Since I am unable to use the PM feature due to an "Invalid Session" error message, I will have to answer another member's inquiry regarding .243 accuracy, and how I managed to achieve it here. Hopefully, this gentleman will read my information here, and not think I'm a snob for not responding to his PM.
Since the US Army adopted Alliant RE-15 for use in their .308 cartridges, I thought I'd try using it for my .243 handloads.
I use BR-2 primers, which are suitable for powders with a medium burn rate such as RE-15.
I use Winchester brass exclusively, but of course this is only my personal preference. However, I never mix brands. I uniform flash holes, then weigh and sort my rifle brass into respective lots. I full length resize cases, and keep them trimmed to a specific length. I also scrupulously clean fired brass.
I weigh every charge of powder.
I prefer to use Sierra bullets due to their superior quality control, and their reasonable prices. Whatever brand I choose to use, I also weigh and sort bullets into respective lots.
Due to the 1 in 10" rate of twist in the .243 Handi barrel, I think it stabilizes heavier 80-100 grain bullets best. I've settled for the Sierra 85 grain BTHP.
Due to what I consider to be a rather excessive leade in my particular .243 Handi, I seat bullets to just under maximum C.O.A.L.. And I never crimp them.
The only "tweaking" I performed on my Handi involved lightly sanding out the forestock, and putting a rubber O-ring on the barrel lug. I also lightened the slightly heavy trigger pull by repeatedly cocking and dry-firing it without actually letting the hammer strike the firing pin, which could possibly damage it.
I worked up the following load, which consistently creates 3-rnd. groups that can be covered with a dime at 150 yards: Sierra 85 grain BTHP bullets over 37.5 grains of RE-15 powder.
As you know, no two rifles are identical. So, what works fine for one fellow might not work so well for another fellow. But I hope this information helps you attain the accuracy results we all desire.
