Have a new 243

grubbylabs · October 17, 2014, 06:17 PM

I just picked up a new Rem 783 in 243. I am hoping that some of you will share a little info with me.

1. What is your favorite powder?

2. What is your favorite bullet weight?

3. What do you usually hunt/shoot with yours?

This one that I have is a 1:9 twist. I will likely mostly shoot rabbits but hope to go after some dogs. Who knows, I might even get lucky enough to go after a wolf or two. And in 2-3 years I will likely have a 10 year old boy who will likely think he should go out and murder a deer or something.

William T. Watts · October 17, 2014, 07:07 PM

IMR7828 & H4831 work well in a 243, I used 100gr Nosler Solid base bullets in mine. If I had one now I would probably use Noslers Partitions, I'm not a fan of the ballistic tip bullets they are selling now.. I used mine for deer hunting and punching holes in paper, my rifle was a Winchester Model 70 and probably the most accurate rifle I ever owned. The rifle wasn't a pre 64 Winchester it was a push feed, wish I had it back now! William

Cowboy_mo · October 17, 2014, 07:54 PM

I have had good results with 100 gr hornady bullets ahead of IMR 4831 and IMR 4064. Both powders produced good results but the IMR 4831 shot the best groups out of my Win Model 70.

Jim243 · October 17, 2014, 10:22 PM

Hornady 95 grain SST's in front of H-4895 produces excellent results.

Jim

hooligan1 · October 18, 2014, 07:35 AM

Well I have two, one is a Mark V, and it loves 100 grain Sierra Gamekings with Winchester 780 Supreme. My new on likes 115 grain Berger VLD Hunting bullets with RL22, its barrel is twisted 1-7" so heavy bullets fly into same hole.
It also likes the DTAC, 115'S with RL22...

E.J.W. · October 18, 2014, 02:25 PM

Best load for my 700 BDL (1 in 9 twist) was Hornady 70gr SXSP (no longer available) over 43.0 gr of IMR4350. Hand weighed powder and measured OAL for each round assembled. Groups of .75" at 150 yrds from a rest. Full floated stock barrel in a Stocky's laminated stock and trigger set at 3 lbs under a 4x12 Elite scope. Switched to Hornady 75gr V-Max with no ill affects. Nick-named the gun "AT&T" as there slogan was "reach out and touch someone" In my case it was woodchucks. Wish I still had that rifle in the safe too :>(

grubbylabs · October 18, 2014, 03:12 PM

Well so far I have plenty of RL-22 but it does not seem like to many of you have tried that. I guess I will see how it goes with some of the 100 grain bullets.

Cary · October 18, 2014, 03:23 PM

In my neck of the woods gun powder is still very scarce. Through this time of scarce components such as powder I have found IMR powders to be more available here. I was able to find some IMR 4064 and purchased several one pound cans to use in my Ruger M77 MKII in 243. If I remember correctly it has a 1:9 twist as well. Bullets have also been scarce but I have found some Speer 85 gr. BTSP bullets that I have been using for several months now. I was also able to pick up some Sierra MatchKing 70 gr. HPBT bullets three weeks ago and will use them next. Both of these bullets and IMR 4064 give good results in my gun. If you are on a budget the Speer bullets are cheaper and are a hunting bullet. The Sierra MatchKing bullets are not a hunting bullet.
Cary

mxsailor803 · October 18, 2014, 03:37 PM

My 788 has always liked 4064 with a 100gr Sierra ProHunter. Its a little heavy for woodchucks but would work fine on wolves and deer. With this bullet, I don't push it too hard, 2700-2800fps. No real since in causing more wear than needed.

4runnerman · October 18, 2014, 11:54 PM

4064,85 gn Serria BTHP and CCI-BR2 primers. 38 gn 4064,but you will have to tweek it for your rifle.

reloader28 · October 19, 2014, 09:08 AM

Had good results with 4064, but I switched to IMR 4831 in both my 243's loaded toward the top end.
One shoots 1/2" @100yds and the other shoots 3/8" @100yds with 95gr SST's.

Some people say the SST's wont work good on deer, but we have a LOT of dead deer to prove that wrong.

For rabbits, p-dogs the 58gr v-max is extremely explosive and it works VERY good on coyotes too.

