Following since the beginning.
I’m also struggling with a .243. But I have another issue, I have to shoot a non-lead bullet. I bought this gun just as a coyote gun, but may use it for deer if I ever get the results I want.
When I broke in the barrel I bought 2 boxes of factory. The one shot, clean method. After 10, 2 shots and clean. Anyways, the factory was Winchester 80 and 100 grain. Since it’s a Savage, it comes with a 1/9.25 barrel. I thought it may have issues with the 100s. It shot the 100s right at 1-5” groups, 80s at 3” groups. Once the barrel was broken in, I started with Barnes 80 grain TTSXs, not something you want to pinch holes in paper at $.80 a piece.
I have struggled!!! I have had several -1” groups. But repeating them hasn’t happened.
I tried Nosler 95 grain Etips, not any better. I bought a buttload of other bullets from 65 grains to 108 grains. I’m thinking the 95 grain Ballistic Tip will shine. But I hunt coyotes on the California/Nevada border and I don’t want some chicken$h|t ticket for using lead in California.
I just got my 22-250 dialed with a monolithic bullet so to end this frustration, I may try the Ballistic Tips. And if they work like I think, carry 2 guns, 22-250 in California, .243 in Nevada. But that’s not why I bought the .243.
PS: I’ve broken in several barrels like I did this one. This one cleans easier than any rifle barrel I’ve ever cleaned. Made me think I need to shoot it dirty a few times. I get a good group, load some more, clean the bore, same load shoots like crap. That’s my next attempt, throwing 15 $.80 bullets downrange through a dirty barrel.