243 Win Loads

[Black-X]

Dave Tooley must have sprinkled a little extra magic dust on my .243 AIAW barrel that I received today. First 15 shots loaded from 40.0-42.0gr of H4350 (.5 increments, 3 shot groups) were all sub MOA this morning at .283, .489, .515, .644, and .708. Picked one of the better and hotter test loads, got out to the range again this evening, and shot this 5-shot group @ 100yds:

-107gr SMK
-Lapua case
-42.0gr H4350
-Fed 210M primer
-2.860 COAL / 2.300 OGIVE

Load development done!

 

[Hntelk]

...I would call it good, nothing like, a fine shooting rifle and finding the load it likes!

 

[Black-X]

...I would call it good, nothing like, a fine shooting rifle and finding the load it likes!

I've struggled horribly with a few rifles in the past but these AI/Bartlein/Tooley barrels are fantastic. I got a little dope today out to 600yds (3.0mils to 600 BTW) and shot a group at the 300yd steel. Ran out of time to get out to 1k. Speed should be right around 3050 with the above load per Strelok. Rifle is an AIAE MkIII with a 26" Bartlein AI barrel.

Obviously dialed it in after this (took 2 shots to get it zero'd after this group)

300yds

 

[sierracharlie338]

Local store finally got some H4350 in.... bought 6lbs... time to get to work!!!

I hate you! Not really but damn I'm hurtin for some 4350!

 

[Jourdan_D]

Bullet Bullet weight Coated Powder Powder Charge COAL Case trim Case Type Primer Velocity Barrel Length Barrel Twist Barrel Manufacture Jump Notes
VLD 95 N AA3100 45 3100 26
105 Match N Win 780 47.3 2.76 3030 20
VLD 95 N Varget 34 Min 32, MAX 35
VLD 95 N RL19 42.1 2.8 210m
vld 95 N RL19 42.2 2.89
VLD 95 N RL22 45.5 2.81 BR2 Max 46.5
VLD 95 N RL19 42.4 2.81 BR2
VLD 95 N RL19 43.5 2.83
VLD 95 N IMR-4350 41.5
VLD 95 Yes N540 30.5 2.846 1.68 SSA CCI 450 2950
vld 95 Varget 35 2.287
VLD 95 H4350 44 2.28 BR2 0.01
VLD 95 N160 46.6 Lapua BR2
VLD 95 IMR4831 42 210M 3000 24 1-10" Savage 5r 0.01
hybrid 105 RL22 44.7 Lapua 210M 3060 0.01
hybrid 105 H1000 47.5 CCI250 3030
hybrid 105 H4350 41.5 CCI250 3050
DTAC 115 H4350 41.2 BR2 2975
DTAC 115 No VV N170 47.5 BR2 2960
DTAC 115 NO VV N165 44.5 BR2 2960
Dtac 115 No RL25 46.5 Lapua Wolf 3130 26 1-7.5 Bartlien .236 bore
Hybrid 105 H4350 42 3130 26 42-43 is the "sweet" spot
DTAC 115 Yes rl25 47.5 2.86 210m 3150 28 1-7.5




From an spreadsheet i was building to compair 243 loads, loads are not mine just loads i saw in post from here and other forums

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Just finished a 243AI, looking for loads. I'll start with the 243win loads and work up, but does anyone have a favorite through a 243AI?

I've seen the few loads on 6mmbr.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

For reference, my barrel is a 7.5 twist, so big bullets is good.

 

[varmint slayer]

Just finished a 243AI, looking for loads. I'll start with the 243win loads and work up, but does anyone have a favorite through a 243AI?

I've seen the few loads on 6mmbr.

Winchester brass (New .243)
46.5 grains H1000
CCI 250 primer
105 Hornady HPBT
2.348 OAL from ogive (.020 off lands)
Started out at 2920 FPS from a 30" 1-8 Brux but as the barrel broke in it has jumped to 3040 FPS or so.

Formed Win brass
50 grains H1000
CCI 250
2.348 OAL from Ogive
105 Hornady HPBT
3200 FPS

Forming loads are just as accurate as the forming loads. Here is a forming load group at 100.

I pulled the low one but you get the idea. Formed loads are very similar accuracy wise.

