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Best powder for 243

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18 February 2003, 13:09
<71 Win>
Best powder for 243
What do you guys think would be the best powder in an auto loader for the 243.
18 February 2003, 16:19
Savage99
I suppose IMR 3031 with most bullet weights. I don't know what rifle your loading for either.

Have you priced ammo at Wal-Mart etc? It may be less trouble to buy loaded ammo for that gun. You may find that you need small base die and the cases are not going to last that long.
19 February 2003, 04:39
JerryM
Although I have not loaded for an auto loader, I see no reason why the powder should be different here.

I use IMR 4350 for my .243. My own rifle, a pre 64 M 70 FWT, will digest 45 gr 4350 for 3150 fps for 100 gr bullets. Do not start close to that load and it is way over current handbook recommendations, but you should be able to get 3000 with careful loading. Start with the handbook recommendation for a starting load and then work up slowly to a good working load.

The .243, with deer weight bullets, likes relatively slow burning powders in my experience.

Jerry

[ 02-18-2003, 19:41: Message edited by: JerryM ]
19 February 2003, 05:29
Savage99
I use 4350 in the 243 also but I was thinking of the port pressure relative to what I know about the Garand that's all.
19 February 2003, 06:22
NETim
In Don Zutz' book, Handloading for Hunters, he relates a little tidbit about a Browning Auto in .243 that he could not get to shoot well. He ended up trying IMR4198 and it shot well. I think that was with Sierra 60 gr bullets though.
19 February 2003, 07:37
TBS
quote:
Originally posted by 71 Win:
What do you guys think would be the best powder in an auto loader for the 243.
Without knowing what type of autoloader your looking at a fairly safe bet would be IMR 4064, or one of the various 4895 flavors.
Tell us more!
20 February 2003, 06:32
<71 Win>
The auto loader is a Win 100.
20 February 2003, 14:32
reedg
From My Experience, 71 Win, for the .243 WCF I recommend Varget, Varget, or Varget. And if that doesn't work, then try Varget. It's the best of the 'em all!

Happy shooting'
22 February 2003, 13:12
Major Caliber
IMR-4320 has been the best performer in my .243 with 70gr to 100gr bullets.
23 February 2003, 04:16
<Gunnerdog>
Depending on what type of velocities you are pushing, it may be best to stick with the quicker burning powders. The biggest downfall of an auto-loader and the handloader is creating a spike in pressures after the bullet passes the gas ports that cycle the action. So, I would try 4064 or 3031 and stay away from the slower powders.