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.243 Win what should I try next?
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Take a look at the thumbnail you might have to enlarge it a little (powder is I4350 not I3031):


Stevens 200 action
26" McGowen 1:7 twist Heavy Varmint Taper .243 Win
Kevin Rayhill Recoil Lug
Sharp Shooter Supply Competition Trigger

I know I'm going to have to bed the rifle, right now it is sitting in a Savage M12 Varmint synthetic stock. I was hoping to hold off the bedding job until I could get either a new B&C Medalist or McMillan stock for the rifle. But since the new stock is still a ways off, I'm going to have to bed the rifle if I want my groups to tighten up.

I'd like to bring my SD down as well hopefully into the single digits, do you think switching the primers would help with this? I haven't played with seating depth because I have the bullets out as long as I can get them while still feeding reliably from the magazine. Which still puts me a little over .030 off the lands.

I'm thinking of trying some H1000 or RL22 as well but I had 8 lbs of I4350 so I tried it first. I'd have to go buy the H1000 but have about 1.5 lbs of RL22 on the bench. Or should I just stick with I4350?
 
Posts: 2242 | Registered: 09 March 2006Reply With Quote
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I like IMR4350 in my factory Rem 700V

100gr SP 40.5gr I4350

85gr HPBT 41.5 gr I4350
 
Posts: 6526 | Location: NY, NY | Registered: 28 November 2005Reply With Quote
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I don't think the slower burning powders such as the H1000 or RL22 would work in a 243Win. I had the best results with IMR4350 when shooting 100 grain bullets and H4895 when shooting the 58 grain V-max. My M77 MK II would put five 100 grain Core-lokts through the same hole at 100 yds but only when seated against the lands using 40.0 grains of I4350. A lot of jump to reach the lands doesn't mean a very accurate load can't be found but usually requires more diligence in the search. I have a new Browning A-bolt II in 308Win that has a .150" jump to reach the lands when 165 Speer BTSP bullets are seated to max magazine length, and my load will shoot them into one ragged hole at 100 yds. I have had to switch to a different powder when the bullets have to jump this far. What I found strange was my 6mmRem (has a long jump) loaded to .010" off the lands liked IMR4064 but when seated to fit the mag the groups opened way up, so I switched it to H4895 when seated to fit and they shrunk back. The funny thing about it is I4064 is the powder I am running in the 308 with every bit as much or more jump than the 6mm and it is accurate. Finding a load can sometimes be totally illogical.


Dennis
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Posts: 1191 | Location: Ft. Morgan, CO | Registered: 15 April 2005Reply With Quote
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I've been shooting 107 & 105 grain bullets the rifle shoots the 107's (picture) the best. I'm thinking of stepping up to 115's either Berger or DTAC, possibly 120 Matrix bullets. I haven't tried other powders yet, but there wasn't much change from the last time I shot the 107's.

So I figure a good bedding job might tighten up the groups. I thought as well changing the primer might help to get my velocities more consistant. Am I wrong in what I'm thinking?
 
Posts: 2242 | Registered: 09 March 2006Reply With Quote
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my 700 VLS loves H4831sc with any bullet
 
Posts: 56 | Registered: 14 April 2006Reply With Quote
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If all else fails in a .243, try RE-19.
 
Posts: 1433 | Location: Australia | Registered: 21 March 2008Reply With Quote
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with the 1/7 twist you can move up to the Berger target 115gr bullet but no knowing what length magazine you have and how the rifle throated they may not work.

I just started Monday trying R-17 in my 243 it has 1/10 twist barrel and Hornady new manual has loading data for that.

Hodgdon manaul has loading data for the Sierra 107gr and there top two velocity loads they used Retumbo,H-1000.

I've only done two caliber in 6mm with 1/8 twist barrels and both were throated for the VLD and I had pretty good accuracy but I was running the just under 3000fps.

Well good luck you might try 6mmbr site forum as lot are shooting the 6mm VLD.


VFW
 
Posts: 1098 | Location: usa | Registered: 16 March 2001Reply With Quote
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I like to shoot my 243's for group at the range with lighter bullets so I have been using I4350 powder and data from the Lyman manual for 58gr Vmax bullets. I have 2 factory chambered HB's to load and shoot with, one an old sako in 579 and a much newer Rem. VS. Both have real nice triggers and both seem to be really liking this bullet weight and powder combo. Load for the Rem is 45gr and 46 gr for the sako. I have only tried these at 100 yards. FS
 
Posts: 698 | Location: Edmonton Alberta | Registered: 18 January 2005Reply With Quote
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You don't say what the application for the 243 is? Varmints? Target shooting?

