Help with powder tuning

[pilot24]

Hi all,

after some shooting this week-end, I would like to tune-up for a specific bullet in my rem 700 in .243.

Here's what I know: I loaded some hornady v-max 75gr with 43,5gr of H4350,
Gave me groups in the .3's, ideal for coyotes, i'm not touching it!!

Now, I also loaded some Nosler ballistic tip 95gr for deer this fall with 40gr of the same powder, I got groups around 1''. Not bad, but I know the rifle can do better!! Note: didn't try other charges for that bullet/powder combo

Now, i'm just wondering if I should try a faster or slower powder with the 95 gr, which would give me better results? I have on hand some Varget, H4895.

edit to add: both Varget and H4895 are faster powders than H4350, but i'll also get some H4831, which is slower..

 

[shotgunjoe]

before trying another powder I would load another batch with 4350.Try going up and or down 1/2 grain and see if your group size shrinks.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

I agree, your rifle appears to like the powder, spend a little time with it before you leave it. Might save some dough in the long run.

 

[pilot24]

Ya, I thought the 75gr gave amazing results, i'll load some more!!

 

[todbartell]

1" aint bad at all

if its a consistent 1moa, it should be excellent out to any range in which you should be shooting at deer with a 243 IMO

extra accuracy below MOA is just gravy, to me
​

 

[pilot24]

I like gravy!!

I'll just try a few more loads as the only one I tried was 40gr H4350. It may be a little shy on powder since I used the 100 gr data...

 

[sunray]

"...didn't try other charges for that bullet/powder combo..." That's exactly what you need to do. Work up the load the same way you did for the 75 grain bullet. Mind you, Bambi won't know how accurate the load was that put him in the freezer. A 1" group with no load developement ain't shabby.