IMR4064 Velocities in .243 Win - 85gr SGK

[copperking81]

For anyone shooting 85gr SGK's with IMR4064 out of your .243 Wins, what kind of velocities are you getting and with that load? I was expecting to get just a bit over 3100 fps with 37grs of powder but I'm barely clearing 3k... averaging 3,010 fps.

Also interested in hearing any alternate powder recommendations, particularly if anyone feels strongly for one powder over IMR4064 in 243 Win. Thanks.

 

[Coonman300]

I shot some 2 weeks ago with 4064 and H414. One load averaged 3152 and the other 3263. I was playing with a new app and screwed up the labels so not positive which one was what...lol. I was shooting the Sierra 85 BTHP. Shot today without a chronograph with 4064 and H414. Best load was 44 grains of H414. My 4064 loads were 40 grains but not as accurate. I had no pressure signs with either load.

edit...the 4064 was IMR

 

[randyc]

I shoot 39 grains of 4064 in my 243 with no problems and chrony shows an average of 3215 with the Sierra 85 BTHP. This has been a great load in the last three 243's I have had.

 

[stacy]

I shot some 2 weeks ago with 4064 and H414. One load averaged 3152 and the other 3263. I was playing with a new app and screwed up the labels so not positive which one was what...lol. I was shooting the Sierra 85 BTHP. Shot today without a chronograph with 4064 and H414. Best load was 44 grains of H414. My 4064 loads were 40 grains but not as accurate. I had no pressure signs with either load.

edit...the 4064 was IMR

NAILED IT H-414 AND NEVER LOOK BACK SAME BULLET 85GR BTHP SIERRA WITH 414 IS MY COMBO FOR 7 243’S OUT OF MY SHOP

 

[WyleWD]

4064, WW760, H414, 4350, R17, N550...…. and many more. The only powder that I didn't like in the 243 was Varget. For the 85gr HPBT in hunting situations I like 760 (H414). I always got acceptable accuracy and speed with that combination with a Rem 91/2 Primer and Winchester or Norma brass. JME. WD

 

[JohnD]

38 gr. of IMR-4064 with an 85 gr. Sierra was "the" load back in the 70's
for the .243. Great accuracy and very consistent among the numerous people that loaded that combo. It was the favorite of my Dad's for groundhog. Sorry, I do not know the velocity.

John.

 

[copperking81]

Thanks guys. So it sounds like my 37gr load in the low 3k range is in the right ball park. I'll inch up a bit and see if the velocity increases. I've read other threads that spoke highly of H4035 so may give that a try and the H414.

 

[K22]

First - the 85 Sierra BTHP is the most accurate and effective all purpose hunting bullet I've ever used in the 243 and I've been shooting this caliber since the late 60's and currently have 4, 243's in service.

Second - IMR 4064 is one of the best powder's accuracy wise I've used in the 243 with the 85BHP. I've gotten similar results with Varget. In the 50th edition of the Sierra Manual this powder was listed in their "accuracy load - i.e 37.3 grain."

In 24", 10 inch twist barrel I was getting about 3,050 to 3,100 f/s with 37.5 grains of IMR 4064 but it's been many years since I chronograph any loads. But I found that the 37 - 38 grain range gave the most consistent and tightest groups, in the range of 1/2 moa.

Another excellent powder I've used for this bullet is IMR 4350.

For my purposes, I like to strike a balance between accuracy and velocity but lean towards accuracy. I've often found that pushing loads to the max do not produce the best accuracy which is a key issue if you're hunting varmints / predators.

 

[Hntndad]

Copperking81 - sent you a pm. You live nearby.

 

[fingers]

In the most recent Sierra manual the publishers left out the page that would have given the updated info on this bullet. Their tec department will email this page as it would have appeared if you give them a call 800-223-8799. They have included RL 16 in this info which I have been using lately & it is preforming very well. I have used IMR 4350 for about 15 years and it has always done a superb job although according to their older manual I was running very hot. The load I used was 43.5 grs & it has been a regular load for some of my friends for 40 plus years. I was amazed that is 1 of their recommended loads now. One other point I would add is do not be afraid to give the 85gr HPBT bullet #1530 lots of jump. I have found it often but not in every gun does best around .080 jump. this has been the case in 5 of the 6 .243s I load for.