 

[Doug S]

I have a question for the masses.
I had a rifle built for my son and we are dialing it in now for the season.
It is a full custom Remington Model 7, built by a very well know smith. It has a ptg bolt and a new Benchmark 1/8 twist 17” barrel and all the goodies.
It is veryshort.
I am having hell getting anything to group from it. No factory load will shoot within 1 ½”.
I have loaded100 gr Game kings, 105 Berger HVLD, Barnes Triple shock, H4350-40.0-41.5, Varget-31-33, and H-1000 with no love.
Getting veryslow readings (2600) and terrible groups (2"). Moving the seated length in and out has no effect. Always has one flyer out at about 2”
Does anyone have any experience with a very short barrel like this and got a load to dial in?

 

[jsthntn247]

Nobody using Hybrid 100 V in their 243? Appears it would give the best velocity.

 

[105gr]

I have a question for the masses.
I had a rifle built for my son and we are dialing it in now for the season.
It is a full custom Remington Model 7, built by a very well know smith. It has a ptg bolt and a new Benchmark 1/8 twist 17” barrel and all the goodies.
It is veryshort.
I am having hell getting anything to group from it. No factory load will shoot within 1 ½”.
I have loaded100 gr Game kings, 105 Berger HVLD, Barnes Triple shock, H4350-40.0-41.5, Varget-31-33, and H-1000 with no love.
Getting veryslow readings (2600) and terrible groups (2"). Moving the seated length in and out has no effect. Always has one flyer out at about 2”
Does anyone have any experience with a very short barrel like this and got a load to dial in?

I am having the same issue with my 16" M700.....I will post back once I get the load dialed in

 

[danish1911]

Nobody using Hybrid 100 V in their 243? Appears it would give the best velocity.

I've been using 100V with 95 gr. Bergers with excellent results in my 700. I haven't got around to chrono'ing any yet but am getting 1/2" 5 round groups at 100 yards...

 

[scatterbrains]

savage 9.25 twist
42.5gr hybrid 100v
CCI lrp
win brass
105 bthp hornady
chrono avg 20rnds 3015fps

 

[105gr]

I asked how much powder in the other thread ....I seriously need to turn up the heat...I think they need more gogo juice....

 

[Wildboarem]

I have a question for the masses.
I had a rifle built for my son and we are dialing it in now for the season.
It is a full custom Remington Model 7, built by a very well know smith. It has a ptg bolt and a new Benchmark 1/8 twist 17” barrel and all the goodies.
It is veryshort.
I am having hell getting anything to group from it. No factory load will shoot within 1 ½”.
I have loaded100 gr Game kings, 105 Berger HVLD, Barnes Triple shock, H4350-40.0-41.5, Varget-31-33, and H-1000 with no love.
Getting veryslow readings (2600) and terrible groups (2"). Moving the seated length in and out has no effect. Always has one flyer out at about 2”
Does anyone have any experience with a very short barrel like this and got a load to dial in?

I would suggest looking over at Erik Cortinas "long range load development at 100 yds" on the accurate shooter reloading forum. It sounds like you might not quite be in the sweet spot
"node".
I am just wrapping up load development for the wife's new .243. With the lack of consistent availability I develop several loads at once. On the 95 smk I'm using rl-22, imr4350 and another one. The 105's are using h-1000 and 7828. I know I made up some " break in / sighter" loads at 42.5 rl-22, 95smk and it shoots bug holes with two different rifles. Speed isn't great 2800.
This is the first time I've run through Cortinas process and so far I'm rely pleased how quick and accurate it is.

 

[105gr]

I have a question for the masses.
I had a rifle built for my son and we are dialing it in now for the season.
It is a full custom Remington Model 7, built by a very well know smith. It has a ptg bolt and a new Benchmark 1/8 twist 17” barrel and all the goodies.
It is veryshort.
I am having hell getting anything to group from it. No factory load will shoot within 1 ½”.
I have loaded100 gr Game kings, 105 Berger HVLD, Barnes Triple shock, H4350-40.0-41.5, Varget-31-33, and H-1000 with no love.
Getting veryslow readings (2600) and terrible groups (2"). Moving the seated length in and out has no effect. Always has one flyer out at about 2”
Does anyone have any experience with a very short barrel like this and got a load to dial in?

I'm not completely done with load development but i went to the lighter 87gr Vmax's and a faster powder (4064) with great results...right now I'm seated 010" off the lands with 38.5gr of 4064...*THIS IS OVER MAX LOAD-USE AT OWN RISK*...MV"s are around 2940

 

[6brshooter]

Doug s, settle on one bullet and test using h4350 or faster burn rate. That short of a barrel is going to need a fast powder, probably something between varget and h4350. Try h4350 and load from 40.5-42.5 in .3 gr increments, 3 rds of each charge. That should get things narrowed down. Use a 20x or bigger scope for load development and bipod or pedastal rest with rear bag. Sounds like that combo should shoot.

