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low recoil 243 loads (child)

guys i have a recoil sensitive kid. i need to get 243 recoil in a break over youth model rifle down to that of an ar with 556. (hes very comfortable with that) for target shooting only. im hoping to use it just to get him comfortable and slowly increase charge to work up to a hunting load.

any recommendations besides trailboss?
 
I've used IMR 4198 for reduced loads in 7x57, and it worked quite well. I was using a ballistics program to estimate pressure though; I wasn't just shooting from the hip, so to speak. H4895 has been well documented as a powder for reduced loads.

Curious though, if you're just target shooting; why not keep him on the 5.56?
 
Another vote for h4895 if you can find it. I have used it for reduced loads in .270 and 30-06 in the past.

You might also try light bullets and fast powders. I have run 110 grain pills over Hodgdon benchmark in the .308. Pretty light recoil.

Also, you could make the gun heavy. A Harris bipod weighs a pound.
 
Two option here, first, choose a light bullet, for example the 70-grain bullet coupled with a recoil reducing shoulder harness. The combination should significantly reduce "felt" recoil.

If that is too much, the Speer 13th Edition contains reduced loads for their 85 and 90 grain bullets using IMR 4198 yielding approximately 1,800 to 2,000 f/s.

I hesitate to post specific load data since all my manuals are very old like me so you may want to consult the latest Speer Edition for any updates.

If you PM me, I can "quote" the loads they published in the 13th edition.
 
Lee reloading manual has a section on reduced loads. 30-06, 243 and many more.
Lee has a formula for how to Calculate reduced loads in just about any caliber.
 
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Two option here, first, choose a light bullet, for example the 70-grain bullet coupled with a recoil reducing shoulder harness. The combination should significantly reduce "felt" recoil.

If that is too much, the Speer 13th Edition contains reduced loads for their 85 and 90 grain bullets using IMR 4198 yielding approximately 1,800 to 2,000 f/s.

I hesitate to post specific load data since all my manuals are very old like me so you may want to consult the latest Speer Edition for any updates.

If you PM me, I can "quote" the loads they published in the 13th edition.
thanks. i found the info in the speer 12th. i think i seen some 4198 at a local shop. ill check it out after the holiday!
 
FYI, I ve found good loads for a couple different cartridges when I was at 70% of max listed on H4895.

Accuracy was better in my situations at 70% vs 60%…. Not much difference in recoil on either !

Good Luck
 
The 85 gr. class bullets with a medium load would be a good choice.
My grandson, has shot, 2 Large Desert Muley's at, 225 and 268 yards with, 87 grain Berger, H-VLD's and reduced charges of, IMR 4895 ( run around 2,950 - FPS ), from his, .243 Win, 22.4" , Tikka T-3 @ Sub 1/2 MOA !
This year ( he's now 14 y/o ),.. he's shooting Full Chg's of, N-160 at 3,125 FPS with, the 87 gr. Bergers.
You can't pry this Rifle / load combo, outta his Hands and, he will be using it, again,.. THIS Year !
T'is gonna be, hard to beat, last years,.. 30+ inch, heavy horned, 4 x 5, tho !
 
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My grandson, has shot, 2 Large Desert Muley's at, 225 and 268 yards with, 87 grain Berger, H-VLD's and reduced charges of, IMR 4895 ( run around 2,950 - FPS ), from his, .243 Win, 22.4" , Tikka T-3 @ Sub 1/2 MOA !
This year ( he's now 14 y/o ),.. he's shooting Full Chg's of, N-160 at 3,125 FPS with, the 87 gr. Bergers.
You can't pry this Rifle / load combo, outta his Hands and, he will be using it, again,.. THIS Year !
T'is gonna be, hard to beat, last years,.. 30+ inch, heavy horned, 4 x 5, tho !
That's good to hear. I am shooting those 87gn Bergers in my 6ARC at just under 2900 fps. I was wondering how they would do on deer at that velocity. I hope to put a few through the boiler room of some does. Congrats to your grandson on his big muley.
 
I had a break put on a ruger ultralight II .. And use the 90 grain Bergers ...Grand daughter has shot this since she was 6 years old...Has take 3 elk...bear, lion, antelope and 4-5 deer... It tamed this down to 5.56 recoil... But makes a bit more noise...The kids are wearing ear protection anyways.. Why use reduce charges when a break will let you keep the performance? JMO
 
My son started with a 55 grain loads in his 243. I sighted it in with 100 grain bullets for prior to deer season. He shot a deer with it and later mentioned he thought it may have "kicked " harder. After the 55's were shot up we went with 85 grain bullets
 
Speer has 90 gr hot cors at 2100-2270 fps with accurate 5744. 21-23 grains

100 grain btsp at 2443 fps min charge with reloder 15. Thats a fast powder for that case. 30 grain start 34 max.
 
85 gr Sierra Gameking BTHP with H-4895 (the 60 % rule as mentioned above) will work for plinking and will actually work good on whitetail as well. As long as it's within 100 yards.

I have a couple reduced loads with 75 gr V-max as well.
40 gr H-4350 (stupid accurate !)
&
23 to 25 gr H-4895
 
5 shots with 75 V-max & 40 gr H-4350...

75vmax40grH4350.jpg
============================================

5-shot groups with H-4895...

75vmaxH4895reducedloads.jpg
========================================

The H-4895 loads (2,100 - 2,300 fps) recoil like a 223 and the H-4350 load (2,974 fps) recoils just a hair more.
 
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