesting to say the least...

Mac
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Offline quickdtoo

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Info on the 243
« Reply #14 on: April 21, 2005, 08:32:57 AM »
Hmmm, maybe I'll have to get some of those 6mm 55gr CT Ballistic Silvertips....wait a minute......I already have some!!!! :-D  :-D  :-D I'm thinkin about trying Varget.....I'll post the results!!!!
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Offline Mac11700

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Info on the 243
« Reply #15 on: April 21, 2005, 09:30:26 AM »
H380...H414...looks like they would work good too...4069 fps...and 3982 fps respectfully for each...on max loads...with the accuracy nod going to H414  per Nosler...

Mac
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