Load Density Question 243 Win

[Belton45]

Quick question on load density. Did some reading on good powder choice for 243 WIN and found lots of people using 4064. I picked up some and get home and open my Berger reload manual and it has a load density of around 84%. Should I rethink the 4064 and move to something closer to 95-100%? Consider this just a general load question.

 

[hunter243sgk]

It will work great! I use it for a lot of my 243-243ai loads with the 80-87g bullets. It has been very accurate for me

 

[SheepDog]

Load density is a guideline that is often used but seldom understood. It is also nearly irrelevant to accuracy. The burning speed of the powder in your rifle and case can be enough different from another that you may or may not get accuracy with the same load. You have to try it to know for sure. It might be as simple as raising or lowering the powder charge a bit or you might need a different powder.
There are charges of certain powders that tend to work well in most chambers but that is no guarantee that it will work in yours.

 

[Zero333]

Load it, shoot it, then you'll know.

Generally we go with a powder with a higher case fill to maximize the velocity potential.

For heavy 243 bullets I like H-4831, RL-25 RL-26.

 

[hunter243sgk]

Load it, shoot it, then you'll know.

Generally we go with a powder with a higher case fill to maximize the velocity potential.

For heavy 243 bullets I like H-4831, RL-25 RL-26.

Good point as barrels and chambers are different.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Load density can serve as a guide, but don't get to focused on it. IMR 4064 has given me great results for 243 Win using the Sierra 100 gr Pro Hunter and 85 gr SGK. However, for the 95 gr SMK, H4350 gets me better results. Go figure.

Like SheepDog said, load density is nearly irrelevant to accuracy.

 

[K22]

IMR 4064 is an excellent choice for the 243 especially with 85 to 70 grain bullets. In fact it was the accuracy powder listed in the Sierra 50 edition Reloading manual for 80-85 grain bullets.

For 90 to 100 grain bullets I've better group with IMR 4350 but IMR 4064 works fine also.

 

[uncle-buck]

IMR 4064 is an excellent choice for the 243 especially with 85 to 70 grain bullets. In fact it was the accuracy powder listed in the Sierra 50 edition Reloading manual for 80-85 grain bullets.

For 90 to 100 grain bullets I've better group with IMR 4350 but IMR 4064 works fine also.

This...

 

[basshusker]

Go to Alliant and look at what you can do with reloder 26.

 

[mikegaiz]

What is so important about load density??? The powder either works in your barrel or not. Maybe it is the bullet? Or the seating depth? I have been very lucky at shooting 1000 yds with IBS, setting records and have never even thought about load density. If I can shoot 1 inch groups at 300 yds, that load works for me.

 

[ireload2]

Load density counts for a lot if the powder charge you need will not fit in the case.
Use a higher density powder with a slower burning rate and you may get a higher velocity because you can get more of it in the case.
If the powder you pick happens to be position sensitive and does not fill the case you may get ignition variations. Those loads you tried that didn't work may have had some loading density issue that showed up as accuracy problems.

What is so important about load density??? The powder either works in your barrel or not. Maybe it is the bullet? Or the seating depth? I have been very lucky at shooting 1000 yds with IBS, setting records and have never even thought about load density. If I can shoot 1 inch groups at 300 yds, that load works for me.

 

[mikegaiz]

Just my opinion, Applying some common sense (like you would not try bulls eye in a 300 WSM) any loading manual will get you a close powder that will will your case enough for a good level of accuracy. The burn rate, barrel length, bullet weight, seating depth is more important than getting full case capacity.

 

[K22]

On low density - I've gotten some very excellent groups with H4895 and 85 grain Sierra BTHP's in one of my 243's and the load density is on the light side approx. 70%.

 

[Zero333]

Last weekend I thought I would try a few EXTREMELY reduced loads in one of my 243win's.

I used the Hodgdon H-4895 60% rule with 75gr v-max

3 different charge weights, 23 gr, 23.5 gr & 24 gr. Being roughly 50% load density.

Although this rifle shoots on average between 0.3moa and 0.4moa with it's preferred munchies, this might represent a good argument that load density might not matter as much as some think when it comes to good accuracy.

Keep in mind these loads were just thrown together for fun and are right around Hodgdon's 60% of max charge weight Rule for reduced H-4895 loads.



Forgot to wire on the target that I used New Virgin Winchester Brass.

And this was shot at 109 yards.

 

[wyoming .260]

I load a variety of different bullets in my .243. 95 gr bergers with the old WMR winchester powder are 100% full, a 55 gr Nosler with IMR8208XBR not so full and a reduced load with 12.5 grs. of unique and a 55 gr Nosler.
Most accurate in my gun, the Unique load...............

 

[basshusker]

H4895 is a unique animal for reduced loads. Hodgdon has a white paper on it.

Reduced loads with other powders can result in detonation!

Contact Hodgdon with your questions.

 

[james ryan]

It will work great! I use it for a lot of my 243-243ai loads with the 80-87g bullets. It has been very accurate for me

has anybody tried that new ELD-X bullet yet?

 

[hunter243sgk]

has anybody tried that new ELD-X bullet yet?

Nope i havent.