Kentucky whitetails, change of plans

[bsmith]

My son doesn't want to use my .25-06, even though I have a really accurate AccuBond load thanks to you guys. He wants to stick with his Ruger Compact .243. I don't have a chrono but that 16" barrel has to be keeping velocities low. The local shop had 2 boxes of 85 gr. BTs and not much else in .243/6mm. Is that enough bullet for a lung/chest shot on a whitetail up close (less than 100 yds)? I have a partial box of old Hornady 100 gr spire points and a box of 100 gr Speer boattails that were given to me. The reloading data shows a load of 4831 giving between 3000 - 3240 fps. Any ballpark guesses at to what I can expect with the shorter barrel?

Thanks for the help,

 

[Guest]

You're going to lose some velocity out of that shorter barrel. How much depends on a lot of factors. I'd suggest not using an 85gr BT (do you mean ballistic tip or boat tail?) as it may be a varmint bullet, not a game bullet, and will not hold up on white-tails. Kentucky deer are not huge, but they are somewhat to the upper end of medium sized, so you want to be well gunned. That 243 will be fine, but use enough bullet. Consider something with a 90-100gr bullet, and consider using something like a Hornady SST (95gr) or a 90-100gr Nosler Partition or Ballistic Tip, as the BT's at that weight (90gr and up in .243) are designed for deer sized game. Shoot them at the range, and see how they print. Another good option that isn't terribly expensive is the Federal Fusion in 95gr. Just find the one that shoots well enough, and give 'em what for!

 

[JD338]

bsmith,

Too bad on the 25-06, thats just about the perfect set up of deer both near and far.

The 243 Win would be best with either the 95-100 gr PT's since you are talking of possible up close shots.

JD338

 

[bsmith]

JD338, it is too bad. That Browning is 1/2 inch gun with 100 gr Ballistic Tips and just a bit bigger with the Accubonds. I think if I have him shoot the .25-06 first and then that light .243, he'll see that the heavier rifle kicks less and is easier on the ears too. He's small, just turned 12, and the Ruger fits him a little better but I believe the '06 will perform better. Thanks for all the help.