243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

[BigBlue&Goldie]

According to Shilen:
- 10" For bullets up to 120 gr. and VLD under 100 gr.
- 12" for bullets up to 85gr.

I have a box of 95VLD's and bottle of IMR4350, anyone have a recomended starting point for this load? I'm worried the 1:11.25 will be too slow to stabalize the 95gr bullets.

I measured my COAL at 2.860" & 2.135" to the ogive, which seems really long. Length isn't an issue, as I'm using a long action.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

JBM has a stability calculator and a page with bullets lengths. Plug you caliber, bullet length and weight in along with environmental data and velocity. That will give you a stability factor. In my testing, I have had good luck once I get a stability factor of 1.1 or higher. But ~1.4 is desired.

 

[Tunanut]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

I don't think you're going to be happy. I can't get them to shoot under 1 moa consistantly out of my 10 twist 243ai.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

41.5gnsis where i found a sweet spot with that combo. A guy i know, his rifle liked 42.3gns. thats warm though, work up at your own risk.

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

How far off the lands are you?

 

[Subxero]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

i have been fighting with these bullets for a while in my .243

I am using imr4350, keep in mind that pressure when loading these bullets depends greatly on seating depth and if you are jamming and jumping. It is best to work up your own load like always.

I have shot up to 43.0 grains with no pressure signs what so ever. Keep in mind i am seating these at like 2.85 OAL, 0.020 off lands and this puts the surface bearing part of the bullet about 0.25" into the case mouth and the BT part of the bullet barely past the neck. I am weary about loading these to much further out as there will be such little bullet in the actual neck

I have also jammed these .010 and obviously i got different velocities.

No great groups yet, i am going to start walking the seating depth back out and into to the lands and look for a sweet spot, if i cant find anything i might try a new bullet

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

I thought my throat seemed super long, but maybe not. The barrel has a slow twist rate for a throat that is better suited for heavier match bullets.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news, BUT I don't think you'll have success due to your twist. I had the same issue with 95gr SMK and I have 1 in 9.125 twist. These bullets are long, not much bearing surface, and need a faster twist. Once I load a plain jane 85gr-100gr flat base.....BINGO. And not many people are willing to buck-up and admit the fact that BT bullets are somewhat overrated, unless one has a true match gun. Wish you much success.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

Btw...I know a lot of folks have great success with the Hornady 87gr V Max. Got good BC too. I will be trying those for long range fun for paper.

 

[jschroed]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

I have not had good luck with 95 VLD's in my 1-10 .243, 87 of all mfg. work well.

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

I might just skip dicking around with the 95's and go lighter from the get go.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

Just remember, bullet weight may or may not be the issue. Probably a combo of things. Your twist sure would prefer the bullets a tad lighter and don't underestimate a flat base bullet.

 

[Huckleberry75]

Re: 243win Berger 95VLD 22" 1:11.25

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How far off the lands are you? </div></div>

Sorry, I sold the gun and scrapped the notes. Not sure. They were not jammed, but I ding remember how far off the lands.