This .243 is a RINGER!!! [.243 AMMO TEST]

[@chadmcswain5389]

When Warren Page design the 243, he clearly told Winchester before they released it in 1955 that it was designed to kill by it's speed (not by it's grain weight of bullet) and in order to achieve this it needed to ran through a 24 inch (or longer) barrel. He strickly said the weight of the bullets themselves should be kept below 95 grains to help achieve the higher speed and 80 to 90 grains was the sweet spot. Because of it being a smaller diameter caliber, anything less than a 24 inch barrel doesn't allow enough room for it to burn up all it's larger 308 parent case powder. Shorter barrels end up wasting a lot of the powder by igniting it outside of the barrel (this is why short barrel 243s are so loud and throw such a large fireball). This causes it to loose a lot of it's speed and if your running heavy grain bullets it looses even more speed. I did whitetail depredation work for a lot of years and a 24 inch barrel 243 with 80 grain softpoints was devestating. Running 3350fps with that combo would bust both shoulders on a deer at 300 yards and honestly anchored them just as good as my 308s and almost as good as my 300 Win Mag. The majority of nightmare stories you here from hunters about how they loose deer with their 243 simply don't know the correct way to run it. A lot of rifle makers out there would rather appeal to the overall market as far as youth guns, compact guns, light brush guns, etc and don't follow it's true design guidelines in their models (offering longer barrels). However, if you run it fast and light it will shock you just how good a 243 will anchor deer and even larger game. Run the barrels longer and keep those grain weights down and it becomes a whole new beast👍

[@_cal_techie]

Thanks for the amazing advice! I am considering a .243 for varmint and predator hunting. After researching I have come around to the 70 to 90 grain bullets with 22" to 24" barrel lengths. You comment confirms my suspicions. Thanks again!

[@Patrick-xd8jv]

Bullets are light years ahead of the 50’s

[@michaelaudy6415]

Interesting, my son started with a Ruger American compact in .243 and it was violently loud. I always wondered why that gun barked so loud and now I know

[@Paul-q3m7k]

@@Patrick-xd8jvexactly

[@EedsJevsvav]

I’ve Ran a Remington 788 carbine with 18 inch barrel since 1982…… and while I’ve never tested it for speed…. I have hand loaded for it since day one and have never had any of the problems ppl claim….. aside from it being loud……. And yet I’ve never once thought….. damn I need to add 6 to 8 more inches of barrel to add more speed

[@ramonburgos6351]

The .243 Win is the Sportster of the hunting world. Everyone says they either starteds with it, or their kids or wife shoots it. Undervalued and underated. This is really anyone needs for most deer hunting in the south. I'm as guilty as anyone else though... I got my wife a Savage Axis II youth model (in the pretty pink camo) in .243 and she got a doe with it. First time hunting for her. She used the same Federal blue box that you shot here. Thanks for the video.

[@mulder4528]

Nice to see the .243 just an awesome round. My dad loved it used it for everything with great success. I being a dumb kid 45 years ago thought I needed more, I get it now Dad was right all along. Thanks for the video.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Thanks for watching

[@Glenn-j2e]

Great video,i Learnt to shoot with a 1963 Winchester 243, in 1976 as a 10 year old.🇦🇺👍

[@justcallmejoeable]

The .243 Winchester is such an awesome caliber too. Talk about versatility!

[@mr.entrepreneur1789]

I use the 80 grain Federal ammo in my CVA Scout 243 rifle. It's a beast! Excellent ammo.

[@mattsarahfuerstenau5860]

I've had real good experience with Federal blue box in various calibers and rifles. Great showing today!

[@raleighthomas3079]

Same here, in 30-06, .270 Win, .243, 30-30, the Federal Powershok blue box ammo has been consistently very accurate and deadly.

[@MattC-eo6ep]

BTW - Weatherby Vanguard is a Howa 1500 with the Weatherby name on it. They are Japanese made. Basically the same gun. Both are great shooting rifles that are very affordable. Thanks for the great videos!

