I'm working up a load for my 243 Win using H4831sc and the Hornady 90gr CX. Working up from 42.8gr to 46.2 in .2 increments. I noticed at about 45 gr or so when seating the bullets I could hear some crunching as the seater bottomed out. I expected the upper charge weights to be compressed but I was somewhat surprised to hear powder crunching so early in the load range. I noticed the COAL and OAL to ogive both increased slightly at the last 3 or 4 charges. My COAL goal is 2.71" but the 1st 14 or 15 rounds settled at 2.708-2.709. I think the ogive number was about 2.15 and ended up at about 2.17 at the upper charge weights. Is it unusual for a compressed charge to resist the seating depth of the uncompressed charge weight? I have seen some folks loading as much as 48gr of H4831sc in 243 win, but I don't see how. My powder at 46.2 was at the top of the neck taper.
Question about H4831sc in 243 Win.
- Thread starter Nimbus73
- Start date
Did you try pouring the powder into the funnel slowly to allow it time to settle or use a drop tube? You can also tap the case on the table lightly to settle the powder. There can be quite a difference in case fill between just dumping it in the case and allowing it to settle slowly. Keep in mind also that all copper bullets are longer than lead core of the same weight. Guestimating your case fill at 104%. I also would not use lead core bullet load data for an all copper like the CX. hope this helps. I dont have the CX in my hornady #10 manual. Perhaps someone here does and can be of more help
Sorry, I just noticed somehow I made 2 posts asking the same thing. I not sure how I did that. I have the Hornady 11th edition and the CX is not in it either. The GMX is and I used that data and that from the 90gr Nosler E-tip, and referenced my books as well. I find it funny Hornady has discontinued their GMX line and replaced it with the CX, yet hasn't updated their manual or website for load data on it. I'll be heading out in an hour or so to shoot so when I get some data, I'll report it in a few days good or bad.
When the powder column is crushed it will not only resist the COL you set for but it can also change after assembly. How much depends on your bullet tension. Try a faster burning powder that will not fill the case as much.
In my experience, 4831 is not the ideal choice for the 243 Win even with heavier bullets. I try to avoid heavily compressed powder charges whenever possible. 4831 is just too slow for this cartridge in my opinion.
I have had much better results with IMR 4350 with bullet weights over 85 grains. If fact, it is the powder recommended in the Lyman Manual. For bullets 85 grains and under, IMR 4064 or Varget have given me the best results.
I have had much better results with IMR 4350 with bullet weights over 85 grains. If fact, it is the powder recommended in the Lyman Manual. For bullets 85 grains and under, IMR 4064 or Varget have given me the best results.
Used to tap the cases to get 4831 to settle. Not sure if it helps with the sc powder.
Oh wow, and I'm slinging it through a 20" pipe.
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