.243AI Loading Components

[TORCHRIDER]

I will be developing a long range target/game load for my .243AI with Shilen 1/8 twist barrel. I am looking for a list of components/dimensions to start with. Below is what I am thinking. Let me know if you think this is a good place to start. If not, what do you recommend?

• Case: Lapua .243 Fireformed
• Primer: CCI BR2
• Bullet: Sierra 107gr. MK (touching lands)
• Powder: H4831SC

 

[shiredude]

I shot Reloader 22 with the 107's in my old rifle. 45 grains.
I dont know if you will be able to shoot the 115 VLD's in your 8 twist, but I would try. THey have considerably more "Umph" than the 107's.
I shoot 50 gr Retumbo w/ the 115's in a 7.5 twist Krieger @ 3100.
I use the Lapua brass and CCI br primers.

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Thanks shiredude. I am seeing that many folks use R22. I may have to try that first. I will also try the 115 grainers at some point. I am afraid the 1/8 may not stabilize them though. Maybe that will be my second round of workups. lightbulb

 

[cahunter805]

My 243AI is a 1-9 and I am shooting the 95VLD with 47.5gr rl22. I am developing a load right now with the 105VLD and RL25 or H1000. I would try the 115 in your rifle. Also could try the 105 AMAX.

 

[Freebore]

I'm shooting 105 A-max with N-165 Lapua brass BR-2's in a 1-9 twist at 3250fps. The 95VLD was very accurate too, but had to slow them down to 3250 to group real tight so I went to the 105's and got the accuracy with a heavier bullet at the same/better velocity.

 

[TORCHRIDER]

I see a lot of folks are using the Hornady 105's. Is that a more popular choice than the Sierra 107's? I had always thought of Sierra as the best "non-custom" bullet.

 

[Freebore]

They are cheap and they are a very good longrange high BC accurate bullet. I called Sierra about the 107's and they said I need a 1-8 twist at least to stabilize them. So I picked up a box of 105's (the box says 1-9 twist or faster) and I like I said prior great accuracy and I can drive them fast...that what the AI is about to me. It's not that I don't like the SMK's I shoot them in other rifles just the 105's were the ticket for me anyhow. I think Natchess has them on sale for 18.50 a box of 100 right now. Try 'em you'll like them.

 

[shiredude]

+1 for the 105's over the 107 sierra's, especially on game. I've shot 2 deer w/ the 107's and was not happy w/ the results on neither. The kills I've had w/ the 105 amax were less than 300, but they did perform. Now the 115's on the other hand are freakin awesome! I've had kills at 480,505, 540, and two at 675. I've tracked nothing more than 2 feet. I've been extremely happy with their performance. One of the instances with the 107's was at 640 yds, it penciled right through a doe. Had to put another in her with the rifle and finish her off with a .45. I know that Sierra doesn't claim these to be a hunting bullet, but everyone tries stuff out.
From my experience, you will not be dissatisified with the Amax or VLD.

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Thanks again shiredude. How do you seat the Hornady 105's? Do you think I should start with them touching the rifling? Also, with the 115 VLD's, do you think 1/8 Shilen would stabilize them? Arent they finicky about seating depths? Thanks again! Dave

+1 for the 105's over the 107 sierra's, especially on game. I've shot 2 deer w/ the 107's and was not happy w/ the results on neither. The kills I've had w/ the 105 amax were less than 300, but they did perform. Now the 115's on the other hand are freakin awesome! I've had kills at 480,505, 540, and two at 675. I've tracked nothing more than 2 feet. I've been extremely happy with their performance. One of the instances with the 107's was at 640 yds, it penciled right through a doe. Had to put another in her with the rifle and finish her off with a .45. I know that Sierra doesn't claim these to be a hunting bullet, but everyone tries stuff out.
From my experience, you will not be dissatisified with the Amax or VLD.

 

[Shooter264]

I have a couple .243 AI's. They both shoot very well with 105 Berger VLD's Fed 215 Primers, 51 grains of Retumbo and Lapua brass. I have a 26 1/2" barrel on one of them that spits the 105's out at 3275 and a 26" that is a bit slower at 3230. Both rifles almost always shoot in the mid 2's with sporter weight barrels on them. If you are using the rifle for hunting I would for sure stay away from Reloader powders, they are terrible for temp stability. I have seen velocity swings of 100+ fps with reloader 22 due to temp. Ramshot Magnum shoots well too, I am currently working up a load for my rifles as I am getting lazy and tired of having to use a drop tube with Retumbo!!

 

[shiredude]

I completely forgot about mentioning the Re22 temperature issues. I have experienced the same issues and that is the reason I still have 1/2 an 8 lb jug in my reloading bench. I only use it for fireforming loads now.