243winxb · October 19, 2014, 04:52 PM

For the Sierra 85gr #1530- 42.0gr of IMR 4350 with CCI BR2 primer in Win or Rem brass- OAL 2.645" to 2.660" has worked well in 18 1/2" to 27 1/2" barrels with 10 twist for me. More - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=764002

Gster · October 19, 2014, 06:52 PM

I've really taken a liking to H-4350. 100 grn Hornady Interlocks and 87 grn V-max are my bullets of choice.

reynolds357 · October 19, 2014, 07:05 PM

IMR 4350 is my favorite powder. 95 ballistic tips and 100 grain game kings are my favorite deer hunting bullets. All three of my .243 Winchesters like loads hotter than published max and show no pressure signs. You will just have to work up what yours likes. I guarantee it will like IMR 4350 with the heavier bullets. As to varmint loads, I cant help you. I shoot the vermin with .220 Swift.

10-96 · October 19, 2014, 07:08 PM

My Rem VDL really takes a shine to Ramshot Big Game and 58gr V-Max's.

NHSHOOTER · October 19, 2014, 07:30 PM

My 243 Weatherby Vanguard 2 really likes 70 gr hp match over 38 gr of varget. 3/4 " groups at 200 yds and often get 1 enlarged hole at 100. Been loading some deer hunting loads to take south in November 85 gr sierra hollow point over 38 gr of 4064 and 95 gr ballistic tips over 40 gr of H380. 3/4" groups at 100 yds, they open up to about 1.5" at 200, more testing to go before the season.

AllenJ · October 21, 2014, 09:05 AM

My Vanguard S2 in .243 Winchester likes most powder/bullet combos I've tried, but it really shines with 80 grain Barnes TTSX and IMR4350. The only powder I did not have good results with was Reloader 17.

Wyoredman · October 21, 2014, 09:51 AM

Great hunting caliber! I like the heavier bullets for mule deer and elk. 100 gr GameKings (Sierra). Slower H4350 and IMR4350 work wonders with these bullets. good luck!

MarkCO · October 21, 2014, 10:46 AM

Powders in the .243...I am not sure I have found a suitable powder my .243s do not like. For deer and pronghorn, the Hornday 95 grain SST is my favorite. For the varmint stuff, I really like the 65 grain Hornday VMax and the 72 grain Barnes Varminter.

I typically use Ramshot Hunter followed by H4350, and try to keep the 65 to 75 slugs at about 3500 or so. I just don't see the need to use the barrel up faster at the 3700+ fps.

grubbylabs · October 21, 2014, 05:55 PM

Well I finally gave in and bought a box of factory ammo last night just so I would have some brass for loading. No one has 243 brass right now.

I am going to try the RL-22 since most people seem to like a slower powder for 100 grain bullets. And 100 grain bullets is all I can find.

NHSHOOTER · October 21, 2014, 07:11 PM

cabelas has a pretty good assortment of bullets for the 243, nosler, sierra..etc..

SVTCobra306 · October 21, 2014, 09:01 PM

For my .243 I have tried:

IMR 4064
Hodgdon Superformance
IMR 4350
Varget

IMR 4064 and Varget are my best powders so far.

Shooting 100 grain Hornady Interlocks, IMR 4064 made a mockery of Superformance in accuracy. IMR 4064 and IMR 4350 had very little discernable difference, I do not however have a chronograph. I stuck with IMR 4064 due to needing less of it, as powder can be hard to find here too.

For lighter coyote rounds I like 70 and 80 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips, with either Varget or IMR 4064 for powder, with a slight accuracy and velocity advantage to Varget.

grubbylabs · October 21, 2014, 10:51 PM

Well I found some 7mm 08 brass to night so I resized it into 243. It's the first time I have done that procedure. Seemed pretty simple. Good thing I don't have a 7mm 08.

AllenJ · October 22, 2014, 08:41 AM

Butch's, Selway, and Sportsmans Warehouse are all advertising they have .243 brass in stock.

jokker1978 · November 10, 2014, 08:50 PM

I run Hogden H414. With 41 gr in hornady brass .
95 gr Nosler partition bullets.
Groups about .856 of an inch at 100 yards. I'm not a great shot.

