Author Topic: best varmint brew in 243.... (Read 2740 times)

ken2222 · « **on:** April 28, 2007, 02:46:40 PM »

Hi Folks...I've found myself holding the three most popular barrels in .243 for NEF handis...all are 1 in 10 twist.... I have a 24" Fluted, 24" BB and a 22" BB. I'm looking for a good flat shooting varmint load that would group well in all three barrels....I'm loading for a father/sons varmint/elk/deer??? hunt in the near future. I have other calibers for the larger targets , the 243s will just be bustin' PDs...

anybody have a pet load or two that's likely to produce better than average groups from barrels like these...just trying to narrow my shopping.

Thanks, Ken

dogwhisperer5 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2007, 03:19:42 PM »

It's certainly not the hottest load around, but I've found that a 75gr. Sierra hollow point on top of 38 gr. of IMR 4895 is a very accurate combo in several .243's...the woodchucks sure aren't fond of it though!

Lone Star · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2007, 03:29:18 AM »

The "best" .243 varmint bullet IMO is the Nosler 55-grain Ballistic Tip at 4000 fps. It shoots flatter than other .243 varmint loads and has about the same wind drift to 500 yards. It has low recoil so you have more of a chance of seeing your hits. Loaded with W748 it is the most accurate bullet in my M77VT, the long throat doesn't seem to hurt the accuracy.

.

ken2222 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2007, 03:44:59 AM »

Thanks guys...

I've asked the same question in the NEF Centerfire forum so I'm comparing the recipes of both...looks like the Nosler 55gr will be the first batch for sure,

Keep the loads coming please....

Ken

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2007, 01:50:47 PM »

As it's a 1 in 10 twist, I'd expect better accuracy from a heavier bullet.....my favorite has been the Sierra 85 grain BTHP......and IMR4831.....vaporizes crows......

Val · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2007, 12:16:04 PM »

I like the 70 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips with 41 grains of IMR 4064. This load gives me a chronographed muzzle velocity of 3256 fps out of my tang safety Ruger.

Lone Star · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2007, 03:05:08 PM »

Quote

As it's a 1 in 10 twist, I'd expect better accuracy from a heavier bullet.....

Because....? It is true that in the old days when bullets were not as concentric as they are today, the gun writers used to moan that a fast twist would accentuate their poor balance and give poor accuracy. Today with good precision bullets like the BTips that is now just an old wives' tale. This isn't the 1960s any more. Shoot whatever shoots the best in your rifle - theory be damned.

.

ken2222 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2007, 03:25:46 PM »

Thanks Lone Star....I'm keeping an open mind as the recipes come in...

I have about a year to develope my "best" loads....I'm just trying to limit my initial shopping.

Keep 'em coming Guys....I know this thread and my other are being watched by several interested parties....

victorcharlie · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2007, 12:15:14 AM »

Quote from: Lone Star on May 01, 2007, 03:05:08 PM

Quote
As it's a 1 in 10 twist, I'd expect better accuracy from a heavier bullet.....

Because....? It is true that in the old days when bullets were not as concentric as they are today, the gun writers used to moan that a fast twist would accentuate their poor balance and give poor accuracy. Today with good precision bullets like the BTips that is now just an old wives' tale. This isn't the 1960s any more. Shoot whatever shoots the best in your rifle - theory be damned.

.

I will admit I haven't tried the lighter bullets in several years. Back in the late eighties I hand loaded a bunch of different bullets for the .243 to be shot out of a heavy barrel tang safety Ruger 77.

I have read post by several people who say the lighter bullets are shooting very well which will lead me to trying them again.

I've reloaded for the .243 near 30 years. IMO, best results will usually come with a heavier bullet or at least they have in several of my .243's.

