243 question

[Diesel40]

Hello,

I am all ready to start reloading for my 243 Ultra Varmant.  I have done my homework and have picked a few bullet/powders I would like to try, but first I was wondering what loads you have found work well in yours.  I will be hunting coyotes with mine and target shooting.  I know that some say that a 243 is not a coyote gun, but it is what I will be using for now.  Thanks for the help.

[Jimbo47]

You can't go wrong with the 75 grain Hornady HP, and Varget powder.

[Diesel40]

I had planed on starting with hornady

[lonewolf5348]

I used the hornady 87 grain HPBT with IMR 4350 at max load powder charge shoots outstanding

[AWOLF]

Who says you can't use a 243 for coyote. I think it is the best coyote caliber out there. I have shot an awful lot of them to boot. The coyotes never complain and I don't have to go chasing them to see if they were hit. Bang -Flop.

[Diesel40]

Who says you can't use a 243 for coyote. I think it is the best coyote caliber out there. I have shot an awful lot of them to boot. The coyotes never complain and I don't have to go chasing them to see if they were hit. Bang -Flop.

I do have to agree with you. 

[Jimbo47]

I've hit coyotes with smaller calibers and had them run off!

Never with the .243!

[briannmilewis]

Have you broken in the barrel and tested factory loads yet?

[Diesel40]

Have you broken in the barrel and tested factory loads yet?

Yep.  She seems to like Winchester super x 80 grs the best.  Is there something that you recommend i do before shooting handloads in it?

[briannmilewis]

How accurate is it with the factory load? Is it MOA or Sub-MOA at 100 yards?

If not, then I would go straight to the FAQs and Help threads/articles that appear at the top of this forum.

If it does shoot factory MOA or better, many folks here will tell you to stop right there regarding any modifications, you can bank on the factory load when you need it, and try handloads that match the factory round.

I would try handloads that duplicate the factory load first. If you get the accuracy you need from those handloads, then I personally would call it a wrap with basic handload development. After that, you get to play with different bullets and powders if you want, many folks here would not bother once they have it dialed in with a particular bullet and powder. But half the fun in reloading is trying different things isn't it?

[Diesel40]

How accurate is it with the factory load? Is it MOA or Sub-MOA at 100 yards?

If not, then I would go straight to the FAQs and Help threads/articles that appear at the top of this forum.

If it does shoot factory MOA or better, many folks here will tell you to stop right there regarding any modifications, you can bank on the factory load when you need it, and try handloads that match the factory round.

I would try handloads that duplicate the factory load first. If you get the accuracy you need from those handloads, then I personally would call it a wrap with basic handload development. After that, you get to play with different bullets and powders if you want, many folks here would not bother once they have it dialed in with a particular bullet and powder. But half the fun in reloading is trying different things isn't it?

It shoots those winchester super x 80 gr ammo MOA.  The gun is tuned where it needs to be with the factory loads that i shoot.  I am just curious as to what you guys have found effective in yours.  I have shot this gun for a few years now.  I think you are under the impression that I just purchase my first rifle.  I know that all guns have their load preference.  Thanks for the help.