I am new to this forum and to varmit hunting, so forgive me for being a novice with questions. I am setting up a Remington 700 in 243 for coyote hunting. What bullet size is best? I am researching Hornady Superformance Varmit in 58 or 75 grain. Right now I am planning on new ammo, but might get into reloading later. Also have question on optics. I have researched Bushnell Elite, Vortex, Athlon, and Leupold. I am leaning toward Leupold VX Freedom in 4-12x50. Thanks for all your assistance!
243 Rifle
- Thread starter Duck51
- Start date
YoteslayerWA
Active member
75gr vmax and leupold
varminter .223
Well-known member
The best bullet is the one between 55 and 75 grains that your rifle shoots most accurately. I let my rifle pick the bullet. As far as optics I prefer Leupold.
Slagiatt
Active member
Ive found the 95gr federal fusions to anchor coyotes handily from my old 243. And really not so bad on fur. Good bullets you could use on bigger game too. Ive used those bullets on a number of coyotes, 2 lions and a bobcat. They were exceptionally accurate out of that rifle too.
My new 243 prefers the 90gr tgk though. Havent shot anything with it yet but ive killed a couple bears with the tgk out of a 308, and some coyotes and a lion with the tgk 223. No runners.
Id say either of those bullets will serve you well if your rifle likes them.
My new 243 prefers the 90gr tgk though. Havent shot anything with it yet but ive killed a couple bears with the tgk out of a 308, and some coyotes and a lion with the tgk 223. No runners.
Id say either of those bullets will serve you well if your rifle likes them.
Slagiatt
Active member
If its a barrel he ordered he should know the twist rate. Id ask him. Good thing to know. Give you an idea of what size bullets its apt to stabilize well.
Slagiatt
Active member
I dont take enough pics, but heres a few that fell to the 95gr federal fusions from my savage 243 lwh before i got a suppressor fetish and sold it because the barrel was too thin to have threaded. And yeah im in my pajamas in the bobcat pic. He was in my backyard christmas morning 2020. Wasnt gonna pass up a gift from santa like that.
Slagiatt
Active member
As far as your optics question, id say what ranges are you planning on shot opportunities? For me, i run lpvos on all my predator calling guns nowadays. But i tend to call in heavy cover. What works for me probably wont work for guys calling dogs in wide open country. Figure out what your needs are, go off that, dont get hung up on brands. I worry more about the offerings available with the magnification range and reticles that work for my hunting style. Lately that means most of my predator calling rifles have 1-6 trijicons on them, but i still have a viper pst 1-6×24 on my bear calling gun, cause it works and its dialed in so im not gonna mess with it. I like sfp lpvos. May not be the best thing for guys taking long shots on dogs in the prairie country.
As fare as I know they don't make a 6mm hunting bullet that won't work well on coyotes. I use 55gr NBTs, 58gr Vmax and 75gr Speer HPs
Optics for called predators, my personal favorites have a minimum of a 40 ft FOV on the bottom end.
I'm really liking the Athlon Argos 2-12 with a BDC reticle for open country
Most of my bolt actions wear 1.5-5x20, 1.5-6x40 or 1.75-5x32 they'll all take me to 300 yards.
My combo guns wear 1-4x20s all work well for me.
Optics for called predators, my personal favorites have a minimum of a 40 ft FOV on the bottom end.
I'm really liking the Athlon Argos 2-12 with a BDC reticle for open country
Most of my bolt actions wear 1.5-5x20, 1.5-6x40 or 1.75-5x32 they'll all take me to 300 yards.
My combo guns wear 1-4x20s all work well for me.
Terry Lightle
Active member
I had problems with 65 grain V Max bullets,shot great but they were splashing.Went to 87 grain V Max problem solved,no splashes and coyotes anchored.Pushing them a little over 3100.Glass is Leupold VX5 HD 3-15 44mm with duplex and firedot.
limbhanger10
Active member
...currently I shoot factory 80gr PSP.
No issues...our coyotes are on the bigger size here.
No issues...our coyotes are on the bigger size here.
DoubleLungRage
Well-known member
I love the 75gr vmax out of my 6mm arc so I'm sure they would be just as good if not better in the 243.
As for scopes, check out ZeroTech as well. Good glass for the money.
As for scopes, check out ZeroTech as well. Good glass for the money.
It has already been mentioned & is sound advice. When I have bought a new rifle. I would try various different ammunitions & grain weight bullets. Then I would stick with the most accurate ammo for my rifle. Shoot often at varying yardages & wind conditions. Try to become one/2nd nature with your rifle & bullet.
Someone mentioned twist rate on barrel. Does this affect size (grain) of bullet or bullet shape? Hoping to narrow the selection down a little before I have to go buy a bunch of different ammo. I haven't talked with my friend about the Shaw barrel. Not sure if he knows the twist rate.
DoubleLungRage
Well-known member
Barrel twist rate is the rate at which a bullet spins inside a rifle barrel, measured in inches per turn:
- Explanation
A lower number indicates a faster twist rate. For example, a 1:8 twist rate means the bullet spins once every 8 inches.
- Purpose
The twist rate stabilizes the bullet in flight, which improves accuracy.
- Factors
The twist rate needed depends on the bullet's length, weight, and shape. For example, shorter, larger-diameter bullets need a lower twist rate, while longer, smaller-diameter bullets need a faster twist rate.
- Effects
A twist rate that's too slow can cause the bullet to tumble mid-flight, which can be seen as an oval on the target.
- Measuring
You can measure a barrel's twist rate by inserting a cleaning rod with a patch and jag into the barrel, and then measuring the distance from the tape on the rod to the receiver before and after the rod makes one revolution.
- Effects
204 AR
Well-known member
243 is my long time favorite round, and I don't think I've ever had one that didn't shoot well. Personally I'd try the 75's first of those two. I like 87's myself for the better wind resistance, they do drop a hair more at 300 but not as much as you think. Ultimately, like was said, whatever the rifle likes, will likely not have issues killing coyotes.