I tested a few different powders with the 75 grain VMAX in my Savage .243 win. Looking for the optimal charge weight of four different powders, I noted that of those powders tested: (Varget, IMR 3031, IMR 4064, and IMR 4350), the IMR 3031 yielded the tightest groups, and seemed more forgiving than the other powders. The Varget did quite well, and 38.5 grains (Hodgdon's max load) coincidentally turned out to be the OCW. MOA groups at 200 yards were not a problem.
I probably need to drop the charge of IMR 4064 to get into a good accuracy groove. I worked with that powder from 40.5 to 43 grains (hot, but no pressure signs at all), but accuracy was quite sporadic. Dropping the charge would take velocity down, of course, so I may decide against any further testing with the 4064 in this application.
IMR 4350, in charge weights from 45 to 46.5 grains seemed promising, but velocities seemed to lag behind the IMR 3031 charges from my 22" barreled rifle.
I've settled on IMR 3031, with a charge weight of 39.0 grains as optimal with this bullet in the .243 win.
Give the 39 grain charge of 3031 a try in your .243 with the 75 grain VMAX--I suspect that you'll find it quite accurate. Velocity will be in the 3250 to 3400 fps range, depending on your barrel.
Imr 3031 and Hornady 75 V-Max molys will produce 1-hole groups out of my Rem 700BDL Varmit. This combo works in just about every gun that it's been used in that I know of.About 10 different guns of buddies of mine use it as their accuracy load. I'm not suprised at all of your finding's. Glad another person has also found this combo!!
Just reading along and noted informative loads for the lighter bullets... any chance you have a pet load for the .243 in say, the 100 grain bullet offerings?
Posts: 42 | Location: PA | Registered: 12 October 2003
