.243 youth load

[Dave in WV]

I'm going to load a .243 "youth" load for a friend's son. The load uses a 80gr single shot pistol bullet. Has anyone tried this type of load? The data is available on Hodgdon's site and calls for H4895. My friend got IMR and while I know it's not the same can the IMR powder be used? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Dave.

[ricciardelli]

H-4895 From 30.6 grains to 40.0 grains
 Remington 9-1/2 Primer

IMR-4895 From 31.8 grains to 41.0 grains
 Remington 9-1/2 Primer

I would suggest for a reduced load:

SR-4759 From 16.8 grains to 25.5 grains
 Remington 9-1/2 Primer

And for a regular load:

RL-22 From 42.1 grains to 50.0 grains
 Remington 9-1/2 Primer

[Supplyguy]

I've used this load for my son and daughter's .243 Handi for deer. I have killed one deer with the load. It was a doe at about 80 yds, took the top of the heart out. She ran maybe 30 yds dead on her feet.
   Out of this paticular rifle, it shoots sub-MOA at 100yds. I also used Rem 80gr Hollow points with the same data and they shoot same POI. I use the Hps for coyotes, they're cheaper than the Hornady SSP. :grin:

[Questor]

The approach I'm taking with youth loads is to reduce the muzzle velocity by about 200fps from the maximum load's velocity. This usually means the starting load in the manual. It makes a big difference in recoil, but doesn't make much difference in performance.

[Darrell Davis]

Hello shooters,

Personally not sure how much need there is for reduced loads in the 243, but recommend them and use them in larger rifles.

I have good luck using some of the loads (with jacketed bullets) from the Lyman cast bullet manual.

A friends young teenage daughter was given her grandfathers 270 a year or so.  Talked the father into having her shoot reduced loads and then loaded her up a bunch.  The powder was Red Dot with a 100 or 110 gr bullet.  

Well she shot up the first batch and I loaded her up some more about 6 weeks ago.  She took her first Elk about two weeks ago with a full power load.

The idea here is to never let the rifle hurt one of these young shooters, so her dad sighted in the scope with the "heavy" stuff and the few shots taken during the excitment of the hunt will never be felt.

Anyway, the dad was excited/proud etc. and called me to say thanks for my small part in the succssful hunt.

I have used the same plan with my wife and daughter and it works like a charm.

Keep helping those young/new shooters and keep the posts com'in! :wink:

[dakotashooter2]

I take the same approach as Questor. Starting load from the book. Accuracy is generally superb often 1/2MOA or less with very little effort.