[@williamharvey3658]

I was not happy with the performance out of my vanguard. Started screwing around with it. Free floated the barrel and bedded the action. So far I’m happy with my decision to screw with it. Still need todo some more testing.

[@giggitygiggity4304]

I love the Minnie Pearl throwback with the tag still hanging on the gun!

[@iveywilliamson9602]

I was thinking the same thing! Howw-Deeeee!!!

[@raleighthomas3079]

LOL! A few of us old timers left huh?

[@Paul-lk4np]

Boo yer.... finally got my first deer ever. .243 100 grain Winchester super X. Thanks for the video mate

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

My first center fire rifle was a .243 model 70 I bought on an auction. Still one of my favorite rifles. Deer, pronghorn, groundhogs and coyotes. It’s dropped a lot of game in over 40 years

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Great video! Well done! Most 243 rifles I have seen are shooters. They usually aren't too ammo picky either. It's a great caliber. My Marlin X7 243 shoots sub 1/2 MOA all day long with the Sierra Game King 85gr HP and a mid range load of IMR 4350. One of the most accurate centerfire rifles I own. Like your Howa, mine seems to like those 80gr-85gr bullets. They will get the job done, too. The 243 is a Hall of Fame cartridge in my opinion.

[@richarddixon7276]

.243 is probably the most popular centrefire hunting rifle over here in the UK , great for everything from foxing to deer . Virtually every gun shop I've set foot in usually have a good selection of .243 and ammo for it . Thanks for the video always good to see something I'm fairly familiar with . Catch You next time , Shoot Straight Stay Safe & Stay Well.

[@MattC-eo6ep]

I have this exact same rifle with 22" barrel. Mine loves the Federal Fusion 95 grain. Great trigger. Easily sub MOA. A super accurate rifle!

[@adamsaylor7427]

Really appreciate you doing videos on hunting rifle cartridges. The .243 will always have a place in my heart

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Appreciate you watching

[@dburnside2554]

Great work my friend

[@Mulkey4570]

I get joked about using a rem mod 7 in 243 , but I make it work!!!

[@jimr5703]

I had a Savage 110 in .243. Could shoot sub-MOA all day long. Didn't matter what ammo. Loved going to the 200 yd range and pulling in sub 1" groups with my cheap Pentax scope. I put a Boyd thumb-hole stock on it and customized it to fit my hand, then modded the Accu-Trigger to feather light pull. Miss that gun...

[@JohnSims3]

I have the same model in .270. A Tack driver!120 to 150 grain bullets are all in the 10 ring at 100-250 yards with this gun. I love my .270

[@madczechoutdoors1088]

My 243 loves the Nosler Partition 100gr. All I’ve ever hunted with.

[@BlackSheep883-d7n]

good choice

[@KenBlackRifleAmerica]

Excellent video showcasing the good old .243.... A great deer catching machine! Thanks WTW!!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

🦌🦌🦌

[@goodnewseverybody739]

6mm seeds are great in general, paired with the 308 case, one of the greatest hunting rounds ever from coyotes to deer. Even shoots white box ammo lights out- nice rig for sure.

[@tonydamiani7353]

These videos are a great reference, Thanks Who-tee for taking the time to make these informative videos. so I don't have to waste $ buying over priced ammo, that might not work well in my hunting rifles

[@KristianMartin-o8w]

Thing is every rifle is built slightly different. His rifle might like something yours doesn't or vice verse.

[@carlwilliams6300]

I wouldn’t be a bit afraid to slam a whitetail with that 80 grainer ol buddy great video .👍

[@WHOTEEWHO]

🦌🦌🦌

[@brianwhiting335]

My Howa loves the Federals as well.

[@ralphedwards3256]

These damn phones put words in on their own, keep up the great videos brother.

