[Crowhunter]

Opinions on the best bullet for deer in the 243 Win. I will be reloading it.

 

[Don M.]

There Will BE A Lot Of Different Opinions

But, I have been using a Nosler 95 grain Balistic Tip and going for a neck
shot for years & years. Put a lot of deer on the ground with one shot and
no running off. I also use IMR 4350 Powder.

 

[30378]

I use the 100gr Sierra Spire Boattail with 36.5gr of IMR-4064 with OAL of 2.69". I also like the Speer 85gr Boattail but the 100 grainers performance is DRT.

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

Well, I'll hit right in the middle between the suggestions of Don M and 30378. I switched from .30-06 to .243 as my deer gun two years ago. At the suggestion of several hunters on this board, I tried the Sierra 85 HPBT. It's done the job beautifully at ranges from 25 yards to about 150. The powder? IMR4350.

Regardless of caliber, shot placement is critical, and there's not doubt it becomes a bit more critical in the smaller calibers. If you're the kind of guy who has trouble passing up a bad shot, then I'd advise a heavier, tougher bullet, something like a Partition. But if you're a careful, ethical hunter, the 85 will work really well for you.