I could use a little 243 load help.

[DalesCarpentry]

I could use a little 243 load help. I have received 165 bullets in trade that are 68.5 grains in weight. The guy I got them from said he got them from a bench rest shooters estate sale. These are hollow points. I can't seem to find anything on 65.5 grain bullets. So what would you suggest on min and max loads for this bullet. I would also like a name of a powder to start with and muzzle velocities.Thanks Dale

[stimpylu32]

Dale

For that bullet I would go with the 70 grain data from Hodgdons , look at H4895 for a powder and start at 36 grains with a FPS of just under 3300 and a MAX load of 39.5 grains with a FPS of just over 3450 , my 2nd choice would be Varget for a powder .

stimpy

[mjbgalt]

http://www.loaddata.com/members/search_detail.cfm?metallicid=286&MW=68&PM=&PT=

stimpy beat me to it...i was going to suggest the same 70 grain bullet data and then reduce it 5%, looking for shiny spots on the brass, flat primers, sticky bolt lifts, etc....try the link, they do have a BR load for .243 listed in this weight.

-Matt

[DalesCarpentry]

So would it be safe to say I could use anyones load data for 70 grain bullets. Then reduce the min load by 5%? Am I right on this Dale

[stimpylu32]

Dale

Just about everyones , Barnes bullets are a whole diffrent world and their data is for their bullets only , remember to start low and work up slowly .

stimpy

[DalesCarpentry]

Dale

For that bullet I would go with the 70 grain data from Hodgdons , look at H4895 for a powder and start at 36 grains with a FPS of just under 3300 and a MAX load of 39.5 grains with a FPS of just over 3450 , my 2nd choice would be Varget for a powder .

stimpy

I do see that in my load listings from Hodgdons. I bought one of those blue manuals. The title of it is The Complete Reloading Manual for the .243 Winchester. It lists many different manufactures of bullets and powders. Like I said though it does not have a listing for 68.5 grain bullets. They all list load data on on various 70 grain bullets though. I guess since it is only 1.5 grains lighter than the 70 grainers that the 70 grain info would be ok then. I just wanted to be sure. Thanks Dale

[huntswithdogs]

Dale,
Do you have alisting for Berger Bullets? A bench shooter gave me some of his "junk" bullets a few years ago that were 68.5 gr HPs. They didn't shoot 1 hole like his others so he was gonna throw them away. They shot fine in my rifle. Not one ragged hole or anything like that, but my rifle never has. They sure were hell on whistlepigs, though!

Take their advice and load em to 70gr specs and "let 'er rip'' !

HWD

[Steve P]

Load up some H4831sc with that bullet per the 70 grain bullet data.  When you are getting near to max for your gun, the group should begin to tighten way up.  If it starts to spread out again, you are about .5 grains too much powder.  If group is over 1" at 100, back off a grain and change primers and work up again.  You should do real well if your gun is a shooter.

Steve 

[DalesCarpentry]

Load up some H4831sc with that bullet per the 70 grain bullet data.  When you are getting near to max for your gun, the group should begin to tighten way up.  If it starts to spread out again, you are about .5 grains too much powder.  If group is over 1" at 100, back off a grain and change primers and work up again.  You should do real well if your gun is a shooter.

Steve 

Thanks guys for the advice. Yes my Remington 700 SPS 243 Varmint is a real shooter. With factory 58 grain Hornady VMAX it will shoot groups at 100 yards that measure 3/8" or less and I have shot a group at 300 yards that measured 7/8". Dale