Light bullets for Savage .243?

[DonaldC]

I want to try some loading some lighter bullets in my Savage. I have had good success with 85hpbt and 100 sp. Anyone have loads for the lighter bullet offerings in this chambering? Powders? Weights? Speeds? Thanks. DonaldC

 

[pdog2225]

.243 light wt bullets

In my savage 12 FV, 26" BBl, with accu-trigger
I shoot the 70gr Nosler Bal-tip
46.2 grains of H4350
CCI 200 primer
W-W cases (neck sized)
In my rifle this produces 3425fps and .5" groups. It's really bad on prairie dogs.
Remember to start lower and work up. pdog2225

 

[Art Eatman]

19" barrel on my Sako carbine, so I don't get the max velocities, but the 70-grain Hornady gives excellent accuracy. I've used the old 3031, starting at some 38.0 grains and working up a bit. (Back when it was still DuPont IMR, I used 40.0 as a max.)

I've not loaded any of the 55-grainers, yet...

Art

 

[WHITEY338]

I used to have a 243 and ran the gamut of bullet weights playing with accuracy. The 55 grainers always produced dismal accuracy no matter which powder I tried, seating depth, etc. I would presume it had something to do with twist rate. I did not get acceptable accuracy until I exceeded 70 grains of bullet weight.

 

[danurve]

Try a box of Sierra BlitzKings! I belive the .243 starts to shine with 70grain bullets. Here's an image of a recipie with the Blitzkings & H-380, neck sized. don't have a chrony to check speed. (yet)

 

[Wilburs Horse]

I want to try some loading some lighter bullets in my Savage. I have had good success with 85hpbt and 100 sp. Anyone have loads for the lighter bullet offerings in this chambering? Powders? Weights? Speeds? Thanks. DonaldC

I like Sierra BlitzKings in 70 gr. for my 6mm rem. I am going to load a few Hornady 65gr. V-max bullets soon and try those. The 65gr. bullets may shoot fine but I won't push my luck with anything lighter due to my "dual purpose rifle" 10" twist. If you wanted to try these in your .243 you could start with the same powder you've been using and reduce it a few grains. Seat the bullets out as far as you can and work them in deeper after your powder charge starts to look sweet. You should be able to nudge the 3400fps mark even with a 22 inch barrel. If you have a 12" or slower twist (few factory .243 Win. do) you might have good luck spitting 55 and 60 gr. pills.