SingleShotShorty · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2007, 10:33:02 AM »

I load 55 grain Ballistic Tips to around 3800 fps man they are like lightning in a jar. Coyote whack and stack

Old English · « **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2007, 06:11:26 AM »

I use 55gr Nosler Ballistic tips, 44.2 gr Varget and Rem 9.5 primers. Very accurate in my CZ, highly recommended !!!

dave375hh · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2007, 04:07:52 AM »

Mine likes 65gr Burger MRF over 48.0gr H-4931SC in Win cases with Win. WLR primers. Out of my Mod 70 Varmint they shoot 1/2" @ 200yds. Cronographed 3630fps at 10 ft. 46.5 gr of H414 shot well also. Work up to these they are warm.

ken2222 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 20, 2007, 03:55:04 AM »

nofun1 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2007, 05:44:30 PM »

I have been very happy with 75 gr Vmax ontop of 40.5 Varget its a great chuck and p-dog load.

the jigger · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2007, 10:24:43 AM »

i like the 65 v-max and a dose of varget. works well!!

mjbgalt · « **Reply #15 on:** August 23, 2007, 04:34:25 PM »

60 grain sierra hollowpoint and 40.5 grains of Varget, produces over 3500 fps, sub 1/2" groups in my browning a-bolt, and a very ugly exit on a groundhog.

-Matt

trotterlg · « **Reply #16 on:** August 23, 2007, 04:52:06 PM »

Get real, you will never find one load and bullet that will group well in three different weight barrels, you won't find one that will group well in three identical rifles. Guess if you consider paper plate size groupings good you will find one. If you find the magic formula you could retire. Larry

~Ace~ · « **Reply #17 on:** September 04, 2007, 09:11:05 PM »

I have had lots of guns that shot Very well with the same load...

... So don't be Discouraged by anyone, just Practice and Verify what each gun will do with the loads.

In the .243, I really like the 65 and 75 grain V-Max for Yotes, with a low to mid charge of Varget (Handi's don't like their food to Hot in my experience)

Matt_243 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 05, 2007, 12:33:32 PM »

I'm shootin 58gr Hornady V-Max over 42.0 grains of Ar2208. Just over 0.5 MOA. Very little recoil so you can hear and see the WHACK!

MOGLEY · « **Reply #19 on:** September 05, 2007, 12:54:44 PM »

I just tried some loads with the 55gr noslers. Everything from 38.8 grains to 43 grains of 3031. All were c-r-a-p! The faster they went the better but still stunk. I was shooting a Remington 700. This gun will shoot 75gr awesome but the 55gr just won't group. I have been trying to find the twist rate but can't ( I know I should break out the cleaning rod and find out). When I say stink I mean 6inch groups at 166 yds! Best group covered a 4inch group and nothing consistant high left then low right then....... I don't think powder will make a difference I need to go back to the 75grainers.

Lone Star · « **Reply #20 on:** September 05, 2007, 02:44:22 PM »

IMR3031 is really not very appropriate for this bullet - loading density is poor. I have gotten sub-moa with W748, H380 and H414. It doesn't matter what your twist rate is, even 9" twist rifles have reported excellent accuracy. Experienced handloaders understand that some powders are simply not accurate with some bullets, and the load must be matched with the rifle. But if you think you know better - go back to your 75s. That just means more 55s left for those of us who can make 'em shoot.

.

Lone Star · « **Reply #21 on:** September 05, 2007, 02:50:32 PM »

Quote

Get real, you will never find one load and bullet that will group well in three different weight barrels, you won't find one that will group well in three identical rifles.

Better not tell that to competion BR or highpower shooters. If you peruse the loads used by the winners you will often find the same powders, almost identical charges, and the same bullet weights. Really. This was extremely comon in the 80s and 90s in BR where everyone used within 0.2 grains of the same charge of H322. HighPower shooters used to use charges within 0.5 grains of the same powder, usually IMR4895 and 168-grain bullets. This was because the rifles really were identical - all were built with minimum chamber and bore dimensions, the same weight barrels, and were perfectly bedded. In those instances, identical loads really did give the best accuracy in hundreds of rifles.

.

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #22 on:** September 20, 2007, 01:57:11 PM »

The most accurat load in my 243 is the Sierra 85g hpbt using near max loads of IMR 3031 or IMR 4831. I know they are completely differnt powders but it worked for me.
Jim

billy_56081 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 20, 2007, 02:49:04 PM »

I've used a 55 gr Btip over a near max load of H380 and find it to be too much for fox but about perfect on coyotes. My ultra varmint shot sub moa with that load and was chrono'd at 3950.