 

[8AteEight]

Nobody using Hybrid 100 V in their 243? Appears it would give the best velocity.

Its a winner. I worked it to book max with no problems. No chrono data, no real numbers, but it ran 95gr remmy cheapo bullets to sub-moa @ 100yards in a stock 700youth ADL. Seemed quite dirty, though I was using the lower node. YMMV

-888-.

 

[Raul Duke]

tag

 

[Dshooter]

Tag team back again.....

 

[8AteEight]

Hmmmm, only 2 loads for projies under 70gr.... Anyone else care to chime in with ultralite loads, especially the 55gr. (Varmageddin if Im lucky enough) pills???

Nosler's data seems a lil warm with 45.5gr Varget, a full grain higher than all the other references that I have.

 

[LOBO]

I have a question for the masses.
I had a rifle built for my son and we are dialing it in now for the season.
It is a full custom Remington Model 7, built by a very well know smith. It has a ptg bolt and a new Benchmark 1/8 twist 17” barrel and all the goodies.
It is veryshort.
I am having hell getting anything to group from it. No factory load will shoot within 1 ½”.
I have loaded100 gr Game kings, 105 Berger HVLD, Barnes Triple shock, H4350-40.0-41.5, Varget-31-33, and H-1000 with no love.
Getting veryslow readings (2600) and terrible groups (2"). Moving the seated length in and out has no effect. Always has one flyer out at about 2”
Does anyone have any experience with a very short barrel like this and got a load to dial in?

Did you ever get the model 7 dialed in?

 

[MEANS42]

I've got a Howa 1500 .243 that I'm looking to start hand loading for. I'm looking to try some new things. I've got some Reloader 17 and 87gr vmax bullets. Anybody got a recipe? It's a 22" barrel. How far off the lands? Thanks

 

[stang_j_99]

Hay guys, Im trying to help my brother do some load develompent on his savage 243. Has a 9.25 twist brl. We started wth 85 grn hdy Interbonds and a string starting at 33.8-37.0 of 4064(.3 steps). None were any good. Seen post earlier in this thread that one guy pushed on to 38.5 with good results. Anyone have a compearable load they could share. This is an off the shelf gun.

 

[santee116]

700 factory barreled action, 26" (I believe twist is 1-9.25")

It would not stabilize the 105 Amax at all. So I tried the 95 VLD's and they have worked great.

Load:

Lapua brass
95 hunting VLD jumping .010"
CCI-200
H4350 - 40.5 grains
Avg Velocity 3030 FPS

I worked up to 43 grains with no pressure, but best accuracy node was between 40.5-41.5.

 

[Rattler56]

Hmmmm, only 2 loads for projies under 70gr.... Anyone else care to chime in with ultralite loads, especially the 55gr. (Varmageddin if Im lucky enough) pills???

Nosler's data seems a lil warm with 45.5gr Varget, a full grain higher than all the other references that I have.

Using 62 gr Barnes Varmint Grenade's in a 700 rem and just as I was about to give up I tried IMR4350 and bam, I got a 5 shot groug of .290.

OAL 2.739
CBTO 2.310
Winchester Primers
Winchester Brass
45.5 gr. IMR4350

Your OAL might be different, in mine thats just kissing the lands.

Confirmed load today and had a friend shot my loads and he was .340 with my gun.

 

[2834]

About 60 days ago I picked up a 700-243. Has a factory 22 bull barrel, and a Timney trigger, for 500.00. I've added Pacific Tools bottom metal and a see kings 20moa rail. Purchased dies and went to town loading. Shooting Nosler 90 g partitioned, and have zero joy.

I've since learned that the barrel is 1/12, which sucks.

I've looked thru the data present here, and did not find anything specific to the 1/12 barrel. Frankly I view the twist to be problematic. And will eventually re barrel. Before I sink a bunch of dough into this rifle I'd like to determine if I even like the caliber and even the rifle.

Anybody got a load for this rifle barrel twist.

I shot a hundred 90 g nosler's at 36.4 grains of Varget, factory OAL, federal match primers. The results were UN remarkable, in fact pretty sad. Nada MOA strings.