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Most of our barrels down here don’t have threaded ends due to not being allowed attachments. Muzzle brakes are the exception

[@randykopisch3578]

I've always enjoyed watching different rifles you shoot and see what grain of bullets work for each one. It never gets old!!!!! Thank you, and keep them coming. Your friend from Nebraska!!!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

GO BIG RED!!! I'll be in Nebraska soon. Gotta make a run to Lincoln

[@randykopisch3578]

@WHOTEEWHO that's only an hour or so from were I live!!!! That's awsome that you will be coming to the corn husker state!!!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Go big red

[@mattstaab6408]

Might just have to pick this rifle up for my boy. Seems like a good value for a first rifle beings it likes a variety of loads. Awesome video WTW thanks for taking the time brother! God Bless 🇺🇸

[@WHOTEEWHO]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@MattC-eo6ep]

Can't go wrong with this one...highly recommended!

[@chuckydubree1925]

Every gun is different when it comes to ammo ,crazy how much impact changes in rifles and ammo

[@josephmedeiros5770]

.243 was my first hi-power rifle. Love to see the old bird spreading her wings. Oh, and " mighty fine shooting WTW!" Way to put them in there. The core locked tip @ 1.22" is not that bad, but you only shot 3. A lot of variables, and it might have tightened up if you shot some more groups. Keep the great content coming.

[@CarnivoreRonin]

Your channel is one of the absolute best. I enjoy that you show a variety of guns, ammunition, testing etc. and give honest reviews. I also greatly appreciate that you aren't doing silly things and destroying guns or chasing ridiculous thumbnails. Keep up the great work and entertainment for us. You and Taofledermaus are some of the creators that i really enjoy and respect.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Appreciate you watching

[@gunman-6646]

That Winchester and Federal looked really good!

[@infernalstormrider]

243 win. is one my favorite calibers . Got great deal , when I bought used Tikka Supervarmint 243 win . Used ment in this case , that it was shot four times . Great , accurate rifle.

[@thomaswall4285]

One of my favorite rounds,versatile, low recoil, fast and accurate. Always doing a great job there. Don't let anyone tell you different. Wishing you all the best, T

[@hickeyskustomresto]

It really likes that federal blue box. 👌

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

Very good comparison. Personally I wish you had a Garmin Xero and could give the avg velocity (even if only 3 shots) for each load. Still you buy 6 boxes and find one load/brand that shoots great. Now you need to run back to the store and buy a few more boxes of that exact lot# (if they have it) because 2 yrs from now that loading won’t be the same. Factory proprietary powders etc.

[@Simont-z6i]

Howas are ammo fussy but are worth the effort. Trigger job, glass bed in a different stock, and you got a sweet rig you'll never sell.

[@michaelgmcauliffe]

Wish i could take my 243 to the range a box of 20 shells here in ontario is 50.00 a box after tax!! Cant afford to just waste bullets

[@Sourdough444]

Man, I really dug this video. I had a Howa/Hogue in 270 that shot MOA or better with every factory round I would use.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Always appreciate you watching

[@mattpeacock5208]

The Weatherby Vanguard and the Howa are made in the exact same factory! They both rule!

[@Gokywildcats11]

Whats better between them

[@Gokywildcats11]

Blue box wins

[@Gokywildcats11]

Why would impact be different between bulletts

[@williamharvey3658]

@@Gokywildcats11so many differences, bulletin size, powder, primer, case length

[@raleighthomas3079]

You can get some very nice wood stocks on the Weatherby. And carbon fiber.

[@ralphedwards3256]

The .243 is just a flat deer killing machine That Howa rifle is made in Japan is is a clone off of the Weatherby. You should have tried some Winchester 100 pointed soft point or the same in federal. You would have been pleased with those as well. Those Howa rifles are very good works themselves in any caliber. Love you kids man and what you do. Keep up the informative work.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

Howa manufacturers rifles for Weather by. They are sold as Weatherbys. Mossberg also Sells rifles made by Howa. Pretty well respected brand.

[@robertwies6806]

Got some good groups there. It is definitely a keeper.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

👍👍

[@matthoward9860]

95 deers season xp in 243 are lighting bolts. With a 200 yard zero they are an impressive combo.

[@dustyhowsden]

A 243 was my first deer rifle and go my first buck with it when I was 14. Ex wife took it and paned it but will still be my first deer .

[@Thousand_yard_King]

Had a savage model 10 in 243 win, it would knock holes in 3/4 in mild steel at 500 yards.

