.243 Load / Bullet suggestions

[BlackSS]

I have a savage 243 with a 1 in 9.25 twist barrel headed my way.

I've never loaded for a 243 and just wondering what people have tried that has worked.

I'm thinking a 95 or 105 gr VLD with the bullet touching the rifling is where I'll start with winchester brass (most likely).
I have some Federal 215 magnum primers as well as some CCI bench rest magnum primers.

Any issue using a magnum primer on this round?

Is there a high BC bonded bullet in 243 / 6 mm ?

What is the go to powder for this round?

Suggestion for a starting point and max safe load?


Thanks,
Craig

 

[liltank]

Well, I would go with Lapua Brass for starters. I currently load the Hornady 95 SST with 37.5grn of IMR 4064 (work up to it). It is a hot load, but works okay in my rifle. The 105, and 107 are going to be your highest BC bullet w/o going to the 115's. I believe the 100grn SBT from Sierra is the highest BC before jumping to target bullets. I want to try some IMR 4350 and H4350 w/ the same bullet at some point. Not sure on velocity. I haven't chronoed the load yet since it is short range hunting in PA woods. My nephew hasn't shot anything with it yet to give a report either.

Tank

 

[BlackSS]

Thanks, I was just thinking Winchester brass b/c I have had such good luck with it for my 270 WSM.

For some reason Hornady slipped my mind when I was searching 6 mm bullets, go figure...

I kind of figure that 105 gr is the heaviest I can go to with the 1 in 9.25, what do you think?

How is the 105 gr AMAX?

What are the 105 and 107 you are referring to?

 

[rscott5028]

Like Tank said... Lapua brass for sure

 

[liltank]

Thanks, I was just thinking Winchester brass b/c I have had such good luck with it for my 270 WSM.

For some reason Hornady slipped my mind when I was searching 6 mm bullets, go figure...

I kind of figure that 105 gr is the heaviest I can go to with the 1 in 9.25, what do you think?

How is the 105 gr AMAX?

What are the 105 and 107 you are referring to?

105 A-max, 105 JLK, or the 107 Sierra Matchking. The 9.25 twist will handle both these bullets. The 115's require a much tighter twist. You will need a 7 or 8 twist. FYI, I've had good luck with Remington brass too. Winchester has left a sour taste in my mouth after having numerous problems with my WSM brass.

Tank

 

[davewilson]

i've had great luck with the 105 a-max. very good accuracy at any range, and very good terminal performance on deer at any range. mine is a 9 twist.

 

[CogburnR]

I don't think you need magnum primers.

I actually use CCI BR2 benchrest primers most of the time in 243win.

Magpro will give good velocity.

4350 is good for accuracy. I also use H380 and H414 alot.

 

[budlight]

I have a savage 243 with a 1 in 9.25 twist barrel headed my way.

I've never loaded for a 243 and just wondering what people have tried that has worked.

I'm thinking a 95 or 105 gr VLD with the bullet touching the rifling is where I'll start with winchester brass (most likely).
I have some Federal 215 magnum primers as well as some CCI bench rest magnum primers.

Any issue using a magnum primer on this round?

Is there a high BC bonded bullet in 243 / 6 mm ?

What is the go to powder for this round?

Suggestion for a starting point and max safe load?



Thanks,
Craig

First of all I don't us mag primers unless I'm using slower powders and then only in cases that exceed 65 grains of powder.

Your barrel length also determines your choice of powder type. I have a Rem 700 243 with a 26 inch varmint barrel. I predominantly use H4350. I have tried IMR 4831 and RL-22 for 105 - 107gr and always came back to H4350. Lighter bullets RL19 IMR4320

Look at this site. .243 Win + .243 AI Cartridge Guide

 

[liltank]

I currently use CCI 200's.

Tank

 

[roninflag]

I have a savage 243 with a 1 in 9.25 twist barrel headed my way.

I've never loaded for a 243 and just wondering what people have tried that has worked.

I'm thinking a 95 or 105 gr VLD with the bullet touching the rifling is where I'll start with winchester brass (most likely).
I have some Federal 215 magnum primers as well as some CCI bench rest magnum primers.

Any issue using a magnum primer on this round?

Is there a high BC bonded bullet in 243 / 6 mm ?

What is the go to powder for this round?

Suggestion for a starting point and max safe load?


Thanks,
Craig

i don't see where you said what you are shooting at. also with mag primers you will likely have higher es and sd; velocity and pressure. guess it depends on what you want. most target shooters use "mild" primers.

i use h/i 4350 for higher velocity; I 4064 and varget for good groups

 

[BlackSS]

Ok,
I think I will start with the 105 AMAX, some non-mag primers with Lapua brass.

This is a 22" barrel 1 in 9.25 twist.

Powder suggestions with that in the mix?

 

[rscott5028]

Since you're spending a little extra for Lapua brass which I feel will give you better accuracy and life, you should also consider match primers.

I have had good results with both Fed 210m and CCI BR2.

Good luck!!

 

[BlackSS]

Thanks, I will likely just buy whatever CCI or Fed primers I can get my hands on. I'm won't pay haz mat shipping from Midway or some place like that and don't have a gun shop that will special order stuff close to home.

Forgot to add:
Use will be medium range deer, 500 yard small predator / varmint and shooting steel.

 

[azsugarbear]

Lapua brass
Berger 105 gr. Hunting VLD
42.5 gr. of H4350
210 Federal primer

As always, work up to it. Stop if pressure signs appear. Good luck.