[autorim]

I bought a Rem M700 in .243 the first year of production. This was maybe 1963. I shot a couple of deer with the 85 grain sierra and they died, but a lot of meat damage. I the loaded the 85 grain Nosler and shot a couple - lots of penetration -so I went to the 100 grain Nosler. I stuck with this bullet over 40 grains of 4350 until I eventually shot the barrel out. I shot one doe that had been crippled in one front leg. Shot her in the butt and the bullet exited near the front shoulder. I shot one 8 point from a tree stand. Shot him in the neck and recovered the bullet under the skin in the paunch - the only bullet I ever recovered. All others were complete penetration.

I never lost a deer shot with this rifle, however, when I bought a new barrel, I now have a 7mm-08 Wiseman barrel on it. It shoots very well and has taken one mule deer with a 140 ballistic tip. My standard load now is 140 grain Nosler partitionm, but I seldom hunt anymore and when I do take to the woods it is with a Ruger No. 1 in 45-70.

To tell the truth, I kind of still miss the .243 althouth the 7mm is surely better for most game.