243 AI searching for accuracy

[DLCrocket]

I have a 243 AI with a 1 in 7 match barrel from Criterion. Without going into all the details of how I uniform the brass etc., I've been trying to dial in Hornady 108 ELDs using H4350. Ive exhausted just about every combination of powder charge and seating depth possible. I had some loads with pretty type groups at 100 yrds but high SD and ES. The loads that had low SD and ES (not many) had bigger groups. When I tried the load with the best group and ES/SD at 200 yrds the groups fell into a 2" x 2" square. I want to get to a 500 yrd range so I want tighter groups at 200. Bottom line, trying to decide whether to try different bullets or different powder. With a pound going for $60 I'm running out of fun money so can't afford too many more combinations. Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[6MMsteve]

N555 and berger 108's or SMK 110's try that route just a suggestion

 

[koger]

I have seen a 6mmAI and 243 AI that would not group consistently, with BT bullets. When we went to flat base bullets, they shot tiny little bugholes. Just my experience.

 

[stork]

Re23 and 4831sc have worked very well with 112 Barnes and Lapua brass in my 7.5 26" Criterion's. Inside 7/8" at 500 yds. Just shot a few rds a week ago to check zeros at a variety of range gongs. No 5 shot groups, just a couple rds per distance.

 

[kyotekiller25]

I've often found a lot of times that low es/sd doesn't always translate into smaller groups or even the best shooting loads. I believe what the target tells me.

If I had a load that shot better downrange with a higher es/sd than a load with a lower es/sd, I would always go with the one that shot better despite what numbers the crono says.

A lot of my loads have an ES of 30-75fps and whatever SDs that translates to on any given day in a variety of my rifles. They still always seem to shoot an easy 1/2 MOA out to 500, and usually hold 3/4 MOA out to 1K for 3-5 shot groups.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

Forget about looking at ES and do a proper load workup, I shoot with allot of 243AIs and Im yet to see one not shoot. H4350 is a good powder for 243AI and 108 ELDS are decent if your rifle is put together properly it shouldn't be hard to find a load.

Whats the load your trying now?