85 gr. HPBT in .243

[robin-hood-90]

I've never really been a fan of the .243 Win. as a deer hunting round,  But I let my son shoot a doe with my 788 this year and it literally dropped her in her tracks. I couldnt believe it.  The bullet was the Sierra Game-king HPBT.    Thanks Mr. Ricciardelli, I've read all your notes on reloading,
  You werent BSing about this little bullet , it'll do the job. Heck, I shot my deer .270 130 gr. BT , and the .243 did just about the same amount of damage.

[jhalcott]

I used about a ton of those on deer AND ground hogs over the years.Like thembetter than the 100 grainers which gave little damage.I hated to track the deer after being hit with the 100's.Didn't have to track the ones hit with the 85's!

[Jim n Iowa]

That is the bullet my 243 likes so well, I use it on coyotes in the winter.
Jim

[ricciardelli]

Glad it worked-out for you!

[victorcharlie]

My guess is I've dropped around 50 with the same bullet, and I can only remember 2 that ran, the rest dropped right where they stood.  IRM 4381 worked best in my rifle, and the most accurate load was .5 grains before the primers started to crater and flatten out.  That load in my rifle would shoot almost the same hole.  It's certain death on a crow as well, and turns them inside out and leave only their "ghost" drifting away.  

I bought a .270 a few months ago, and haven't hand loaded for it yet.  As far as a deer rifle goes, the .243 is one of the best in my book.