Best ammo for Henry .243

[Guide]

I’m looking for suggestions for ammo for whitetail hunting. Yes I do understand that ideally I should try a number of different companies ammo in the 90-100 grain area. But with the cost of ammo trying a half a dozen different ones would be little more than I care to spend. I’m thinking if it was narrowed down to two, maybe three that gets the most votes I’d be fine. I hunt in Maine and very few deer are shot over a 100 yds with most under 60 yds. I appreciate any help. I’ve got a shoulder that’s had some issues including rotator cup surgery. That’s why I’m going with the .243. I shot a 20 gauge for bird hunting but find Slug a bit more than I like.

Thanks
Guide

[North Country Gal]

I don't have the Henry, but I have had 243s in a variety of bolt rifles and single shots. Although usually not the hottest factory round available, I've had consistently good accuracy and performance from the good old green box Remington Core-lokt. Same for the Hornady Whitetail. For those kinds of distance either would be more than enough.

[BigAl52]

Barnes TTSX ammo is superb for accuracy. Its expensive but its very good

[Mags]

Federal Fusion is my favorite.

[rickhem]

Considering that you really only need to be able to hit a softball size target to effectively harvest deer, and your rifle is easily capable of that, find a load that uses a proven bullet for terminal ballistics. If you reload, or have a friend that can make some ammo for you, you have more options, but even the plain-jane discount ammo will often work well. Stay away from any FMJ or non-expanding bullets, although I don't think you'll find any in .243. The weight range you referenced should cover your needs nicely, and even going down to 80 grains is fine. The Sierra 85 grain BTHP is one that you can get in factory ammo, and it's got decades of success stories to show for it. I load that bullet in a few 6mm chamberings, and it shoots well in everything.