243 Win. load suggestions?

[Topwater]

I’m trying to settle on an accuracy load consisting of 105 AMAXs using one of three powders that I have on hand. Those are H4350, IMR 7828ssc and VV550. I also do have some IMR 4064. I thought you folks could save me a great deal of experimenting. Thanks in advance.

 

[K22]

Shot the 243 Win for over 50 years but never shot the 105 AMax's. I shot just about everything else for 100 to 70 grain in 10 and 9 1/2 twist rifles.

In general, I found that powders like IMR 4350 work really well with the heavier bullet offerings in this caliber whereas IMR 4064 worked better with the lighter bullets.

However, nothing is absoulte - for example - my Browning X bolt shoots the 85 Sierra BTHP's the tightest with H4895. I would have never thought that possible but tried it during the shortages since it was the only powder I had on hand and I was shocked by the results.

 

[AckleymanII]

My load is a hot one for the std 243, 100g Hornady btsp, 41.5g of H4350. Start at .020 off the lands with the 105g A max, start off at 39.5g of H4350, shoot three shot groups, you will hit a home run pretty quick! Work up till you see pressure. DO not be surprised if your load is right at a max load for your gun, where bug holes abound with the H4350. I was using Winchester brass, 9 1/2 primer. My load is one heck of a deer and hog killing load, but anyone reading wanting to shoot the 100g Hornady btsp, work up to my load in your rifle.

 

[0.1 Aggregate]

What twist rate does the OP’s barrel have? Hornady states that the 105 A-Max needs at least a 1:9” twist to stabilize, and will likely need near-max velocities at that. What matters is the actual twist rate, not what it says in the rifle catalog. He should measure it himself to confirm.

Tip: Use a tape “flag” sticking up perpendicular to the cleaning rod, much easier to see exactly one revolution.



.

 

[Topwater]

8 twist barrel.

 

[Jeff Porter]

I use N160 with heavy bullets in .243 but with your choices I would start with H4350.

 

[Rob01]

H4350 and the 105 is a good combo.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I ran the first 1300 rounds down my .243 barrel with H1000 and 105 Amax at 3153. Chronographed it knowing it dropped off a LITTLE speed, which it did. I had initially developed 2 loads at the beginning, the second was with IMR7828ssc which was too fast for competing, barely broke 3200 fps. I waited until the H1000 speed dropped off now I'm using the IMR7828ssc and I'm back in business with the same accuracy. Also I have room for powder and pressure to chase the node.

 

[Topwater]

What twist rate does the OP’s barrel have? Hornady states that the 105 A-Max needs at least a 1:9” twist to stabilize, and will likely need near-max velocities at that. What matters is the actual twist rate, not what it says in the rifle catalog. He should measure it himself to confirm.

Tip: Use a tape “flag” sticking up perpendicular to the cleaning rod, much easier to see exactly one revolution.



.

I feel compelled to correct myself. After some thought, I decided to ”check” the actual barrel twist. A-Ha, it is actually a 9.25“ right hand twist. Hornady’s Amax box indicates a 1 in 9 minimum. Maybe this is why 80 gr. Bullets shoot so well. Thanks for urging me to check rather than assuming the 8 twist was correct.

 

[Bill Norris]

The Nosler A B 90 gr. works really well in my Rem Model 7 Predator with 43.0 gr. of IMR-4831 sparked by Fed. 210M primer in Hornady brass @ .010 OTL. Not sure about twist rate. Have not chronoed it but it's shooting @ 1/2 MOA consistantly.

 

[Clark]

I got two antelope in one morning* with 95 gr nos bal tip in 6mmBR.
Both were bang - flop

* "FOUR TOUCHDOWNS IN ONE GAME!" - Al Bundy

 

[kenacp]

I shoot IMR4350 with the 105Amax's. But it is a .243AI

 

[std7mag]

What twist rate does the OP’s barrel have? Hornady states that the 105 A-Max needs at least a 1:9” twist to stabilize, and will likely need near-max velocities at that. What matters is the actual twist rate, not what it says in the rifle catalog. He should measure it himself to confirm.

Tip: Use a tape “flag” sticking up perpendicular to the cleaning rod, much easier to see exactly one revolution.



.

I called Hornady about using their 105 Match bullets in my wife's 243 Win with 1:10 twist.
Was told they absolutely would NOT stabilize.
Over a charge of RL26, had no issues with accuracy or keyholing out to 500 yards.
Traded the rifle before she could shoot further.

As to the OP's question, i'd try the IMR 7828.

 

[Dgd6mm]

My barrel is a 28" 1-8" twist. IMR7828ssc of 47 grains in my .243. I wish Hornaday still made the 105 Amax. I'm running them in my 6br now, I've got 2000 left, then it's time to move on.

 

[Rob01]

My barrel is a 28" 1-8" twist. IMR7828ssc of 47 grains in my .243. I wish Hornaday still made the 105 Amax. I'm running them in my 6br now, I've got 2000 left, then it's time to move on.

Try the 105 BTHP or the 108 ELD-M. I like both better than the old AMAX.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I bought 1000 105 bthp Match bullets to use. Probably will buy some more.

 

[Rob01]

They are my go to in my .243. I use the 108s in my Creedmoor.

 

[Clark]

Don't use 308 brass necked down. It may pinch the bullet giving a wide range of pressure.

 

[lb-ft]

4350, 4831, RL16, RL19, H1000, 7977, 7823, can’t go wrong with any of these in the 105 weight class.
Might check into the 103 ELD with your twist rate.
check out the 243 Cartridge Guide on our parent webpage, 6mmbr.com

4064 is my favorite in 243, because the 87 Vmax is my favorite bullet in mine for plinking 550 yards & closer.

 

[snoopy001]

Don't use 308 brass necked down. It may pinch the bullet giving a wide range of pressure.

Thats not really the case.I used standard 308 Palma necked down but turned the Neck tickness down to 0.012"since Peterson offered the .243 brass with SRP p.pocktes.
Your primers show a clear picture of such mistake
regards N_F