[@paulkukula6541]

My favourite hunting calibre here down under. Shot everything from Brumbies,goats,pigs,Roos,foxes & more. Very versatile. Use mainly 100gr hand loads. Used Hornady interlocks, Speer boat tail & original Barnes x 95s. Speer have discontinued my favourite projectile, which was the 105gr hot cor spitzer. Absolutely dynamite in pigs. Newly subscribed. Love the vids & testing.

[@Fusako8]

My r700 in 30-06 LOVES Federal bluebox 180gr soft point. Benched in with heavy sand bags, it gives me .75" groups at 100 yards. My shooting partner was getting 3" groups out of his weatherby vanguard with the same ammo. (Though we rapidly discovered that he didn't know you needed to sight in your scope. . .)

[@randybedker1584]

The federal blue box i haven't found a gun that doesn't like it. Cva 243, savage 22-250, savage 270, rem 30-06 and more. Put game on the ground too.

[@mopesrus7266]

We have two Savage Axis II rifles in .243Win in the family. Wife's is in the Muddy girl stock w/short LOP, she's only 5'1". Mine is in a Boyd's laminate wood stock, I need the extra LOP. Both have the stock, cheap, Bushnell 3x9 scopes. After lots of experimentation, we've found wife's rifle prefers Federal Fusion 95gr. Mine does best with Hornady Whitetail in 100gr. Both can group under 1/2" on paper and both have taken WI whitetails.

[@churchdemuncalhounstruggle6075]

i love the federal ammo in my winchester model 70 .270win….. nice comparison video

[@triplej4043]

My Savage 11 loves the Hornady 100gr whitetail...but the deer don't...haven't had to track any.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Iv always used the 100g corlokt in my 243. As you know I love Remington corlokt. Hard to beat it under 300 yards for the price.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Absolutely

[@guns4funfreedomkeeper999]

I tried those Federal Power Shok out of my 300wm and it shot 4” groups at 100y. I never touched the stuff again. I might have to give those a second look.

[@keithshirota9173]

My Thompson Center Encore and Venture love those cheap Federal Powershok ammo. 243 and 30-06

[@carbonspyder235]

I got a couple boxes of 243 Rem Tip but have not tried them yet but the core lokt 100 gr works well 👍🏻 Remington core lokt is always one of my go to ammo when I get a new slinger doesn't miss to often and works well !

[@WHOTEEWHO]

👍👍

[@jayjudd6518]

Not that I’m aware of the twist rate. 243 used to didn’t do heavy long bullets because of reamers. This day and age 6 Creedmoor is designed for the new long heaviers. I have the Savage think it’s 1:7.5 twist heavy barrel threaded factory.

[@DougCooley-h1e]

I know a fellow that used to Elk hunt with 243 and 6mm Rem. ,always neck shot them,fell straight down. then came the muzzle velocity ruling and out lawed those calibers.

[@ssswdon]

I built several rifles using how a barrel actions and have no complaints. They shoot awesome putting in the right stock

[@bradenstuart4074]

I have a Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic (which im assuming the barrel is VERY close if not the same) and it loves the lighter grain weight. It groups the Federal Blue Box the best just like your video! Great video!

[@williamharvey3658]

What caliber?

[@bradenstuart4074]

Mine is in .308! @@williamharvey3658

[@clintleffingwell8129]

Great video, and the Howa 1500 is probably the most underrated rifle on the market (albeit, not the steal that they were a few years ago). Obviously it's a great shooter; notwithstanding the Norma Whitetail ammo grouping like Norma Whitetail typically does (meh).

[@kentuckywindage222]

WTW I handload Barnes TTSX 80gr for my 1/10 twist Tikka .243 running 3400 give or take and it stacks them. I prefer 100gr for deer in 243. Flat base 100gr shoot better in the Tikka than boat tail 100gr.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Awesome

[@usafret4709]

Funny, right before I watched this video I ordered a HOWA 1500 barreled action from Brownells in 30-06. I hope I get the same results. Waiting for payday to order a Bell and Carlson stock for it.

