Author Topic: 85gr Sierra or 100gr Hornady .243 (Read 1496 times)

Crudders32 · « **on:** October 24, 2005, 04:14:41 AM »

I have shot my .243 with the 85gr sierra BTHP before and they were very accurate. I just got some Hornady 100gr BTSP for the .243 since it seemed that more people were recommending a 100gr bullet for deer. I haven't loaded any with the 100gr so I don't know how they will shoot. I have a Savage 110 that I plan on using for deer this year. I will be hunting in the woods of western PA and most shots will be under 100yds. I was wondering what peoples opinions were between these two bullets, the 85gr Sierra BTHP or the 100gr Hornady BTSP. Which would you rather use for deer? Thanks.

Lone Star · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2005, 06:16:13 AM »

I have used the 85 HPBT Sierra on game and IME it is too soft for anything but good lung shots on smaller deer. Others may disagree, but the 100-grain bullets are designed for deer-sized game and are much more versatile. Particularly for woods hunting, it is far better to have too much penetration for quartering shots than to have too little and have to pass up a shot on a trophy. The 95-grain Nosler Partition is also a great bullet for the .243.

flintlock · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2005, 06:22:27 AM »

I've killed deer with both...The 85gr in Federal Premium loading and the Hornady in their custom loading....Within 100 yards the Hornady will be fine..
I currently us the 85gr for all my deer hunting....But my setup is a little different....I might be in a swamp in the morning and setup over a soybean field in the evening...with a true 300 yard shot a real possibility...When you get past 200 yards thats when the 85 gr really shines....Good Luck

victorcharlie · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2005, 11:47:35 AM »

I've killed deer with both as well........My choice is the Sierra 85 gn bthp, but the 100 grain works fine........the 85 grain is just more accurate in my rifle....I wanted a bullet that I could shoot crows at a distance, or a ground hog at several hundred yards......or deer as well.......the 85 gn does a pretty good job on either........it is more "explosive" as well and leaves a hole about the size of my fist in a deer less than 100 yards.........it vaporizes crows at 200 yards.........I'd shoot both and go with the one that shoots best in your rifle.....

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2005, 01:38:24 PM »

My Browning A-bolt likes the 87 GR Spire Point from Hornady. I get sub MOA at 100 yards with them. My son took an Axis deer at 135 yards with it with one shot.

cal sibley · « **Reply #5 on:** October 29, 2005, 05:35:24 PM »

I've used both Sierra bullets but only the 100gr. SBT and 100gr. PSPon deer. I prefer them to the lighter 85gr. HPBT, opting to go for the extra weight. I do think the 85gr. HPBT is the more accurate but not by a lot. I have no experience with the Hornady 100gr. bullet, just their 95gr SST. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

cal sibley · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2005, 04:14:05 PM »

You might also try the Sierra 85gr. PSP. I think it would be good for the small whitetails of the US southeast. I only found out recently that Sierra made this weight in a PSP in addition to the 85gr HPBT. It's quite the accurate bullet. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

rickt300 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2005, 08:31:42 PM »

I like the 85 grain HP on deer but Ialways shoot for the neck or ribs preferring to eat the shoulders rather than destroy them. I have also used the 100 grain Hornady but it was the boat tail version and it worked just fine also.

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2005, 09:55:36 AM »

The first year that I owned my 243,I killed two deer using either a 85 or 87gr HP.I don't remember which. The second was probably the longest shot that I've ever taken on a deer( between 250 and 300yds broadside and feeding,from a very solid rest).

Another thing,why do some folks here talk about taking shoulder shots on deer? I was taught to shoot right behind the front leg in line with the elbow. Double lung and possible heart from rib-bone fragments. I've only shot one deer thru the sholders and had to throw away both due to damage. Just thought I'd ask.....

HWD

Lone Star · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2005, 10:58:23 AM »

Quote

Another thing,why do some folks here talk about taking shoulder shots on deer? I was taught to shoot right behind the front leg in line with the elbow. Double lung and possible heart from rib-bone fragments.

Good point. Apparently, most posters here don't know the difference between a "shoulder shot" and a "lung shot". Either that or they think that they are the same....I guess. :oops:

Ramrod · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2005, 12:17:53 PM »

It would depend on the angle. They don't always show a perfect broadside. A deer angling toward you needs to be shot in the near shoulder to get into the vitals. A shot behind the shoulder will go straight into the guts.

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2005, 05:18:40 AM »

Ramrod,
If I shoot a deer angling towards me,I try to shoot just to the inside, toward center,of the shoulder. Front of one lung , rear of the other,possible heart and liver. Angling away,I'll shoot back in the ribs.The sharper the angle the further back I shoot. Ya'll need to understand here,before it gets started, that I'm a meat hunter.I try not to tear up anymore than I have to. Patience works well also.If the right shot doesn't present itself right off,just give it a moment or two.

HWD

PEPAW · « **Reply #12 on:** November 04, 2005, 05:33:53 AM »

I went through bullet choices several years ago with another caliber. The most accurate is not necessarily the one you should use. 1/2" more of accuracy is not as good as a reliable penetration in my book.
When I am being a meat hunter, I am no where near the shoulder. But I only take close, standing shots on those days.

pepaw

tcman · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2005, 05:16:58 AM »

Yep...double lung + 25-06 100 grain bullet = Meat in the freezer every time