.243 long range ammo.

Lostlighthouse

June 04, 2011 12:23

What would be a good cartridge/manufacturer for max range using a Remington model 788, .243? I am looking for a over the counter round that will not "stress" out my barrel but can still reach out and pop the teeth off prarie dogs.

Thanks

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  Mobuck

  June 04, 2011 14:19

  It's not that easy. You'll have to test fire loads until you find one that does what you want to do. And ALL of them will "stress your barrel" if you want to reach out. The Rem 788 barrels I have loaded for shot best with 85-95 grain bullets.

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  TWalker

  June 04, 2011 14:52

  You've got to try some of Hornady's Super Performance ammo. It makes a .243 perform close to a 240 Weatherby Magnum. As an example, their 58 grain load reaches close to 4,000 fps and should make a good p. dog or groundhog load. For extreme long range try the 80 or 95 grain Super performance loads. They have less velocity but the heavier bullets retain their velocity better at extreme ranges.

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  babun

  June 04, 2011 17:14

  I just love the BT gameking bullets.
  
  http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=339241

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  FEENIX

  June 04, 2011 17:50

  Try the HSM loaded with 95gr Berger Match Hunting VLDs
  3174 FPS, 2126 FT-LBS, BC = .486
  
  http://thehuntingshack.com/catalog/retail/Retail.pdf
  
  Good luck!
  
  Ed

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  Lostlighthouse

  June 05, 2011 03:18

  Thank you all for the information. I have been away from shooting for about ten years (running construction business, three kids etc.) and in getting back into the fun I have lost so much information and have not kept up with all the changes the last decade.
  
  I used to run 80gr rounds for longer shots and 60gr hollow points for the times I wanted to show the the "dogs" no mercy at all. My former 788 was a carbine and did very well but my latest addition has the long barrel. I can't wait to get back to Colorado and try out your suggestions.
  
  Thank you again!

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  tsr1965

  June 05, 2011 03:56

  Like has been suggested...the Hornady Superformance loads are great, and don't overlook the loads by winchester or Federal that use the 55 grain Ballistic Tip. I have a Ruger 77MK II in stainless, with the skeleton composite stock, and it loves handloads with the 55 grain Ballistic Tips.
  
  Best

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  nononsense

  June 05, 2011 10:30

  Lostlighthouse,
  
  Welcome to the Gunbroker forums!
  
  "I am looking for a over the counter round that will not "stress" out my barrel but can still reach out and pop the teeth off prarie dogs."
  
  These are two conflicting ideals when discussing the .243 Win. and long range accuracy.
  
  The cartridge itself is not designed to be barrel (throat) friendly. It is designed for maximum velocity for the powders at the time. This is never more prevalent than when using factory ammunition instead of reloading. However, I understand the desire to not embark on the journey of the reloading learning curve.
  
  Just be aware that your barrel throat will suffer from rapid fire and longer strings of fire, especially during hot weather in prairie dog wars. The best suggestion is to take a couple of extra rifles in smaller cartridges such as .223 Rem., .22 Hornet, etc. to keep you occupied while the .243 Win. barrel cools off after 2 or 3 shots.
  
  Best.

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