[Double Lung 20]

Looking for some .243 ammo that has minimal expansion, max penetration. I want something that can pass through an animal without leaving a large exit hole. Any suggestions?

 

[tdd]

Predator hunting?

I would think something on the order of a Hornady GMX or a Barnes of some sort would be a good choice. Or a Nosler Accubond or eTip.

 

[BUCKSLAYER15]

Used FMJ's for a long time on fall turkeys and foxes with good results

 

[Double Lung 20]

Predator hunting?

I would think something on the order of a Hornady GMX or a Barnes of some sort would be a good choice. Or a Nosler Accubond or eTip.

Yes, for predator hunting. Some of those you listed advertise rapid expansion!

What do I look for when determining the expansion and penetration of a bullet? Do the heavy slower bullets expand slower with everything else being equal? I would think those real light varmit loads in the 55 gr range at high speeds would expand real quick.

 

[Alpine Shooter]

I agree with the FMJ, in that diameter, its going to penetrate the shoulder and go through the heart or vitals if shot placement is used.

 

[Double Lung 20]

Are there any .243 bullets that consistently won't exit a fox?

 

[gooseguy]

What about any of the copper solids?

With any lead bullet, you are going to get some amount of expansion.

Got any smaller caliber guns? .250, .17rfb, .223?

 

[gooseguy]

For one that won't exit, maybe a 55gr NBT. High velocity, rapid expansion, and should be accurate. Federal loads them, muzzle velocity 3850fps!

 

[Double Lung 20]

For one that won't exit, maybe a 55gr NBT. High velocity, rapid expansion, and should be accurate. Federal loads them, muzzle velocity 3850fps!

Yea, I saw those. I just can't imagine a bullet shot out of a .243 with such high velocity won't exit. I might just have to give them a try.

 

[Borden811]

If you shoot a fox with those 55gr, or any lightweight varmint bullet, you'll be picking up pieces. Your best best is a fmj, but that's not ideal either. If you're mainly going to be shooting fox, I'd suggest a smaller caliber. Center fire 17's, 22 mag, 22 hornet, etc. If you're dead set on the .243, heavy for caliber, or bonded/ monolithic bullets won't expand much on something as small as a fox, but you still in the risk of gaping wounds, just due to the amount of energy being deposited.

 

[Double Lung 20]

I want to shoot a FMJ, but I can't find them anywhere to reload. I could always get the velocity down a bit so there isn't as much energy. I would assume there is the right combination of bullet type and velocity for a .243 to be fur friendly.

 

[Borden811]

I don't think there is such a thing, where foxes and a .243 are concerned. For coyotes, possibly, fox, no. My brother loaded down his .223 and shot 70gr non-expanding bullets out of it. He still had gaping holes in foxes. You're not going to find a load for a 243 that will save fur on foxes. You might get a lucky shot or two, but day in and day out, you'll destroy way more than you don't.

 

[Antler]

Are there any .243 bullets that consistently won't exit a fox?

NO!