Model 10 / .243 Winchester for Varmints

[Tony1776]

Recently purchased a 10FXP in the .243 Winchester to be used for varmint sized coyote and smaller. I'd be interested in hearing about any varmint loads and powder that you are using and whether you have had good luck with them .... Thanks, Tony

[Hotolds442]

I use the 58gr VMAX in my 110 FLSS when it gets to go varmint hunting. I'm using Varget powder with it, but because the load I use is above the listed max load, I'll leave it to you to work up to a safe load in your rifle and defer posting my charge weight. The 58 has been known to bring out the red mist more frequently than a couple of other bullets I'm using in my other 6mm rifles, and has great accuracy in the 1-9.25" barrel.

[Tony1776]

Thanks for the reply! I've been reading a little today and it seems the 58gr is an effective varmint round. I don't have any Varget but I've got a good supply of others. Will pick some up today and look at the manuals. Planning on going varmint (coyote) hunting at my brother in laws ranch in NE Texas in March. I'd like to have some rounds worked up for that. The 58gr hits around 3500 fps I'd imagine with the Varget. thanks again, Tony

[BillPa]

Not a Savage but for my 700 VLS I use a 70 NBT or 75 Vmax, Varget, BR2, Win brass @ 3464. (26" barrel)

Bill

[Tony1776]

Hey Bill .... Thanks! I'm interested in varmint loads for the .243 and any info is helpful! Sounds like another vote for Varget ( I need to get some :smile-new:) ... thanks again, Tony

[BillPa]

That combination is one of Dan Newberry's OCW loads for the 243.
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/#/ocw-load-recipes/4533485759

Bill

[Tony1776]

Roger that and thanks for the link!! Tony

[bootsmcguire]

I use the 58gr VMAX in my 110 FLSS when it gets to go varmint hunting. I'm using Varget powder with it, but because the load I use is above the listed max load, I'll leave it to you to work up to a safe load in your rifle and defer posting my charge weight. The 58 has been known to bring out the red mist more frequently than a couple of other bullets I'm using in my other 6mm rifles, and has great accuracy in the 1-9.25" barrel.

Totally agree. The 58gr and Varget is a great combo and my go to for the 243 and 243AI and yes they do work great in the 9.25" twist Savage barrels.

Tony, I think you will find that the 58's will make it faster than 3500fps unless you have a really short barrel.

[Tony1776]

Totally agree. The 58gr and Varget is a great combo and my go to for the 243 and 243AI and yes they do work great in the 9.25" twist Savage barrels.

Tony, I think you will find that the 58's will make it faster than 3500fps unless you have a really short barrel.

Yep I believe you are right!! I was a little low, g. Regular barrel and twist for Model 10. I've got some IMR 4350 which looks good too but I definitely will get the Varget. Thanks for the reply ... Tony

[3DHUSKER]

For coyotes and PD I shoot a 70 grain NBT or my favorite load is a 87 grain V-Max all over Varget. Gets job done all the way out there, 500 +

[bc160]

The 58 gr like everyone else has stated is excellent. I prefer Ramshot Big Game powder over Varget personally. Big Game seems to be a little more consistent.
This powder also works pretty well with all bullets up to 95 grain that I have tried

[Tony1776]

Hey bc160 ... Thanks for the reply. I'm not familiar with Ramshot but I'll sure check it out. I've got some 58grs ordered. Didn't find any Varget locally but it should be in at some point. I've got plenty of IMR4350, 4064, 3031, Accurate 2230 and H380. Some of those seem to be suitable for the .243 from what I'm reading. I'll look up the Ramshot and have a look at it as well. I appreciate your reply and suggestions. I'm planning a hunt in a few months and I hope to have some rounds loaded up ready to go! Thanks....

3D - Thanks for the reply and information. I've read good reports on those bullet weights and the Varget seems to be a really good powder for the .243. 500+ is good! Where I'm hunting at I'm not able to get that long of a shot but there are a few places that hit around 350+ I'd guess .... Thanks .....