first time for .243 reloading

rwilson452 · March 9, 2006, 12:29 AM

I bought my first .243 in a Savage 12BVSS. I haven't reloaded for .243 before Anyone got a suggestion for a powder to play with. Fireformed the brass with I4895 and H380. but I just figure this thing will want a different diet. I'm going to start with some 85gr Sierra HP bullets I got for free. The forming was done with Hornaday 75gr that I got from the same source for the same price. I'm not new to reloading but I am new to .243.

Smokey Joe · March 9, 2006, 12:43 AM

RWilson--I get good results with IMR 4350 when loading 100 grain bullets for the .243 Win. Still working on the exact amount of powder to use.

Yr H380 might work well--no experience in .243 with it but it works like gangbusters in the .308's that I load. And H380 meters so nicely!

The Sierra loading manual likes Viht N140 and IMR 4064 for the 85 grain bullet.

Remember in developing a load, always begin with the reccommended "starting load" and work up slowly, looking for signs of overpressure.

I like yr choice, too, of the Savage 12BVSS. I have one (not .243, though) and it works well for me.

Hope you find an XLNT load for your purposes. Enjoy the search. As always, the journey is part of the destination.

.45 Vet · March 9, 2006, 09:01 AM

I started with IMR4350, then tried H4350 because it flows better. Then settled on H-380, my current loading is 42grs. under a 80gr. HP. This is a little above mid-range in my manual,(crono's at 3,200 fps) from my Ruger target model 77 with 26" bbl.

Best I can get is nickle sized five shot groups @ 100yds. before things get too warm. Rifle is box stock and I'm happy.....

rwilson452 · March 11, 2006, 12:21 AM

Yr H380 might work well--no experience in .243 with it but it works like gangbusters in the .308's that I load. And H380 meters so nicely!

First go round didn't look good for the H380 And it worked so well in my 22-250. All is not lost as that was the first 100 out the barrel now I have fire formed the brass and sorted them by weight. I found 80 out of the 100 that were close in weight after they were preped.
The Sierra loading manual likes Viht N140 and IMR 4064 for the 85 grain bullet.

I have the Sierra manual and the Infinity program.
Remember in developing a load, always begin with the reccommended "starting load" and work up slowly, looking for signs of overpressure.

I have a formula for load development. first I consult all the manuals I have, all the powder mfg web sights. Then I decide on a starting point and work up at 1% of the max load in steps. EG of the max load is 40gr. I will step up .4 gr at a time. When I find the best load I start adjusting C.O.A.L. in .005 steps. If i get improvement and I usually do. I go back and tweek the powder charge to see if that helps more. Usually the cartridge get longer and the charge may go up a bit. Then chrono the round to develop a drop chart. I have found in the past that a particular rifle will like a narrow range of velocity for a given bullet weight. Also the distance off the lands will remain constant. The OAL will change with bullet shape but the "jump" will remain constant. so once I find the "sweet spot" I know just about how much powder to use of a different powder and can come close on OAL if I change bullets.

I have been using Winchester primers some of us have noted what appears to be flattening of the primers well before you hit max load. in some cased the same load as before but suddenly the primer is showing signs of overpressure. It's as if Winchester has gone to a much softer material for their primers.

I have been reloading for some time now. I admit I'm hooked on it. It's a fun hobby in it's own right. My best group thus far is .675 MOA but I'm shooting for .25. I'm sure this rifle is capable of sub .5 MOA groups.

I like yr choice, too, of the Savage 12BVSS. I have one (not .243, though) and it works well for me.

Hope you find an XLNT load for your purposes. Enjoy the search. As always, the journey is part of the destination.
__________________
God Bless America

—Smokey Joe

Big Yac · March 11, 2006, 01:23 AM

Ive had excellent results in my .243 with Sierra 85gr HPBT bullets and IMR 4895. I've also had some good success using the same bullet and Hodgdon H4831 but the IMR 4895 beats it by far.

Art Eatman · March 11, 2006, 12:54 PM

My .243 loads are what my father used

: With 70-grain Hornady spire points, my max is 40.0 of 3031. With the 85-grain Sierra HPBT, my max is 37.5 of 3031. I've never had pressure signs, but, still, start a couple of grains back and work up.

Those loads have worked ever since the days of DuPont making IMR, on to today's "IMR". The burn rate has been consistent over the years.

I get 3/8 MOA to 1/2 MOA most of the time; never over 3/4 MOA for five-shot groups.

