we have shot 4 deer so far this year all using a .243, we haven't seen blood from any of the deer, luckily they haven't traveled far. My question is do you guys think a .243 has enough power for a deer at a 140 yards? Why would we have not gotten blood from any of the deer?

Absolutely it is. It's all about shot placement first off. A .243 is plenty big enough.

Thousands of deer have been killed with the .243. What bullet are you using?

What Particular ammo,type of bullet,manufacture have you used?
Years back after some minor frustration with basic SP ammo, I found that 100 gr Nosler Partions always worked in the Wifes Remington 700 .243. There 2 deer shot using them, 1 deer blood trail looked like a 3" paint brush went about 40yds(lungs thru and thru)....the other one dropped in it tracks at 80yds (shoulder shot...pole axed it!!!).

Indeed. What bullet were you using. The bullet is more important that what is on the headstamp.

Depends high lung shots won't bleed quickly. But more then likely you are using a cup and core bullet not designed to retain lots of weight.

i think the 80gr TTSX by Barnes in the vortex ammo line is best thing that ever happened to the 243.

I've taken deer well past 200yards with a 243

We are using fusion 95 grain. I know shot placement. The last one I shot was about 45 yards away and it wasn't a thru and thru. Maybe we just aren't hitting right.

Used a .243 for years on Mills County WT, and my dad still does. Mainly used 100gr Corelokts but lately are using Hornady 95gr SST. We've probably taken over 200 deer with .243s.

Top of lower 1/3, tight behind the shoulder and let gravity do its thing.

Ok we will stick with and just try to calm the nerves a little..lol

Thanks everyone...any opinions on the fusion ammo

I know that the Winchester silver ballistic tip in 95 grain is a dirty little projectile. I have never had a exiting hole as all the energy is spent inside the animal. If shot high shoulder or neck they never move, behind the shoulder they might run about 20-30 yards, no blood trail but DEAD DEER each time! I have looked into and will probably try the Barnes TSX on some hogs this spring to see how they do at longer ranges.

I'm using 115gr in 6.8 SPC and getting pass thrus(and dead deer), and also 120gr in 7mm-08. Three deer have been DRT with the 708 (although two were high-shoulder), another ran 40-50 yards but the blood trail was massive. Until your report I'd been very impressed with the Fusion loads both in accuracy and results.

85gr Barnes Vortex never a problem.

Aside from the one you shot at 45 yards, have you been getting pass-thrus? How big were the exit holes?

I don't think the fusion expands well, especially at short range

No, no exit holes other than the close one. That's why I was wondering if maybe We need to step up to a bigger caliber

With proper shot placement and the right bullet it is a great round! I took a buck at 312 yards last year and he never took a step. My kiddo shot her first buck this year at about 125 is and it dropped in its tracks from a shoulder shot and not a high shoulder shot. I use the ballistic silvertip when not using my berger handloads.


TGT

the answer, when whitetail are concerned is, rarely yes. put a bullet where its supposed to be, and you will get your deer. thats from .222 all the way up to .458 socom. a .243 is plenty of gun. if you found every deer you shot, then it is doing its job...

We have, I am just used to seeing a good blood trail and thought it was weird that we haven't had a blood trail from any of the deer yet. Just blood under them at their final resting place.

I am not a fan of the Fusion bullet but admittedly my evidence is all anecdotal.

There's been plenty of deer killed with a .243, but I prefer at least .30 cal.

Exit wounds are a GREAT thing.

This is exactly what I've experienced with the Winchester Silver Tips. I've taken two deer (both good-sized bucks) with them, shoulder shots on both. No blood trail, both ran about 30-40 yards and they were both down for the count.

You said above that the close one "wasn't a thru and thru". If that is true and none of your bullets are exiting then the bullet is coming apart or expanding too much.

There's nothing wrong with the .243 at all -- you don't need anything larger. It sounds as if what you need is ammo with more stoutly constructed bullets. I'd go to a 100 grain bullet and some other brand.

On the other hand, if I'm misunderstanding you and you are getting pass-thrus but no blood, then it's just the opposite -- your bullets aren't expanding ENOUGH.

It's really important for us to understand whether you are getting pass-thrus or not.