Load data wanted for 243 AI/105 pills

[1shot]

I have searched until my fingers are numb. I have recently acquired a 243 AI and am looking for accurate, high end load recipes. I have Lapua brass, already fire formed to this chamber. In the deal I got both the chamber reamer as well as the sizing die reamer. Given the time of year it is, I'd like to take any short cut I can, so any starting points would be a big help. Lots of data abound with light weight bullets, but I intend to shoot 105's out of a 7.75' twist@30+". Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Lloyd

 

[fredhorace77]

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=982860.msg36187939#msg36187939

 

[Nomad47]

Not much info there for the 105s. I hope you get lots of feedback on this as I am also interested. Thanks for posting, Lloyd.

 

[MrMajestic]

I run a bunch of H4831, 105 grain A-Max, Lapua FF'ed case and a CCI BR-2. 1/2 MOA or less at 200 yards with a 26" 8tw Criterion screwed on a Savage Non-Designated/Varminter(12) action in a HS Precision stock.

 

[agr516]

1.
Hodgdon Retumbo
Federal 215M primer
Berger 105 Hybrid
Lapua Brass

2.
H4831
Federal 210M primer
Berger 105 Hybrid
Lapua Brass

Both of these loads produce .25-.5 MOA from my 28" Krieger/Rem 700 SA

 

[germanlongbow]

I have great luck with RL22 and RL 25. RL 22 for fire forming and RL25 (46.1 grs - hot load) for greatest velocity. Both are capable of sub 1/4'' groups consistently. I have a standard Remington 700. Krieger 1x8 twist 30in HV contour with brake. Jewel trigger. CDI bottom with Alpha magazines. Federal 210M primers. Lapua Brass and Berger 105's ( I shoot the hunting, vld target, and hybrids the same oal 2.875 as well as accuracy). Scott

 

[1shot]

Scott,
My COAL with 105 JLK's or Berger Hybrids is 2.945". That keeps the base of the bullet even with the body, shoulder junction and a .010 jam. I'm still searching for a load that gives me 3,300 fps. w/mollied bullets and good accuracy. I've got a load over 3,400 but the ES and accuracy is no good. Nomad 47, when we gonna meet up at Malvern?
Lloyd

 

[Nomad47]

Well, Lloyd, we will be in Ohio in a week. And I'm still waiting on my Criterion 243 AI barrel to be chambered. I ordered it from Jim Briggs 13 weeks ago.

I just finished load development (well, I'm 98% finished, anyway) on my new 6SLR and IMR-7828ssc is what I settled on. Have you tried it in the AI? If and when my AI barrel arrives, I plan to test 105s with H4831sc, IMR-7828ssc, RL-22, and RL-25. I don't have any 210Ms (but I keep looking), so testing will be with 215Ms and CCI-200s.

 

[Shooter264]

I shot Retumbo out of mine for several years and it shot great. I have recently switched to Ramshot Magnum and am loving it. Start at 51 grains w Lapua brass and fed 215. 1/4 moa and fast out of a 27" Broughton (3280). Magnum is temp stable as well if that's important to you

 

[Smackdwn54]

I've had great luck with the Berger 105 hunting vld projectiles, they seem to be easier to find than the hybrids. I've been using IMR4350 41.5 gr, fed210 match primers is 3150 fps out of my remi 700 with 28" Kreiger. I seat the bullets to just touch the lands and have amazing accuracy.. At 600 yards shooting quarter size groups is not out of the question.

 

[1shot]

CPGFan, I'm certainly not calling you a liar, but how do you get enough in the case to get any kind of velocity? I shot N-160 wit the 105's in my 6SLR, and N-165 or H-1000 depending on the 115 bullet in the same cartridge. This AI behaves different than anything I've ever shot.
Nomad47 I just tried a recommend QL load with 7828SC and it was very fast, but the ES and group was terrible. I think it has potential, just tuning issues.
Lloyd

 

[Nomad47]

Lloyd, which primer did you try with the 7828? In the 6SLR, I found 215Ms to be ok, but CCI 200s to be better. I would like to see the ES be a little better but I am still firing virgin brass.

 

[Shooter264]

CPGFan, I'm certainly not calling you a liar, but how do you get enough in the case to get any kind of velocity? I shot N-160 wit the 105's in my 6SLR, and N-165 or H-1000 depending on the 115 bullet in the same cartridge. This AI behaves different than anything I've ever shot.
Nomad47 I just tried a recommend QL load with 7828SC and it was very fast, but the ES and group was terrible. I think it has potential, just tuning issues.
Lloyd

How do I get enough of what in the case to get that velocity? Are you asking about Retumbo or Ramshot magnum?? You can get 52 grains Retumbo (although it is severely compressed)in my chambering w a drop tube and 52 grains of Ramshot magnum fits easily. I switched to Ramshot magnum for that reason.

 

[1shot]

CPGFan,
My apologies, I was referring to Retumbo, but you answered my question. I use a 6" drop tube for everything, and I am also one of those subscribers to the theory of using the slowest powder you can get in the case to reach a required velocity while maintaining accuracy. I will be dedicating tomorrow to tuning this 243AI rifle up to where it is competitive.
Nomad47,
I use Wolf/Tula primers almost all the time. I had a 6.5x47L that wouldn't shoot consistently with anything but 450's.

 

[Shooter264]

No worries! If you want a slow powder give Ramshot mag a try, it's proven great in several AI's I've been around ;D

 

[IdahoCTD]

I shoot Retumbo in mine with 105 Amax's. Usually the load is 51-52grs depending on the gun (3200-3250fps). I may have to try the Magnum though. It's hard to get away from Retumbo when it shoots 1/4" in my Bartlein barrel and sub 1/2" in my rechambered factory barreled SPS Varmint.

 

[Shooter264]

Retumbo shot the same way in mine, I switched to magnum and it shot just as good but with less SD and ES. I was just tired of crunching powder that hard. Now with magnum you can shake the case and hear powder