Art

elkman06 · March 14, 2006, 11:35 PM

I'm loading 40gr of IMR 4831 and a mag primer for 100gr rounds. Nice round for my rifle.
Elkman

fecmech · March 19, 2006, 08:59 PM

This would be strictly a varmit propositon but I had great results with Sierra 60 gr. bullets and practically any amount of h-380 up to and including max loads out of a 788 remington .243. Max velocity just north of 3600fps and 100 yd groups less than an inch. Geat woodchuck load.

texfar · April 10, 2006, 03:04 AM

I happened accross a couple of boxes of Hornady a-max moly 105 gr bullets. Had been shooting 85 gr Sierra hpbt with great results but use my .243 for deer so went with the 105's using federal primer and RL19. Sub 3/4 all day with most sub .5. Look at recommended load in Hornady manual and go from there. Used their recommended COL and was right on first loads. Refer to my post on moly or no moly. Remember when using moly bullets, it takes 15 to 18, my case, to season the barrel then watch the group shrink. Might be more or less in your rifle. Also have a 12BVSS in 22-250. Great choice for rifle. good luck. Unfortunately, I am out of pocket so don't have my loading data handy.

leckie66 · April 21, 2006, 07:53 AM

the one warning i will give you,,,243 brass grows quick and should be checked often,,can have a disaster not doing so,,I perfer the 100 grain bullets because one load is good for all + years ago when 4831 was dirt cheap,,,used to pay .75 cents a pound , 43 grains of it would do a nice job,,,today I would look for a clean ball powder,,,but my bullet choice would be the 100 grain sierra ,,the 4831 gives me a .25 group and under and i still use it

Buckythebrewer · April 21, 2006, 06:24 PM

I don't know loads for the 243 but I thought I would throw some input on bullets and other things.I load for my ar15 <One of the best improvements ive seen is using sierra matchkings.WOW!! I love there products.I use the 77-80 gr smk I shoot on sturdy sand bags and have shot under .25 4 shot with my 5 shot I screwed up.I shoot under 1/2 (ive got few 5 shots near 1/4")with most and under 1" with everything I throw in it.my best loads are the ones I don't take to seriously.Honestly Ive seen the biggest differance while setting up my sandbags..Ive learned thats were most of the consistency is noticed..Also I think you should use starting data for loads and work up looking for pressure signs and also the most accuracy..im sure there is a combo that will make your 243 do better.the best improvement you can make IMO is 1st ,,setting up the sandbags properly,don't push or pull the rifle while aiming and let the sandbags do the work,,bullet quality,seating depth,powder charges.. well good luck

rwilson452 · April 21, 2006, 11:21 PM

Bucky. I don't use sandbags as such. I have a Caldwell BR front rest with deluxe bag and a Protektor model 13 rear bag. A mod. 13B is "in the mail". I think I have the seating depth about zeroed in I'm at present working with sierra 85 gr SBT bullets.

setting up the sandbags properly,don't push or pull the rifle while aiming and let the sandbags do the work,,bullet quality,seating depth,powder charges.. well good luck

Buckythebrewer · April 23, 2006, 10:34 PM

I just shot a 9 shot group at over 350 yrds for the 1st time(We havn't measured exact distance yet) ,4 of them were under 1"center to center.the other part of the group was within 3+1/2 total.My loads dropped close to 24"

out that farI have thought about getting benchrest equipment but I can't afford it and I don't have a proper bench for it.I have enjoyed shooting prone on bags and a cheap rubber bottom with rug top mat.It just happens to be a wicked stable platform for accuracy.The dust cload sucks sometimes from the muzzle but its a blast shooting long and it brings a whole new level to shooting

I am new at this and I want to shoot 600yrds next time we go out.WHAT A RUSH!!

2400 · April 24, 2006, 12:54 PM

Here's a few loads I tried the other day.
36.1 IMR 4064, Rem 9 1/2, 85gr Sierra Spit =2904 w/ 7/8" 5 shot group
37.3 IMR 4064, Rem 9 1/2, 85gr Sierra Spit =3015 w/ 3/4" 5 shot group
38.1 IMR 4064, Rem 9 1/2, 85gr Sierra Spit =3085 w/ 3/4" 5 shot group

I'm going to fine tune these loads and see if they improve.

Daniel BOON · April 24, 2006, 07:42 PM

using my savage 99, a 100 gr bullet, and a helping of imr 4064; I guess i'm just lazy; when I got 3/4 in at 100 yrds, I quit; go for the neck shot, cuz it sure can tear up meat if you are not careful.

Yuriens · April 24, 2006, 10:24 PM

IMR 4831

or now H4831SC

works best for me with 100 gr hornady BTSP

Mike

March 9, 2006, 12:29 AM	#1
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	first time for .243 reloading I bought my first .243 in a Savage 12BVSS. I haven't reloaded for .243 before Anyone got a suggestion for a powder to play with. Fireformed the brass with I4895 and H380. but I just figure this thing will want a different diet. I'm going to start with some 85gr Sierra HP bullets I got for free. The forming was done with Hornaday 75gr that I got from the same source for the same price. I'm not new to reloading but I am new to .243.

