ar-comp help please

[buckyne]

I have given up on locating any RL-15 locally. I did locate some AR-Comp and now need some guidance on a starting load. Planning on using this with 87 grain V-max in a stevens .243 winchester using winchester cases & WLR primers.

I went to the alliant reloading guide web page and found that they have ar-comp loads with 75 gr V-max showing a max load of 37.4 grains and 36.4 grains for the 85 grain speer BTSP. However they don't have anything for 87 grain V-max. They also don't state what the starting or mid load would be. I emailed Alliant for info but as of this weekend have not heard anything back.

Does anyone have a good reference for a starting point?

Thanks

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

The 85 and 87 grain data should be very close. I'd start the full 10% down and try it out.

 

[Damascus]

Also, keep in mind that the V-Max is going to behave similar to a match bullet, since it has a very thin jacket, pressure will be slightly higher than a "regular" bullet of the same weight.

I've not tried AR-Comp in a .243, but I have tried RL-15, and didn't get very good accuracy, but got pretty good velocity. AR-Comp should behave a little faster - if it were me, I'd start at around 34 - 35 grains and work up, that should be very safe, if not too low-pressured... Make double sure you witness an impact hole in the target. Also, as with RL-15, this powder's density is probably going to suck in the .243... 36 - 37 grains leaves a good bit of room in that case.

I'm assuming you are shooting a bolt action.

Are you not able to locate a better .243 powder? 4350 (AA, IMR, H), 4320, RL-19, RL-17, RL-22, IMR 4007 SSC (very easy to find around here because no one really knows much about it, and it is an outstanding .243 powder).. N160, Win 760, H380, or even 4064 (AA's version is usually the slowest, and should work best in the 243)?

 

[buckyne]

I have about 1/2 lbs of imr4350 left. I have been using that for my .280 remington. I have been unable to find more locally. I really don't want to use the last of my 4350 up trying to develop a load for my .243 which is the loaner deer gun slash my coyote rifle. I will have to try the Ar-comp and see. If it doesn't work out I can always use it in my .223. I saw plenty of loads available for the .223 with some heavier bullets. Just can not find squat locally to purchase anything except odd ball stuff...

Should have stock piled earlier I guess.

 

[Damascus]

Check for some IMR 4007 SSC... All my shop round here still have that, or VV N-160 or 560, 165. Maybe find Ramshot Hunter or Big Game?

 

[MudRunner2005]

For anything .308 and down, I use Varget. Works great for me in my 308, 7mm-08, and .223/5.56.

 

[4bycamper]

For anything .308 and down, I use Varget. Works great for me in my 308, 7mm-08, and .223/5.56.

+1 Varget is amazing.
Try around 40 gr Varget with a 87 SPBT
then up to 44 gr

 

[buckyne]

Managed to find some imr4064 & H4831sc. Varget is like hens teeth around here. I think I have some alternatives now to the Ar-comp. Probably going to just use that up in the 223.

Thanks for all the feedback.