.243 reload testing, what should i try to test further?

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Lead Loader

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here are a couple pics from my 100 yard range test i did this weekend with my reloads, i shot over a chrony, colour coded the bullets and shot away and got groups like this

DSC02057.jpg

DSC02058.jpg



heres the fps data

purple 3123 and 3158 fps, first shot didnt read
blue 3229, 3215 and 3182 fps
red 3203,3206 and 3209fps
orange 3283,3216 and 3232fps
green 3244,3244 and 3331fps
black 3343 and 3307 2nd shot had error on chrony
yellow 3313,3328 and 3297fps
 
Reloading is not the end all, be all, of accurate rifle shooting. In fact, it is well down the list.
An accurate rifle starts out with an accurate barrel. The barrel and action then must be properly bedded to the stock and it must have a good trigger.
Such a rifle will likely make one inch groups at a 100 yards with run of the mill factory loaded ammunition.
If you think it is important to try and make better groups, you could then play around to no end, with various reloads.
 
I'd buy a box of factory ammo and test at 100 yards. If its still shooting 2.5 inch 3 shot groups, something is wrong with the gun. Have you got a good setup for shooting? Like a front rest or sandbags?
 
most likely my accuracy is the one that might define a good shot, not looking for benchrest accuracy, but 100 yards was just the start of long range testing to see where it was at. its on a bipod and scope no rear rest, just up to my shoulder. my 100 yard shot groups other then the pulled one was 1.5in, most likely me making it over 1 in so far
 
It's hard to assess the equipment if there is any significant human element in the group size. Save the shooting practice for later, and do some shooting off bags, as confortable and steady as you can set yourself up, and assess the guns potential for accuracy.
 
the large groups were the load, but some were smaller, 3 peticular ones might try on those. most likely get a bag for the back and see the improvement, tons to work on, just working through the shots, only bout 50 down the barrel since ive bought it.

heres the 50 yard scope sighters then some shot groups, the bottom flyer shot was a buddy trying my rifle out

DSC02063.jpg

DSC02062.jpg
 
looked at my scope earlier cause it turned 15 degrees one way( wasnt sure if it was like that before) but found my front scope rings came loose, could be my problem, lets see how it goes next time i try it.
 
most factory 243's wont stabilize a 105, the twist is usually 1:10

I think the advice to try some good factor ammo as a control is very good. Keep working at it and have fun. Every trip out is a learnig experience.
 
BTW, this is not bad shooting for hunting with an unsupported butt. The key to all is working on your shooting form. Items such as consistency in grip, consistent trigger control, breathing, position, and frame of mind. Make sure you are placing some forward pressure on the bipod.

Once you have a solid bench set up I would look at blue, red and green. They have little spread in velocity and show promise. Match the projectile to the barrel twist. And play with seating depth. If you outline all the factors in your load it will help in determining things. Ie, bullet weight and make, primer, powder, load, seating depth, barrel length and twist. All these factors make up the total picture for the load.

Enjoy the ride.
Elky
 
ya my barrel is 1-10 twist when i checked it, ive got 70 grain sierra hpbt with varget behind it, coal seemed to work at 2.610 which is just off the lands about 0.010. I was almost leaning twards the red, blue and green too, might build a few more to try next
 
Ok, great.

Jumping bullets allows for some smoother pressure development. I normally try touching first (ps, make sure feeding is not an issue) then once I find a suitable node I then play with seating as a last step. Adjust loads accordingly. Lots of info on Tangent Ogive vs Secant ogive and some good reading on the subject. Try a read on the Berger site re seating bullets.

Also, the 1-10 twist would best fly the 80-90 gr pills if you desire to go there. You may also find that flat base projectiles will give you some stelar results at short range (<300m). Hope all this helps out.....
 
My recommendation is very simple: try a tangent ogive 6mm 80gr bullet (Sierra Blitz or Nosler Ballistic Tip) with 34.7-37.0gr of Varget C.O.A.L. 2.635"
(see p 305 in the file on the link below).
http://accurateshooter.net/Downloads/sierra243win.pdf

I've shot this load in half a dozen different 243 Win rifles and it has never failed me.
It seems that a 80gr tangent ogive 6mm bullet at 3000fps is inherently accurate in 1-9" and 1-10" barrel twists.

Alex
 
Lead Loader said:
looked at my scope earlier cause it turned 15 degrees one way( wasnt sure if it was like that before) but found my front scope rings came loose, could be my problem, lets see how it goes next time i try it.
Click to expand...

My recommendation is even more simple: throw all those targets away and start from scratch with your scope properly mounted.
 
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