March 9, 2006, 12:43 AM	#2
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	.243 powder RWilson--I get good results with IMR 4350 when loading 100 grain bullets for the .243 Win. Still working on the exact amount of powder to use. Yr H380 might work well--no experience in .243 with it but it works like gangbusters in the .308's that I load. And H380 meters so nicely! The Sierra loading manual likes Viht N140 and IMR 4064 for the 85 grain bullet. Remember in developing a load, always begin with the reccommended "starting load" and work up slowly, looking for signs of overpressure. I like yr choice, too, of the Savage 12BVSS. I have one (not .243, though) and it works well for me. Hope you find an XLNT load for your purposes. Enjoy the search. As always, the journey is part of the destination. __________________ God Bless America --Smokey Joe

March 9, 2006, 09:01 AM	#3
.45 Vet Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2004 Location: Western Penn. Posts: 387	I started with IMR4350, then tried H4350 because it flows better. Then settled on H-380, my current loading is 42grs. under a 80gr. HP. This is a little above mid-range in my manual,(crono's at 3,200 fps) from my Ruger target model 77 with 26" bbl. Best I can get is nickle sized five shot groups @ 100yds. before things get too warm. Rifle is box stock and I'm happy..... __________________ For those who've never fought for it, the price of freedom shall never be known...

March 11, 2006, 12:21 AM	#4
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	.243 reloading Yr H380 might work well--no experience in .243 with it but it works like gangbusters in the .308's that I load. And H380 meters so nicely! First go round didn't look good for the H380 And it worked so well in my 22-250. All is not lost as that was the first 100 out the barrel now I have fire formed the brass and sorted them by weight. I found 80 out of the 100 that were close in weight after they were preped. The Sierra loading manual likes Viht N140 and IMR 4064 for the 85 grain bullet. I have the Sierra manual and the Infinity program. Remember in developing a load, always begin with the reccommended "starting load" and work up slowly, looking for signs of overpressure. I have a formula for load development. first I consult all the manuals I have, all the powder mfg web sights. Then I decide on a starting point and work up at 1% of the max load in steps. EG of the max load is 40gr. I will step up .4 gr at a time. When I find the best load I start adjusting C.O.A.L. in .005 steps. If i get improvement and I usually do. I go back and tweek the powder charge to see if that helps more. Usually the cartridge get longer and the charge may go up a bit. Then chrono the round to develop a drop chart. I have found in the past that a particular rifle will like a narrow range of velocity for a given bullet weight. Also the distance off the lands will remain constant. The OAL will change with bullet shape but the "jump" will remain constant. so once I find the "sweet spot" I know just about how much powder to use of a different powder and can come close on OAL if I change bullets. I have been using Winchester primers some of us have noted what appears to be flattening of the primers well before you hit max load. in some cased the same load as before but suddenly the primer is showing signs of overpressure. It's as if Winchester has gone to a much softer material for their primers. I have been reloading for some time now. I admit I'm hooked on it. It's a fun hobby in it's own right. My best group thus far is .675 MOA but I'm shooting for .25. I'm sure this rifle is capable of sub .5 MOA groups. I like yr choice, too, of the Savage 12BVSS. I have one (not .243, though) and it works well for me. Hope you find an XLNT load for your purposes. Enjoy the search. As always, the journey is part of the destination. __________________ God Bless America —Smokey Joe

March 11, 2006, 01:23 AM	#5
Big Yac Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 422	Ive had excellent results in my .243 with Sierra 85gr HPBT bullets and IMR 4895. I've also had some good success using the same bullet and Hodgdon H4831 but the IMR 4895 beats it by far. __________________ "...and that's the bottom line, because Big Yac said so."

March 11, 2006, 12:54 PM	#6
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	My .243 loads are what my father used : With 70-grain Hornady spire points, my max is 40.0 of 3031. With the 85-grain Sierra HPBT, my max is 37.5 of 3031. I've never had pressure signs, but, still, start a couple of grains back and work up. Those loads have worked ever since the days of DuPont making IMR, on to today's "IMR". The burn rate has been consistent over the years. I get 3/8 MOA to 1/2 MOA most of the time; never over 3/4 MOA for five-shot groups. Art

March 14, 2006, 11:35 PM	#7
elkman06 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2006 Location: Wyoming Posts: 885	I'm loading 40gr of IMR 4831 and a mag primer for 100gr rounds. Nice round for my rifle. Elkman

March 19, 2006, 08:59 PM	#8
fecmech Junior Member Join Date: March 19, 2006 Posts: 5	This would be strictly a varmit propositon but I had great results with Sierra 60 gr. bullets and practically any amount of h-380 up to and including max loads out of a 788 remington .243. Max velocity just north of 3600fps and 100 yd groups less than an inch. Geat woodchuck load.

