.243 Win - Need loads guys.

[Jetsurgeon]

Hey All,

Recently picked up a model 70 Featherweight in .243 Win caliber. Just getting ready to start hand loading this caliber, mind you, this is the first time I've loaded this specific caliber. I've reloaded for years, both bottle necks and pistols.

On hand I have Varget Powder, Nosler 70 gr Ballistic Tips, and 58 gr Hornady V-max's.

I'll only be punching paper at 100 yds. Also I don't mind if I need to purchase a different powder, or bullets.

So can you help a guy out? How about some insight / loads please.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[eliphalet]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

http://www.accuratepowder.com/reloading.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/default.aspx

 

[nitesite]

My .243 Ruger 77MkII shoots half-inch groups with 58-gr V-Max Molys, 42.0-gr Varget and WLR primers seated at 2.600" AOL.

Of course, that may not give you similar results thru your rifle, as you well know. I like Varget for it's temperature insensitivity. I meter it thru a Lyman DPS1200-II digital powder dispenser.

 

[OKIE2]

243 Win Ruger
Sierra 70gr Hpbt
Imr 4064-42.0 Gr
1/4" Best 10 Shot Group
3541 Fps

 

[Poper]

In my Savage 12 BVSS:

41.0 gn IMR 4064
Win. case
RP 9-1/2
Horn. 65gn V-max
Coal = 2.685"

3/4" 5 shot groups are the norm. Occasional 3/8" to 1/2" groups from sandbagged bench rest.

Cases are weight matched, neck sized, neck turned, flasholes deburred, trimmed, deburred/chamfered. Bullets are weight matched and seated with an in-line competition seating die. The gun will probably shoot better, but this is probably as good as I will be able to shoot without a LOT more practice.



I hope this is helpful.

Poper

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Jetsurgeon]

Thanks guys..... Any other recipes worth a grain of salt?

Also any tips on this .243 Win cartridge?

Would H414 or IMR-4350 powder be a good choice? Still trying to get to the local reloading store to pick up some additional powder to use besides Varget which I have on hand.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[twodawgs]

We've got three .243's that shoot bugholes with I-4350 and bullets around 70 grains. Two #1's and a Model 7.

If that M-70 won't do it I'll give you a couple bucks and take it off your hands.

 

[Smokey Joe]

POwder...

Jetsurgeon--I have been using IMR 4350 for years with XLNT results in the .243 Win--However (There is always that darn "however!") I normally use 95 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips. Fine for deer--with careful shot placement--also fine for paper punching. This summer I took 2nd in an informal benchrest league with that combination.

Lyman's 48th Edition Reloading Handbook indicates that IMR 4350 can be used all the way down to 58 grain bullets (as light as the book goes for .243 Win) and all the way up to 105 grain bullets. Oftener than any other powder, IMR 4350 is given as the "Potentially most accurate load."

Now, YMMV and all, but IMR 4350 seems to me to be an excellent choice in the .243 Win.

 

[Jetsurgeon]

Thanks again guys. Earlier in the week I picked up a pound of IMR 4350 and H414. Haven't had time yet to load some up, but I will soon. Thanks again!

Jeff

 

[GooseGestapo]

I've found either IMR4831, H4831, or Rl-22 to give best results with 95-100gr bullets. For the 75-80gr bullets, Imr4350 and Varget have given decent results.

My preferred load is either 41.5gr of Imr4831 or 42.5gr of H4831 or RL-22. I found that recent lot#'s of H and Imr4350 to be a tad faster burning than older lot#'s and top out at about 40.0gr. These give about 2,850-3,000fps depending on individual firearm and barrel length.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Take a look here for ideas.

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/d...er&Weight=All&type=Rifle&Order=Powder&Source=


My Boys have Rossi single shots with 22" barrels, 1:10 twist.

Both IMR 4350 and IMR 4831 have performed well with Nosler 100gn Partitions.

Fireform then only neck size these critters for more accuracy.

-Steve