Reloading for .243

RidingHood

RidingHood

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Hello GunNutz,

I'm wondering how heavy I can go before the bullet destabilizes. I have an old 700 Remington on the way (new to me) in a .243. I believe it is a 10 twist (will measure when I get it) and I want to know if anyone has suggestions based on what you have successfully used (reloading data already researched). I'm looking to shoot matches from 100-500 meters so I want to go as heavy as possible to buck the wind. I would love to hear what other people have tried. Thank-you, RidingHood
 
RidingHood said:
Hello GunNutz,

I'm wondering how heavy I can go before the bullet destabilizes. I have an old 700 Remington on the way (new to me) in a .243. I believe it is a 10 twist (will measure when I get it) and I want to know if anyone has suggestions based on what you have successfully used (reloading data already researched). I'm looking to shoot matches from 100-500 meters so I want to go as heavy as possible to buck the wind. I would love to hear what other people have tried. Thank-you, RidingHood
Click to expand...

Have a look at the chart below. Will give you some idea what weights and designs will work, and not work.

Berger Bullet Specs
 
Hi. 1 in 10 will do nicely for any .243 bullet over 85 grains. Sierra makes 90, 95 and a 107 grain match bullets. Hormady makes 105 grain A-Max bullets. Mind you, the .243 isn't exactly a 500 yard cartridge. Drops like a brick past 300.
Remington uses 1 in 9 1/8.
 
You need a 9" or 8" twist to stabilize the longest target bullets. A 10" twist will get you to the 85gr bullets and maybe the 95gr target bullets, but that's usually about it.
 
I THINK the 77 Ruger 243 I had was a 9 inch twist. It did really well with 100 grain bullets, but would not stabalize the 105.
 
rem in 243

It depends on the age of the rifle. If the twist is 1 in 9 you are good for bullets to 100gr. the heavier 105 & 107 VLD require a 1 in 8 twist. This caliber is used to 1000 meters, and will be more accurate than the larger calibers such as "MAGUMS".
 
I would say that the length of the bullet has more of a bearing on what will stabilize then the wieght of it. In my 6mm Cooper with a 10 twist I have a hard time to get decent groups with 88gr Bergers and 85gr Hornaday interbonds but can shoot both BT and FB 100gr Hornady Interlocks into clover leaf groups all day. I know I will get the first 2 bullets to work but am waitng for some different powder and warmer days to get here first.
 
sunray said:
Mind you, the .243 isn't exactly a 500 yard cartridge. Drops like a brick past 300.
Remington uses 1 in 9 1/8.
Click to expand...

You are sooo wrong!! The 243 is often shot here at the 1000 yard competition, and does very well, indeed!. However, that Remington will not stabilize the match bullets over 100 grains. The flatbase 105 Speer will still work though, but it is not a long range bullet. Eagleye.
 
I have a 243 1-10 twist it shoots 100gr sierra gamekings in less than an inch at 100 and I was going to shoot it in F class last season and worked up a load with some 90gr lapua scenars [bc is like 430 ish] I could shoot these bullets at a little over 3500fps and around 1/2" groups @ 100 ,when I checked on jbm ballistics the bullet still goes about 1250 fps at 1000 yds so lots of steam for 500.
 
Thanks for the input fellas. I ended up going with a 95gr Nosler bal tip and I'm using IMR4350. I worked up some 5 round groups to find a good load. Going out tomorrow morning to try them out. Oh and its a 1/9 twist after all. Thanx again!
 
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