Looking for that one 243 go to load with 95gr SMK.

Hi all,
I'm a new member but have lurked for awhile. I have a 24" barreled 700 VS (9.125 twist) in .243 that I'm looking to load for. I have a 700 LTR in .308 that launches Fed GMM 168 and 175 into .5 MOA 5 shot groups at 300y off of a rucksack and I'm looking for a comparable load for this .243. My parameters are it must use 95 grain SMKs, and it would be really nice if it used Reloder 17 as I have quite a bit left from an older aborted project. I also have a couple pounds of H4831SC. I'm using Starline's new brass, and Fed primers. Barrel life is not the number one concern for this project. If anyone has any experience with this caliber/powder/rifle combination I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks in advance from Michigan.

 

Ive been running the 95gr SMKs in Savage 1:9.25 twist for a while now. Currently using Nosler brass, Winchester primers, 40gr of 4350. I don't remember my overall length or jump off the top of my head. Out of my 22" factory barrel, I average right at 2950 fps and hold a pretty consistent .75 moa group. I think with further load development it could be better, but I haven't had the time to put into it as of yet.
I hope this helps, I'd be interested to hear how yours turns out.

 

H-4831 would be my #1 choice. It always preforms small groups and my 243's have much longer barrel life with it.

Start at 41 gr and work up to 45.5.

 

I run 95 smks in my daughters 243 savage axis. It has what they call a "heavy barrel" (.75" at muzzle) with a 1:9.25 twist.

48gr h1000
Winchester brass
CCI 200
velocity: 3080fps

Here's a target photo. These are 5 shot groups at 100 yards. The green target and left orange target are both 48gr of H1000. The right orange target was 48.2 gr of h1000.

 

If you stumble across some H100v consider giving it a try. Just use the published data on Hodgdon's site. With a Criterion barrel and 107SMKs I am very pleased with accuracy & Velocity.

 

For bullets over 85 grains it's hard to beat IMR 4350 in the 243. Been shooting the 243 since the late 60's and I've yet to find a better choice for consistent results. However my favortie 243 load is the 85 BTHP Sierra behind either IMR 4064 or Varget. This bullet shoots like a match bullet and it an excellent all around bullet for the 243 adequate for both varmints and deer.