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H380 For 243 Win??

jds holler

Gold $$ Contributor
Just wondering if anybody has been using H380 for their 243. I've got a bunch of this old powder in my rack, and never have tried it for this cartridge -- or any cartridge.

I put a batch of mid-range loads together with Winchester bulk bullets last night for a simple test load, but haven't tried them yet. I've got a good quantity of Hornady 87 gr. flat based spitzers that I'd like to power with this stuff if I get any good results from a ladder test.

This is very old powder, so I've been looking at my old books. Except for one (older Hodgdon) they are all pretty close on the weights. And of course I've got the data listed on this can.

One question I've got concerns magnum primers with this powder. Speer books call for them, but none of the others I've got. Is this powder a hard igniter?? I'm getting about 80% case fill. jd

 
Nosler's 5th edition manual list it as the most accurate powder for the 80 BT. I've never used in a 243 but in the 22 250. I was accurate for sure but I experienced pressure surges and POI changes in the heat of the summer hunting ghogs. I currently use stick powders exclusively for all my reloading.
 
When i was using my factory 243 it was my powder for the 58g v-max and 55g nbt. Very good accuracy with both but better with the 58g.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'd just like to use this powder up on something. This rifles best accuracy is waaaay behind it, and it is pretty much a light weight deer rifle -- or spare for whatever.

I think I'll go to the trouble of finding the best load for the bullets I've got, and loading them all with the 380. I've got no great expectations, and my happy point will be anything around 1.5 MOA. :rolleyes: jd
 
Was browsing and was interested in the .243 Win, H380 powder, and 87gr venture.....
With powder supply what it is today, I picked me up some W231 and H380.
Care to commit any on the H380??
 
Yeah, I did a lot of load work with a Savage 243 and H380, using 68gr Barnes Match Burners and 95gr Sierra Matchking BTHP. I used Rem 9-1/2M primers. The combo shot pretty well. It seemed to shoot better with a cleaner bore than not. I switched to H4350 and immediately saw an improvement in groups in my rifle. I am now working with IMR4064 to see what it will do.

But if all I had was H380, I'd load it and go.
 
I have two cans of H380, but in my opinion there are better powders available for the 243. H380 can be temp sensitive and is dirty in the barrel. I would look to powders that are not sensitive to temperatures. Just my opinion.
 
Yeah, I did a lot of load work with a Savage 243 and H380, using 68gr Barnes Match Burners and 95gr Sierra Matchking BTHP. I used Rem 9-1/2M primers. The combo shot pretty well. It seemed to shoot better with a cleaner bore than not. I switched to H4350 and immediately saw an improvement in groups in my rifle. I am now working with IMR4064 to see what it will do.

But if all I had was H380, I'd load it and go.
Thank you.
 

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