.243 Win & 87 gr VMAX

[sewwhat89]

Anyone got some suggestions for loading this combination. I will be shooting it in a Sako Forester model. Currently I shoot 44.5 gr H414 85 gr NP at 3420 fps getting sub moa groups. I was thinking of trying MagPro, H414 and Varget with the VMAX bullets. Any suggestions?

 

[Stormbringer]

I will check my records when I get home. In my 243 Ruger VT shooting the 87 vmax best powder has been H4350. I also shot H380 and Varget but H4350 was the clear winner.

Belive charge was right at Nostler #5 book max but will confirm when I get home. Was using WW brass and CCI 200 primers.

Mike.

 

[sewwhat89]

I have some Nosler Brass to try out, I figured I'd play with some new stuff to fire-form it to my gun, and load it back up with the NPs if the vmax didn't work out. I have never used the H4350, and I tried H4831 on 300 Win Mag, 7mm Mag and .25-06 with no success. I guess I should give it another try, but IMR does so well for me, as does RL 19 and 22.

I'll try out what you developed and see what I get. Why shouldn't I . . . it gives me an excuse to buy more powder! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Jimm]

I have not used the 87 vmax to date . However I have used the sierra 85 hpbt over both H4350 and Imr 4350 and all the .243's that I have been associated with (30 yrs. worth) one or two exceptions would shoot that bullet with 42 grs. of either powder.

Jim B.

 

[lerch]

I bet that would be a great bullet. If you have 1-9 twist you might try the 105 a-max. We have used it for plus 1000yd shooting with good results. Been using H4350 at about 3140fps.

Good Luck
Steve

 

[Guest]

Out of my Rem 700 VS I've had good luck with 45grs of RL-19, WLR primer and Lapua brass. 1/2" groups at 100yds are common.
YMMV,
Wayne aka WAMBO

 

[sewwhat89]

Has anyone used h414 in their .243? I have been getting sub 1/2 MOA with the Sierra 85 gr HPBT and 85 gr NP. I still have not received my new brass from Nosler to try out the 87 gr VMAX. I have been using 44.5 gr H414 with both loads. Do you think I should back off a little when using the VMAX as it is a longer bullet? I get 3280 fps with the Sierra and 3420 fps with the NP.

 

[LWolken]

I have used 48 gr of RL 22 in my 243 ack with decent groups but to be honest I was only getting like 3200fps out of that load and it just didn't make sense to shoot them when I could get 3300 fps from the 105 gr AMAX. I'm sure its from the slow powder but why waste the time. I'm now strongly considering the nosler 70 ballistic tip with maybe varget?. I haven't run the numbers yet but 3200 fps with the 87 vmax vs. 3600+ with the 70 gr ballistic tips would be pretty interesting to see who's the winner. Now I think I know why so many varmint hunters use the 70 gr BT.

Lance

 

[sscoyote]

Out to 700 the Nosler takes it in drop by about 15"+, but of course, the Hornady beats it in wind from at least 400 on out.

 

[tylercleary]

I'm shooting 47.5 grains of H-4831sc. Velocity is averaging 3225 fps.

This has been a very accurate load for me, however I'm shooting a model 70 heavy barrel with a rather long throat (seating bullets to lans).