Best 16 243 Ammo for Deer Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide

The 243 Winchester is a renowned cartridge for deer hunting, known for its balance of effectiveness and reliability. Our evaluation compares several popular 243 ammo options, helping you choose the right load for your hunting needs.

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Reviews

Denix 54 Rifle Bullet Replicas

These six brass-finished metal replicas pack a stout 1.5-inch punch each, making them a solid addition to any firearm collection. Built in Spain, they’re the perfect legal way to practice loading and handling for your 22-54 rifle. At just an inch tall and an inch long, each one maintains that classic cartridge shape without the risk of accidental ignition.

Conquest Fire ScentCartridge

These scent cartridges catch your attention with their fire-breathing potential, though one user notes the VS-1 scent might be tricky to install. Once you get them set up, they’ll keep your scent out in the wild for hours at a time – up to 100 hours with the right combination of scents. The Hunters Pack includes both EverCalm and VS-1, while the Rutting Buck Pack mixes EverCalm with a more aggressive scent profile.

James Valley Gel Scents Lethal Weapon Deer Lure

The James Valley Gel Scents blend natural buck and doe glands with estrus urine for an incredibly potent deer lure. The 1 oz gel formula sticks to surfaces for weeks without drying out, making it perfect for tree stand locations or scent trails. Users report consistent success during the pre-rut and rut, with one reviewer getting an 8-point buck to linger for 10 minutes despite missing the shot.

Black Eagle Instinct 600 Outserts

These sleek 100-grain stainless steel outserts pack a serious punch, developed by top hunters and archers for dead-on accuracy. The secret to getting them to fit? A bit of patience with the sandpaper – once you’ve got them sliding on just right, the included glue does the rest, sealing your arrow for perfect flight every time.

Conquest Scents Rutting Buck Scent Stick

This premium scent stick captures the peak rutting phase of mature bucks, when their testosterone levels are at their highest. The concentrated formula eliminates the mess of traditional scent products, making it perfect for last-minute applications before heading out into the woods. Whether you’re hunting from a blind or setting up a decoy, these convenient sticks are your best bet for bringing that dominant buck into shooting range.

Zermatt Tl3/sr3 243

This sleek carbon fiber rifle barrel combines precise engineering with a natural Sendero contour, making it a visually striking addition to any hunting setup. The 24-inch barrel, weighing just over 2.9 pounds, showcases Bighorn’s commitment to lightweight yet robust design. The 1:8 twist rate and 5/8-24 muzzle thread pattern make it compatible with a variety of rifle cartridges, including the BRS_7mm PRC.

30pc Red Refill Mega Foam Bullet Ammo Darts

These red foam darts are like oversized Q-tips with suction cup tips - perfect for indoor target practice with the Strike Mega Blaster. At just over 3 inches long, they’re easy to grip and load into the blaster, though the lack of official packaging means you won’t get any cool collector cards or bonus accessories. The silica gel core gives them good weight and decent range, so you can pop balloons or knock things over from across the room.

Hawk XTENDIBLE Cinch Gambrel

This adaptable hunting accessory transitions smoothly between 16” and 25” length, featuring a practical design with clinch cables that allow for quick adjustments. The collapsible structure makes it a space-saving addition to any hunting gear collection. Whether you’re planning a tactical deployment or need a reliable backup, this well-reviewed extender has proven itself time and again in the field.

Conquest Scents 4 Pack Evercalm Refill

Wrap yourself in the signature scent of the deer herd with these convenient wax sticks that eliminate messy spills and last through multiple hunts. The natural deer essence draws deer in while keeping your pack fresh and odor-free, whether you’re faced with sub-freezing temps or warm weather.

Vortex VO306962 90 Day Powder Pak Deer Repellent

This granular deer deterrent uses natural predator scent to create an invisible barrier around your lawn or garden. The product, which comes in a convenient 90-day powder pakt, works by mimicking the presence of coyotes, foxes, and bobcats – the pests’ top predators. Sprinkle it in strategic locations, and deer will be discouraged from grazing in your carefully tended plants.

Conquest Rutting Buck Scent Stick

This synthetic deer scent recreates the urine of genetically superior breeding bucks for use during the rutting season. The 2.5 oz wax stick prevents spills and leaks, and works well in active scrapes and on licking branches. While opinions vary, some hunters report successful deer encounters after using it with their decoys and other Conquest products.

