Author Topic: Reload for 243 need help? (Read 409 times)

turk1 · « **on:** March 21, 2005, 07:52:21 AM »

Looking for a reload for a NEF.243 I have used 87 gr. v-max with IMR 4320 with not much luck. Any help would be appreciated.

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2005, 08:11:40 AM »

Try 4064 or 748 powder.

Fred M · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2005, 12:20:18 PM »

When hand loading for the high intensity cartridges like the 243 in an NEF rifle you should use only slow burning powders like H4831. These kind of powders will produce lower initial chamber pressure and higher velocities.

Even at that you should not use max loads in any event the Handi's don't like them. Make sure that you have 0.003" head space so the rifle will close all the way. Nothing can protrude past the face of the chamber.

James B · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2005, 01:24:54 PM »

Good idea for sure. My new Lyman manual shows the accuracy load as 41.0 grains of H4831 for 2832 FPS. With a Remington 9 1/2 primer. Top load they give is46.5 grains for 3266 FPS. They call this one a compressed load. I never load the Handi Rifles to hot. You don't need to. Good shot placement with good bullets is far more important than blazing speed. Thats why I move so slow myself. Gotta save that speed for a rainy day or a fast woman. :-D YAH RIGHT!! :wink:

turk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2005, 01:55:57 AM »

Thanks for information... I bought some H4831. What would be a good bullet for the nef 243 to start with and OAL? I loaded some H4831 at 41 grains with the v-max 87 grs. I talked to a guy yesterday and he mentioned if my bullets on the target go vertical or string up and down ... it is probably the bullet and not the powder. I am new to this reloading shooting stuff and was wondering if this is true or is it more complicated than that. Thanks Turk1

Greysky · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2005, 03:20:36 AM »

RE-15 works well for me.

I concur with the other gentlemen who recommended avoiding the use of hot loads in a Handi. Accurate loads in any firearm are rarely the hottest anyway. And careful shot placement means meat on the table, not a wounded animal that might needlessly suffer to death later.

Fred M · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2005, 05:47:50 AM »

turk1.
The 243 Handi das a 1-10 twist (supposed) which will stabilize any .243 bullet up to 105gr. I say stabilize that does not mean the bullet will shoot with accuracy.

Unless you have a greatly oversize barrel or a twist less than 1-10". there is very little chance a bullet will keyhole.

With a 100 gr bullet you should be well off with H4841. With 39.0gr. of that powder your Handi should work without any hicups. Two grains more for 80gr bullets.

Stick with full sizing only, with the die adjusted to produce no more than .003" head space. Watch for the notorious 243 neck thickning and case stretching. This will kill accuracy for sure.