Author Topic: UltraVarmint .243 Question(s) (Read 650 times)

Mulegunner · « **on:** March 19, 2005, 08:39:33 AM »

Ive been lurking around for a while ( and also have a Handi Rifle .45-70). Ive been thinking about the Ultra Varmit in a .243 Win. I really like the heavier barrel on guns. The rifle would be primarily used for white tail deer hunting and coyotes (if one happens by). Ive read alot of posts in here about bullet weights in this caliber from the Handi Rifles, so the questions

1) do 100 gr. bullets shoot good out of these guns or not?
2) whats the lightest weight bullet you guys use for deer from a .243?
3) what kind of performance do you get from this rifle?

I know that I may be re-hashing old topics, but Im getting all bleary eyed trying to search the posts :eek: My 45-70 really thumps deer great, but Im looking for something a little flatter shooting and not so abusive on my shoulder and face from the bench.

243tom · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2005, 12:12:53 PM »

Hey Mulegunner,,welcome from the lurking mode,, I've got right around 170 rounds through my 243 ultra,,,a few different brands. Most anything shoots decent groups.....but the Hornady 75 gr hp and the Cabelas bulk 75 gr vmax group best,,although they group a few inches apart from one another. Hornady high,,,Cabelas low....still decent groups.
I just got some Win. 100 gr powerpoints because as you and I have read this gun supposedly keyholes 100 gr.......mine shot them without any keyhole at 120 yards,,,about a 3 inch group for 3 shots.
Also my Handis' shoot (group) better after several shots,,,first "clean" shot is always 2/3 inches high.
Hope this helps.

Bis · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2005, 12:48:57 PM »

I took a White Tail at about 70 yards with my 243 ultra using Sierra 85 grain bullets, the deer never took another step. It will shoot clover leafs at 100 yards, but will NOT shoot 100 grain stuff even after I sent it in for repair.

Mulegunner · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2005, 01:57:12 AM »

Thanks for the replies. It kinda sounds like its gun dependent on bullet weight. Ive never hunted with a .243, but have taken more than a few deer with a .308 win. Since the .243 is a necked down .308, I would think that the cartridge would do a whiz bang job on whitetails :grin:

James B · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2005, 03:00:27 AM »

It should do a pretty fair job BUT Its not a 308. You are stepping down several steps and it won't do what the 308 can do. I just got a new Stainless steel Handi rifle in 243. I am going to try the 85 grain coated X bullet. This is a good deer bullet. With the Barnes you can step down a weight or two.

camsdaddy · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2005, 04:13:39 AM »

I also have a 243 ultra though I have not shot it alot I am in love Bis what sorta load are you using with 85gr I have some loaded but have not had a chance to shoot them yet

Bis · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2005, 06:11:28 PM »

camsdaddy

Sorry it took so long to reply, I am shooting 85 grain Sierra Game Kings with 44.0 grains of IMR 4831, OAL 2.650.
Hope this helps.

Bis · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2005, 06:28:29 PM »

camsdaddy

please email me at kbisbee@consolidated.net , I have tried to PM you several times with no luck.

yukonjim · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2005, 04:37:37 AM »

I picked up a .243 Handi (standard barrel & plank wood stock) at a gun show a month ago. Put a Simmons 3x9x50 scope on it. At the same gun show I picked up a couple of boxes of PMP 100 grain soft points to try. PMP ammo is made in South Afirca. Took the setup to the range and once zeroed, I put three shots that could be covered by a quarter which was done off hand on a shooting bench with no rest. Not sure if I just got a good Handi or it just likes the PMP 100 grainers. Anyway I'm sticking with the PMP 100gr. JSP for both deer and yotes. That is if I can find some more of the ammo.

yukonjim