243 win

daleo8803 · September 13, 2009, 03:14 PM

ok i need some help. i plan on starting to reload 243 win for one of my rifles. the rifle is a browning A bolt. im not sure of the twist rate or anything. this bullets will be used for target pratice only! what powder would you recommend? and what bullet is the cheapest for this caliber?? my manual has loads from a 55 grain to a 107 grain bullet. the cheapest bullets i could find seem to run 19.99 per 100. is that about right? also i will be using LEE 243 WIN 3 DIE SET w/FACTORY CRIMP, pace setter die set if that helps....

thanks!!

dale

PCJim · September 13, 2009, 03:30 PM

Dale, the twist rate of your barrel will usually, but not always, guide you towards the bullet weight with the best accuracy for your gun. You can get a good measure of your twist rate using a bristle brush on your cleaning rod. Using a Sharpie marker, draw a straight line down the length of your cleaning rod, screw on the brush and insert it carefully into the muzzle. Mark the rod at the muzzle, noting where that centerline is in relation to the barrel. Push the rod into the barrel until the straight line is again at the same reference point as you started and again mark the rod. Remove the rod and measure the distance between the two marks. This is your barrel twist.

My Ithaca .243 has a 1:9.25 twist. It seems to prefer the heavier 6mm bullets. I've settled on 100gr Noslers with IMR-4350 powder.

**Unclenick** · September 13, 2009, 03:38 PM

Also, for target shooting the cheapest bullet is usually far from the most accurate. In particular, I stay away from Winchester bulk bullets if I want accuracy. For plinking they may be OK, though I've had some .30 Cal Winchester FMJ's I wouldn't even plink with, as the best rifle couldn't keep them on a tin can at 100 yards. IME, the least expensive bullets with consistent accuracy are usually Hornady. Some folks have had good luck with some Remington bulk bullets, but not others.

Bullets got more expensive due to metals price rises a couple years back and then the hoarding-driven shortages. These are beginning to ease. I hope that in another year the prices will start to come back down again. Nonetheless, there are some better prices to be had than you found if you can find them in stock. Here, for example.

daleo8803 · September 13, 2009, 05:02 PM

thanks guys! the best factory ammo i have shot so far with this gun is hornady 100 gr ammo. at 100 yards im getting a 1"x 3/4" group( five shots total in group) i belive this is great! just wanted to reload my own so it would be cheaper on me! lol i think $1 a bullet is alot! lolol i will try the twist thing.

dale

update...

to PCJim i marked the cleaning rob, put on the brush and pushed it into the barrel until i saw the line was back to the original postion, i measured the rod and brush to gether and got 10 1/4". would that translate into a 1:10.25 twist?? the brush is 2 1/4" long if that matters. thanks

Blue Grass · September 13, 2009, 07:54 PM

I have a Savage Model 12BVSS in .243. As was stated above, cheap bullets will not give you the best accuracy. My rifle likes Sierra 55gr B.K's and any of the -4350 powders. I've been trying to find a load using 100gr PVRI SPBT's. No luck so far. Best I've done so far is about 1.75" at 100 yrds. However, 24.0gr of AA-2450 and a 50gr PVRI bullet will shoot sub .30 MOA in my Ruger .223.You'll just have to find a load your rifle likes.

Kiwi Hunter · September 14, 2009, 12:28 AM

The Speer 85g BT is cheap as chips (here in NZ at least), accurate, has a reasonable BC and kills at least as well as any projectile.

Failing that the Nosler seconds are a fine way to use a premium projectile for less $$ http://www.shootersproshop.com/index...=8&s=149&t=6mm

wncchester · September 14, 2009, 08:01 AM

"this bullets will be used for target pratice only!"