April 10, 2006, 03:04 AM	#9
texfar Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2004 Location: TEXAS Posts: 404	I happened accross a couple of boxes of Hornady a-max moly 105 gr bullets. Had been shooting 85 gr Sierra hpbt with great results but use my .243 for deer so went with the 105's using federal primer and RL19. Sub 3/4 all day with most sub .5. Look at recommended load in Hornady manual and go from there. Used their recommended COL and was right on first loads. Refer to my post on moly or no moly. Remember when using moly bullets, it takes 15 to 18, my case, to season the barrel then watch the group shrink. Might be more or less in your rifle. Also have a 12BVSS in 22-250. Great choice for rifle. good luck. Unfortunately, I am out of pocket so don't have my loading data handy.

April 21, 2006, 07:53 AM	#10
leckie66 Member Join Date: January 22, 2006 Posts: 20	the one warning i will give you,,,243 brass grows quick and should be checked often,,can have a disaster not doing so,,I perfer the 100 grain bullets because one load is good for all + years ago when 4831 was dirt cheap,,,used to pay .75 cents a pound , 43 grains of it would do a nice job,,,today I would look for a clean ball powder,,,but my bullet choice would be the 100 grain sierra ,,the 4831 gives me a .25 group and under and i still use it

April 21, 2006, 06:24 PM	#11
Buckythebrewer Junior member Join Date: April 15, 2006 Location: Jefferson, ME Posts: 700	I don't know loads for the 243 but I thought I would throw some input on bullets and other things.I load for my ar15 <One of the best improvements ive seen is using sierra matchkings.WOW!! I love there products.I use the 77-80 gr smk I shoot on sturdy sand bags and have shot under .25 4 shot with my 5 shot I screwed up.I shoot under 1/2 (ive got few 5 shots near 1/4")with most and under 1" with everything I throw in it.my best loads are the ones I don't take to seriously.Honestly Ive seen the biggest differance while setting up my sandbags..Ive learned thats were most of the consistency is noticed..Also I think you should use starting data for loads and work up looking for pressure signs and also the most accuracy..im sure there is a combo that will make your 243 do better.the best improvement you can make IMO is 1st ,,setting up the sandbags properly,don't push or pull the rifle while aiming and let the sandbags do the work,,bullet quality,seating depth,powder charges.. well good luck

April 21, 2006, 11:21 PM	#12
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	helpful hints Bucky. I don't use sandbags as such. I have a Caldwell BR front rest with deluxe bag and a Protektor model 13 rear bag. A mod. 13B is "in the mail". I think I have the seating depth about zeroed in I'm at present working with sierra 85 gr SBT bullets. setting up the sandbags properly,don't push or pull the rifle while aiming and let the sandbags do the work,,bullet quality,seating depth,powder charges.. well good luck

April 23, 2006, 10:34 PM	#13
Buckythebrewer Junior member Join Date: April 15, 2006 Location: Jefferson, ME Posts: 700	I just shot a 9 shot group at over 350 yrds for the 1st time(We havn't measured exact distance yet) ,4 of them were under 1"center to center.the other part of the group was within 3+1/2 total.My loads dropped close to 24" out that farI have thought about getting benchrest equipment but I can't afford it and I don't have a proper bench for it.I have enjoyed shooting prone on bags and a cheap rubber bottom with rug top mat.It just happens to be a wicked stable platform for accuracy.The dust cload sucks sometimes from the muzzle but its a blast shooting long and it brings a whole new level to shootingI am new at this and I want to shoot 600yrds next time we go out.WHAT A RUSH!! Last edited by Buckythebrewer; April 23, 2006 at 11:33 PM.

April 24, 2006, 12:54 PM	#14
2400 Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2004 Location: AZ Posts: 389	Here's a few loads I tried the other day. 36.1 IMR 4064, Rem 9 1/2, 85gr Sierra Spit =2904 w/ 7/8" 5 shot group 37.3 IMR 4064, Rem 9 1/2, 85gr Sierra Spit =3015 w/ 3/4" 5 shot group 38.1 IMR 4064, Rem 9 1/2, 85gr Sierra Spit =3085 w/ 3/4" 5 shot group I'm going to fine tune these loads and see if they improve.

April 24, 2006, 07:42 PM	#15
Daniel BOON Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2005 Location: Henderson NV Posts: 360	many a deer has fallen using my savage 99, a 100 gr bullet, and a helping of imr 4064; I guess i'm just lazy; when I got 3/4 in at 100 yrds, I quit; go for the neck shot, cuz it sure can tear up meat if you are not careful.

April 24, 2006, 10:24 PM	#16
Yuriens Member Join Date: February 1, 2006 Posts: 71	IMR 4831 or now H4831SC works best for me with 100 gr hornady BTSP Mike