Reloading .243 Winchester

jrcarbine

jrcarbine

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So I reloaded my first batch of 58 grain v max .243 Winchester. I used IMR 4064 and shot that target at 100 yards with my savage 11 trophy hunter. For each 5 shots I added a grain of powder 40-44 grains. Are these good groups?? What other powders should I try?




 
I don't think there's anything wrong with your loads. You have stringing issues that to me appear to be bedding related or shooting technique related.
 
For bullets under 90gr I like Varget, over 90gr I switch to H4831sc.
Groups look fine for hunting if that is your intention. I'd probably try 40.5gr of the 4064 and seat the bullet base so it's just flush with the base of the neck before buying any other components.
 
Hitzy said:
For bullets under 90gr I like Varget, over 90gr I switch to H4831sc.
Groups look fine for hunting if that is your intention. I'd probably try 40.5gr of the 4064 and seat the bullet base so it's just flush with the base of the neck before buying any other components.
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Ok, I'm using them for coyotes, max range 400 yards.
 
Id try groups of .5 of a grain difference.

For powders, Id try something thats good temp sensitive wise like varget and xbr 8208.

If I had to go by those groups you just shot, Id look into 42-43 just because of the POI's are the same.
 
Those are not particularly good groups for a 243 and are not adequate for 400 yd dogs. I have consistently found IMR 4350 to give some of the best velocities and accuracy in 10 different 243s that I have worked with, 6 of which I own right now. My son's load for his best accuracy/velocity is also IMR 4350 with an 80 gn bullet. May I suggest you look at slightly heavier bullets in the 243 as I have found them to be far better in the wind and at extended ranges. 75-80 gn bullets are the best performers on small animals at long range I have found. I have also found them to be more accurate and easier to work up an accurate load with than the sub weight bullets.
I have loaded and fired close to 50,000 rounds of 243 in my shooting days, it is and has always been, one of my all time favorite cartridges..........which would explain why I own 6 of them.........sort of!! I have found that it is almost always possible to get them inside 3/4" and better in some cases, with a properly bedded rifle. I have completely shot out two different 243s, a 700 Rem BDL which I put in excess of 10,000 rounds through and a Ruger 77 RSI which saw another 8000+ rounds.
Although not a Savage fan it is my understanding that they tend to be very accurate, so keep working your loads as it should give you well under MOA with the right load. It has also been my experience that the 243 gives it's best accuracy at full throttle, red line loads......one of the reasons I love it so much.
 
H4831 said:
Those groups, while large for a 243, are normal for shooting off of a lead sled.
Why would you shoot a 243 from a lead sled?
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Why would anyone shoot anything from a lead sled? Beleive it or not at my local range I have seen guys shooting rimfire from lead sleds.
 
Damn, -BMI, Douglas, always beats me!
I have always sang the praises for a 243, but number six over all has just entered the gun room, haven't even fired it yet. I have good hopes for this one, also, an original walnut stocked Tikka.
Strangely, I have almost never used 4350 powder in them. I used to use 4320 with 70 grain bullets and Norma 205 for 100 grain has always been about standard. Lately, 414, which is Winchester 760, has been the most accurate in 70 to 87 grain bullets. About a dead equal to it has been Superformance, with about 3 grains more than with 414.
Bruce
 
A lead sled broke a stock of a friends Rem 700 custom shop .375 H+H right at the pistol grip..........Harold
 
the 44 grain group looks the best, so I'd go a bit higher like others have suggested. The 70 grainers in my 243 M70 gave the best accuracy but haven't reloaded any in the 95-100 grain range but factory loads in 100 grain did not not shoot well at all.
 
There are far more experienced .243 loaders on here than I but....you should find best results with slow burn/medium burn powders for lighter bullets in your savage. I've shot and reloaded 58gr,65gr,75gr for my .243 best results have come with IMR 4350 and IMR4320, benchmark and Varget being in 2nd place. Tried 4064 but just didn't compare to the other 4 powders. I will suggest when loading try to keep your increments of change a bit smaller... I've been going up by 0.03 grs...sometimes a full grain of powder will skip over a sweet spot for your rifle.
Your savage should be 1/9.25 twist, medium weight bullets will more likely give best results 70-87gr. One thing to also note .58 gr bullet is zipping from a .243 and upon contact with Wiley Coyote...well let's just say,....it is not a fur friendly bullet. I hit one last winter with a 58gr V-max, center chest shot and, well, it was not worth skinning.

Good luck and yes ditch the leadsled
 
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