I already love the .243 wssm. I used it to qualify on our club's 1000 yard range using 70 gr ballistic tips going 3750fps. We had a 20 to 25 mile an hour wind that day and the gun qualified. Some guys couldn't do it with their .300 wsm's

Well I'm really sold now! I killed a coyote yesterday at 930 yards! My data is good and all the work up to this point obviously paid off.



It's a Browning A-Bolt Varmint Stalker configuration factory gun
70 grain Nosler bt varmint bullet
47.5 grains Winchester 760
Leupold VX-ll 6X18 LRVD with Stoney Point target knobs added

It was a carrer shot and I celebrated too much last night!

very nice! especially with that low of a BC bullet! i know how hard it is to hit that size target and im sure its that much harder with a live animal, i shoot my .243win to 1k and it takes lots of wind work! great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Neale

I just glad my buddy was there to witness it. I'll bet it will be a long time till that happens again, if ever!

The reason for the post however, is the .243 wssm. And all the wssms for that matter. I think they are just awesome and don't understand much the folks who are down on them.

They have great accuracy and velocity advantages over their standard counterparts. Shorter actions. The steep shoulder on the case seems to help accuracy from what I understand.

I wouldn't trade mine in.


As a side note a friend of mine wildcatted a .25 based on the WSM case. As you may know, there is already a .25 wssm based on the same case as the .243 wssm and .223 wssm (a real barn burner) but this .25WSM is just incredible. He's getting 3600 fps with the 100 grain Barnes bullet and 1/3 MOA groups at 100yds

All of the wssm's are awesome! The 223 wssm is fantastic with 60 gr pills. I don't find it to be a barrel burner under heavy bullet conditions. If you push it to 4400fps with lighter bullets it like any other will have shorter barrel life. I particulary like the 25 wssm.

The wssm actions are short and stiff and the case design was forged from the fires of benchrest competition. They reload very easy. I partial neck size. Every wssm I've seen at the range is MOA out of the box. Mine feed perfectly. The wssm shoulder angle is less than AI's.

Quigley has nothing on you! Ha Ha. Great shot

Awesome shot!!! Man those western yotes are small! Thats about the size of a fox out here on the east coast. The one coyote i shot was about twice that size, but a varmint is a varmint, i would almost rather shoot a yote than a deer.....almost..

Luck was with you and against the coyote.

How much does your load drop at 930 yards?

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by DarkStar:
Awesome shot!!! Man those western yotes are small! Thats about the size of a fox out here on the east coast. The one coyote i shot was about twice that size, but a varmint is a varmint, i would almost rather shoot a yote than a deer.....almost..

I'm pretty sure that's a pup still. They get much much bigger than that over here in the west too.

Congrats on executing an incredible shot!

As to folks being down on the WSSMs, I think it has more to do with the fact they are disappointed in the guns they've been chambered in and the quality of certain lots of brass than in the rounds themselves.

A few of the factory rifles in the WSMs & WSSMs I handled early on were incredibly generous in the chamber department -- and in at least 2, the centerline of the chamber was not aligned with the axis of the bore. But let me say that these were NOT Brownings...

Forgot to ask: How was bullet performance at that range? Where did it impact the 'yote?

From my simple little program, I see the impact velocity was somewhere around 1340 fps.

Sweet Shot !

What is the performane like on game at that range ?

Excellent shot! and congrats on the accomplishment.. needless to say that coyote didn't know what hit him...

you load is pretty similar to what I load in both the 243 and the 6mm Rem with 75 grain HP Hornadys....

while you are using W 760, I load the other version of the same powder, H 414.. and my charge is 47.5 grains with that also..

with the Hornady HP, that load is one of the most accurate I have ever used, in ANYTHING!

with a 70 grain Ballistic tip I bet it is even a hair more accurate....

my longest shot on a coyote was about 725 yds.. and that was not even really fair for the coyote.. it was off of a benchrest, with the range dialed in, and out comes waltzing this coyote.. darn thing was just unlucky...

mine took 2 shots tho... the first hit him in the back half of him.. as he was circling and biting his hip where the shot had hit, I sent another 80 grain SP down at him and when that one hit, he flipped up in the air, did a sommersault and was down for the count...

I remember I had 18 inches of elevation with that load at 725 yds... as I had a target turrent on the scope.. I shot mine set on 6 power at the time.. which was more than adequate...

Thanks, yes it was amazing.

I don't have the range card with me so I don't know the impact velocity. Muzzle velocity was 3750 with the 70gr BT though so you can run it on JBM if you care.