Check your local dealer or a catalog or a web seller for current and specific prices.

elkman06 · September 14, 2009, 08:05 AM

I shoot an older Tikka rifle chambered in same. To date, my most accurate reloads are Hornaday BTSP 100gr bullets over Hodgon 4831sc powder w/ a magnum primer. Dime sized groups @ 100yds. I do not crimp as there is no real need w/ my bolt rifle and I'm sure that creates a whole different dimension in chamber pressures to try and get consistent.
elkman06

**Unclenick** · September 14, 2009, 08:36 AM

Dale8803,

I looked up the three A-bolt models that come in .243 on Browning's site, and they all listed a 10" twist. Looks like your brush slipped a little, but it came pretty close.

Now you need something to do with that twist. You can go to my file repository and download an Excel file for twist rate and bullet stability estimation and put in the bullets you intend to try. You will need to know their length, which the catalog information does not usually supply, so be prepared to call the bullet makers and ask for the lengths of the bullets you are interested in trying? If you don't have Excel, it also works in Calc, which is the spreadsheet that comes with the free Open Office Suite.

daleo8803 · September 14, 2009, 07:29 PM

ok guys need some more help. my local store does not carry acruite powder. they do carry IMR powder. of these three what would be the best for me? shooting a 80gr bullet. IMR 4320, IMR 4064, or IMR 4895?? thanks

dale

roc1 · September 14, 2009, 08:10 PM

My CZ550 likes Hornady 100gr Interlocks and H4350 powder.
roc1

PCJim · September 15, 2009, 09:13 PM

Dale, I'd suggest you refer to your loading manuals to select the powder that is recommended for the bullet weight you choose. The chart that Unclenick suggested you use will give you an excellent starting reference for your measured twist (I had looked but couldn't find the twist rate on Browning's sight).

daleo8803 · September 15, 2009, 09:33 PM

those IMR powders are some of the several that my manual recommended for an 80 grain bullet. just wanted to know if anyone had any experecne with them.

as for the doc that Unclenick gave me im confused. i tyed in the info that it asked and it says 1 turn in 13.85in and s=2.67. what do i do with this info??? thanks

dale

PCJim · September 16, 2009, 03:29 PM

Dale, I believe you did not enter some data correctly. I don't know what specific bullet you are intending to use. I looked up data for a Nosler Ballistic Tip 80gr bullet with an overall length of .990 and loaded probable data into the spreadsheet... bullet diameter 0.243 / bullet length 0.990 / bullet weight 80 / bullet muzzle velocity 3000. I left all other data unchanged. The above data calculates to a 1:9.86 twist, very comprobable to your 1:10 twist.

If you (can) boost the velocity to 3200fps, change the altitude to 500 ft (I don't think Unclenick is shooting from a biplane), make the appropriate change in the "pressure of air" in the upper box, etc., you'll obtain a recommended twist of 1:10.01.

Recheck the data you have and re-enter it.

A/C Guy · September 16, 2009, 07:46 PM

Dale,
Keep it SIMPLE!

Pick an budget priced bullet in the 80 to 92 grain range.
Pick several powders from the loading manual.
Go to the store, buy the least expensive powder in stock from your list.

Load according to the book.

After trying several powder charges, then experiment with seating the bullets out further .005" at a time until you get a load that works for you.

Forget the software and online calculators. They make a simple and fun hobby very complex and frustrating.

Next time you clean your rifle. Put a piece of tape on the cleaning rod at the edge of the barrel after pushing a snug patch in to the other end, pull the rod until it spins 1 turn exactly, measure how far the tape is from the barrel, now you know your twist. 1 turn in X inches. e.i. 1in12 aka 1:12 aka 1/12

oneounceload · September 16, 2009, 08:32 PM

When I had my Ruger No. 1 RSI in 243, it's favorite load was a Sierra 85 gr BTHP using IMR 4350 powder. 3/4" groups all day long off the bench

September 13, 2009, 03:14 PM	#1
daleo8803 Member Join Date: August 3, 2009 Posts: 78	243 win ok i need some help. i plan on starting to reload 243 win for one of my rifles. the rifle is a browning A bolt. im not sure of the twist rate or anything. this bullets will be used for target pratice only! what powder would you recommend? and what bullet is the cheapest for this caliber?? my manual has loads from a 55 grain to a 107 grain bullet. the cheapest bullets i could find seem to run 19.99 per 100. is that about right? also i will be using LEE 243 WIN 3 DIE SET w/FACTORY CRIMP, pace setter die set if that helps.... thanks!! dale

