Hello,
This is a pretty hard question to answer with the information you have provided... but here is my take on it.
Firstly, since you are planning on loading multiple bullets for your .243, i would recommend picking up a bullet comparator kit (hornady). This will allow you to measure the distance from the case base to the bullet ogive (diameter of bullet that matches the diameter of your rifling). Measuring to the ogive will give you a repeatable seating depth you can use with any bullet, for that particular rifle/cartridge.
I have a savage 10 .243 and i think off the top of my head the coal-to-ogive is 2.442.
The main reason for varying seating depths of a particular bullet is to find the coal that works the best in your particular rifle.
I am going to assume that you are going to do some target shooting with the AMAX and hunting with the VMAX.
Target shooters will likely conduct a ladder test by building multiple sets identical cartridges and varying the seating depths. They would likely start by building a set of cartridges with the bullets way off the lands (rifling) and gradually increase the cartridge length with each set. For example purpose, they may build 6 bullets at a length where the bullet is 0.110 off the lands
-6 bullets 0.70 off the lands
-6 bullets 0.30 off the lands
-6 bullets 0.10 into (jam) the lands
Shooting these sets of bullets under similar conditions would tell them witch seating depth is more accurate in their rifle and give them a point in which to further narrow down to the most accurate coal.
You can do the same thing with the VMAX, but if you are using it for hunting purposes you will not want to jam the bullet into the lands as you can potentially have the bullet stick in the rifling when you extract a live cartridge.
The VMAX's shape will generally make it less sensitive to accuracy differences based on seating depths and you may not see as dramatic changes in accuracy.
I made some nosler varmeggedan clones a few years ago by measuring a live factory round for it's coal, then following the nosler reloading guide for powder charges.
Please note that similar cartridges with differing coals may have very different pressure curves (especially jammed rounds) and as with anything in reloading, all experimenting should be done wisely and carefully. Make sure you have a few good reloading manuals and read them carefully before beginning any reloading- berger manual is pretty good imo,
I didn't answer you original question-
Hope this helps