I have to admit that I hit the coyote in the rear as well so it wasn't a one shot kill. We drove right up to her and put her down. I think that the shot would have been terminal if it had hit her in the vitals though.

I've been playing around with long range shooting for about a year now sporadically, with the intention of shooting something other than paper and it just all came together that day. The work and the luck that is.

I posted a pic on the Varmint Pics Forum

At this point, I am confident in taking very long shots on game having done the work and confirmation practice on the 1000 yd range. It's incredible and I believe ethical if done within reason.

I have the Leupold VX-ll scopes with the simple Long Range Varmint Duplex in them and they really work. You need to test your load with them to insure which power setting makes them work, but when you do, it makes any shot out to 600 yards a chip shot without dialing.

A great tool combined with my Leica Geovid 10X50's when used properly.

rcamuglia wrote:

quote:

At this point, I am confident in taking very long shots on game having done the work and confirmation practice on the 1000 yd range. It's incredible and I believe ethical if done within reason. My data is good and all the work up to this point obviously paid off.

You later noted:

I have to admit that I hit the coyote in the rear as well so it wasn't a one shot kill. We drove right up to her and put her down.

---------------------

You contradict yourself here.

To be honest, with a bullet that will not expand adequately at that range/velocity (930 yards, app. 1330 fps & less energy than a .22 Magnum), you were lucky the coyote did not run off to die a lingering death. I am glad you were able apply a coup de grace.

For the sake of the animal, I'd suggest getting closer -- much closer.

Bobby and Hotcore........

I'm sorry you don't approve of the way the story actually happened and the shine was taken off. The fact is that the animal was downed by the initial shot and quickly dispatched upon arriving at the location. I realize that shooting anything at that distance leaves the possibility of a non-leathal result with the initial round. It was the first time I have attempted to shoot anything but paper at that range.....and it ended as planned.

To read your condemnation of my experience leads me to believe that neither of you have had to shoot an animal more than once to put it in the bag. Oh, and I'm sure that neither one of you have taken a shot at an animal beyond a distance you have practiced shooting. And of course, every game or non-game animal you've killed didn't suffer one iota. And for that matter, neither of you have wounded an animal at a distance that you know you are competant and lost it. You're batting 1000, be it fur or fowl...........


The fact is I have done my homework. That's why I was able to make the shot.

Every hunter wants quick, clean kills. When a hunter goes afield in pursuit of anything, there is risk of wounding an animal and losing it. I also bowhunt. I know this for a fact. It comes with the territory for all of us who hunt. When the worry of doing so outweighs the desire to hunt is when I'll quit.

Then I'll probably join PETA. You guys sound like you are a few steps ahead of me to do so.

Until then, I'll keep hunting and enjoying the good and the bad that goes with the territory. And I'll keep taking those long shots at those pesky coyotes and prarie dogs.

If this post doesn't stir the pot, what will?

Re-read my post. I did not condemn what you were doing.

I simply suggested either getting closer or moving up to a caliber and/or bullet more suited to the task. After all, a non-expanding, small caliber bullet at 1300 fps is hardly suited to a coyote on which you are merely putting the bullet somewhere in the animal. As Nosler will tell you and as my extensive testing of the 70 grain BT upholds, it will not expand at that low velocity.

If your shot would have been a little closer to your target area of the shoulder and wound up in the stomach instead of its rear, how far do you think that 'yote would have made it?

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
Re-read my post. I did not condemn what you were doing.

I simply suggested either getting closer or moving up to a caliber and/or bullet more suited to the task. After all, a non-expanding, small caliber bullet at 1300 fps is hardly suited to a coyote on which you are merely putting the bullet somewhere in the animal. As Nosler will tell you and as my extensive testing of the 70 grain BT upholds, it will not expand at that low velocity.

If your shot would have been a little closer to your target area of the shoulder and wound up in the stomach instead of its rear, how far do you think that 'yote would have made it?

Thanks. Maybe I misunderstood.

I'm sure the coyote would have gone forever and never been recovered. But I've seen that happen on coyotes called right in to the call as well. Any shot not placed right is open to that possibility.

What baffles me is Hotcore taking back his "congratulations" because it was not a one shot kill and I thought your post was in the same vane. C'mon, at 930 yards any shot that puts a dog down and results in bagging the animal deserves that.

If not, then it follows that if a Boone and Crocket Muley is taken at 100 yards and the first shot isn't placed well and it takes another to kill the animal, it should not be celebrated! Rediculus!