My 243 is a p-dog rig. I'm shooting the 87 gr Vmax over Win 760 and a Fed match primer. I load tested IMR 4350 (one of my first choices), and accuracy was ok, but was able to cut groups in half with 760 and the match primers.

Mine is also built on a Savage action, with a Lothar Walther 28" bbl.


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Posts: 1147 | Location: Bismarck, ND | Registered: 31 August 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Slowpoke Slim:
You don't say what the application for the 243 is? Varmints? Target shooting?


LR steel targets is my main goal. I'd like to work out to 1K. This is the first dedicated rig I built for this application an I'm in the learing process.
 
Posts: 2242 | Registered: 09 March 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
I know I'm going to have to bed the rifle,

Until this is done all the reloading you do is for naught!


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Posts: 28849 | Location: western Nebraska | Registered: 27 May 2003Reply With Quote
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My 6mm Remington calibre Parker-Hale does not like 100 grain Nosler Partition with ANY powder combination..that's sure! It won't even hold 6" at 100 yards off a rest.

Nor does it like the new Remington 100 grain Core-Lokt "Bonded" where the jacket is electro=plated onto the lead bullet core. These also shoot about a 6" group at 100 yards.

It shoots better with the Sierra 100 grain Pro-Hunter and manages about 3" at that same 100 yards and 5" at 200 yards.

Hope that helps. But I think that, regrettably, the 100 grain Nosler Partition just won't work in this particular rifle.
 
Posts: 6823 | Location: United Kingdom | Registered: 18 November 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by enfieldspares:
My 6mm Remington calibre Parker-Hale does not like 100 grain Nosler Partition with ANY powder combination..that's sure! It won't even hold 6" at 100 yards off a rest.

Nor does it like the new Remington 100 grain Core-Lokt "Bonded" where the jacket is electro=plated onto the lead bullet core. These also shoot about a 6" group at 100 yards.

It shoots better with the Sierra 100 grain Pro-Hunter and manages about 3" at that same 100 yards and 5" at 200 yards.

Hope that helps. But I think that, regrettably, the 100 grain Nosler Partition just won't work in this particular rifle.


Well it is a good thing I have no plans to run Partitions through this rifle!
 
Posts: 2242 | Registered: 09 March 2006Reply With Quote
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Couple of questions:
What prep work have you done to the brass?
What is your shooting set up- front rest, bags etc.
What dies are you using, what is the runout on the loaded round?
While tightening the barreled action into the existing stock can you see/feel any movement at the rear tang while tightening the rear screw?
Accuracy is about consistency, anything that messes with the consistency is a source of a larger group. Eliminate all the variables that you can.
Try this with the stock, tighten the front screw completely, keep your finger on the tang while tightening the rear screw, if you feel movement- stop and back off a hair. Try a group, sometimes you can "fool" a rifle into thinking it is bedded. Sometimes a primer change will decrease Std deviation, but not always will that decrese result in smaller groups. In your case The stock becomes the first suspect. Tupperware stocks are flexed so easily and that flex will drive you nuts for shooting groups.
Sorry for the rambling and please understand all questions are meant to try and find a answer and in no way question your ability to shoot or reload or knowledge of either.
 
Posts: 869 | Location: N Dakota | Registered: 29 December 2003Reply With Quote
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I was thinking 260 Remington Cool

But, yes you can try a different primer to try and get your SD down. But that will not fix any mechanical issues (ie bedding).

Since you have so much 4350, a primer change is worth a try.
 
Posts: 2034 | Location: Black Mining Hills of Dakota | Registered: 22 June 2005Reply With Quote
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Case prep was starting with new cases. I ran RCBS expander ball through the mouth to even things up. Trimed to length, chamfer, prime, charge and seat bullets, COAL was based off of what would reliably feed from the magazine. I didn't resize any of the brass and now that it is all once fired I'll be running it through RCBS neck die, and FL die when I need to bump the shoulder back. I have a primer pocket swager and did buy a flash hole de-burr tool that I'll be doing that as well. As to runout I haven't measured for that yet.

