243 AI - any recommendation for Varget loads & 75 Vmax/88g Berger's?

[CT10ring]

I have a new (to me) 243 AI, tried the previous owners load using H4831sc with poor results. I like Varget, & wondered if anyone knows of charge weights or any other info.
any info appreciated.

 

[chadjamesr]

I fire formed all of my .243AI brass with 45gr of Varget and 70gr TNT bullets with great results. This usually gave me 1/4 MOA groups.

I started to load develop my .243AI cases with 75AMAX and 44gr of Varget, working my way up to 46grs. No pressure signs and I was hitting Prairie Dogs out over 400 yards, but I never did shoot for groups so I'm not sure how tight it was shooting.

I've hear Varget can be hard on barrels though as it burns hot. I'm thinking about trying something else in the long run.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[CT10ring]

Chad, that's really helpful. I have loaded some 243 ai's with 44.5g varget/75g V-maxes, and not sure if that was in the ballpark...so, you fireformed your standard .243 cases using the Varget 44-46g load? I formed mine using 12g Unique, and Cream of Wheat. with a little foam in the case neck. Worked well, and shooting cereal out of my rifle was a first. Big groups though. ;D

 

[CT10ring]

Some info re 243 AI post earlier, tried the Varget load 44.5g/75g Vmaxes. BR-2 primer. 2X fired Fed brass, f/l resized. Fairly erratic group 1" @ 150 yds. & load seemed really hot/sticky bolt & slightly cratered primer ; so plan on to plan B, I preferred to shoot 87g Vmaxes, but not available on my last mail order, so 88 Bergers it was.

B. Berger 88g Varmint match FBHP, H4831sc 47.5g, BR-2, loaded at mag length max, 2.825" OAL. Much better, after sighter, about 3/8" group @ 150 yds. trued action rem 700 adl, 1/8 tw. Krieger 26" sporter bbl. No chrono work.

After inspection, it seemed that I should have set shoulders back in addition to f/l case sizing...

Wanted to try more loads w/ 75 g vmaxes, but out to WY & MT for pd shooting.