[@raleighthomas3079]

That’s gonna be a nice setup.

[@usafret4709]

@@raleighthomas3079 I am a hoping.

[@usafret4709]

@@raleighthomas3079 It is. .75 inch groups with Hornady Precision Hunter.

[@peterkolovos3079]

All depends on barrel twist. I'd say the 95 grain bullets. They shot the best in my .243 Savage. It hated the 100 grain bullets.

[@DaleWesley-d7i]

6mm&7mm awesome to the day just hanging with c&c equipment & steve Morris engines & precision transmission & Richard petty....

[@jimmyhardin6366]

I'm thinking about a Howa in 7rem mag. This kinda helped me make my mind up

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Sweeeeet

[@misterbreakit2006]

Got the Howa in 30-06. My boy's Savsge 110 is in .243 . Amazing caliber. Lots of fun. Also, AFAIK, the Weatherby Vanguard is actually a Howa 1500 barelled action. Funny how they like different ammo.

[@austinanderson8485]

Love my howa 1500 in 270 shoots great I don’t have a threaded barrel though and can’t decide if I wanna have it threaded and mess with a perfectly good gun or just let this one be and wait for barrel to get shot out

[@ratdaddy7774]

My favorite high velocity small bore cartridge,good one wtw❤

[@IRishbuck58]

I like hunting with those federal power shock had good luck with them

[@glorybound7599]

I use a variety of ammunition and in my experience the Federal, from 22LR up has been one of the most economical, reliable, accurate ammunitions I’ve used.

[@10CowRanch-gn1iy]

4 out of 5 ammo sub MOA groups hard to complain about that. Another great video

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Those howas do pretty good

[@10CowRanch-gn1iy]

I have one Howa in 223 it is a great rifle. They are a bit of a sleeper@@WHOTEEWHO

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Hard to beat for the price

[@nicholasbarcomb2324]

See if it'll like some all copper projectiles. That rifle sure likes 80 gr bullets. Good luck and stay safe!!! 😉😉😉

[@WHOTEEWHO]

👍👍

[@LAlonzo70]

great ammo testing on a great rifle... thank you... all those tested were minute of deer, and it sure like the 80gr ammo... great data to have... the 80gr 243 will take whitetail deer and feral hogs all day long

[@o5245607]

Good video and good advice, thanks.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackb1888]

Great shooting WTW fantastic rifles howa 1500s, I have one in 204 Ruger and it shoots both 32 & 40gr lights out Completely agree with you on testing ammo if you can do it, done that with all my rifles 👍, got some 70gr sierra blitzkings to try through my Sako Roughtech with 24" barrel those will be 3500+ fps, great for red foxes & varmints👌

[@hedge7743]

The only reason i didnt purchase a .243 is the availability and cost of ammo. Its awful. Glad tou got one that works! Keep it up WTW!

[@matthewknight1910]

Quite the opposite here in Australia. It’s cheap (by comparison) and readily available.

[@charlesmorgan1879]

I missed live chat with time change & cooking dinner...lol Gotta like the .243 ive cinsudered in an AR10

[@KathrynLiz1]

It s "minute of deer" with anything..... the Howas have a great reputation here in NZ... Don't cost a lot and often shoot the pants off rifles costing 2 or 3 times as much.... a bargain..

[@oldgandy5355]

Looks like the Remington 100 gr were tumbling. Tore oblong holes instead of little round dots. Federal 80s were impressive. Norma 100 was good. Nice round holes. Remington 95 spread a little. Remington 75 acceptable group. Looks like a couple of ragged holes, but good group. Winchester looks real good.

[@stevo1166]

Nice video, 80gr is the magic weight!! Im using norma 76gr tipstrike but its a bit destructive on deer, great on fox. may try some federal 80gr softpoint.

[@CharlesBrisco]

My savage 243 seems to shoot best with 80grain it did not like 100grain I picked up some 95 grain an 58 grain stuff not had time to try them out yet great vid

[@edjett2631]

I've pretty much always had a .243 rifle in the house. It's a great caliber.