Conquest Fire Cartridge (Rutting Buck)

The Conquest Fire Cartridge mimics the intense testosterone scent of a rutting buck, designed to be vaporized and dispersed over an impressive 100-hour period. The black cartridge houses concentrated hunting scents developed to trigger the primal instincts of game animals. While some reviewers have experienced delays in fulfillment, those who have used it report impressive results, with one user describing how it “hit that penjamin and absolutely got flabbergasted. “

Conquest Fire Cartridge

These two black ScentFire cartridges combine 556 Hunting Rounds with EverCalm and VS-1 scents for a long-lasting impact in the woods. Each cartridge releases its powerful blend through a simple vaporization process, providing up to 100 hours of scent dispersal without the hassle of traditional scenting methods.

Conquest Scents Rutting Buck Pack

The Tan and Yellow wax sticks combine 100% deer urine with natural bedding scents to create a powerful attractant that works from pre-rut through post-rut. The easy-to-use formula sticks prevent spills and freezing, while the dual-scent system allows hunters to create realistic deer herds or trigger buck aggression. With 37 user reviews and a 4.4 rating, these scent sticks have proven effective for both stand hunting and feeder setups.

DX61 Denix M16A1 Rifle 243 Bullet Replica

Crafted from brass-finished metal, this compact replica measures just over 2 inches long and packs the look and feel of the real deal. While it won’t actually fire, its detailed design makes it perfect for display or adding some realistic flair to your collection. Made in Spain, it’s a solid addition to any shooting range setup, though it’s worth noting that it shoots the same size ammo as a. 243 caliber rifle.

Buck Bomb Scent Wafer

These scent wafers pack a powerful punch with their synthetic urine formula, drawing both bucks and does from miles around. The convenient elastic cord lets you hang them from trees without a second thought, while the portability of three individual wafers means you’ll never run short. The best part? You can use them in Canada where natural urine drops are banned – giving you one less thing to worry about.

Buyer’s Guide

Ammunition specifically designed for deer hunting requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure both effectiveness and legal compliance. Understanding these aspects will help you select the appropriate load and calibre for your hunting needs.

Calibre Selection

Common calibres for deer hunting include. 243 Winchester, 6mm BR, and 6.5mm Creedmoor. These offer a balance of performance and efficiency. The. 243 Winchester, in particular, provides reliable knockdown power while maintaining manageable recoil.

Ballistic Performance

Effective deer ammunition should deliver high bullet velocities and adequate penetration. Barnes X, Nosler AccuTip, and Winchester Power Point are reliable choices known for their performance in deer hunting scenarios. These bullets maintain their integrity upon impact and retain significant weight to penetrate deeply.

Legal Requirements

Always check local hunting regulations regarding ammunition types and calibres. Many areas restrict the use of expanding bullets or require specific minimum bullet weights. Understanding these laws ensures you are in compliance and can choose ammunition that meets all legal standards.

Cost and Availability

While premium ammunition often offers better performance, budget-friendly options may be suitable for casual hunters. Consider factors like price per round and availability in your area. Comparing costs between different options helps you find a balance between affordability and reliability.

FAQ

What calibers are suitable for deer hunting?

Deer hunting typically requires cartridges between. 243 and. 300 caliber, with. 270 and. 243 being popular choices due to their balance of penetration and accuracy.

. 243 caliber is a favorite among many hunters for its efficient performance on deer-sized game and favorable ballistics compared to larger calibers.

What bullet weights work best for deer hunting?

For. 243 caliber, bullets in the 80-100 grain range are ideal, providing adequate penetration while maintaining reliable expansion in medium-sized game.

Velocity and momentum are key factors, with moderate to high-velocity loads delivering both penetration and expansion necessary for ethical hunting practices.

How far can a. 243 effectively hunt deer?

. 243 rifles excel at shorter ranges, with reliable performance out to 200 yards. However, their accurate ballistics make them suitable for shots up to 300 yards in ideal conditions.

Precision shot placement within the animal’s vitals is more critical than range when using a. 243 for deer hunting.

What factors affect the selection of appropriate ammunition?

Environmental factors, such as shooting conditions and available resources, influence ammunition choice. Weather and local regulations also impact the selection process.

Personal preference, shooting technique, and available equipment influence ammunition selection, with newer shooters often preferring factory loads for consistency and reliability.

How do I choose the right ammunition?

Check chamber markings and rifle specifications for pressure ratings. Consider the bullet weight and style that match your shooting style and target distance.

Test shooting is recommended to determine individual preference and verify ballistics match expectations before hunting season begins.

What are the advantages of using premium ammunition?

Premium ammunition typically offers better consistency, truer ballistics, and more reliable expansion than budget options. The cost often provides a noticeable performance advantage for hunting.

Reliable expansion and consistent performance are crucial for ethical hunting, making premium ammunition a sound investment for serious deer hunters.

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