September 13, 2009, 03:38 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	Also, for target shooting the cheapest bullet is usually far from the most accurate. In particular, I stay away from Winchester bulk bullets if I want accuracy. For plinking they may be OK, though I've had some .30 Cal Winchester FMJ's I wouldn't even plink with, as the best rifle couldn't keep them on a tin can at 100 yards. IME, the least expensive bullets with consistent accuracy are usually Hornady. Some folks have had good luck with some Remington bulk bullets, but not others. Bullets got more expensive due to metals price rises a couple years back and then the hoarding-driven shortages. These are beginning to ease. I hope that in another year the prices will start to come back down again. Nonetheless, there are some better prices to be had than you found if you can find them in stock. Here, for example. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; September 13, 2009 at 03:43 PM.

September 13, 2009, 05:02 PM	#4
daleo8803 Member Join Date: August 3, 2009 Posts: 78	thanks guys! the best factory ammo i have shot so far with this gun is hornady 100 gr ammo. at 100 yards im getting a 1"x 3/4" group( five shots total in group) i belive this is great! just wanted to reload my own so it would be cheaper on me! lol i think $1 a bullet is alot! lolol i will try the twist thing. dale update... to PCJim i marked the cleaning rob, put on the brush and pushed it into the barrel until i saw the line was back to the original postion, i measured the rod and brush to gether and got 10 1/4". would that translate into a 1:10.25 twist?? the brush is 2 1/4" long if that matters. thanks Last edited by daleo8803; September 13, 2009 at 05:14 PM.

September 14, 2009, 08:05 AM	#8
elkman06 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2006 Location: Wyoming Posts: 885	I shoot an older Tikka rifle chambered in same. To date, my most accurate reloads are Hornaday BTSP 100gr bullets over Hodgon 4831sc powder w/ a magnum primer. Dime sized groups @ 100yds. I do not crimp as there is no real need w/ my bolt rifle and I'm sure that creates a whole different dimension in chamber pressures to try and get consistent. elkman06 __________________ "The right of the citizens to bear arms in the defense of themselves and of the state shall not be denied." Wyoming Constitution Article 1, Sec24 "Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6"

September 14, 2009, 08:36 AM	#9
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	Dale8803, I looked up the three A-bolt models that come in .243 on Browning's site, and they all listed a 10" twist. Looks like your brush slipped a little, but it came pretty close. Now you need something to do with that twist. You can go to my file repository and download an Excel file for twist rate and bullet stability estimation and put in the bullets you intend to try. You will need to know their length, which the catalog information does not usually supply, so be prepared to call the bullet makers and ask for the lengths of the bullets you are interested in trying? If you don't have Excel, it also works in Calc, which is the spreadsheet that comes with the free Open Office Suite. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 13, 2009, 03:30 PM	#2
PCJim Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 570	Dale, the twist rate of your barrel will usually, but not always, guide you towards the bullet weight with the best accuracy for your gun. You can get a good measure of your twist rate using a bristle brush on your cleaning rod. Using a Sharpie marker, draw a straight line down the length of your cleaning rod, screw on the brush and insert it carefully into the muzzle. Mark the rod at the muzzle, noting where that centerline is in relation to the barrel. Push the rod into the barrel until the straight line is again at the same reference point as you started and again mark the rod. Remove the rod and measure the distance between the two marks. This is your barrel twist. My Ithaca .243 has a 1:9.25 twist. It seems to prefer the heavier 6mm bullets. I've settled on 100gr Noslers with IMR-4350 powder.