Thank you in advance.

2834

 

[Steve1]

I think the 243 is a great antelope and deer cartridge, that is underestimated. I've never experienced a problem in over thirty years of hunting medium sized critters with a 243. I used to load 85 grain Nosler Solid Base bullets in it. I think that bullet is no longer made. It really held together well. I went to a heavier Ballistic Tip bullet. They seemed to work okay. I had some collosal failures with the Ballistic Tip bullets on shoulder blades in my 270, (130 grain). I've always used IMR 4064 powder. Maybe there is a more accurate, hotter, powder, now.....

 

[kswaterfowl]

This is max load, so work up to it. Have to give credit to a guy on predator masters for this load. Shot under 1/2 moa through 1-8 twist shilen barrel.

69 gr. Bergers
hodge- podge of brass
cci primers
41 gr varget
Touching the lands

 

[sheetsp]

Cutting holes with my Rem ADL 243 Win. 22" 1:9" Finally found recipe for mine as follows; Hornady 87gr V-Max,
43 grains H4350, WLR primer,
3071 fps chrono. C.O.L. 2.730
B.C. .400. Win case prepped near benchmark standards.
Give this recipe a try.

 

[dabibbee]

243 Win Loads

Hey 2834,

Check the bergerbullets.com web site under ballistics, find twist rate and add your bullet information and twist rate and by working the calculations you can determine what you can shoot.

 

[sierracharlie338]

2843

I've done a lot of research on the 243 and currently have one being built at GA Precision. There are tons of loads and data out there. You might try dropping to a lighter bullet and some different powder.

RL19 is a popular powder for the 243 from what I've heard as well as H4350.

Don't know what book you are using but if you want I can send you data from a couple books I've got. I wouldn't give up on the 243 even with a 12 twist barrel.


Sierracharlie out....

 

[Easy_E]

I just worked up a prairie dog load for my 243. The lightest bullet I had was 75 grain and lymans manual said Varget was most accuracy potential.
My rifle has a Brux 1 in 7.5 barrel 28" long.

Winchester brass
CCI 200 primers
38 grains of varget
75 grain hornady vmax bullets
Seated book 2.60
3268 fps

Here's a five shot group

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk

 

[Polaris Doc]

Tag

 

[kswaterfowl]

Worked up another load with 69 gr bergers and varget, since I switched to Nosler brass.
Savage 243 with 26"shilen shilen barrel with a 1-8 twist.
69 gr berger high bc varmint
40.3 gr varget
cci primers
nosler brass
2.745 oal
3523 fps

 

[LoanHarvey]

tag

 

[2834]

Gentleman, has anybody tried the new Hodgens powder, SUPERFORMANCE, with the DTAC 115 g bullets?. If so what was the result?

2834

 

[Captain Kirk]

Gentleman, has anybody tried the new Hodgens powder, SUPERFORMANCE, with the DTAC 115 g bullets?. If so what was the result?

2834

I ran a lb of it through a 243 that was a know 1/4" gun with H1000 and H4350. It was the only time I was unable to get the rifle to shoot well, best was 3/4 min with the 115 DTACs. Considering I was able to find a load that shot in the .2s in 30 minutes with this rifle, I gave up after 100 rounds of disappointment. I decided to stick with H1000 and 4350, but I may try Superformance in the 6.5CM gasser using the 120s, maybe.

 

[Jaxdialation]

I couldn't get H1000 to shot BN coated DTACs at all in my 28" 7.5 twist. 4350 is the bomb in my rifle.

I ran a lb of it through a 243 that was a know 1/4" gun with H1000 and H4350. It was the only time I was unable to get the rifle to shoot well, best was 3/4 min with the 115 DTACs. Considering I was able to find a load that shot in the .2s in 30 minutes with this rifle, I gave up after 100 rounds of disappointment. I decided to stick with H1000 and 4350, but I may try Superformance in the 6.5CM gasser using the 120s, maybe.

 

[Southwind]

Hay guys, Im trying to help my brother do some load develompent on his savage 243. Has a 9.25 twist brl. We started wth 85 grn hdy Interbonds and a string starting at 33.8-37.0 of 4064(.3 steps). None were any good. Seen post earlier in this thread that one guy pushed on to 38.5 with good results. Anyone have a compearable load they could share. This is an off the shelf gun.

