well old age is catching up fast, along with other aliments.
bought me a Tikka T3x in 243 for deer hunting this fall.
what grain bullets and what brand have you used with the best results on deer?
thanks

100gr cor lokt

100gr Nosler partitions by federal if you don't reload. Dillon and H4831SC if you do. Yes the Barnes crowd will point out how much the unlead is "better" but if BhamFred and i can agree somethings gotta be right.

No, do not reload.

x2 on those Partitions. I've had good luck with Hornady's Interlock too.

Try some of these,and shoot shoulders.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/538587...-free-box-of-20

I hunted for several years with a .243 and shot 95gr Winchester Ballistic Silvertip ammo. This ammo would shoot 1 hole CONSISTANTLY at 100 yards in the 700 that I was using. I never shot thru the shoulders but behind the shoulder or from stem to stern and they caused the most incredible damage that I've ever seen. I never lost a deer, including killing my best to date still(131" 8 point) and rarely did one travel over 30 yards after the shot.

Consider going as far as a aftermarket recoil pad and having a muzzle brake made.

Limbsaver butt pads make a BIG difference in felt recoil. 50.00 or under is money well spent.

I know this don't help you but my 243 loves the now discontinued Federal Deer Thug ammo. It's a 95 grain bonded bullet, most believe to be made by Swift. When I found out it had been discontinued by Federal I went to every walmark around and bought what I found. My gun also shoots the Fusion loads well, it didn't like the Barnes at all. If I ever do run out of the deer thugs, I'll try the Federal premium with Nosler partitions. I have shot the Winchester ballistic silvertip in my 308 for years and would not hesitate to try them also, but would stay away from shoulder shots with them.

I've killed a lot of deer with a 95gr Federal Fusion load. It is a bonded bullet and penetrates well, also expands well and kills real good. And they are cheap to buy.

BhamFRED, do you aim for the shoulder or ribs behind shoulder?

That's what I have Morgan's Ruger American sighted in with.

That's what I put in my son's rifle. Worked well this year on deer and hogs. Behind the shoulder.

meat deer(doe) I personally shoot right behind and tight to the shoulder. Try not to mess up the shoulder meat. After all I AM meat hunting. I do not like head/neck shots and very rarely use them.

Trophy bucks half way up right thru the shoulder.


My #1 choice for a 243 bullet would be the 95gr Nosler Partition handloaded. Factor load is the Federal Fusion 95 gr softpoint. I got the Federals for varmits and culling does, but over time I saw how well they did and won't hesitate to use one one a big buck IF I HAVE A 243 IN MY HANDS.

I PERSONALLY THINK THE 243 IS LIGHT FOR ALL ROUND WHATEVER SHOT YOU GET on big bucks. I won't hesitate to shoot one up the rear with my 270/264/7mmRM and Partition bullets IF THATS ALL I GET FOR A SHOT. It will kill em every time by penetration to, or out, the chest.

That's exactly why I recommend the Barnes TTSX in the 243.

My daughters Remington Mod 7 .243 shoots the Barnes TTSX better than anything else. Groups great, but haven't shot a deer with it yet.

I always shot a federal premium 85 grain boat tail hollow point.

100 gr corlokts or power power points will do a very nice job for you. No need for wasting money on the premium line bulllets for Alabama deer.

If I was worried about $10 price difference in a box of ammo I would give up deer hunting and just buy steak. Yes,the Corlokts work fine but I have a couple rifles that much prefer the lighter bullets.