I made the shot probably of my lifetime, and wanted to share it with the guys on this forum. They understand the preliminary work that had to be done to make this happen. It wasn't pure luck. If anyone in the world can appreciate the accomplishment, I thought it would be the knowledgable folks who frequent this forum.

I've read a lot of Hotcore's posts. He's very knowledgable and I value his input. This shot, to me, is an accomplishment. Maybe one that I will never repeat.

This discussion has turned into a discussion of what constitutes an ethical shot on an animal and an animal's worth and that's fine with me. To me, it varies as to what animal I'm shooting at. The distance at which I will try a shot at a big game animal would certainly be shorter than the distance I would attempt a shot at a varmint like a coyote or prarie dog. I don't put the same value on them.

In fact, I'm happy there's one less coyote to decimate the Elk and Deer fawns and calfs. That's one reason I hunt them. I'm sure the rancher is happy that there is one less coyote to prey on his cattle as well. I'm sure he doesn't care where I hit it or even care if I recovered the dog.....just as long as it's hit.

More pot-stirrin'!!.............

At least somebody can relate...........



CoyoteKiller82
one of us

Posted 30 January 2009 13:28 Hide Post
That musta been one heckofa shot! To hit a coyote at all at that range is sweet, even if it wasn't in the boiler room, you were still amazingly close with your shot to at least keep it from running off wounded.

I commend you on quickly finding and dispatching your game. I've seen guys miss 100 yard shots and totally gut shoot a coyote that would then clean get away, guts trailing behind it. It all depends on who's pullin' the trigger and how comfortable they are with the shot.....at least in my books.

Go ahead varmint........make my day!!!
Posts: 38 | Location: Manitoba, Canada | Registered: 03 December 2007

rcamuglia-

I agree with you that any dead coyote is a good coyote. Here, I shoot them on sight -- and yet the population is still too high in my opinion.

I don't know if your rifle will stabilize it as I don't recall if you said this was a factory barrel or not, but the 105 grain A-Max holds up significantly better at the extended ranges you are shooting and will open at least somewhat down to around 1575-1600 fps. And, it will hit with considerably more thump at those extended distances. It may be worth a shot to try it out.

Thanks for the info Bobby,

I don't normally shoot at anything that long, hence the 70 gr varmint bullet. I'm set up for calling them in. If I were to exclusively long range hunt them, I obviously would pick a bullet with a better ballistic coefficient such as the A-max.

That's another factor that makes the shot so incredible. The BC of the 70 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip is only .319. Not really suited for any target at that range......yet it did the job. You should have seen the fairly good group it shot during 1000 yard qualification in a 20 mph wind; about 2 MOA.

That's why I began the thread; to sing the praises of the A-Bolt .243 WSSM. This is the small caliber forum.

For that kind of grouping, in those conditions and at that range...well, that's very impressive, to say the least.

As to the bullet itself, it's a terrific one, no doubt. You've apparently found a combo that your rifle absolutely loves.

rcamuglia-

One more thing I wanted to add: I applaud you for being forthcoming in the details of the shot on the coyote. You didn't have to admit to it (shot placement), but apparently the truth is important to you -- and that's something you should be commended for.

Great shot. Sorry the yote didn't die on contact but worrying about it is like feeling sorry for the rat in your house that ate the D-Con.

Hey Hot Core.........

You have some high standards!

quote:

If this post doesn't stir the pot, what will?

Not intending to argue with you at all. Just saying, "by my standards", you did not make the shot. You simply wounded the animal. If it had been "me" taking the shot, I would not have been happy about the results. Due to that, I just don't see where a congratulations was justified.


I would've congratulated anybody who could even hit a toe nail!

I still think it is a great shot. I'm not sure I could hit a sheet of plywood at that distance, much less a coyote.

quote:

Originally posted by tiggertate:
Great shot. Sorry the yote didn't die on contact but worrying about it is like feeling sorry for the rat in your house that ate the D-Con.

+1

Fine piece o' shootin' IMO. Congratulations!!

HC yer just a pathetic , negative, whiney little rat of a man.
A damn computer sniper that just cannot allow a man to do a damn thing right.
This guy made a smoking good shot and you find something to bitch about.

You are so obvious, the guy is a real hunter and shooter and it gripes your ass because you are no parts of either.
Why don't you do the world a favor and if you can't find something good to say when someone actually accomplishes something,,just sit down there out of the way and be quiet.

Thanks a ton Bucko!!!

Now that's the kind of response I was hoping for!

........I was thinking it but glad somebody finally said it.

