SCOPE FOR 243 ULTRA VARMINT

[FATTTTDADDY]

  I  need to know what size scope to use. i was going to use this gun for deer/varmint gun but got a sweet deal on a m77 ruger 30/06 with a pentax light seeker scope for 375.00. now my ultra can be varmint only. is 4x16x50 bsa contender ok? ALSO what factory loads should i try since i dont handload?

[myarmor]

That Ruger sounds like a nice package indeed, congrats on the price too.
You won't find many BSA fans around here, nor am I  one at that. With that said, I do own 2 on a couple barrels.
If do you go with a BSA, I highly recomend going with the "higher end" (if one can say that about BSA) lines, like the Panther, CatsEye, or Platinum lines. These have the better glass and better multi-coatings on them, not to mention a little less reputation of breaking than their lesser models. As of the past couple years evidently they have rehauled the factory, production, and QC of their scopes and are a far cry from  the POS they use to put out originally.
 A 4-16 would be a fine power and is around my favorite range of power for a varmint rig. Thats what I got on my 243 Handi as of right now.
If you got a little more to spend than $100 there are a lot of good choices out there for not much more. Like a Mueller, Millet Buck Gold, or Bushnell Legend 5-15 Mil-Dot. All under $200.
-Aaron

[statelinerut]

I have a Swift Premier 4-12x40 on my Handi .243 and I have a Millett Buck Gold 3-12x44 on my Handi .223. They both are extremely clear and great in low light settings. You can purchase either of these scopes for under $200.00. I have been very pleased with the Swift Premier. I used it last year for whitetail and coyote hunting. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

[motordog80]

I have a BSA contender on my 22-250 it's not a bad scope, but the gun probably deserves a little more if you ask me. 

[darat100]

For loads, try the federals in the blue box, not sure of the name on them, in 100 gr.  Mine loves them, and for once, it likes somehing cheap.

[quickdtoo]

The blue box Federals are 100gr Power Shoks, use to be called Hi Shoks, those and the 95gr Federal Fusion shoot great in my .243 Ultra.

Tim

[myarmor]

Yeap my 243 loves the Federal PowerShocks 100gr as well. Always well under an inch with a good fouling. Cheap too, around $10 a box.
 Though you might want a more explosive bullet for varmints. Unless you consider deer varmints, then by all means 
Seriously consider reloading, it's very easy to get into, with not much $$ invested to at least try it. And if you just go slow, you will be more than pleased with the results.