243win Re15 87gr Vmax

Outlaw45

Outlaw45

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 12, 2007
600
25
46
Iowa, USA
#1
I'm shooting a Rem700 SPS stainless sporter and trying to find a good load for the 87gr V-max. Started with H4895, 34.5gr-35.5gr groups were around 1" or bigger. Then switched to H4350 41gr-42.5gr. Groups were again at 1" and speeds were better at ~2950 fps.

Then my chronograph acted up on me. Every shot got faster and faster, up to 5000 fps. I don't know why but I kept shooting because I trusted it was a hot load and had no signs of pressure.

Then I tried Reloader15. 34.0gr(far left) gave me my smallest group ever, 0.4". Then 34.5gr (2nd from left)which was good but had horizonal stringing. 35.5gr(3rd from left) again was good, about 0.5". 36.0gr (far right) opened up to 1". Wish I knew fast they were because I think I'll stay with the Reloader15. My only concern is the powder only fills about 3/4th of the case. Is that ok or should I look for something that fills the case more?

2012-04-30_20-26-39_500.jpg
 
#3
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

I'm using 37 grain of RE15 with the 87 V-max, think its running just under 3100 fps, very accurate. Try working up (carefully) to 37.5 grains to find an upper accuracy node (listed as book max in the Hornady manual).

I also use V N140 for the 58 grain V-max and RE17 or N160 for my long range 90gr Scenar load.
 
#5
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

In my most accurate rifles, 6mmBR, .223, 257RAI, 17HMR, and .308, the best 100 yard accuracy is always with light Vmax bullets and wimpy loads of faster powder.

I may not be handling recoil correctly.
 
#6
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

I have had very good luck in my Tikka 243 with 87 v-max and both R-15 and Varget. If memory serves me, R-15 was .5 gr. or so less to achive the same FPS as Varget. Both powders had about the same accuracy.



Good Luck
 
#7
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

So far 35.5gr of Re15 gives me about 2900 fps. I'll need to see how it groups again and may try bumping it up a couple grains and see if it gets better or worse.
 
#8
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

37.5 did about 3200 for me and shot about .6".

Ramshot Hunter is slower, about 3120 fps for me, but shoots in the .3"s. Been fun out to 770yds so far.
 
#10
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

Slower powders are generally better for 243 Win. However, I haven't any experience with the 87gr V-Max, but I understand it's a very good bullet choice. About the only bullet I haven't tried. I've had better accuracy with powders that provide 85%+ load density. Assuming your 700 is the std 1 in 9.125 twist??? My SPS Varmint loves the boring old Sierra 100 gr SPT Pro Hunter flat base. No boattails.
 
#12
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

Do you have any expeience with Hornady's 95 gr SST or the Remington 95 gr Accutip? Very similar in appearance. I'd love to hear more info about your 87gr. I did try Sierra 95gr MatchKing and was pleased but it took time. They're so long, not much bearing surface, and I prefer to find ONE bullet for various use. As a matter of fact, I've got some of the 95 SMKs for sale if you know of anyone. I've stayed with the 100 gr Pro Hunter. Not glitzy or glamorous, but gets the job done very well and is accurate. I've taken it out to 750 yds and its very predictable. Hope to hear from you.
 
#13
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

I chrono'd some 87Vmax's yesterday. 46g R19 pushed them 3190 fps out of my 8.5 twist 243AI. 43g R17 avg 3180. Both accurate loads w/o pressure signs in the lapua brass. Same loads out of my 10 twist was 20 to 30 fps faster, and just as consistant. The 8.5 twist really likes 105 Amax w/43g of R17 3150fps shooting .25's. My rifles are 243 Ackley Improved, so start low and work up.
 
#14
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

Went out and shot 87gr v-maxes under 34gr Reloader15. Shoots about 1/2" group. My chronograph measured it velocity at 2763. I then shot out to 630 yards and used the Shooter App to true the velocity and adjusted it to 2780.

Not as fast as I would like but it's accurate. Is my load to slow or should I still try to push it faster? I tried loading up to 36.0gr of Re15 and groups opened up.
 
#16
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outlaw45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Went out and shot 87gr v-maxes under 34gr Reloader15. Shoots about 1/2" group. My chronograph measured it velocity at 2763. I then shot out to 630 yards and used the Shooter App to true the velocity and adjusted it to 2780.

Not as fast as I would like but it's accurate. Is my load to slow or should I still try to push it faster? I tried loading up to 36.0gr of Re15 and groups opened up. </div></div>

Work up to 37.5 grains in .5 grain increments (or until you see pressure signs), you might get another node higher up giving you better velocity. Mine likes 37 grains giving around 3100 fps as stated above.
 
#17
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">....that is way too slow </div></div>

I take it you're meaning the 2763fps of the previous poster because the speeds you posted are very respectable..
 
#18
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wolfish365</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">....that is way too slow </div></div>

I take it you're meaning the 2763fps of the previous poster because the speeds you posted are very respectable..</div></div>

Yes, that's what I meant. His speeds are slow.
 
#19
Re: 243win Re15 87gr Vmax

Ok. I'm just a little tired of messing with it and just want to find a load and shoot it. BTW its a factory sporter barrel. Heats up fast.

I'll try again loading up to 37 RE15.
 
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