.243 range report, questions

[BigBlack]

Well back to the range with second set of hand loads for my 243 this time I had a Chronograph with me.

I am using Lee’s Reloading Data Book so if you have something else please lookup my load and see if you can answer my questions.

Gun is a Remington 700 .243 22” barrel that is fully floated and no other work.

Load is
Winchester Brass Full Length Sized
CCI BR-2 Primer
H4350 (5 each of .5gr increments from 37gr to 40gr 35 total rounds)
Sierra 100gr Game King Set 20 thousands off lands

Here are the results, groups are not what I was expecting but I have a question regarding the velocities

Powder Charge, low, high, avg, sd, group
37, 2504, 2568, 2537, 21.74, 1.227
37.5, 2607, 2704, 2650, 35.60, 1.930
38, 2650, 2702, 2673, 20.75, 1.234
*38.5, 2754, 2761, 2757, 2.34, 1.207
39, 2699, 2746, 2722, 19.90, 2.104
39.5, 2745, 2791, 2772, 16.17, 1.825
40, 2783, 2829, 2809, 15.14, 1.537

*chrony only picked up first two shots. I was not checking on it.

Now my question:
My load book claims my starting velocity should be 2806 and my max velocity should be 2973. I am showing no signs of high pressure and would like to try some 40.5 and 41 grain loads. Do you think this would be okay?

[Jim Watson]

You are not getting the advertised velocity because the data was developed in a longer barrel with a minimum chamber and bore. It is a rare sporting rifle that will equal a test barrel's velocity. I am not telling you to exceed the published top load.

[Perajio]

Never Exceed Loads are published for a reason!!

[BigBlack]

Thanks, safety is the reason I asked. I only have one book right now so I was hoping someone would look and see what their books list. On another forum a helpful member did just that and here are the findings:

Hornady#7 Manual lists 40.8 gn max
Speer #14 lists 42.0 gn max.
Nosler#6 lists 41.5 gn max.

So around the wheel we go and according to Nosler and Speer I would be well under the max I hope to look in the sierra manual Monday if I get a chance to go to our local shop and see what Sierra states. If not I will call up Sierra and ask them since I am using their bullet.

[crowbeaner]

My Hodgdon #26 lists 43.0 as max with the 100 grainer at 51,200 cup. That's about a grain warmer than I load. EVERY GUN IS DIFFERENT! I trust the Hodgdon manual because they are a powder MFG. and distributor. They know what they are testing and publishing. Your mileage may vary.

[butta9999]

i use 43gr of imr4320 in my .243 with verlocities of around 2900fps using 100gr hornady interlock . Load is half grain from max. No pressure signs at all. There is no reason for me to go any further as my grouping is sub moa at 100 yd. Its not worth pushing max for the extra 50fps the animal aint gonna know the difference but your barrel will. As for the lesser verlocities you have a 22' barrel which will loose about 100fps. Every gun is different a hot load in my rifle could be mild in yours.

There is no need to exceed max loads in your rifles if you want ultra verlocities get the .240 weatherby mag. I have some pics in the hunt forum under Outback Australia (butta9999) all my quarry taken with my .243 using that load.

Its any awesome all rounder caliber but you will loose performance with the 22 inch barrel. When your carrying the rifle in the bush its a lot better though.

I have a manual by Nick Harvey who is the best Australian Gun guru in Australia. Point is all load testing is done in hunting rifles and in the field. No lab tests. If you are able to purchase one form there its a worthy investiment.
Hopes this helps.

[Swampghost]

I'm just a lowly hunter with a 700 SPS 20" bbl. shooting Wallyworld 100gr. pills made by Federal and can stay with you at 200 yds. (you didn't state the range). I just dumped the BSA scope (came with the purchase) for a Nikon and hope to tighten the groups up a little more as soon as I can get to the range.

Fay tried to drown us, Gustav is dropping more rain and Hanna is still up for grabs. I'll get out there when I can. No chrono but I'll post some targets.

[clos]

The sierra manual does not even list that power with the 100gr SBT's.
you will have to look at the Hogden manual for the load,
the sierra manual does list IMR-4350 for a max load or 41.7.
now per the burn rate chart IMR is just before H3450.
I would take it up .5 at least to 41grs , watching for pressure signs.





Carlos

[BigBlack]

I'm just a lowly hunter with a 700 SPS 20" bbl. shooting Wallyworld 100gr. pills made by Federal and can stay with you at 200 yds. (you didn't state the range). I just dumped the BSA scope (came with the purchase) for a Nikon and hope to tighten the groups up a little more as soon as I can get to the range.

Fay tried to drown us, Gustav is dropping more rain and Hanna is still up for grabs. I'll get out there when I can. No chrono but I'll post some targets.

Trying to figure out how this is helping me. I can shot the cheap blue box of walley world ammo and get the same results as my handloads. Although this is plenty fine for hunting I want better. I enjoy reloading and is my new past time. I am even casting my own pistol bullets now. As I think of it I am actually shooting cheaper than the blue box walley world ammo. I am loading 100 rounds for $38 (reusing brass) where to buy them at walmart for their cheap stuff would cost $69 ($12.97 plus tax times 5).

I have cut my 223 down to .6 MOA by handloading, the 243 will come around as soon as I find the diet she craves. The 223 has only had the barrel floated, nothing else done to the rifle yet.