October 17, 2014, 10:22 PM	#4
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Hornady 95 grain SST's in front of H-4895 produces excellent results. Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

October 18, 2014, 07:35 AM	#5
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	Well I have two, one is a Mark V, and it loves 100 grain Sierra Gamekings with Winchester 780 Supreme. My new on likes 115 grain Berger VLD Hunting bullets with RL22, its barrel is twisted 1-7" so heavy bullets fly into same hole. It also likes the DTAC, 115'S with RL22... __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

October 18, 2014, 02:25 PM	#6
E.J.W. Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2008 Location: New York Posts: 171	Best load for my 700 BDL (1 in 9 twist) was Hornady 70gr SXSP (no longer available) over 43.0 gr of IMR4350. Hand weighed powder and measured OAL for each round assembled. Groups of .75" at 150 yrds from a rest. Full floated stock barrel in a Stocky's laminated stock and trigger set at 3 lbs under a 4x12 Elite scope. Switched to Hornady 75gr V-Max with no ill affects. Nick-named the gun "AT&T" as there slogan was "reach out and touch someone" In my case it was woodchucks. Wish I still had that rifle in the safe too :>( __________________ You can let things happen to you -or- you can make things happen for you

October 18, 2014, 03:12 PM	#7
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Well so far I have plenty of RL-22 but it does not seem like to many of you have tried that. I guess I will see how it goes with some of the 100 grain bullets. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

October 18, 2014, 03:23 PM	#8
Cary Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 131	In my neck of the woods gun powder is still very scarce. Through this time of scarce components such as powder I have found IMR powders to be more available here. I was able to find some IMR 4064 and purchased several one pound cans to use in my Ruger M77 MKII in 243. If I remember correctly it has a 1:9 twist as well. Bullets have also been scarce but I have found some Speer 85 gr. BTSP bullets that I have been using for several months now. I was also able to pick up some Sierra MatchKing 70 gr. HPBT bullets three weeks ago and will use them next. Both of these bullets and IMR 4064 give good results in my gun. If you are on a budget the Speer bullets are cheaper and are a hunting bullet. The Sierra MatchKing bullets are not a hunting bullet. Cary __________________ Shooters. We are a community. United we stand divided we fall.

October 17, 2014, 06:17 PM	#1
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Have a new 243 I just picked up a new Rem 783 in 243. I am hoping that some of you will share a little info with me. 1. What is your favorite powder? 2. What is your favorite bullet weight? 3. What do you usually hunt/shoot with yours? This one that I have is a 1:9 twist. I will likely mostly shoot rabbits but hope to go after some dogs. Who knows, I might even get lucky enough to go after a wolf or two. And in 2-3 years I will likely have a 10 year old boy who will likely think he should go out and murder a deer or something. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

October 17, 2014, 07:07 PM	#2
William T. Watts Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2010 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 1,074	IMR7828 & H4831 work well in a 243, I used 100gr Nosler Solid base bullets in mine. If I had one now I would probably use Noslers Partitions, I'm not a fan of the ballistic tip bullets they are selling now.. I used mine for deer hunting and punching holes in paper, my rifle was a Winchester Model 70 and probably the most accurate rifle I ever owned. The rifle wasn't a pre 64 Winchester it was a push feed, wish I had it back now! William

October 17, 2014, 07:54 PM	#3
Cowboy_mo Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,039	I have had good results with 100 gr hornady bullets ahead of IMR 4831 and IMR 4064. Both powders produced good results but the IMR 4831 shot the best groups out of my Win Model 70.

October 18, 2014, 03:37 PM	#9
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	My 788 has always liked 4064 with a 100gr Sierra ProHunter. Its a little heavy for woodchucks but would work fine on wolves and deer. With this bullet, I don't push it too hard, 2700-2800fps. No real since in causing more wear than needed.

October 18, 2014, 11:54 PM	#10
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	4064,85 gn Serria BTHP and CCI-BR2 primers. 38 gn 4064,but you will have to tweek it for your rifle. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

October 19, 2014, 09:08 AM	#11
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	Had good results with 4064, but I switched to IMR 4831 in both my 243's loaded toward the top end. One shoots 1/2" @100yds and the other shoots 3/8" @100yds with 95gr SST's. Some people say the SST's wont work good on deer, but we have a LOT of dead deer to prove that wrong. For rabbits, p-dogs the 58gr v-max is extremely explosive and it works VERY good on coyotes too.

