.243 and 65 gr. v-max loads?

[pacificman]

What is your favorite .243 win loads with 65 gr. v-max? I'm thinking of trying varget to start
then maybe H4350. What do you guys recommend with that bullet?

 

[Plumsask]

I cannot comment on the 65, but the 75 shot well with IMR4064, and H4350, all around 3300-3350 FPS which is quite mild.

 

[K22]

Both the powders you list will work but I prefer the faster powders with bullets lighter than 80 grain in the 243.

One that I've had a lot of success with is H4895. Also IMR 4064 is a good choice which is similar to Varget.

 

[tomswede]

Just been trying some Sierra 70gr Matchkings with R15, results have been good.

 

[SSL]

I know that this may well be considered heresy, but I have never had real good luck with Varget in any cartridge. Probably just me.
If you aren't really stuck on 65-grain bullets, I would suggest 75-grain or 87-grain VMAX, and I would have to add Nosler 80-grain BTSP, due to their superior long-range characteristics. My best powders for these to date are AA2700, H4350 and IMR4064 in order of accuracy in my .243. AA2700 and H4350 are so close in accuracy that it doesn't really matter, though 2700 has a very slight edge.
Just my two cents. Good luck and stay safe.

 

[4xforfun]

I built a 12 twist dasher and shoot the 65 V-Max. Love them.

I know it is not an apples to apples deal, but hey, they're both fruit at least!!

I usually use RL 15 or Varget, but i switched to H 355. If you usually shoot one of the 4350's in your 243, then Varget or something similar should work great.

Tod

 

[urbanrifleman]

I would really try n160. Start at 48.5 and work up to 51.5

 

[pacificman]

I appreciate all the info guys...It always helps to get idea's as it may eliminate steps in finding a good
load in a new rifle to start out with. I plan on whacking a few coyotes with whatever I come up with.
I may try some heavier bullets but was thinking of a bit of speed too...hence the 65 grainers.

 

[SSL]

Hey, everyone likes speed! And experimenting is always fun, but depending on your planned distances, if you run the numbers you will soon see that even light, fast bullets lose both velocity and trajectory advantages relatively quickly when compared to heavier, though slower, bullets with higher B.C. values. Those light, fast bullets probably won't be hide-friendly at the closer ranges either (I never go lighter than 75-grains in .243 so only guessing here).
Not trying to talk you out of the 65-grainers, just suggesting options. Try the 65-grain VMAX bullets if you wish. Seeing what they can do might just be fun.
Let us know what direction you choose with your results, and just enjoy!

 

[urbanrifleman]

Not everyone takes hides.

 

[SSL]

Not everyone takes hides.

Again; just suggesting options.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Again; just suggesting options.

Some of us like the SPLODY.

 

[pacificman]

I will probably start with the 65 grainers and then I do have 75 and 87 grain v-maxes along with some berger
bullets to try. I do intend to have some fun checking some different bullets ....I'm not too concerned with the coyote
hides ...If when hit and not torn up too bad I skin them...if blown in half or worse I'll leave em lay.... SSL I hear
what yer saying and may try and have two or three different weight bullet loads for for my rifle...most shots I get at
coyotes have been within 300 yards but it would be nice to have some heavy bullets for the long stuff too.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Do yourself a favor and try the 70 tnt and varmeggeddon. Both are really great. The TNT is very impressive.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I bought 500 of the Barts Avengers. The Barts shoot a teeny tinny better than the TNT. But it is shocking how close they are considering the TNT is sold in bulk packs.

 

[bloc]

I shoot a Savage LRP. Greg Tannel installed a bushing in the firing pin hole and worked his magic on the pin.

I’ve found several powders that shoot the 65 gr VMax very accurately: Varget, IMR 4320, H 4895, AA 4064 and Superformance. All easily sub-MOA (5 shot groups).

I’m sure other powders will work as well, maybe better, but I haven’ tried thm out yet. The bullet just seems to fly right when shot from my rifle.

 

[n zeder]

bought my 10 yr old son a t3x tikka in .243,loaded for rabbit shooting here in new zealand. with 65gr vmax i am using 8208 @40.6gr.very accurate/explosive.
3450fps

 

[pacificman]

Thought you guys might want to hear where I'm at....I ended up with 41.4 grains of Varget with the 65 v-max and four 5 shot
groups with the largest at .491 at 100 yards. This is without checking seating depth changes...all at 10 thou jump. I am happy
so far. I haven't even checked my speed yet...going to do that soon then going to try some 87 gr. v-max...being that I have some
sitting around. I need to also check at the longer ranges...300 yards and further. I appreciate all your thoughts and experiences.

 

[bloc]

I'd bet you're pushing 3550 - 3600 fps.

 

[AckleymanII]

AA2700 is a very COOL burning powder and will add to your barrel life, burning rate towards 4350. AA2700 works very well for bullets from 55g-87g with tiny groups in the 243's and 6mm Rems that we had with zero freebore. I had a Parker Hale in 6mm Rem with zero freebore that shot the 60g Sierra's in the low 2's with this powder at 4000 fps, and a Ruger tang safety in 243 with zero freebore that shot the 60's at 3875 in the 2's also. Parker Hale and Ruger tang safety actions are not supposed to shoot groups in the 2's, but these sure did in spades, both Hart 12T. As the leade got some length, we went to the 80g Sierra Blitz BT, 3500 in the 6 Rem and 3400 in the 243 with IMR 4064 and fed 210's. Both had 26" #7 contours on them.

IN some 243's with AA2700, the accuracy node with the 65g V max and 65g benchrest bullet is in the area of 3750. Bruno 65g BT will sure put a smile on your face, accuracy with extreme velocity. Some barrels prefer a BIB bullet of this light weight due to the dia in the pressure ring.

Bruno and BIB's work well with coyotes and crows.