I'm giving some thought to developing a high velocity accurate round in the .243 with the 70g Nosler BT's. What are the differences in terminal performance that you have seen and what are any possible loads for the 70g.?? Thanks.

I preferred the 55s for varmints. They shoot flatter with similar wind drift IME. Terminal performance was greater too, due to the higher impact velocity of the lighter, faster bullet. Nosler has plenty of loads for both bullets.



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Both of those bullets at high speed are varmint rounds IME. I've seen the 243 blow up BT's at standard velocities, and with the heavier weight 'hunting' BT's. If you're shooting lighter fare, I'd go with whichever was most accurate, at an average expected yardage, e.g., if you think your average shot would be 250 yards, whichever was most accurate at that yardage.

I've used both the 55 and 70 NBTs for prairie dogs. Both are accurate, however, in my .243 the 70 has a slight edge, particularly as the range stretches out beyond 300 yars. It is subjective, but I seem to get a higher percentage of spectacular "aerials" from the heavier bullet than from the lighter.

For powders, I've had good luck with the 70 grainer using powders on the medium-slow to slow end. IMR 4320 and VV N-160 are two that deliver the goods, but if I were starting from "scratch" I think I would go to the new IMR-4007, which I'm using with the same bullet in a 6mm Rem. IMR 4350 is the right burning range, but I don't care for its difficult-to-meter grains for high volume loading. Haven't had particularly good luck with ball powders in this gun, but I did try H-414 (same as WW-760) with some 55 grainers and it did well.

I recently bought a Sako 75 Finnlite in 243 and just got back from trying a load. It is 80 gr Nosler BT, 43 grs IMR 4350, CCI 250 in Lapua brass and shot very well despite my lack of a good rest on my "home range".

I haven't tried any lighter bullets due to the Sako being throated pretty deep. I do want to try the 70 gr at least.

Among my finest prairie dogging loads is a 70 grain BT and a 70 grain TNT.....both produce spectacular results on the p'dogs.

Since the 'dog days I picked up an original M-600 in .243 with the plastic rib etc.....darn thing throws the 55s like magic......great accuracy and nearly zero recoil.....I've only tipped over a few 'dogs with it but so far it's a "keeper"

IMO the 55 grain bullets are among the finest varmint bullets a going in the .243.....but it seems the 70 grain bullets do as well or better in the wind.

My 55 grain load is 47.3 grains of Varget with a CCI-200 primer and W-W cases for 4050 fps. It is super on chucks and yotes and deer.

I'm looking for a corresponding type load for the 70 grain Noslers. Any specific loads that wring out the velocity with great accuracy???

Teancum, I have yet to find a 243 that doesn't like the 70 grain Nosler BT's ahead of 41.0 grains of VARGET. I've loaded it up to 43 grains but accuracy starts to wane after the 41.0 grains in every one of the rifles it's been tried in. Try it and see what you find. Charlie (GHD)