.243 barrel twist and factory loads

[ColdStart]

Just getting back into shooting after a few years off and trying to get my head around barrel twist rates and matching factory ammo. Got a Tikka T3 Lite in .243 Win with a 1:10 twist. I know it’s not ideal for the heavier stuff, but does anyone have real-world experience running 95gr or 100gr factory loads through it? Accuracy good enough for goats or fallow at mid-range?

I’ve seen mixed answers online and figured I’d ask the people who’ve actually tested it. Open to recommendations on brands too (Winchester, Hornady, PPU etc.)

Anyway, cheers in advance, looking forward to learning a bit and maybe contributing once I get back in the groove.

[deye243]

When you are on the edge of twist rate for projectile like you would be with the one you have selected air temperature is the biggest Factor that bullet should fly balanced above 22 degrees get it down to 16 or 17 degrees and I think you'll see your groups opening up dramatically

[TuskerOrd]

100gr Factory ammo would be accurate enough to hunt fallow out to mid range.

I've reloaded for a 10t 243W using, 100gr Sierra Gameking/Prohunter and also Hornady Interlocks with good results.

If you're worried that your barrel would not sabilize a 100gr projectile, select ammo loaded with flat base projectiles, they are generally shorter than boat tailed projectiles.

[Wapiti]

I have used PPU 90gn and 100gn factory ammo in my Howa SS 243 sporter. It handles them OK in the 1-10 twist just fine.
I have it set up for dogs with a thermal clip-on, and use that ammo.

If I was to compare these two weights, I don't see any terminal performance differences. Maybe, technically, the 100gn loading might penetrate a very large boars shoulder shield better, but I don't see it.
To my opinion, these projectiles are good all-rounders. They don't do unexpected things like plastic tipped projectiles are apt to do that you can't explain every now and then.
In the PPU brand, the bullets seen constructed exactly alike, the 100gn being slightly longer obviously. Same exposed lead tip, same OAL.

But like anything, some rifles love a certain brand, some don't. Accuracy-wise, I mean.

I'd actually like to see 243 Win have a 1-8 twist factory option, just to see it kick all the man bun's cals arses.

[No1Mk3]

I use 90g Hornady ELD-X in a Ruger 77 VT 1:10 which shoots 6" groups at 500 yards off the elbows, it would do much better in the hands of a better shooter. Your Tikka will shoot just fine using 100g.

[bladeracer]

Just getting back into shooting after a few years off and trying to get my head around barrel twist rates and matching factory ammo. Got a Tikka T3 Lite in .243 Win with a 1:10 twist. I know it’s not ideal for the heavier stuff, but does anyone have real-world experience running 95gr or 100gr factory loads through it? Accuracy good enough for goats or fallow at mid-range?

I’ve seen mixed answers online and figured I’d ask the people who’ve actually tested it. Open to recommendations on brands too (Winchester, Hornady, PPU etc.)

Anyway, cheers in advance, looking forward to learning a bit and maybe contributing once I get back in the groove.

If the bullet is longer than about 1.100" it probably won't stabilise, regardless of its weight. Bullet length determines stability, not weight.

[TuskerOrd]

I'd actually like to see 243 Win have a 1-8 twist factory option, just to see it kick all the man bun's cals arses.

With Tikka bringing out their 243W's in 8t I'm in seventh heaven - I've been building my 243s on 7.25, 7.5 and 8t barrels since forever - its a totally different beast. I'm currently competing in precision matches with a 243W fitted with a 7.5t Tru-flite barrel, pushing 109gr Bergers at 3050fps.

If I can get my hands on a ne Tikka 243w with a 8T barrel - I'd happily compete in production class.

[JohnV]

As far as game stopping ability there is not much advantage in going heavier than a 87 grain bullets in a 243 unless you are in thick scrub . .

[Cape_Yorkee]

As far as game stopping ability there is not much advantage in going heavier than a 87 grain bullets in a 243 unless you are in thick scrub . .

... and as far as things go there is not much better than an 87gr V-Max screaming out of a 243. I have brought factory made 87gr and also tried reloaded 87gr in all but the same format and there is 'splitting hairs' difference.