I shot off of front and rear sand bags like this one. I'll be doing most of my shooting off of daypacks, bipods, and shooting sticks when I get done with load developement. I'm really building this for shooting steel as the primary purpose.

Right now the rifle is bedded in the stock and curing. I popped it out a little early and will have to go back and touch it up next weekend when I'm back in town with a skim coat. I almost dropped the hammer on a Medalist stock this weekend but I'm not sure I want that exact stock yet. I'll try your action screw tightening technique and watch out for what you are talking about.

You can question my techniques all you want because what I'm after is more brainstorming than anything else. I've never chased bugholes before when loading, if I got under an 1" in most cases I stopped there. My primary focus has always been hunting with no desire to take many shots beyond 400 yards.
 
Posts: 2242 | Registered: 09 March 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by taylorce1:
Case prep was starting with new cases. I ran RCBS expander ball through the mouth to even things up. Trimed to length, chamfer, prime, charge and seat bullets, COAL was based off of what would reliably feed from the magazine. I didn't resize any of the brass and now that it is all once fired I'll be running it through RCBS neck die, and FL die when I need to bump the shoulder back. I have a primer pocket swager and did buy a flash hole de-burr tool that I'll be doing that as well. As to runout I haven't measured for that yet.

I shot off of front and rear sand bags like this one. I'll be doing most of my shooting off of daypacks, bipods, and shooting sticks when I get done with load developement. I'm really building this for shooting steel as the primary purpose.

Right now the rifle is bedded in the stock and curing. I popped it out a little early and will have to go back and touch it up next weekend when I'm back in town with a skim coat. I almost dropped the hammer on a Medalist stock this weekend but I'm not sure I want that exact stock yet. I'll try your action screw tightening technique and watch out for what you are talking about.

You can question my techniques all you want because what I'm after is more brainstorming than anything else. I've never chased bugholes before when loading, if I got under an 1" in most cases I stopped there. My primary focus has always been hunting with no desire to take many shots beyond 400 yards.


taylorce1. Hello.If you can get hold of Berger 88gr FMJ 36grns H4895 CCI200 L.R. Primers.I use Norma Brass.jc




 
Posts: 1138 | Registered: 24 September 2011Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by John Chalmers:
taylorce1. Hello.If you can get hold of Berger 88gr FMJ 36grns H4895 CCI200 L.R. Primers.I use Norma Brass.jc


The bullets are way too light for what I'm wanting to shoot.
 
Posts: 2242 | Registered: 09 March 2006Reply With Quote
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I load for several .243 win. and one 6mm Rem. I use the Hornady Interlocks 100 gr. in the .243 with IMR 4350 and all of them shoot pretty good with this combo. The 6mm likes IMR 3031 and I use a 95 gr. Hornady SST in this gun. I start out close to the lands and then back up about .010 to .015 and load about five rounds and then will do this again by backing up another .010 to .015 and see if my group gets any smaller. I have found several of these guns will shoot smaller groups as far as .100 of the lands. The only difference in these loads is the seating depth. After you find the sweet spot for your gun then I start working with changing the powder load. I have also found that the same gun might shoot one bullet close to the lands and another bullet off the lands better.
 
Posts: 2 | Registered: 26 March 2012Reply With Quote
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You may have also considered this, but is your scope reliable? I just had a Leupold M8 6x go south on me and I couldn't get better than a 2" group at 100 when the gun had done half that with one load. Switched scopes, voila! Problem solved. Might not be the issue, but possibly worth considering.
 
Posts: 264 | Location: Northern BC, Canada | Registered: 28 November 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by lenny:
my 700 VLS loves H4831sc with any bullet


When loading the 243 Win the only powder one needs is H-4831sc powder regardless of bullet weight!
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Posts: 14634 | Location: TEXAS | Registered: 08 June 2000Reply With Quote
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I just picked up a HS Precision stock for the rifle. It is at the GS getting skim bedded and opened up to accommodate the SSS Competition trigger. I should get it back shortly and get back to shooting.
 
Posts: 2242 | Registered: 09 March 2006Reply With Quote
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I use 45gr RL22 and 95 or 100gr bullets with 1" or less results. I'm shooting a Ruger MKII with a 22" ER Shaw, 1 in 10 twist, fluted barrel in the med mag sporter taper.


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Posts: 84 | Location: Massachusetts | Registered: 28 January 2005Reply With Quote
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