Powder preferences for 243 gas guns DPMS 243?

[LRPV]

The only loading for gas guns I have done has been for 223 in AR-15 rifles and have not run into issues. I know that there are specific powders one should use for Garands. I wondered if anyone has experience with the 243 in the dpms platform as to powder compatibility and loads as well. I am thinking between 75-95 grain bullets. The 95's may not work as it is listed as a 10" twist. Don't really have a specific purpose for this rifle, just something else to play with. Jason

 

[flatlander]

I"ve got a 22" Bartlein 1:7.8 in 6XC on my 1st DPMS AR10 - I know it's got less case capacity than a 243, but mine likes RS Hunter or N160 with 87-105gr. bullets. I'm pretty sure 4350 would also work well. Gas port dia. on your bbl. will likely be a determining factor, as my bbl's port was specifically sized to work with these powders.

 

[mbkmkk]

I"ve got a 22" Bartlein 1:7.8 in 6XC on my 1st DPMS AR10 - I know it's got less case capacity than a 243, but mine likes RS Hunter or N160 with 87-105gr. bullets. I'm pretty sure 4350 would also work well. Gas port dia. on your bbl. will likely be a determining factor, as my bbl's port was specifically sized to work with these powders.

Wow, who built that for you?

 

[jimbo88mm]

I can't speak from experience with an AR10 style rifle however I do reload for a Garand and I also have a bolt in 243.

In regards to the Garand, the powder issue is related to the op-rod. Too much pressure and you can bend the op-rod. Since the AR style action does not include an op-rod but rather direct gas I don't think it's going to be as sensitive to your powder choice.

That said, varget is a Garand safe powder and has given me good results.

In addition, my bolt got good results with varget and 70gr SMKs.

Lastly varget works well in AR15s with 223/556.

Hopefully someone with hands on experience can chime in but I'm willing to bet Varget would work.


Nice setup by the way. Sounds like a lot of fun. Is the barrel chromed?


I wanted to add this link just in case you haven't seen this before:

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm

I bet you could send a note to Sierra or Hornady and get their opinions on an appropriate powder. Let us know what you end up trying and good luck!

 

[Taildrag15X]

Running H4350 in a gas gun Remingtion at .30gr. higher for the same bullet (87gr. Hornady) than in a bolt gun, same results, shoots at or under 1 moa when I do my part.

 

[GerryM]

I don't think the 10 twist is a problem for the 243. That was the twist that most factory rifles used. My 243 shot 100 gr bullets just fine.
Of course i'm an old fud and used older Powders. 4895 was one of my favorites. There must be some loads right here in reloading with the newer
powders.