243 Win Reloading - Unpredictable?

[dvdcrr]

My dad an avid reloader and hunter liked the 6mm compared to 243 for reloading.

 

[RainDodger]

Interesting thread! Years back, I bought a gorgeous Ruger #1 in .243. It had extensive work done to it with some kind of custom bedding that I recall. I couldn't figure out why it was for sale. Then I shot it. I tried to get that thing to group for probably 2 years before I gave up on it and sold it. I could never get it to shoot well.

Then I bought a Sako L579 with a heavy barrel. I had similar results there... until I started seating the bullet ogive about .030" off the lands. Immediate success and groups shrunk to less than 1 MOA. The rifle definitely prefers Berger 90 grain match bullets too, which (of course) are not cheap.

I just think the .243 is kind of finicky. Once you figure it out, it's very pleasant to shoot.

 

[lightman]

Clark, are you thinking that a thick case neck is what caused that high pressure? Lightman

 

[cougar1717]

243 Win is a little more particular about the load combination than other calibers, but it has a huge range of bullet weights (58gr - 107gr) and can be had in different twist rates that are optimal for a certain range of those bullets. A typical Remington with a 1:9-1/4" twist will shoot the heavier bullets best, but will be less than optimal for the lighter bullets. Conversely, a 1:12" is going to shoot the light ones better. Add the third layer of complexity with powder choice of mid range to magnum rifle powder to match the bullet wt and twist combination - I can see how someone might have a harder time with finding a load if they've got a combo that doesn't fit the equipment.

 

[243winxb]

243 Winchester

243 Win Reloading - Unpredictable?

I would say No. Using IMR 4350/4831 & H4350 with standard lead core jacketed bullets. The 68 to 90 gr bullets have not produced any strange results for me. Still shoot a Rem 40X, Rem 600. In the past, Ruger #!, Sako L579, Win. M70, Savage 99, Douglas barreled M70. Years ago, you may have made problems for yourself, using ball powders, H450 (discontinued) & H380 with the then "new" all copper (kaboom) bullets. Sizing 308 brass down to 243 may cause a tight neck condition, as in clarks photo.

 

[Clark]

lightman
Clark, are you thinking that a thick case neck is what caused that high pressure? Lightman

Yes.
It is counter intuitive but pinched necks cause huge increases in pressure.
It make more sense in the time domain.
The bullet pinched by a tight neck will delay the start off the bullet moving, thus burning the powder at a higher pressure when it gets to it's peak pressure.

 

[243winxb]

neck diameter-243 win.

Forming 308 brass to 243 win. Maximun neck diameter of a loaded round is .276" Plus, a donut may form at the neck/shoulder junction. Seating the bullets base into the donut will expand the necks.

 

[ranger335v]

"The brass was 308 necked down to 243....In retrospect.....when it takes 100 pounds of force at the bolt handle ball to close the action, the necks might be tight."

Yep. Well, it least you aren't claiming it's was due to being a .243. And you aren't saying anything was at all "unpredictable" about it; that's about as predictable as it gets!

 

[Clark]

Yep. Well, it least you aren't claiming it's was due to being a .243. And you aren't saying anything was at all "unpredictable" about it; that's about as predictable as it gets!

You make a valid point, but in 2003 it was unpredictable TO ME.

I went home and never shot that rifle again.
Years later I realized that 100 pounds of force at the bolt knob to chamber tight necks had something to do with it.

I have used that 243 reamer to build a couple rifles since, with no trouble at all. I have been using 243 brass.

What does it all mean?
Everything is predictable when you know the answers.

 

[Ky Larry]

In all 3 of my .243 rifles, 55gr Sierra B.K.'s and 58gr Hornady V-Max (and Zombie Max) bullets and IMR-4350 powder are the laser beam of death on small-medium pests. They needed about as much load developement as as any other caliber. Nothing unpredictible.

 

[AABEN]

The 243 likes a slow powder 4350 or in that burn rate starting around 111 to 122 That came from Western burn rate chart. I have used the Accurate 3100 and Winchester 760 like the Accurate 4350 the best. Load like the load book tell you. Then adj to get the accuracy you want. My 4 243 all like a little different load.I have NEVER had any trouble with loading 243. I was told to use a slower burring powder. Good Luck

 

[Ridgerunner665]

That book is most likely referring to the inherent dangers of using light loads of slow burning powders in the 243...it was once well known for being quite unpredictable with such loads...the danger is still there, just maybe not as well known...stick to good (recent) load data, never use less than the listed minimum or more than the listed maximum of any given powder....and you'll be fine, the 243 is a fantastic little round.

I recommend H4350 for any bullet 90 grains or more..and Varget for the lightweights...the only 2 powders you'll ever need.

I've been loading for the 243 for quite some time...it has long been my choice for anything varmint...groundhogs, crows, coyotes, etc.

I never personally cared for it for bigger game such as deer...but I have used it as my kids first deer rifle, a role in which it fits prefectly.

 

[Jframenewbee]

I've got a .243 Mod 70 and a .244 Rem 722. Love both for varmints and whitetail. Best all around loads were produced with IMR 4350 and Sierra 70 gr HPBT and CCI BR primers. Really good shooters, light recoil and very accurate.

Haven't shot either in years. Was talking with co-worker today about rounding up some components and getting back in to rifle shooting. Have lots of brass for both. With retirement about 4 yrs. out, I can see me getting back into rifles.

Been too busy to get on here lately, but thought I heard someone say .243 was being phased out, or maybe Mod 70 in .243 wasn't offered anymore. I can't imagine either.....too good of a caliber.

J

 

[gibble888]

They wont phase it out...some dont make the 243 every year but they will...its way too popular.

 

[sixgunner455]

IMR4895 and 4064, Varget - all produce great results. Mostly stick to 100gr Hornady BTSP Interlock, but 87gr SP work well too.

 

[MEHavey]

Have read in Cartridges of the World 13th Ed. that
loading .243 Win can have unpredictable results.

I cannot imagine where such a comment came from. The 243 is one of the easiest/consistent cartridges
to handload there is (within reasonable handloader competency). There's nothing "unpredictable" about it.

I've been reloading for one Winchester70 (my father's til it was mine) since the early `60s, and then
a second Hvy Barrel'd Ruger77 since`73.

 

[Bart B.]

David Tubb (high power champion) was the first to use the .243 Win. shooting matches. He did very well with it. Telling me about his thoughts with it at a match, he said it was very easy to get accurate loads with all sorts of stuff. But it's 20 degree shoulder angle wasn't quite enough to keep headspace on fired cases from shortening too much from firing pin impact; typical of all cases based on the .308 Win.

So he necked up the .22-.250 to 24 caliber and made his 6mmX cartridge which evolved into his 6XC cartridge with a 30 degree shoulder; an excellent round for accuracy through 600 yards. http://www.6mmbr.com/6XC.html