superformance?

[fullmag]

has anyone here had any luck using superformance powder in their .243? I just finished shooting 50rds that i loaded, 5 each from min to max load with hornady 65 gr v-max's thru a brand new savage model 10 predator max and found the groups just ok, maybe a couple groups were 1" @ 100 yards

[FrankenMauser]

Hodgdon only likes to publish Superformance data, when the powder manages to exceed all other competitors' velocities with the same bullet.

Since Hodgdon doesn't provide the "most accurate load" notes, like most other data sources, there's no way of telling if that extra velocity is actually conducive to good accuracy (in their test platform).

Considering my own experience with .243 Win, and 4831-class powders.... I'd say you're seeing an unpredictable, incomplete burn, and wasting the powder. Step your burn rate up to something between say, H380 and IMR/H 3031, at a minimum. The 65 gr V-Max is way too light for a 4831-class powder.

I know that doesn't directly address accuracy, but you're better off with a powder that is more appropriate for the load. After you get a few rounds down range, the barrel should 'calm down' and "settle in". Only then, will you be able to see the rifle's true accuracy potential.

[fullmag]

got a chance to shoot the .243 again today, this time I shot some 70gr nosler ballistic tips that I loaded. here are the results using superformance powder, win. brass and, cci lr primers out of 22" savage model 10 predator.
5 shot groups @ 100 yards light wind.

46gr= 3267-3292fps avg=3277fps 1"
47gr= 3333-3367fps avg=3349fps 1.6"
48gr= 3375-3410fps avg=3392fps 0.91"
49gr= 3454-3527fps avg=3490fps 0.89"
49.5gr= 3463-3536fps avg= 3495fps 1.24"
50gr= 3487-3584fps avg=3517fps 1.72"
50.5gr= 3536-3593fps avg=3557 1.46" .75" with flier removed
51gr= 3565-3642fps avg3603fps 1.63"
51.2gr= 3603-3673fps avg3640fps 1.27" .56" with flier removed

hodgdon shows 51.0gr. compressed @3661fps using speer 70 gr. hp, at 51.2gr I was not compressed but was close.
At 50.5gr started getting one flier in each group?

also shot 20rnds of factory winchester 100gr power points 2936-3030fps avg=2973fps best group was 1.4"

think im gonna try those 70gr nosler's with some varget that I have that works really well with my 7mm-08.

[FrankenMauser]

Judging by the Hodgdon data, I would expect IMR4064, Varget, and H414/W760 to be more accurate than Superformance. It would be hard to choose between Varget and H380, if I was in your position.

[fullmag]

I have both H380 and varget on the shelf, so many choices so little time.

[AFman]

+1 w/Varget and light bullets. I use Varget with 58 gr v-max, 243 win and get 3/4 inch or better groups consistently at 100yrds. Haven't tried superperformance yet, but maybe it's better for heavier bullets?

[mehavey]

See this string, and realize that I took add'l data up through 3,500fps w/ the 87grain V-Max.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=superformance

I was never able to empirically find the pressure knee. It just kept going until I ran out of
ability not to copper the barrel up. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS, and in fact dropped
the practical loadouts down into the 3,200fps-range

[fullmag]

at what point was the load compressed?

[mehavey]

I never got to the point of a classically-compressed load -- even at 3,500fps

[magicroy]

Sounds like you are shooting just the load I am wanting to shoot. I am going to buy a 243 and i wondered what gun would shoot the small bullets good. I am looking at a Sako A7 with 1 in 10" twist. Do you mind telling me what 243 you are shooting this load in and what twist rate. Thanks so much.

[fullmag]

Mine is a model 10 savage predator hunter, 22" fluted heavy barrel with 9 1/4" twist