243 pet loads w/Barnes 85gr TSX bullet

S

sbranden

Member
Just got some new 243 brass in and I want to try something else with the Barnes 85gr TSX. I was able to get 38.4 of Varget with CCI BR2's @ 2.625" COL to group reasonably well, but I can't help but think this particular gun (Savage w/24x Weaver scope) and bullet are capable of better performance.

Please share details on any loads that you all have worked up with this bullet, or with the 80gr "TTSX" version.

Is Varget the best powder, or should I be looking at:
4064
4350
4831
H414
RL19

what?

Maybe I'll find that everyone is just all over the place with what they are using, but looking to learn from the experience on this site -- and to hopefully save myself some $$$ in the process where these bullets definitely aren't cheap to shoot!

Thanks in advance for the pointers.
 
I use the 85gr TSX in my Browning 243 with Varget. Accuracy is outstanding.

Varget is an odd powder for me, in that my rifle is the only one I've had success with it in. I use Varget for the TSX and the 75gr Vmax, both equally accurate.

In all the other rifles I've tried Varget in, I only got 'so-so' accuracy. I was ready to dump my remaining Varget into my garden, when I tried it in my newly aquired Browning.

When loading the TSX, I load 9 rounds of each powder, 3 at max, 3 at 1/2gr less and 3 at 1gr less. Since these are for hunting, I want the highest velocity at the best accuracy, so I don't even try lower powder charges.

All the other powders you've listed should do fine.
 
So whose data are you using K-22hornet? How much are you putting into that outstanding Browning load now exactly? :eek:)
What COL are you using... how much jump? (These things seem to like a fair amount from my limited testing with them.)
What primers are you using also? I had heard Rem was no good with Varget and that CCI was much better, but I'm not 100% convinced on this point myself yet. Thanks for your reply!
 
Bullet Weight: 85 gr Case Trim Length: 2.035" S.D. 0.206
Bullet Style: TSX BT Primer: Fed GM210M B.C. 0.333
COAL: 2.645" Barrel Length: 24"
Case: Winchester Twist Rate: 1:10"
Charge Velocity Charge Velocity Load
Powder (grains) (fps) (grains) (fps) Density (%)
IMR 4007SSC 38.5 3080 42.5 3284 86
♦ Hunter 42.5 3062 46.5 3334 87
RL 19 42.0 3090 46.0 3314 93
IMR 4831 41.0 3069 45.0 3298 93
XMR 3100 41.0 3033 45.0 3267 94
MagPro 47.0 3038 52.0 3346 94

Right from Barnes.
 
I just started loading these bullets in my Winchester model 70 and it likes 39.5gr IMR4895. It's right at an inch at 100 yards, I'm hoping to fidge with the OAL to tighten it up, but it'll do.
 
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In my Rem 700:

Rem Brass
Win Large rifle primer

45.5g of R#19

39.5-40.2g of IMR 4064

Bullet seated .050 off the lands

Groups with both is 1/2" but R#19 load is much stronger
 
I wish i could offer something for the 85tsx but my tikka just doesnt like them.The 80grTTSX is still being wrung out...it got sidelined by the 85SGK BTHP which is wicked accurate in my T3.

I came up with a load for the 80TTSX using info from Hodgdon & barnes and is not a published load use at own risk.
Barnes 80TTSX
Win Case...annealed & FL-sized Trim-2.035
Win Lr primer
Powder hodgdons H100V 40-44 start 40 worked to 42.5
COL.start 2.620 worked to 2.7230/jump .021
Avg.Vol 3114fps
Group size: .81 4 shots
 
Barnes 85gr TSX
Lapua Brass
GM210M Primers
44.5gr IMR 4831
2.710 OAL
Groups just under an inch in a skinny 700 Mountain Rifle barrel.

DSCF4254.jpg


Here's the bullet after punching both shoulders at 200 yards.
DSCF0001.jpg
 
Whats the application rate when applying Varget to a garden? Maybe it wont be a total waste. Ok, Ok, just kidding, but apparently I still have work to do with Varget. My prefered powders for .243 Winchester #1 IMR 4064,or Accurate 4350
 
Originally Posted By: HookedWhats the application rate when applying Varget to a garden?


Due to Varget being an Extreme powder, I have good results when I apply it in any weather, but I prefer to apply just before a rain/snow event. Just make sure it's applied evenly, and not to thick, as you don't want an 'excessive burn'.

Jdunham, great looking buck. Did you happen to weigh the recovered Barnes?
 
Buck was somewhere around 200lbs, don't remember the exact number. Big one for this area.

The bullet weighs 85.1gr on my scale as pictured. Was in the hide on the off shoulder when we skinned him. A new one weighs 85.5gr on the same scale.

The rifle is my daughter's, how I shot the buck with it is another thread
rolleyes.gif
. Made me a believer of the .243, never killed anything with one before.
 
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Nice buck!, and sounds like a real good shot too. Yep, this is what the TSX can do - even out of a little 'ol 243. :eek:)

I had some IMR-4831 in the cabinet so I just loaded up a test group from 44.0 to 44.6 for starters. Might be a while before I get a chance to try these, but we'll see.

Thanks for the feedback all. Feel free to keep it comin' too.


Stephen
 
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