September 13, 2009, 07:54 PM	#5
Blue Grass Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Posts: 398	I have a Savage Model 12BVSS in .243. As was stated above, cheap bullets will not give you the best accuracy. My rifle likes Sierra 55gr B.K's and any of the -4350 powders. I've been trying to find a load using 100gr PVRI SPBT's. No luck so far. Best I've done so far is about 1.75" at 100 yrds. However, 24.0gr of AA-2450 and a 50gr PVRI bullet will shoot sub .30 MOA in my Ruger .223.You'll just have to find a load your rifle likes.

September 14, 2009, 12:28 AM	#6
Kiwi Hunter Member Join Date: August 13, 2009 Posts: 76	The Speer 85g BT is cheap as chips (here in NZ at least), accurate, has a reasonable BC and kills at least as well as any projectile. Failing that the Nosler seconds are a fine way to use a premium projectile for less $$ http://www.shootersproshop.com/index...=8&s=149&t=6mm

September 14, 2009, 08:01 AM	#7
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	"this bullets will be used for target pratice only!" Check your local dealer or a catalog or a web seller for current and specific prices.

September 14, 2009, 07:29 PM	#10
daleo8803 Member Join Date: August 3, 2009 Posts: 78	ok guys need some more help. my local store does not carry acruite powder. they do carry IMR powder. of these three what would be the best for me? shooting a 80gr bullet. IMR 4320, IMR 4064, or IMR 4895?? thanks dale

September 14, 2009, 08:10 PM	#11
roc1 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Location: Lubbock Texas Posts: 560	My CZ550 likes Hornady 100gr Interlocks and H4350 powder. roc1

September 15, 2009, 09:13 PM	#12
PCJim Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 570	Dale, I'd suggest you refer to your loading manuals to select the powder that is recommended for the bullet weight you choose. The chart that Unclenick suggested you use will give you an excellent starting reference for your measured twist (I had looked but couldn't find the twist rate on Browning's sight).

September 15, 2009, 09:33 PM	#13
daleo8803 Member Join Date: August 3, 2009 Posts: 78	those IMR powders are some of the several that my manual recommended for an 80 grain bullet. just wanted to know if anyone had any experecne with them. as for the doc that Unclenick gave me im confused. i tyed in the info that it asked and it says 1 turn in 13.85in and s=2.67. what do i do with this info??? thanks dale

September 16, 2009, 03:29 PM	#14
PCJim Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 570	Dale, I believe you did not enter some data correctly. I don't know what specific bullet you are intending to use. I looked up data for a Nosler Ballistic Tip 80gr bullet with an overall length of .990 and loaded probable data into the spreadsheet... bullet diameter 0.243 / bullet length 0.990 / bullet weight 80 / bullet muzzle velocity 3000. I left all other data unchanged. The above data calculates to a 1:9.86 twist, very comprobable to your 1:10 twist. If you (can) boost the velocity to 3200fps, change the altitude to 500 ft (I don't think Unclenick is shooting from a biplane), make the appropriate change in the "pressure of air" in the upper box, etc., you'll obtain a recommended twist of 1:10.01. Recheck the data you have and re-enter it.

September 16, 2009, 07:46 PM	#15
A/C Guy Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2007 Location: Apache Junction, Az Posts: 308	Dale, Keep it SIMPLE! Pick an budget priced bullet in the 80 to 92 grain range. Pick several powders from the loading manual. Go to the store, buy the least expensive powder in stock from your list. Load according to the book. After trying several powder charges, then experiment with seating the bullets out further .005" at a time until you get a load that works for you. Forget the software and online calculators. They make a simple and fun hobby very complex and frustrating. Next time you clean your rifle. Put a piece of tape on the cleaning rod at the edge of the barrel after pushing a snug patch in to the other end, pull the rod until it spins 1 turn exactly, measure how far the tape is from the barrel, now you know your twist. 1 turn in X inches. e.i. 1in12 aka 1:12 aka 1/12

September 16, 2009, 08:32 PM	#16
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	When I had my Ruger No. 1 RSI in 243, it's favorite load was a Sierra 85 gr BTHP using IMR 4350 powder. 3/4" groups all day long off the bench