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

[El Spaniard]

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.

 

[Wrenchn]

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.

 

[Zero333]

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.

 

[jimbo88mm]

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.

 

[Iowa Fox]

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.

 

[K22]

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.

 

[JaoeyP]

Can't help with RL-17 but the best load I've worked up for my Howa (10" twist) is 41.0 gr of H414. Pretty consistently shoots .4-.6 MOA at 100; I've done VERY limited testing at 350 yards and it has held up. Shoots the 95gr SMK beautifully with this load.

 

[GSPV]

H414, RL-17 or H4350.

 

[El Spaniard]

H414, RL-17 or H4350.

Hi Greg and thanks for commenting. Can you give me any more specifics on R17 loads?

 

[fyrewall]

Some time ago during the terrible component shortage in my local area, I tried Alliant 4000 MR in my (2) .243's. Loads for 4000 MR are in the Hornady manual. 4000MR sells for $20-$23 per pound and appears burn like Re 19. I use 45.5 gr. for 87 VMax, 44 gr. for 95 Sierra MK or Berger VLD and 42.5 gr. for 105's. 4000MR is a funny looking ball powder, short rods having one rounded end and the other cut off square, it is double base and "MADE WITH PRIDE IN THE USA" on the container. I have used 4000MR at under 20 degrees to over 95 degrees with no problems. Velocity variations are reasonable but if extreme accuracy at long range was required I would use H4350 but that is not available here now. As shown, H1000 works real good with 105's but does not meter as well a consideration when assembling lots of ammo.

 

[GSPV]

Hi Greg and thanks for commenting. Can you give me any more specifics on R17 loads?

I treat R17 like H4350, but back off a bit and work up. That’s the general. For the specific, with a 90 gr SMK, I’d look for it to top out around 41-42 grains. So, start well off that and work up in 0.3 gr increments. Look for a place that increasing powder charge yields a lower POI. Park in the middle of that node.

With any normal-profile bullet, I start 15 thou off the lands and work toward them. With a VLD-ish profile, I don’t even try jumping. I start 10 thou jammed and play in and out. I’m just not very good with tuning the VLD designs.

No matter what you do, take extreme care to not get in an over-pressure situation.

 

[boltgunluvr]

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...........

Not that particular powder, but maybe this will assist.....out of a factory Rem 700 SPS Varmint pipe which is 1 in 9.125, 95 SMK with 40.5 gr H4350, Win brass and primer, mag length seating depth which is COAL 2.8 (giving approx .065 jump). I've tried slower powders and was NEVER satisfied. IMR 4350 works well too.

 

[Patton243]

47.5 Grains of H1000 works well in my 243 for the Sierra 95 grain tipped match kings. Using Lapua brass and WLR primer