Anybody got any good loads for the 243 Winchester using 85 grain bullets and either RL-19 or H4350 powders ? I've loaded the 243 for quite sometime, but usually use H4831SC (and a little IMR-4350). To be honest with you, I'm really looking for an accurate estimate of what the maximum working loads are for these two powders. I'd like to start testing these powders at a reasonable starting point (a few grains under max), rather then wasting components and time with some of the excessive light loads listed in some of the current loading manuals. I know some of you may not agree with me, but I believe several of the current manuals are listing max loads which are quite a bit lower then what they need to be for the 243. I know this may not true for all calibers, but I believe it is for the 243. I guess it probably has something to do with the fact that the 243 got a bad reputation (whether real or not) a while back for blowing up guns. BEN243

Ben,

I think the main reason that the .243's experienced some blow-ups may well have been from loading too light. This isn't just my idea, I've heard it from reputable sources.

The condition is called "detonation" where a low density powder charge "pours forward," away from the primer, and upon firing the powder detonates rather than burning. The intensity of the pressure spike is too much for the severely bottlenecked cartridge.

I have had good success with 43.5 grains of IMR 4350 behind the 85 grain Sierra BTHP. The Speer book lists 44 grains as max with their 85's.

My old Mannlicher-Schoenauer (rebarreled to .243 in the 60's) loves 46 grains of IMR 4831 with the 85 grain Sierra.

If you ever try IMR 3031 with 60 grain bullets, you're going to love it. I think IMR 3031 is all too often overlooked for .243 applications. I'm having very good results in both of my .243's with this recipe:

60 grain Sierra HP (#1500)

39.8 grains of IMR 3031

Rem 9 1/2 primer, Winchester case

OAL a *short* 2.600", for good bearing surface

Let us know how things go~!

Dan Newberry
green 788

Ben, I hate to say it, but taking MY IDEA (or anyone else's data) for a maximum powder load for the .243 just ain't real smart. Every gun is different. What my gun tolerates may blow a chunk of the extractor into your forehead.

If you want to know what the maximum load for YOUR gun is there isn't but one way to find out. This is like telling us you want to see how fast your car will go and asking us to guess at what speed your tires will come apart.

No shortcuts to what your gun will or won't do unless you're just a gambler.

[ 08-02-2002, 06:51: Message edited by: Pecos45 ]

Pecos45: I normally, and will in this case, do all of my own load testing for the handloads I use in my rifles. I was just looking for some max data that some other shooters have safely used in their rifles. I don't put a lot of faith in some of the data published by the powder companies. Here are a few examples:
Alliant lists a max load for the 243 of 44.5 grains of RL-19 with an 80 grain bullet. They also list a max load for the 6mm with an 80 grain bullet at 49.5 grains of RL-19. That's a 5 grain difference between these two cartridges. I think that's a little much. I have safely loaded 47 grains of this powder behind an 85 grain bullet with no signs of any pressure to date. But as you said, all guns are different, so I wanted to see what some of the other guys were loading.
Another example is the Hodgdon Data Manuals. They use to advertise a max load 48 grains of H4831 for their 100 grain .243 bullets. Their latest manual now recommends only 42 grains for this weight bullet. I can tell you for a fact that 42 grains of H4831 is a really light load.
So if anybody out there handloads any 85 grain bullets for a .243 using either RL-19 or H4350, I would greatly appreciate hearing about your loads.
BEN243

I have used Vihtavouri N160 for my Sako 90 grain FMJ�s, and come up with some amazingly accurate loads. I don�t have them here at the office but I could get them if you want them. The loads were shot with a Ruger Varmint and @100 meters, three shot groups measured around 1/4" to 1/3".

I agree about your post that the Hodgdon load is pretty low - I have noticed this in the data available on the net - also the loads they list on their label for sc 4831 are very low with the exception of the 270. Heck they are driving a 160 gr load out of a 7 mm mag at 7X57 velocities. They have really gotten conservative. The best loading data I have seen is in the new #5 Manual from Nosler - plus I love the cartidge review articles in there. The Lyman 47 manual also seems to list strong reloads - in fact some are too hot in my 270. Good luck

green 788's idea about what has caused some .243 blowups may indeed be correct, but I am aware of a few cases wherein the pressure excursions in some .243 ammo resulted when cases were made from .308 brass. The reloader didn't turn down the case necks, which had become too thick from being sized down. The consequence was that the neck wasn't able to expand enogh upon firing to release the bullet freely. Result: excessive pressure! OOPS!!

Eldeguello,

That's a very good point. Believe it or not, I have a factory Winchester (Supreme, no less!) load which came from a box of the 100 grain, moly coated .243's.

The brass case, instead of reading Winchester .243 Win, reads "BHPA .308 win." No kidding...

I kept the cartridge, and closely examined it. I'm satisfied that it's a factory round, bullet seating depth, slight crimp, everything is the same.

I wonder if it's worth anything?

Anyway, in my earlier days of reloading, I did what you mentioned and sized some .308 cases to .243 and got mega pressure signs. Certainly could have happened to various folks a few times over the years...

Dan Newberry
green 788

I have used 3031 in 243 for years works super.

IMR 3031 out of my 243 pushing 75gr pills is an awesome combo for me!Never had to try anything else! 1-hole groups is common(@100yds)

IMR 3031 may well be the best powder of them all for the .243 Winchester.

I've had good luck with IMR 4831, and IMR 4350, but those powders seem to either work in a rifle or they won't. Why that is, I'm not sure. My old Mannlicher-Schoenauer (custom re-barreled, 1937 model) likes IMR 4831, but not the 4350. My Remington 788 is just the opposite.

IMR 3031, however, seems to work well in every .243 I've tried it in.

For any of you who have Hornady 58 grain VMAX's or any other well made 60 grain .243 bullet, try 40 grains of IMR 3031 and post your results. This load works superbly in all three of the .243's I've tested it in. CCI 200's or Rem 9 1/2's are the best primer to use in this recipe, in my experience.

Take care,

Dan Newberry
green 788

I am using the same recipe,40Gr. 3031&60gr gr. pill in a Parker hale 1200. Slcker than dual carbs. on a pigs ass.

Green 788,
A load that has shot well in every 243 I've tried it in is as follows: 100gr. Sierra FB,and 43grs. of IMR4350. Out of a 22in. barrel this will give about 3050fps. This load is up there, but have used it in 5 or 6 243s and down on the Ariz. desert in 100* temps.-no trouble. Another good load I have used alot for coyote calling is a 75gr. Sierra or Hornady in front of 46grs. of IMR4350 for 3400fps or more. As you can see I like IMR4350 in a 243.

WW-760 works good in my .243.