What would you do?

[kalielkslayer]

I loaded a ladder for .243 about 18 months ago. I shoot handgun at the house but I can’t do more than 75 yards safely. I’ve been to the range since then but for some reason, I never brought the .243.

So I was refreshing myself with these loads today, actually verifying them.

It’s apparent I used Nosler #8 to build these.

The bullet is 80 grain Barnes TTSX.

I loaded 3 powders, the one I’m concerned with is RL15.

The Nosler manual shows a max of 41 grains. I loaded 37, 39 and 41 grains. The manual says that the RL15 load of 41 grains was the most accurate load of the 13 powders they tried.

Now the issue. I cross referenced these loads with Lyman’s #51. Lyman’s shows 37 grains as a max!!!

Hornady #7 shows 39.4 grains as a max for an 80 grain bullet but it’s a Hornady bullet, not a copper bullet.

I didn’t have Lyman’s #50 when I loaded these.

My thoughts are I’ll shoot the 37s for accuracy and look closely for pressure signs. Load some 38s, repeat. If all is well, go to 38.5 and repeat. Then eventually the 39s.

Weird thing is with H414, Lyman goes to 45.5 grains. Like I said I’m sure I used the Nosler manual for these since their max for H414 is 44 grains, the hottest round I loaded with this powder.

The other powder I was trying is RL17. Lyman only uses RL15 and RL19 in their data. I see that as weird too since RL17s burn rate is between the 2 Alliant powders they used. Hornady also tried 15 and 19, but not 17?

How would you proceed with the RL15 loads if they were yours?

 

[sfl_gunner]

If the 41 grains of RL 15 is published data. I would just shoot it.

 

[Shooterbob]

Why not check Barnes site

 

[kalielkslayer]

Why not check Barnes site

That’s good idea.

I have a Barnes manual around here someplace, but it’s either their 1st or 2nd. New bullets, new powders, it’s obsolete now.

I guess I started before there was info on line and default to what I know.

That said, I’ve spent hours and hours on line looking at data, but only to determine if a certain powder would work for what I’m trying to load.

Edit: Barnes didn’t use RL15 in their data, but they used RL17 so that question is answered.

2nd Edit: Alliant didn’t use RL15 either. They used 10X, RL16, RL17 and RL19. I know RL16 has a very similar burn rate. Maybe they’re phasing out RL15, or phasing in RL16.

 

[AJC1]

A cross reference using none of the components your using isn't really cause for concern. Using Barnes bullets, check their data. Cross reference the powder manufacturer your using. If those don't validate your load then reconsider. A ladder is a testing process. Two full grains is extreme and should be more like three or four tenths. I haven't shot the ttsx because the proper testing is beyond my means.

 

[kalielkslayer]

A cross reference using none of the components your using isn't really cause for concern. Using Barnes bullets, check their data. Cross reference the powder manufacturer your using. If those don't validate your load then reconsider. A ladder is a testing process. Two full grains is extreme and should be more like three or four tenths. I haven't shot the ttsx because the proper testing is beyond my means.

I usually go .3 grains once I get within a grain of published max.

I can’t ever remember going 2 full grains at a pop myself.

My only guess is the availability of bullets 18 months ago, I may have done it for that reason.

But I have 3+ boxes of those 80 TTSXs now so there is no reason to take a shortcut.

Your point is well taken.

 

[JimKirk]

I shoot the 80 grain TTSX in my .243 Win ....my go to powder is Reloder 17 ... four deer found the freezer from their use .... one a large eight point

I also use the 80 grain TTSX in the .25/06 ... one nice seven point found the freezer ....RL 17 also

RL 15 is not listed under Barnes .243 data .... for the 80 grain TTSX .... a little fast to give the full velocity needed to make these bullets preform well...

 

[kalielkslayer]

I shoot the 80 grain TTSX in my .243 Win ....my go to powder is Reloder 17 ... four deer found the freezer from their use .... one a large eight point

I also use the 80 grain TTSX in the .25/06 ... one nice seven point found the freezer ....RL 17 also

RL 15 is not listed under Barnes .243 data .... for the 80 grain TTSX .... a little fast to give the full velocity needed to make these bullets preform well...

I don’t disagree with you yet 2 sources, including Lyman’s, had 15 and 19 listed, but not 17?

I really want this bullet to work in my gun. Then it’ll be my “non-toxic” California gun for both deer and coyotes although I also shoot Barnes in my .280.