.243 heavy bullets, slow powders

[Orcon]

I was leafing through a manual (Hornady, I think) looking for 243 win powder combinations for my 95 gr -105gr hunting bullets. I was kind of surprised to see how many powders typical of magnum loading were listed. There was also a disclaimer about slow powders with lower case fill causing pressure problems like blowing out primers. Can anyone elaborate on the specifics on what conditions to avoid?

 

[243winxb]

I would hope the disclaimer was for belted magnums? But do use a magnum primer with ball powder. Starting loads may also work best with magnum primers. I use IMR powders and CCI BR2 primers with no problems in the 243 win. http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/ammunition_st_mamotaip_200909/

 

[cougar1717]

When pushing 90-100+gr bullets, 243 Win can use slow powders typically reserved for magnum cartridges due to the relatively high case volume for the bore. With regard to staying safe, just stay within the published data. It is not a good idea to try to download a cartridge with slow burning powders with extra air space. If desired, Hodgdon has published downloaded data using H4895.

 

[Orcon]

I'd assumed the over-bore nature of the case would lend itself to making use of magnum rate powders. I just wanted to make sure there wasnt anything specific to the 243 that would prompt such a disclaimer. Thanks!

 

[jmr40]

Almost all rifle cartridges tend to do better with slower powders as the bullet weight goes up. Lighter bullets tend to give best speeds and accuarcy with faster burning powder. The powder doesn't know if it is being loaded in a 243 or 7mm RM, but it will burn differently when it is pushing a 75 gr 243 bullet than it will when pushing a 175 gr 7mm bullet.

There is just as much danger from underloaded rounds as those overloaded. Some combo's tend to cause more problems than others. While I have no personal experience with loading 243, I've also read of this issue in the past.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

I've loaded .243 for years, using IMR 4895, and IMR 4350. They both give great results with 70-100 gr bullets.

 

[JimKirk]

90% of my .243 Win loads use IMR 7828 90 gr to 100 gr bullets .... RL 22, RL 23 & RL 26 work well too... RL 26 looks very promising from the few test loads I've shot ... just have not had the time to really work on that load like I need to....

When you compare the bore area to case capacity ... the .243 is a Magnum ... just not in name ...