[@rogerf7265]

I would like to see a .243 test of different monolithic cartridges to see how it handles those.

[@crankygunreviews]

Thats another caliber I have never shot. Thanks for sharing WTW!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Thanks for watching

[@RIParker]

Good content. I also like the Howa’s

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Thanks for watching!

[@TDKOUTDOORS]

Great video. I'm curious how the 95gr Winchester ballistic silvertips would do in that rifle.

[@michaelwood5327]

My Grandson, got his first buck with the 788 rem rifle, with the fed 80 grs.

[@johnandrosemarywyatt977]

Would like to see 95gr fusion, 90gr eldx, and hornady 100gr interlock. Nice video.....thankyou

[@MattC-eo6ep]

Mine shoots the Fusion 95 grain lights out. Happy hunting!

[@johnandrosemarywyatt977]

I changed my barrel to a 1 in 8 twist which handles the longer bullets and it likes the norma 100gr as well as the interlock 100gr. The fusion is a great bullet!

[@JackFrostTheDeerHunter]

Cost for 15 bullets was? :) I think the 243 is a fabulous cartridge and seems to like most ammo...at least good enough for deer and varmint hunting. I think it would have been good to see the FPS info on all 5 boxes via the chronograph...as campared to advertised FPS. Cheers and thanks for another fun video.

[@drolan1977]

I’ve got the Weatherby Vanguard 2 in 243…Mine is a shooter as well…hoping to take it out this fall to the deer woods…

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Good luck!

[@curtisanderson2741]

I’ve had several different rifles in different calibers that shot the blue box really well

[@Know_Your_Rights_1776]

13:10 have you been compiling this data? Do you have spreadsheet somewhere that shows these grouping results per round for each rifle including the barrel length and twist? And how many water jugs each caliber goes through? Or paper plates, or concrete blocks? Or what each caliber did to a clay block, Mellon, or apple? It’s sounds kinda funny typing it out, but serious question.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

I don't have it all in one place, no. Just in the videos

[@tannersires9734]

When I was 13 my dad gave me a .243 and a couple boxes of double tap 100gr soft points. I’ve been using that same ammunition for 11 years for every hunt.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Awesome

[@BobMcGranor]

Try the 87 grain hornady. Hollow point. 39 grains of h380. Every 243 I have loves it

[@fredthompson1279]

That's a shooter. Would be interesting to see how good it could get with some load development.

[@PassivePortfolios]

Most people seem to shoot the 243 quite well. Probably due to low recoil. Plus the Howa is an excellent rifle for the money.

[@NightSniper64]

Great video...as always for the new shooter. I am curious what twist your weatherby has compared to the Howa. Generally speaking a 1-10 twist barrel shooting 95 grains or 100 grains will open up. That twist usually likes a light pill. 70-87 grain. This all changes when you put faster twist or change to something like 6mm Creedmoor with a shoulder angle differeent as well as twist being faster. My .243 with a 1-9.5 twist likes Nosler 90 Grain Ballistic tip. Devestating on Deer size game.

[@mikecollins8241]

I was wondering the same... almost looked like the first 100gn load was hitting a little sideways.. be sure and test at 200 yards any loads you might hunt with, just to make sure ;)

[@garrettforchrist2700]

That's a good brush gun, but your Weatherby Vanguard is super sharp looking!🇺🇲✝️🇺🇲 John 3:21

[@TwoStageTrigger]

Whats the twist on your barrel? That might olay a part in ehy the heavier/longer bullets didnt perform as well.

[@SunfishForFish]

Happy birthday 🎂🎂🎂🎂

[@JimmyJusa]

I think it was the federal 80gr and then the federal fusions(95gr) that hit the same poi. I know my gameking loads hit the same as the fusions.

[@johncrosser8783]

80/87 Grains always worked Best for my Kids & Deer and Coyotes

[@LeoBaker-ir3vo]

Same here. 85 grn power point drops critters DRT and flies real fast real straight

[@JohnAngle-vw8yq]

Another great video.

[@WHOTEEWHO]

Thanks so much!