.243 Win. Velocity

[TimP]

Went to the range to break in a new barrel and do some initial load testing. My starting load was 34.5gr. of IMR 4350 working up to 38.5gr. in 4/10 increments. Bullet was DTAC 115gr. I was hoping to achieve 2950 fps. My max velocity was 2725 fps with 38.1gr. five shot SD of 6.0. At 38.5gr. my velocity dropped to 2696 fps. There were no pressue signs with any of the loads. I was told that 2950 fps with a 26" barrel was achievable for the 115 gr. bullet weight but also had a few sources say 38.5gr. is a max load. I shot my best group with 37.3gr which was 5/16" center to center. My second best group was just over a 1/2" with 38.1gr. C to C. All charges were trickled to the exact weight. So I guess what I am asking is 2950 fps realistic for the cartridge and do I just keep increasing my powder charge until I start showing pressue signs and then back down accordingly. Also a little concerned about the drop in velocity with a higher charge. Had this happen lower in the ladder as well. I am trying to develop a load for 1000 yard shooting.

 

[savageboy]

Ive noticed that after about 200 rounds, the velocity of a new barrel increases, just fyi

 

[watercam]

Try a slower powder with 115s. I have had good luck w/ Reloader 22 and 25 (right about 2975 fps w/ a 27" bbl). H4831 or H1000 would work as well.

 

[TimP]

Try a slower powder with 115s. I have had good luck w/ Reloader 22 and 25 (right about 2975 fps w/ a 27" bbl). H4831 or H1000 would work as well.

Not finding a lot of data for the 115gr bullets what powder are you using to get 2975 fps and what would you recommend as a starting and max load.
Thanks for the info.

 

[CPorter]

Quickload says try Hogdon H1000 @ 46,5grain (109% case fill seated 2.710 oal), IMR 7828SC @43.4gr (97.6% fill), Reloader 22 @43.4gr (99.4%), N569 @43.5gr (98.3%), WXR @43.7gr (102.1%) for 2925 fps, unlubed. These are all near max so load up to it.

I ran 38.1 grs IMR 4350 and it gave a velocity of 2733fps out of a 26 in barrel and OAL of 2.71". For 2975fps it says you would need 42.1gr IMR 4350 at 68,000psi. With lube 42.3 gr at 67,000psi both way over max.

 

[TimP]

Thanks for taking the time to run those numbers. I am unfamiliar with Quickloads but will do a search later and down load their program.

 

[Laurie]

Thanks for taking the time to run those numbers. I am unfamiliar with Quickloads but will do a search later and down load their program.

Tim,

you have to buy this one!

How is your chamber throated - ie what COAL are you running? You'll find it difficult to obtain a full 2,950 fps with this bullet weight in a short throat.

 

[carrollshooter]

I have just gone down that road using Sierra 107's. H4831 gave me 2914 fps and slight primer flattening using 210Ms. H4350 was about 125 fps slower showing the same amout of primer flattening. So I ended up using 42.5 gr. of H4831. Not too hot and reasonably accurate.

 

[TimP]

Tim,

you have to buy this one!

How is your chamber throated - ie what COAL are you running? You'll find it difficult to obtain a full 2,950 fps with this bullet weight in a short throat.
[/quote]

It seems like no matter what I have I always need something else in this sport.

2.114 measuring from the bullet ogive puts me .010 off the lands.

 

[jscandale]

The .243 was a very good caliber for many years, but it's 1950s technology when powder wasn't what it is today. Too much powder for too small a hole. The same velocities can be achieved from cartridges using less than 40 grains of powder and getting much longer barrel life with a small primer.

JS

 

[Dgd6mm]

Tim, if you change the powder to H-1000 or RL25 you can get the speed or close to what your looking for. Myself and a few of my friends shoot this stuff all the time in straight .243 or while FF for our 6CM's. It will have to be a stout load so work up to it.

 

[tjtjwdad]

I have a 6mm Remington, very similar to a 243. I just had a 6mm barrel installed and I'm testing H-100V (Hybrid) powder. I'm getting 3160 @ 397' with 43.3 grains, R 91/2M primer, RP brass, prepped (sorted, trimmed, neck uniformed, flash hole deburred and primer pocket uniformed with 105/107 gr bullets. Distance to lands is .007 (off), sub 1/4" groups @ 200 yds thus far. I have another load that shoots just as well but it's slightly over MAX, velocity 3230 FPS. IIRC, the burn rate is in between H4350 & H4831 SC.

I've heard RL-19 works too. Tried IMR7828 ans VV N-165 but the velocity was down in comparison. Haven't tried 115 gr bullets yet

Hope this helps

 

[mw0248]

Dude, I am shooting a browning x-bolt in 243, and i am shooting my own re-loads;

I started with an 80 gr. sierra blitz king bullet in front of 41.0 gr of IMR4064
that crono'ed 3320 fps; very fast; hotter than a 22-250 by a long shot;

I can shoot heavier bullets up tp 120 gr with my 243 win.
my favorite is 100 gr. Hornady Interlock BTSP; I shoot this round at 2970 fps

try shooting an 80 -100 gr. bullet out of a 22-250;

do the math

 

[mw0248]

Dudes! Shoot IMR powder! Especially 4064! I shoot this in my '06, my 308, my 243 win.

 

[jscandale]

Got an interesting email this morning from our very own "mw0248", whoever he or she is in response to my comment yesterday:

"your message about the 243 win is absolutely wrong;
in every sense; even chuck hawks has written reviews as to why we should go to this round for our our military;

you sir, are full of shit; you have no clue about military, or other weapons, or arms of self-defense, and you have no sense about ballistics, except your own"

Man, somebody needs a hug and a bottle of bourbon!

JS

 

[dhighlan]

Wow, as I do enjoy the easy of the Win .243 myself I do agree there are more efficient cartridges available today.
Dudeman-I definitely don't see where that was applicable or appropriate by any means.

 

[xdeano]

Try some H4831sc, it's made for it.

xdeano

 

[Rtheurer]

Can some one tell me where I can get a 120gr 6mm bullet? Or 100 grain .224cal bullets?

Looks like we have a troll.....



And Ill sign my post instead of hiding behind a stupid screen name.

Russ Theurer

 

[Taildrag15X]

Can some one tell me where I can get a 120gr 6mm bullet? Or 100 grain .224cal bullets?

Looks like we have a troll.....



And Ill sign my post instead of hiding behind a stupid screen name.

Russ Theurer

I'm thinking he makes them in his hollow tree.....I've almost mastered the .224 Berger 90 VLD in a .223 Rem, now bring on the 100 gr. BTHP!!

 

[watercam]

Wow, that post from JSCandale is severe... I am a .243 shooter but have tried the 6XC for 1000 rounds or so. Good, accurate round. I, myself, could not get the velocity I wanted with it. May have been the barrel I had at the time but the .243 just floats my boat. For about 1200 rounds and then it is toast...