.243 load for pelt preservation?

[IdahoSpud]

I just bought a .243 for my thermal to live on with the hopes of not having to switch between calibers for wolves and coyotes.

What kind of load should I be looking at for the preservation of pelts? More velocity lighter bullet? Heavier bullet with less velocity? I tan all my coyote pelts but I'm far more worried about downing a wolf and blowing a hole out of it.


Anyone have a favorite .243 load? Realistically probably won't have many shots outside of 400 yards.

 

[SporterII]

Not a Hunter but know inside 400 with a 243 speed is going to be something to watch. A bullet that will work at moderate velocity. Ballistic tip?

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

If pelt preservation is the main purpose, it’s a 17HMR that you seek. I’ve yet to take a shot over 200yds.

For the 243W take a good look at the 55gn Nosler Varmageddon. I push these close to 3,900 ft/s. You will own everything inside 500 easily. Get your sewing kit ready though, if you punch through you will have a repair on your hands. I’ve gotten lucky and gotten full fragmentation and no exit. I’m not a ballistician so idk what happens. Some are just more “thin” th others?

best of luck! Drop every single one.

 

[IdahoSpud]

The main purpose was to not have to keep switching my thermal and re zeroing.

Coyotes aside- For wolves I should still aim for a tiny varmint bullet hauling ass over say a 100 grain bullet going 2900?

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

The main purpose was to not have to keep switching my thermal and re zeroing.

Coyotes aside- For wolves I should still aim for a tiny varmint bullet hauling ass over say a 100 grain bullet going 2900?

I took my cues last year w that tiny projo. Also a javilena the year prior.

idk anything about a wolf. We have Mexican Grey Wolf here and they look like a coyote. So much so that we have pictures in the G&F regs.

move seen videos of wolves in Alaska. Big fuckers. I’ll still send that 55gn and feel confidant.