A lot of guys like to play the holier-than-thou card on these boards by calling this or that shot unethical and pulling out their history of one shot kills. If that makes them feel warm and fuzzy then good for them. If a guy wants to spend the time and money practicing at the 1000 yard range then more power to him. If he wants to take a shot at a varmint at 1000 yards and he comes up with a hit and finishes the animal off then congratulations. If he takes a long range shot at a trophy buck and wounds it, then you can take your shot's at the guy. Thank goodness his long range practice at live game is only on varmints. Would people complain about hitting a p-dog in the foot and wounding it? The way I see it that is just as "unethical" as wounding any other varmint. Not only that, the guy had the balls to say he didn't kill it with the first shot. Congrats to him!

My thoughts exactly

quote:

Originally posted by Steve A:
A lot of guys like to play the holier-than-thou card on these boards by calling this or that shot unethical and pulling out their history of one shot kills. If that makes them feel warm and fuzzy then good for them. If a guy wants to spend the time and money practicing at the 1000 yard range then more power to him. If he wants to take a shot at a varmint at 1000 yards and he comes up with a hit and finishes the animal off then congratulations. If he takes a long range shot at a trophy buck and wounds it, then you can take your shot's at the guy. Thank goodness his long range practice at live game is only on varmints. Would people complain about hitting a p-dog in the foot and wounding it? The way I see it that is just as "unethical" as wounding any other varmint. Not only that, the guy had the balls to say he didn't kill it with the first shot. Congrats to him!

I totally agree. That was an awesome shot on a VARMINT. I do a lot of long distance shooting on VARMINTS and there is great deal of satisfaction when that bullet connects. Congrats to Mr. rcamuglia

Believe me, I was more that satisfied.

Thanks for the congrats!

I've been patting myself on the back ever since. The .243 WSSM rocks..........

If you desire a pat on the back from every other forum member who reads of your distant shot, perhaps you should go to the longrangehunting.com forum. That clique will stroke your ego even if you wound the target and it gets away.

I'm just saying, there always has been and always will be, dissenters of extreme distance shooting of any game animal on AccurateReloading. If somebody told you otherwise, you were mislead.

I've never been told anything and the reason I posted was not to get pats on the back.

This is the small caliber forum and I posted to sing the praises of the .243 WSSM. All of the WSSM's for that matter.

I think the shot was a testament to the caliber and what it is capable of doing.

Field mice or Elk it will handle them both and everything in between.

rcamuglia wrote:

quote:

I think the shot was a testament to the caliber and what it is capable of doing.

Field mice or Elk it will handle them both and everything in between.

---

The .243 WSSM may be a fine varmint and medium game round, and under the right conditions and with the right bullet, it will no doubt kill an elk.

But it's hardly an ideal choice for such an application (elk) and in fact borders on marginal if anything.

Didn't say it was "ideal"

I have a buddy who is a believer in the .243 WSSM. He drew a cow elk tag. He loaded the Barnes 85 gr TSX and shot a cow in the shoulder bone on purpose to see how the little bullet would perform.

It was a one shot kill at 100 yards. The bullet was a complete pass through BOTH SHOULDERS and was recovered just under the skin of the off shoulder.


I think if you had to choose one gun, this would be a good choice. You can prarie dog shoot (55 gr Ballistic tips going about 4000 fps), kill coyotes (rembember the 70 gr Ballistic tip at 930 yards?), kill deer (I killed one at 250 yards with a 95 gr Ballistic tip, one shot), and elk.

If you just change the bullet to suit the target, it does just about everything you need. Nosler has now come out with the Etip bullet in 90 gr. 6mm. I would think it would be good for the larger deer family.

This is a good post and that was a fantasic shot. The wssm's are the finest new cartridges brought to the market.

Bobby Tomek is full of shit with his comment. He is a problem. You never said "ideal". onefunzr2 is confusing???? Like his name....

......actually, I was surprised the vulture Bobby Tomek would dare to post without his crony vulture Flippy. Together they are hardly a choice for such an application and in fact they do not border on marginal, if anything, they are incompetent CSCS's.

Hey VarmintGuy/buliwyf-

You are back to your old ways, aren't you?

If you have nothing constructive to say, you start with the rants and name-calling, just like you did before you got the boot last time around.

Keep it up. I for one would like to see you given the boot -- again.

I've read about VarmintGuy.

I guess you can just change your screen name and start posting again?

This guy must be one lonely SOB.

I thought Varmintguy always used the "!" instead of "." No?

I remember he used to have "hold into the wind."

Don, I think, did say if someone gets the boot, they can re-register under a new name and post again.