Accurate 243 hunting rifle

[Rich M]

What is a very accurate 243 hunting rifle?

I'd like to work up some loads for use to 400 yards.

Right now I'm getting some almost 1-inch loads and using 3 diff bullets and multiple powder ranges. The last range trip was today - Rifle is 9 in 1 twist, Rem 770 (budget gun) and best groups were right about 1 inch, afraid of spending the rest of the year trying to tighten up some groups that an't be tightened up.

Any suggestions? I'd like 22 or 24 inch barrel. 6-7.5 pounds.

 

[dirtytough]

My nephew killed his first buck a little over 500 yards with a Tikka 243. I believe it’s in your weight range. Not sure on barrel length. He shoots it very well for a light gun being a kid.

 

[BuckSnort]

What is a very accurate 243 hunting rifle?

I'd like to work up some loads for use to 400 yards.

Right now I'm getting some almost 1-inch loads and using 3 diff bullets and multiple powder ranges. The last range trip was today - Rifle is 9 in 1 twist, Rem 770 (budget gun) and best groups were right about 1 inch, afraid of spending the rest of the year trying to tighten up some groups that an't be tightened up.

Any suggestions? I'd like 22 or 24 inch barrel. 6-7.5 pounds.

If your groups are near 1" now then realistically you are probably good to go at 400.. Shoot 5 rounds @ 400 and see what you get..

 

[TwoTracks]

I’m selling this 243. Listed over on LRH forum in the gun classifieds. PM me if you’re interested.

 

[theoutdoorsman]

I failed to find a an accurate load in my .243 last year and just accepted ~1" groups for hunting season. On a whim I gave the federal berger hybrid 95gr factory ammo a go last month. Couldn't be happier considering the rifle is sub 6lb sporting 2.5-8x36 optic.

 

[TwoTracks]

I failed to find a an accurate load in my .243 last year and just accepted ~1" groups for hunting season. On a whim I gave the federal hybrid 95gr factory ammo a go last month. Couldn't be happier considering the rifle is sub 6lb sporting 2.5-8x36 optic.

I agree. Both my 243s shoot the 95gr Federal Fusion orange box submoa. It’s cheap too. $20-24, and easy to find. I haven’t hand loaded for either of them after they shot the federal so well.

 

[pk_]

Not to be ‘that guy’. But if you are buying another rifle anyways, have you thought about a 6.5cm?

 

[Ndbowhunter]

I’ve struggled at times to find accuracy and speed

but if ur gun won’t put a case full of temp stable powder and an 87 Vmax into knots it might be time to trip the rifle.

105gr HPBT will stabilize, never shot anything with it but hear good things.

 

[Rich M]

Not to be ‘that guy’. But if you are buying another rifle anyways, have you thought about a 6.5cm?

I had thought about 6.5 CM originally and decided to stick with 243 to keep stuff simple.

6.5 opens up a lot of gray area where a wild hair could get real expensive with long distance shooting...

 

[Agross]

View attachment 173680
I’m selling this 243. Listed over on LRH forum in the gun classifieds. PM me if you’re interested.

That thing is sweet!!

 

[notradame]

For 1200$ i would build one . Make it just the way you want it. If that doesn't hit the nail on the head buy a cooper. They are extremely accurate for a semi custom gun. Or pick up a Remington vls and have the action trued up, pillar bedded, and have the smith lap the barrel. I have seen many gone through Remington varminters, shoot very very well. Good luck! 243 is one of my all time favorite varmint rifles.

 

[menhaden_man]

Check with @16Bore he can steer you in the right direction with a 243.

 

[16Bore]

Dunno ‘bout all that...Tikka did a 1:10 on theres which helps nothing. Ruger RAR is stupid cheap and accurate with a 1:9 twist and stupid cheep Fed Bluebox 100’s.

330 is my limit on that one though.

Tikka 6CM and you’re whistling Dixie....

 

[270quest]

RAR Predator AI 6 creed - 1/7.5 or 1/8 twist I believe

 

[Hondo]

Ditto on the Federal Premium Berger Hybrid 95 grain. Shoots great in my Howa 1500. I had been using the Fusion.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Ruger American is 275 or so all day long.

the 243 I set up for my cousin with a 6x swfa hammers the gong at 900 with ease with 105’s.
Get the 450 bushmaster magazine. Prefer it to the rotary.

 

[Chipz]

Tikka, Howa, Ruger Precision are all good inexpensive rifles, Tikka and Howa are sub MOA gaurantee.
Stay away from any newer Remington.

 

[16Bore]

Federal Premium Berger Hybrid 95 grain.

Hadn’t heard of these, pretty decent numbers.

 

[Rich M]

Dunno ‘bout all that...Tikka did a 1:10 on theres which helps nothing. Ruger RAR is stupid cheap and accurate with a 1:9 twist and stupid cheep Fed Bluebox 100’s.

330 is my limit on that one though.

Tikka 6CM and you’re whistling Dixie....

That was one of my questions, if I should stay w 9 twist or if 10 was acceptable. Lots of nice reviews on the Tikka 243.

Also was wondering about howa. Those sub moa gurranties...

I know what you mean about federal blue box. It just shoots. I shot a nice mulie with that ammo 2019 at 220 yds. That's why I'm reloading for 243, want a more premium bullet. Did a 5 shot group at 120 yds and it was 1-1/16 inch, was shooting 2.5 inch at 225 yards during hunt prep.

Will look at the 6mm CM.

 

[16Bore]

Factory 243 twist can be tough in a 243 for heavies.