Author Topic: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra  (Read 611 times)

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Offline flatwoods

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.243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« on: December 07, 2006, 10:49:09 AM »
I'm having terrible luck with a .243 ultra using 100 gr bullets-both handloads and various factory loads- abd am curious about others experiencees and suggestions.  The rifle shoots the 85 gr bullets just fine.  Gottewn to be a challenge to get it to shoot the 100's.  Any suggestions especially for handloads will be greatly appreciated.

Offline Warthog

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2006, 04:13:29 PM »
I wish you much better luck than I had.  Anything above 85 grains in mine keyholed.  I finally checked the barrel and figured out that it wasn't a 1 in 10" twist.  It was one in 11.25".   Simply not fast enough to stabilize the heavier bullets.  This is the only time that H&R has really ticked me off.  Since it shot well with 80 grain, they wouldn't change the barrel. 
Whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger.  Right up until it kills you.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2006, 04:54:12 PM »
My 2004 Ultra Varmint won't shoot any of the lighter factory loads that I've tried, but it shoots Federal 95gr Fusion and 100gr Power-shoks inside an inch at 100yds. I tried several factory loads from 58gr Vmax to 85gr Federal BTSP with no such luck. My handloads of 58gr and 65gr Vmax were also not good.

1:11¼"? Is that confirmed by your own check or did H&R tell you that?

thx,

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Mac11700

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2006, 07:07:22 PM »
I wish you much better luck than I had.  Anything above 85 grains in mine keyholed.  I finally checked the barrel and figured out that it wasn't a 1 in 10" twist.  It was one in 11.25".   Simply not fast enough to stabilize the heavier bullets.  This is the only time that H&R has really ticked me off.  Since it shot well with 80 grain, they wouldn't change the barrel. 

 ??? ??? ??? ???

This doesn't seem right to me...If the barrel is supposed to be a 1 in 10 twist...if it isn't...I am quite sure Gordon would offer to exchange it...wither it shot good with the lighter bullets or not...and I am quite sure he would like to have the barrel there and inspect it to make sure it as you have stated...Try calling and speaking with him on it...He's the Customer Service Director...

Mac
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline coyotejoe

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #4 on: December 08, 2006, 09:21:19 AM »
Measuring twist can be pretty tricky, easy to be off an inch or two either way. I very much doubt that the twist is other than 10", that is something that just can't happen in one barrel. Not to say there isn't something wrong with that barrel but probably not the twist.
The story of David & Goliath only demonstrates the superiority of ballistic projectiles over hand weapons, poor old Goliath never had a chance.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #5 on: December 08, 2006, 09:29:05 AM »
Checking barrel twist is real easy and repeatable with a good rod that has a handle that allows the rod to rotate freely, instructions are in the FAQs and Help sticky below the list of barrel twist rates. ;)

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Warthog

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #6 on: December 08, 2006, 02:45:11 PM »
Thanks for the suggestion Mac11700, but after two trips to H&R with the same response, that rifle went down the road.  Quickdtoo, I couldn't even get them to check the twist.  They just sent it back to me with two nice groups with 80 grain bullets and said it fine.  I may still have the photos that show the keyholing.  If I do, I'll repost them.
Whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger.  Right up until it kills you.

Offline flatwoods

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #7 on: December 10, 2006, 01:25:12 AM »
Thanks for the input!  If anyone comes up with any other info please don't hesitate to post. Thanks. gpc
 :)

Offline coop2564

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #8 on: December 10, 2006, 04:23:54 AM »
My 243 would not shoot the 100gr bullets either. I spent more on trying to find load for the gun than the gun itself is worth. Finally I gave in and just shoot the 85gr gameking and I'm real careful with my shot.
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Offline Hunternz

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Re: .243 loads for 100 gr bullets in ultra
« Reply #9 on: December 10, 2006, 08:16:04 PM »
The best load groups I get through my .243 superlight are the Hornady SST95gr,
it kills just fine,
Regards Howard.