Need some loads for 75 grain Sierra HP. Out of a 24" barrel. I normally use IMR 3031 and IMR 4064, but am open to suggestions.

IMR-4895 From 33.5 grains to 42.5 grains using the Remington 9-1/2 primer.

But I prefer the Sierra 85 grain HPBT and IMR-4350 From 37.4 grains to 45.0 grains using the Remington 9-1/2 primer.

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http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

That old Sierra 75 gr HP may be the bullet that I have loaded the most since the 50's. It never let me down in some serious matches out to 200 yards. For long range in the .243 Win I used enough imr to reach 3600 fps in my old M-70 with the 26" bbl. For match loads at shorter range imr 3031 is outstanding.

For long range today I switched to the new Sierra 80 gr Spitzer BT due to it's excellent ballistic coeffient.

Hey Shawn, I've had excellent performance and accuracy using H380 with that exact same Sierra bullet in a couple of 243Wins.

A few years ago I shot it 3 times at a target and set the rifle aside. Shot some other rifles and walked down range.

A buddy(hardcore 6mmRem fan) was looking at the groups and asked to fire my 243Win. So, he shoots 3 more into the same target.

The combined 2-man, 6-shot group was in the 6s. Biggest problem I had was prying the rifle out of his hands!

Nice accurate bullet that is sure tough on Varmints, without the need for the expense of a "plastic tip".

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Good hunting and clean 1-shot kills, Hot Core

I've been shooting the Sierra 85 grain BTHP's for quite a while. 43.5 grains of IMR 4350 (fairly warm load, but under max) does really well in my old Rem 788. I've shot a few 1/4 inch three shot groups, with the norm being at or under 1/2" at 100 yards.

Don, I'm wondering what the BC of the new 80 grain spitzer is that you mention. Do you happen to know the Sierra number? I may look into that one...

I've tried a lot of powders in the .243, but I keep coming back to IMR 4350 for the bullets in the 80 plus grain category.

Thanks,
green 788

Checking the Sierra website, I note that the BC for the 80 grain spitzer, the Blitzking, is indeed higher than that of the 85 grain HPBT.

This seems to only be the case at higher speeds, however. In fact, as both bullets slow down (which is where BC really comes into play) I note that the 85 grain bullet gains BC, while the 80 grainer loses it.

Here are the figures:
80 grain spitzer @ 2800 fps and above .319
2800 to 2200 fps .310
2200 fps and below .295

85 grain BTHP @ 2700 fps and above .282
2700 to 2000 fps .293
2000 fps and below .311

Perhaps a call to Sierra is in order, but I do believe that I'll stay with the 85 grain BTHP as it has been a wonderful performer out to 450 yards. I've not shot that bullet any beyond that range.

green 788