Powder Suggestions for 55gr .243

[freddyfour]

We also use H414 with 55gr varmint bullets, with good accuracy.

And screaming fast!

 

[jethunter]

After testing some factory 55gr .243 ammo this weekend and seeing an extreme spread of 90fps, I'd like to give reloading it a shot. I have lapua brass and Nosler 55gr BT varmint projectiles, I'm just a little lost on what to pick up for powder. I've done my fair share of reloading, but it's exclusively been .308 where Varget was an easy choice to make. With .243 and these light projectiles it doesn't seem like there's a clear winner.

I've looked at both the Hornady and Nosler reloading data, and it looks like Varget, H4350, H414, H380, H4895 are all contenders, amongst 4 or so IMR powders. For those that have reloaded these light projectiles, I'd love to get some feedback on what did and didn't work well for them.

With the lighter bullets in 243 i found a bit faster powders gave the best ES in my rifles. Imr4895 was more consistent than 4350 or varget with 55-60 gr bullets.