Sierra Blitzkings 55 gr vs 70 gr for .243?

[Sniper66]

I would like to hear from shooters who have had experience with these bullets. I wanted to try the 70 gr, but they are not available and I can get the 55 gr. My goal is to work up a long distance load for my .243 to shoot p-dogs at 300+ yards. BTW, my rifle is a Remington VLS.

 

[hueyville]

I do not have experience with that combination but years of experience lead me to believe the lighter bullet will be the better choice for varmints at long range. Shoot faster and flatter but your rifle will have to be the final judge of what shoots best. I would try the 55's and when the 70's come available try them too.

 

[Birdhunter1]

For long range the 55 will work but will not be flat shooting. Inside of 150-200 yards it will be flat but REALLY looses steam from 125+.

In fact from 125 yards and beyond the 87 Gr VMAX will shoot flatter. I went through this years ago and was really working with the 55 and had good accuracy with it. I for some odd reason tried the 87 vmax and found it to be very flat at longer distances and it would buck the wind better.
Yes the 55 will shoot fast out of a 243 but like I said it really looses speed after 125 yards. To give you an idea the 87 VMax leaving the barrel at 3400 will get to a target at 150 yards before the 55 gr bullet at 3750.. given they are fired at the same time from the same location.

 

[joed]

I agree with Birdhunter1. No experience as I just recently got a .243. I looked at the light bullets and went for the 70 gr.

I do have similar experience with a .25-06 and found the heavier bullet to work better. So, I applied the results to .243 cal.

But, what do you have to lose if you can't get anything but 55 gr? I'd be tempted to try them.

 

[rcmodel]

That 55 grain at 3,800 will be a barrel burner if you don't allow enough time for it to cool down.

I had a buddy completely burn out a new 6mm 700 Rem barrel in one morning on a Dodge City dog town one time.

He just didn't have enough self-control to stop shooting and let it cool down.

BTW: The heavier bullet with a higher BC will do better if the wind is blowing too!
And when isn't it blowing in Kansas?

rc

 

[Sniper66]

OK...Think I'll stick with the 70 gr for greater stability in the wind. I have plenty of lighter, faster bullets in my .204 and .223. Now I gotta find a way to be patient while I wait for them to be restocked. Hope Sierra can boost production in time for spring p-dogs Thanks everyone. Tom

 

[j2crows]

I use the 70 gr. BT from Nosler and they shoot very good out of my .243.

 

[esheato]

My go to load for PDs is a 70 Blitzking out of my 243 AI. You'll like them...

 

[Skyshot]

Those 55 grainers will toast the barrel, I like the 87 gr Vmax at around 3100 fps. With some IMR4350 pushing it. Good for groundhogs, yotes and smaller deer. And way out there to boot.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

OK...Think I'll stick with the 70 gr for greater stability in the wind. I have plenty of lighter, faster bullets in my .204 and .223. Now I gotta find a way to be patient while I wait for them to be restocked. Hope Sierra can boost production in time for spring p-dogs Thanks everyone. Tom

I worry more about everyone poisioning the dogs than I do about finding bullets! I'll furnish the bullets and you furnish the dogs? ha

 

[boommer]

55 GR Sierra H4895 45 grs 26 inch barrel 1-10 twist = 4150 fps heavy varmint rifle built of a Mod 70 action, that load is over the crony and 2500+ rounds accuracy still there. That combo hits those little critters and they?