Anyone tried 55gr. bullets in 243win.?

[Darrell Davis]

Morn'in shooters,

Reading in a couple different mags. this past week where they talked about using the 55 - 58gr slugs in the 243 Winchester.

Not only were they getting over 4000fps, but they were also seeing very good groups.

The powder as I recall was Varget.

Sounds like fun!  Anyone try this in their .243s?

If your going to give me info about your Swift or .204, FORGET IT, I already know about them. I have a 243 and THAT IS what we're talking here.

Keep em coming! :wink:

[Lone Star]

I used the 55 Ballistic Tips extensively in my .243 M77VT with great results.  This bullet outshot the more traditional 70-87 grain varmint bullets, and I chronographed my loads with W748 at 4035 fps.  This load outperforms any .22-caliber varmint load in trajectory and wind drift.  I never tried Varget, but it should work well.  I seated the bullets to an overall loaded length of 2.70" but you'll have to check your magazine length, and be careful in handling them since there isn't much bullet in the case at this LOA.  Seating them a bit deeper probably would not hurt.  I averaged all my 5-shot groups at 0.77 moa, but many groups were around 0.5 moa.  Have fun!  

[Selmer]

I second the previous post.  I tried them when they first came out in a M788 .243 and was astounded at the accuracy.  I figured they would tumble cause they're so short.  Great performance on varmints, longest shot to date is 652 yds. medium sized varmint.  I used 53 gr. of H380, the max load listed in Nosler Manual #4.  They run at just over 4000 fps and groups under an inch.
Selmer

[Qaz]

I have wanted to try them, but the only way to get production ammo in this weight is to get moly coated ammo or the lubalox. I have read that once you start using moly you need to keep using it. It is also my understanding that it is hard to remove. Is this true?

[buzztail]

I load the Sierra #1502 55gr blitzking in my 14tw 6mmBR using Varget with VERY GOOD results -way less than 1/2in. In my 2nd edition Modern Reloading starting loads for the .243 using a 55gr bullet and Varget are 41 grains and a max load of 45 for 4000 fps.

[Cappy]

I've been shooting 58gr V-max bullets over 44gr of Varget with great results. Groups under an inch. Unfortunately haven't been able to chronograph them.

[Nightwing]

I am shooting the federal premium 55 gr. ballistic tips in my handi rifle, and getting amazing groups(under a half inch regulary).   I've not chrono'ed it, and assume in the 22 inch standard weight barrel, it's going to be just under 4 grand.  
Performance as noted, is superior to any of the .22 center fires that I can find 55 grain load info for.

[oso45-70]

Darrell,

 I use the 55 gr nosler Ballistic tip in my 6MM Remington and have had great luck with them, I don't save the hides any more so the pelt dammage is not a problem. The accuracy is good, 3/4 inch at 100 yds so it works for me ............Joe.............