Which of these three bullets would you try first?

[Kentucky Windage]

I'd roll with the SST, although I'm a huge fan of 120-grain Nosler Partitions out of my 257Wby Mag. I'm not sure how they would perform downrange, expansion-wise, out of an 18 in. barrel.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

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In November, I'm gonna take my buddy, who's never hunted, and his 16 year old son, who's never hunted. I am supplying all 3 rifles with ammo, and I'm going to work up handloads for all three. As mentioned, I'll be using a rifle chambered in .260 Rem.

A. For the boy, he'll be using a .243 Win rifle of mine. Bullet question on this one is which of these to use:

1. 85 gr Speer Spitzer boattail, $22.70/100, .404 BC.
2. 90 gr Nosler Ballistic tip, $26.98/100, .365 BC.
3. 90 gr Sierra Game King, $19.99/100, .387 BC.
4. 95 gr Hornady SST $26.99, .381 BC
5. 100 gr Speer Spitzer Boattail, $22.39/100, .430 BC
6. 105 gr Speer HotCor, $21.49/100, .443 BC

I think #5 and #6 are out, because I read that the T/C Icon in .243 has a stinkin 1 in 12 twist, so that leaves 1-4. #4 (the SST) is best choice for torso vitals shots where a bone may be encountered or a quartering shot, and best all-around choice, but 1-3 are better for neck shots. Thinking of going with #1 or #3 (probably #3), and telling the boy "neck shots only" allowed. This way, with this rule, he won't be hasty and be tempted to just shoot for the brown torso *somewhere*. It's neck shot if you have it, or nothing at all - seems to me to be a good rule for a newbie 16 year old like this.

B. Then finally, last of 3 rifles is the one my friend will use, chambered in .280 rem. Narrowed it down to one of these two bullets -which?:

1. 139 Hornady SST, $26.99/100, .486 BC
2. 140 Nosler Ballistic Tip, $29.58/100, .502 BC

Probably will go with #1 here (SST), but this one is a close call. Thanks.

P.S. Almost forgot - pigs will be available on this hunt, too, in all likelihood, since it will be in east-central Texas, so does that sway your choices? Probably better run with the SST in .243 for piggies, eh?

P.P.S. Of the three, the only one I'd be willing to use factory ammo for is the .243, so if you have a recommendation on that (Hornady Light Mag?), rather than a handload, let me know. Also please let me know your pet handloads for the chosen bullet weights.

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Last edited by Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow; Yesterday at 11:55 AM.

If you can hold a never hunted 16 year old to neck shots only,you are a better hunt leader than me. I have had trouble trying to keep them on legal game[example-no does-"what did you just shoot at?" "A deer" "How did the antlers look? "I dunno,I never saw them":banghead: Anyway,as far as your OQ, I can't be much help I use nothing but Nosler partitions-although I think they would ideal for what you want-violent front expansion[neck shot] deep penetrating rear half [body shot].

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

If you can hold a never hunted 16 year old to neck shots only,you are a better hunt leader than me. I have had trouble trying to keep them on legal game[example-no does-"what did you just shoot at?" "A deer" "How did the antlers look? "I dunno,I never saw them"

Taken under advisement, Jim; what do you recommend in this situation? Seems that if they're limited to neck shots, it makes them stop and think about exactly where they are aiming before shooting (even if it's a buck on a doe day or vice versa)!