October 19, 2014, 04:52 PM	#12
243winxb Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,730	For the Sierra 85gr #1530- 42.0gr of IMR 4350 with CCI BR2 primer in Win or Rem brass- OAL 2.645" to 2.660" has worked well in 18 1/2" to 27 1/2" barrels with 10 twist for me. More - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=764002

October 19, 2014, 06:52 PM	#13
Gster Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2012 Location: N.central Pa. Posts: 302	I've really taken a liking to H-4350. 100 grn Hornady Interlocks and 87 grn V-max are my bullets of choice. __________________ Gun control means: Being able to hit what you are shooting at.

October 19, 2014, 07:05 PM	#14
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	IMR 4350 is my favorite powder. 95 ballistic tips and 100 grain game kings are my favorite deer hunting bullets. All three of my .243 Winchesters like loads hotter than published max and show no pressure signs. You will just have to work up what yours likes. I guarantee it will like IMR 4350 with the heavier bullets. As to varmint loads, I cant help you. I shoot the vermin with .220 Swift.

October 19, 2014, 07:08 PM	#15
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	My Rem VDL really takes a shine to Ramshot Big Game and 58gr V-Max's. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

October 19, 2014, 07:30 PM	#16
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	My 243 Weatherby Vanguard 2 really likes 70 gr hp match over 38 gr of varget. 3/4 " groups at 200 yds and often get 1 enlarged hole at 100. Been loading some deer hunting loads to take south in November 85 gr sierra hollow point over 38 gr of 4064 and 95 gr ballistic tips over 40 gr of H380. 3/4" groups at 100 yds, they open up to about 1.5" at 200, more testing to go before the season.

October 21, 2014, 09:05 AM	#17
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	My Vanguard S2 in .243 Winchester likes most powder/bullet combos I've tried, but it really shines with 80 grain Barnes TTSX and IMR4350. The only powder I did not have good results with was Reloader 17.

October 21, 2014, 09:51 AM	#18
Wyoredman Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,350	Great hunting caliber! I like the heavier bullets for mule deer and elk. 100 gr GameKings (Sierra). Slower H4350 and IMR4350 work wonders with these bullets. good luck! __________________ Go Pokes! Go Rams!

October 21, 2014, 10:46 AM	#19
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,307	Powders in the .243...I am not sure I have found a suitable powder my .243s do not like. For deer and pronghorn, the Hornday 95 grain SST is my favorite. For the varmint stuff, I really like the 65 grain Hornday VMax and the 72 grain Barnes Varminter. I typically use Ramshot Hunter followed by H4350, and try to keep the 65 to 75 slugs at about 3500 or so. I just don't see the need to use the barrel up faster at the 3700+ fps. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

October 21, 2014, 05:55 PM	#20
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Well I finally gave in and bought a box of factory ammo last night just so I would have some brass for loading. No one has 243 brass right now. I am going to try the RL-22 since most people seem to like a slower powder for 100 grain bullets. And 100 grain bullets is all I can find. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

October 21, 2014, 07:11 PM	#21
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	cabelas has a pretty good assortment of bullets for the 243, nosler, sierra..etc..

October 21, 2014, 09:01 PM	#22
SVTCobra306 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Posts: 434	For my .243 I have tried: IMR 4064 Hodgdon Superformance IMR 4350 Varget IMR 4064 and Varget are my best powders so far. Shooting 100 grain Hornady Interlocks, IMR 4064 made a mockery of Superformance in accuracy. IMR 4064 and IMR 4350 had very little discernable difference, I do not however have a chronograph. I stuck with IMR 4064 due to needing less of it, as powder can be hard to find here too. For lighter coyote rounds I like 70 and 80 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips, with either Varget or IMR 4064 for powder, with a slight accuracy and velocity advantage to Varget. __________________ Former US Army Paratrooper (1/509th PIR and 2nd BCT 82nd ABN DIV) 2 time OIF Veteran NRA Certified RSO/CRSO NRA Certified Pistol Instructor

October 21, 2014, 10:51 PM	#23
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Well I found some 7mm 08 brass to night so I resized it into 243. It's the first time I have done that procedure. Seemed pretty simple. Good thing I don't have a 7mm 08. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

October 22, 2014, 08:41 AM	#24
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	Butch's, Selway, and Sportsmans Warehouse are all advertising they have .243 brass in stock.

November 10, 2014, 08:50 PM	#25
jokker1978 Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Posts: 23	I run Hogden H414. With 41 gr in hornady brass . 95 gr Nosler partition bullets. Groups about .856 of an inch at 100 yards. I'm not a great shot.