Savage .243 with a 1:9.25" twist~any V-Max loads you'd care to share?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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Hey guys~about a month ago, I bought a new Savage Predator Max 1, 1:9.25" twist, 24" barrel. I've yet to start any hand loads for it, but will have the last of my test bullets here this week. I haven't shot this rifle yet. Primary target is groundhogs, so no fur needs to be saved. Accuracy is the primary goal, air time secondary. :) Anyhow, with my success loading .223 with V-Max bullets in front of Varget...I'm hoping to have comparable success finding a good load for the .243 along the same lines. Waiting on the 2 lighter bullets, but here is what I'll have on hand when I start;

Brass~Winchester
Primers~CCI 200
Powder~Varget/H4895/Reloader 10x (won't likely even try RL10x, had it for my .204R)
Bullets~Hornady V-Max 58gr/65gr/75gr/87gr.

I keep reading that IMR 4350 is considered the "best" powder for .243, but no explanation as to why. I know powder makes a difference, but Varget has been a great performer for me in the past. I've also read that if possible, to get the bullet sitting .003"-.005" off the lands with .243 if the magazine will allow for it...but I always thought .010" was kind of "ground zero" for what you should be trying to achieve. I fully expect a fair amount of trial and error, a few trips to the range, etc...but it would be reassuring to hear whether or not people (especially with a 1:9.25" Savage) are getting sub-MOA with Varget and V-Max. Will trying to get this combo to shoot well be an uphill battle, or should I start looking for IMR 4350 now?

Thanks for taking a moment to reply.
 
Te lighter bullets would do well with varget.

For heavier bullets i would prefer 4350.

I used to do a lot of ground hog shooting with a 243. Distances were usually in the 100 to 200 yard range. Sometimes up to 400 yards.

I would suggest the 75 to 90 gr bullets, because they retain energy and buck the wind better than light bullets. Wind is hrad to see and account for, so the better the bullet handles the wind, the more first shot hits.
 
Sorry this may be off topic as I cannot help with load data. However, could you comment on your initial thoughts on this rifle? I am considering getting one when I get off shift. My use would be bench work and possibly hunting. How is the barrel contour, pencil thin or medium? Thanks and good luck with your loads.
 
I picked up a Savage 11 Trophy hunter recently in 243 with the 9.25 twist. I bought a box of 58gr V-max pills and already have lots of Varget and 4350 on the shelf but I haven't started loading yet. I bought a few boxes of Winchester 80gr JSP varmint and predator and this stuff shoots MOA in my rifle so I went back for 6 more boxes. I'll start load development in the spring now lol

Here's a 5 shot group shot with 80gr Winchesters at 150M. this is using the cheap package scope that came with the gun.

 
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laker415 said:
Sorry this may be off topic as I cannot help with load data. However, could you comment on your initial thoughts on this rifle? I am considering getting one when I get off shift. My use would be bench work and possibly hunting. How is the barrel contour, pencil thin or medium? Thanks and good luck with your loads.
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My initial impressions are good, but then...I own a model 10 in .223 ("Precision 10 Carbine") and know what to expect in a Savage. :) The barrel taper is definitely not "pencil" thin, more medium contour to heavy. Fluting is deeper, and more cleanly done than I would have expected~which was a nice surprise. It's an accustock gun (like my .223) so heavier-feeling than it maybe needs to be, but most my shots are 100-300 yards minimum, so a little extra weight when shooting prone is an advantage~not the other way around. Only other real differences from my model 10 .223 is that this rifle came with bases mounted (I checked, they're tight) and the floor plate of the (otherwise) metal mag feels like plastic. I think it's cast aluminum on the model 10 .223. I didn't need the camo finish on the stock, but the rest of the gun is what I wanted in a .243...so I'm pleased at this point.

Canadian_Zuk said:
I picked up a Savage 11 Trophy hunter recently in 243 with the 9.25 twist. I bought a box of 58gr V-max pills and already have lots of Varget and 4350 on the shelf but I haven't started loading yet. I bought a few boxes of Winchester 80gr JSP varmint and predator and this stuff shoots MOA in my rifle so I went back for 6 more boxes. I'll start load development in the spring now lol
Click to expand...

^lol....we're on the same track. Bought a box of the same stuff to get myself on paper...good to hear it shoots well. Maybe I should try it before getting any deeper into components/powder! ;)
 
Canadian_Zuk said:
I picked up a Savage 11 Trophy hunter recently in 243 with the 9.25 twist. I bought a box of 58gr V-max pills and already have lots of Varget and 4350 on the shelf but I haven't started loading yet. I bought a few boxes of Winchester 80gr JSP varmint and predator and this stuff shoots MOA in my rifle so I went back for 6 more boxes. I'll start load development in the spring now lol

Here's a 5 shot group shot with 80gr Winchesters at 150M. this is using the cheap package scope that came with the gun.

Click to expand...

Thanks for this. I am sold now. I am hoping to shoot heavier bullets if the twist allows it.
 
.22LRGUY said:
My initial impressions are good, but then...I own a model 10 in .223 ("Precision 10 Carbine") and know what to expect in a Savage. :) The barrel taper is definitely not "pencil" thin, more medium contour to heavy. Fluting is deeper, and more cleanly done than I would have expected~which was a nice surprise. It's an accustock gun (like my .223) so heavier-feeling than it maybe needs to be, but most my shots are 100-300 yards minimum, so a little extra weight when shooting prone is an advantage~not the other way around. Only other real differences from my model 10 .223 is that this rifle came with bases mounted (I checked, they're tight) and the floor plate of the (otherwise) metal mag feels like plastic. I think it's cast aluminum on the model 10 .223. I didn't need the camo finish on the stock, but the rest of the gun is what I wanted in a .243...so I'm pleased at this point.



^lol....we're on the same track. Bought a box of the same stuff to get myself on paper...good to hear it shoots well. Maybe I should try it before getting any deeper into components/powder! ;)
Click to expand...

I didn't think it had the accustock? I have a couple savages already so I also know what to expect. Just not familiar with the model 11 or 243 winchester. Regardless, this thread has made up my mind.
 
laker415 said:
I didn't think it had the accustock? I have a couple savages already so I also know what to expect. Just not familiar with the model 11 or 243 winchester. Regardless, this thread has made up my mind.
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This model does, though I think there is a camo (non-fluted) .243 that doesn't. Maybe that "Tropy Hunter" model? Anyhow, here is crappy, indoor/cell phone pic of mind with the new scope.

IMG_1939_zpscu9iljvr.jpg
 
.22LRGUY said:
This model does, though I think there is a camo (non-fluted) .243 that doesn't. Maybe that "Tropy Hunter" model? Anyhow, here is crappy, indoor/cell phone pic of mind with the new scope.

IMG_1939_zpscu9iljvr.jpg
Click to expand...

Hmmm, this model seems different than the one I am thinking of. The one I have seen doesn't have the fluting and I don't think it has the accustock. It lists for $729 with a junky weaver scope. What model is this? I would prefer the accustock. Thanks.


EDIT: found this model now. Where did you pick yours up? Thanks.
 
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Hey Laker415~mine is Savage SKU: 18889 Different rifle than the one you were looking at, though I have no doubt it would be a shooter too. Fondled one before choosing what I did. As for where I got it~I don't think the small dealer here in Ontario has any more, but since the place isn't a CGN sponsor, I'll PM you.
 
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