I could not ever get 95gr Nosler Ballistic tips to group out of my factory Savage with 4064. Not sure what the issue was, but my barrel did not like that bullet/powder combo. I switched to the 87gr V Max and have been happy. I use Win brass with 35.2gr of 4064 and get sub moa 5 shot groups.

It also likes 35gr of 4064 behind the 95gr Sierra Matchking with Win brass and primer. Both loads are extremely mild, but group really well.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I'm running 105 hybrids .005" off the lands (well where the lands were when I started running this barrel) with 45.8gr H4831 in win brass with 210's. It gives me exactly 3100fps avg with a SD of 2 and ES 8. I went over 49gr in development on a hot day with zero pressure and velocity was over 3300. This is a AINA 26" bartlein.

 

[LoanHarvey]

tag

 

[Parkerwb14]

Gun info;
Reminton 700 action
Benchmark 7.75tw
B&C stock
timney
all work done by Nathan Dagley at Straight Shot Gunsmithing

Load;
Lapua brass trimmed and turned
46.6 grains H1000
Federal 215M
105 Berger Hybrid
Have to check my notes for CBTO (fits in Alpha mag with plenty to spare)
Jump 0.05"
2990FPS ES and SD <10 over magnetospeed
.3-.4 or better when I do my part 5 shot groups

 

[diderr]

243 Win. 105gr. Berger VLD
49 grains Retumbo
Fed 215 or Rem Mag Rifle Primers
Winchester Brass

This round is good to 750 yards. Well that was the longest kill and test to date.

Gnab2

How are you, or anyone able to fit 49 grains in the case? For me 48 runs almost to the top of the neck. I shot 48 today with no pressure signs. I know I can approach the 49, but cant fit it in the case. 46.6 shot .5" @ 200 yards for me

 

[jkkfam89]

Berger 105 Hybrids
BR2 Primers
Win Brass
42.5 gr of H4350

 

[AIS]

Berger 105 Hybrids
Lapua brass
Fed 210M
H4831sc 44.3 gr
OAL 2.825 which is jumped .030 for me
26" Kreiger

Tested this load out to 800 yds this morning and showing 3140 fps. Started with 42 gr and worked up to 45 which is where I ran into pressure signs. 44 to 44.5 looked the best shooting .4 to .45 3 shot groups @ 200 yds. So I Set it up at 44.3 and ran with it. I fought and fought to get IMR 7828 ssc to work in this rifle for some time. So when I shot these groups I was hooked. Speed looks better that what I was expecting, and shot very well out to 700. Ready to get some more loaded and tested.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Berger 105 Hybrids
Lapua brass
Fed 210M
H4831sc 44.3 gr
OAL 2.825 which is jumped .030 for me
26" Kreiger

Tested this load out to 800 yds this morning and showing 3140 fps. Started with 42 gr and worked up to 45 which is where I ran into pressure signs. 44 to 44.5 looked the best shooting .4 to .45 3 shot groups @ 200 yds. So I Set it up at 44.3 and ran with it. I fought and fought to get IMR 7828 ssc to work in this rifle for some time. So when I shot these groups I was hooked. Speed looks better that what I was expecting, and shot very well out to 700. Ready to get some more loaded and tested.

Dam that's smoking. Most of the loads I've been researching have been around 2900. That's awesome! My rifle should be here by the beginning of next week. Can't wait to put my hands on it!!!

 

[AIS]

Same here Sierracharlie. I was looking at maybe just maybe hitting 3k with what I've read. So when I tested the load at, 400 then 600 then 800yds, I was really surprised with what the data was showing me. Forgot to post that its a 7.5 twist and at 3100 altitude. More tests to come.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Same here Sierracharlie. I was looking at maybe just maybe hitting 3k with what I've read. So when I tested the load at, 400 then 600 then 800yds, I was really surprised with what the data was showing me. Forgot to post that its a 7.5 twist and at 3100 altitude. More tests to come.

That gives a little more to the equation but either way I'm jealous til I get my hands on mine. Found out it shipped today from GAP!!!

 

[AIS]

flippn sweet!!! Mine is a PCR barreled action job to a stiller predator action. Had some 4350 but felt I needed something a touch slower, so I tried and tried till I got a 8# stock of 4831sc last week, and it looks good and it was hard to find some data on it so I thought I'd post it just to help out. Gap did a 22-250 with a 8 twist barrel for me this spring. Shootin the 75gr bergers with 4350 at 3200 fps is a PD Killer out here and I cant wait to test it on Yotes!! Rock On!!!!!!