.243 loads

[bob4]

This really isn't for long range hunting but I just won a large shopping spree due to friends of NRA. One of my purchases includes a 243 Rem 700. 1:10 twist. I would like to use Bergers and be able to drop a deer. Extreme distance might be 300 yds. Anyone have recommended powders to start ? Before we talk about better choices in calibers, I have a 300 wm and a 270 Win I can put deer down with all day.
REMEMBER:With Every rifle purchase a die set and powder and projectiles needs to be considered.

 

[gohring3006]

I like IMR 4350 and a 87grain Hornady...

 

[300 Driver]

I currently shoot 105 Amax at 3100+ with R-26 using less than the Alliant listed max. My rifle is a 1:8" twist.

With the 1:10" twist I wouldn't go with the 105 though. Try the 87gr Berger or the 90gr swift scirocco/90gr nobler accubond. I have killed plenty of deer with the 90gr ballistic tips out of a Browning BAR with 1:10" twist. They shot sub moa all day for me in that set up. If you want speed out of your 243, Alliant's R-26 shoots 200fps faster than anything else with heavy bullets, but R-17 may be best for the 87/90gr pills. Good accuracy for me so far with both powders, but 17 is temp instable.

I use Lee collet dies and shoot just under .5 MOA over the last 400 rounds so far.

Have fun shooting!

 

[Dosh]

Great groups with 87gr Bergers and H4350. IMR4451 Enduron is a temp insensitive substitute for the hard to find H4350.

 

[MarkA]

H4350 and 95 Nosler Hunting Ballistic Tips.

The "Hunting" ballistic tips have proven themselves worthy for deer size game. Keep speeds under 3000 and bullet performance will be perfect. I shoot them at 2850 and really perform well. The hunting ballistic tip is not your grandpas ballistic tip it is designed based on Noslers old Solid Base design but with a polymer tip. The 90 Hunting ballistic tip is just as good a bullet also.

Can check out some gel and water testing here Nosler Reloading Forum • View forum - 6mm/.243

 

[barefooter56]

This really isn't for long range hunting but I just won a large shopping spree due to friends of NRA. One of my purchases includes a 243 Rem 700. 1:10 twist. I would like to use Bergers and be able to drop a deer. Extreme distance might be 300 yds. Anyone have recommended powders to start ? Before we talk about better choices in calibers, I have a 300 wm and a 270 Win I can put deer down with all day.
REMEMBER:With Every rifle purchase a die set and powder and projectiles needs to be considered.

bob4,
With your 1-10 twist barrel I would suggest either our 6mm 87 grain Hunting VLD or the 6mm 95 grain CLASSIC HUNTER bullets. You can find Berger VLD seating depth testing information here:
Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD Bullets in Your Rifle | Berger Bullets Blog
And more information on our CLASSIC HUNTER bullets here:New Berger Classic Hunter Bullets | Berger Bullets Blog
We can also help with loading data at [email protected]
Take care,

 

[mobenzowner]

My 1:9.125 twist .243 loves the 95 grain berger classics with IMR4831. It is an honest consistent 1/4" gun with those projectiles with 4 shot groups. I have shot several 4 shot groups in the .125" range. Gun is a rem 700, but does have the varmint barrel in a 26" length. It is a heavy monster in a B&C stock.

 

[the jigger]

My 243 is a varmint weight 1 in 10 24". I shoot 95gr nosler Bal Tips over IMR4831
at just a tick over 3000fps.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

 

[bob4]

Lots of great info. And I have both IMR 4831 and 4350 on hand. Thank you all.

 

[Bbear]

bob4, in my 1-10 twist I've had great luck with IMR4350 and 90 AB's. 1/4-3/5 5 shot groups are the norm. Somewhere on this computer I have a photo of a 4 shot group at 500 yards measuring under 1.75". That's a .35" 100 yard group. Velocity is 3175 fps through my 24" barrel.
For going out to 300 max any of the quality 85-95 grain pills will stabilize well in your rifle. I and H 4350 are good choices as are many others. For any whitetail on the planet, the 85-95gr pills moving around 3k will do them in the dirt.

 

[bob4]

Anyone use 95 gn Bergers in a 1:10 twist 24 inch barrel. They're calling for a 1:9 for optimum.

 

[roninflag]

I would think the Remington is 1:9 1/8. I did not have good results with the 95 vld. if you follow barefoot advice and shoot the classic hunter it should do great.

 

[bob4]

I would think the Remington is 1:9 1/8. I did not have good results with the 95 vld. if you follow barefoot advice and shoot the classic hunter it should do great.

Your right! I just assumed a 1:10