105's and H4350

[Ksmirk]

Honestly I'm considering just going back with Retumbo, velocity wasn't anything to write home about BUT the barrel didn't get smoking hot after 5 rounds, accuracy was so so but didn't have problems hitting plates a 1k but that was a different rifle so who knows! I don't need crazy velocity just a load that will handle strings up to maybe 20 rounds.... dope is dope, shot a 308 for more years than I care to mention just have to be right on the range and hope you read the wind right.

I rolled some up with RL22 and will have some 4831 Thursday and more than likely a few with the retumbo to try this weekend and after that I've got to pick one to run with as I'm already in 90 rounds and have never had this problem before, I think my problem is I'm thinking to much! gotta remember the KISS method

I appreciate the advice fella's! Later,

Kirk

 

[P72]

As required by the terrible limitation of powder selection and availability in my location that occurred about 18 months ago I was compelled to modify my existing regimen of .243 ammo production. The existing shortages of my usual choice H4350 caused me to evaluate other propellants. After some negotiation, I was able to buy 4 pounds of Alliant 4000MR at a greatly discounted price. This 400MR powder was sort of an "orphan" powder and sat neglected on the store shelf for almost one year because of its recent appearance and the customary conservative powder selection policies of knowledgeable and sophisticated rifle shooters.

4000MR is classified as a "ball powder" and is made within the United States. My impression is, and this might need correction, that current OHSA regulations have discouraged or possibly prohibited production of extruded powders like H4350 inside the United States. I can speculate that ball powders, even of the double base type containing nitroglycerine are safer to manufacture than extruded powers - possibly some of the manufacturing process is performed under water, greatly improving safety. Upon measurement the cylinder shaped individual grains are .034 +- inches in diameter and .059 +- long, one end appeared to be rounded the other square or chopped off. Very dark gray or black color.

Alliant has .243 data. After some speculation and trial, I use 45.5 for 87 Vmax, 44.0 for 95 Berger VLD, and 42.5 for 105 Amax. It shoots real good out of my McGowen 1-8 #4 26 barrel. - like under .5 @ 100 and under 1.0 @ 200 with all bullets. It appears to be just as flat shooting as the H4350 loads. I use CCI primers. This is about 105's but the 87's are the bullet of choice for varmints - with a 100 yard zero I comes up 2.5 minutes to hit at 300 and can chew up my steel swinger target about the size of a 1/2 pop can (length).

My powder measure dumps very consistent charges of 4000MR without bridging or cutting - like smooth and easy - enabling me to produce several hundred .243's quickly. $18.00/pound, 7000/42 or 166 105 grain rounds per pound or 664 105 grain rounds per 4 pounds. Performance is good at 20 degrees F but needs to be tested 95 or so degrees. I plan to try 4000MR in the 6.5-06 with 120's.

Using 42 grains of H4350 in my .243 with a 105 grain would sort of be like sticking my bolt in place with super glue. It will break free but only with lots of effort.