Need some Load Suggestions .243

hylander

Active member
Got a new barrel coming for my sporter K98 Mauser.
.243, 1:10
Would like to shoot say the 65 or 87 V-Max.
And something Unleaded since I'm in Ca.
Any load suggestions on where to start?
Looking for accuracy, not speed.
I have Varget, TAC, H-4198, 4064 and 3031
 
I load the Barnes 80 gr TTSX using IMR 4064 in my Tikka 243 Win. What I did was bought a box of Barnes Vor-tex factory ammo in this same bullet to make sure they shot well and then spent a lot of time working up a load for it.
I had a lot of 4064 on my shelf so that is what I used and my final result is very good and a little more velocity than the Barnes factory ammunition. I could not find much load data using this bullet with 4064 so I started low and worked my way up.
 
Since you introduced me to reloading in your garage, I suppose I can share my secret 243 Win loads.

55gr NBT
42.5 gr 8208xbr
2.650"

55gr NBT-LF
42.5gr 8208xbr
2.660"

80gr TTSX
45.2gr H4350
2.610"

Don't overlook Hammer bullets. I have some 69gr Absolute Hammers waiting for me to work up a load with 8208xbr. The Hammer Hunters shoot very well in 223/308. Expensive, yes, but not too bad if it's just for hunting. Lots of inventory at Hammer and 10% discount for mil/LE.
 
Thanks guys.
Hey Dog,
Good to hear from you
smile.gif

I have some H4350 but the only bullets I can find are the Vmax and Varmint Granade.
 
I’d start with Varget & 4064.

Late last Summer a friend couldn’t find 243 ammo, asked if I’d reload him some. They had a little in stock at sgammo, but I told him I would. I 1st told him he’s not supposed to shoot another’s reloads.

I loaded up the Sierra 85 grain gameking, Varget powder. I also gave him other loads for practice. One shot & the 1st time hunter had an anterless deer down. Since it was a youth shooting, I kept the powder charge reasonable, COL to fit any chamber.
 
Originally Posted By: Kpuck0887 VMAX 44gr H4350 at Hornady C.O.A.L.
3340 FPS in my tikka T3 with .6"ish 5 shot groups
Just slightly over Hornady max

That is certainly a fast load. My usual speeds from 22" barrels with 85/87 gr. bullets from a standard .243 Winchester runs a bunch closer to 3200 fps.
 
Originally Posted By: hylanderThanks guys.
Hey Dog,
Good to hear from you
smile.gif

I have some H4350 but the only bullets I can find are the Vmax and Varmint Granade.



Pay attention to what Dirty Dog says about lead free bullets, he knows what he is talking about.

My coyote hunting buddy is shooting 70 gr Lead Free Hammer bullets at coyotes. I had decent results with Barnes 62 gr Varmint Grenades out of my 243 WSSM and my 243 Win.

Now I am just using the Nosler Lead Free 55 gr Varmint Bullets and the Barnes TTSX 80 gr bullets out of my 243 Win.
 
For light bullets, 55-58 grain. I've have good luck with IMR3031 and H380, the Hodgdon is for sure temp unstable. But for speed in my .243 they were the race winners.
 
Dirty Dog has a great video that he shot years ago with his .243 and light bullets (55gr Btps) I thinik.
Search for that or maybe he'll post it again......
 
Originally Posted By: GCOriginally Posted By: Kpuck0887 VMAX 44gr H4350 at Hornady C.O.A.L.
3340 FPS in my tikka T3 with .6"ish 5 shot groups
Just slightly over Hornady max

That is certainly a fast load. My usual speeds from 22" barrels with 85/87 gr. bullets from a standard .243 Winchester runs a bunch closer to 3200 fps.

Some barrels are made from High Speed Steel

Three 44s
 
It was certainly higher than I had expected also. That is measured with my Magneto Speed and the drop on a crow sized steel target at 500yds is dead on.
 
My drop dead coyote stick was my Liberty M77V in 243 Win from 1976 to 1992. Still in excellent shape I semi-retired it and went to 22-250.

While running the 243, my bullet was the 75 gr Hornady HP. It’s been discounted but I have a couple hundred layed by, just in case. The powder was IMR 4350 and a midrange load and it shot .270” at 100. A little soot but a lot of dead dogs!

The 22-250 was a Rem 788 in a Ramline stock, it went a lot more places than I was willing to subject my Liberty Ruger to and did a lot of dogs right as well.

I have worked a plenty of Varget and my thought is that in light bullets it may well be better than the various “4350’s”, maybe in 75 gr as well. When you get to the “80’s” Varget might be running out of stretch.

My .02 worth

Three 44s
 
Going to try Varget with the 65 Vmax
H4350 with the 87 Vmax
Not sure but might start with H4350 for the 62 Varmint Grenades.
Should get my bullet order tomorrow or Friday.
 
The load I shoot in my T/C Encore 243 1/10 twist 24" barrel is 37 grains of IMR4064, bullet is Sierra 85gr HP it shoots great with that load.
 
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