Taking .243W for a long ride

[Luke_NL]

Gents,

Whereas I am usually limited to some 330 yards as the longest range that is relatively nearby, I've got a trip coming up to a range in France where I can shoot to 1500 yards.

Thing is, I own and shoot a .243W and am uncertain as to the distances to which it will perform. My load will be a 90 grain Lapua scenar, riding on somewhere in the vicinity of 41,5 grains of VV N160, all set in a Lapua case. Listed coefficient of the bullet is .434 (G1) / .216 (G7). Can't shoot anything (much) heavier as I have 1:9,25 twist barrel. (Mod'ed remmy.)

Knowing I'd need more punch to get out to 1500, am I too enthousiastic in hoping for decent performance at 1100 yards (1000m)? The rifle is tricked to a T, my glass is topnotch and I'm not entirely "all thumbs" when it comes to shooting. Yet I don't want to go in all enthused about taking on distances the load won't cover. If someone whose tried this could chime in, or if one could run the ballistics on one of those fance 'puters' I would be much obliged.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I can't relate to 1500 yards and I am running 115g vld's with a 1-8 twist at 2995 fps and they have performed well at long distance shooting for me...I have tried 95g vld's (Berger) in a 9 twist barrel and shot well..

 

[model 12 toby]

1500 will prob be a stretch. Its the wind as long as Ur bullet is stable and shoots good groups. Its the wind I tell ya. Look at the charts and if the wind changes 3 or 4 mph at that distance there goes your group. 1100 is more doable.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I haven't conquered the wind yet and I don't know if anybody has! I try to do my load development on nice days...I have found that mornings seem to be that calm before the storm for me!

 

[watercam]

When in doubt, go to the JBM Ballistics site and punch in your numbers. It will tell you when your round is going to go transonic and that is just past your limit. I have an acquaintance who shoots Sierra 95s at 1000 yds. and he is on the edge there. Perhaps your Scenars will be better.

 

[CPorter]

You will need about 87 minutes up from your 100 yard zero and you will go subsonic about 950 yards. That is all based on my 243 load using 80 NBT bullets at 3200 fps.

 

[model 12 toby]

I figured it'd be marginal. U got a spotter? I'd still try it. What's Ur elevation and temp? Barometric pressure?

 

[Luke_NL]

Thanks, that JBM site is a find. I've played around with it, and looking at the numbers it comes down to whether the manufacturers BC holds up. At a modest 2900 fps (and I could probably up that some), the bullets are barely ahead of ultrasonic at 1100 yards.

Rng inch dwn MOA W MOA f/ps mach ft/lbs time
1000 -343.0 -32.8 98.3 9.4 1264.5 1.110 319.5 1.59 0.0 0.0
1100 -454.6 -39.5 123.5 10.7 1172.7 1.029 274.8 1.840 0.0 0.0

CPorter, 87 MOA seems steep compared to the 39,5 JBM spells out. I might be doing something wrong, or our atmospherics may differ. Any thoughts if the above looks legit? I'll be a bit above sealevel, though not extremely and the weather should be pretty hot. Either way I've set up for a 100 yard zero on a 20moa rail, and the scope is bottomed out there so the only way is up for the POA.

My major concern is wind, but then again it's what I want and need to learn. If I had to state goals beyond just having a great time with fellow shooters, it would be improving wind reading and adjusting to changing wind and other factors. Maybe I should say "creating" a wind reading skill set, as I've shot in pretty sheltered locations and benign conditions for the most. Two more weeks, can't wait to head out.

 

[Luke_NL]

Yes, we'll be shooting in pairs, spotting for eachother. Roughly 600 ft above sealevel, the farthest target line is probably somewhat below that which might help. Definitely taking aim at 1100, the 1000m being a bit of a grail here since the only range in the country where civilians like me could shoot those ranges closed to the public. Then again, if I'm better off sticking to 800 I'm not losing sleep. It's an opportunity to learn things I can't practice here, so mostly the experience counts.

 

[model 12 toby]

Gun spotter and kestrel r three key thing. Rangefinder of course. Last three outings I've shot 512 950 and 938. I will tell u this. First time u sit up there study wind for 5 minutes dial scope and hit target first time at 800 or 900 Tards on first shot ull be addicted for life. ;D

 

[Dgd6mm]

You will need about 87 minutes up from your 100 yard zero and you will go subsonic about 950 yards. That is all based on my 243 load using 80 NBT bullets at 3200 fps.

87 is way to many. Luke, what kind of fps is your load getting? I know what QL give, just curious.

 

[Raythemanroe]

My load zeroed a inch high at 100y is -25 minutes at 1000y! 115g VlD at roughly 2995 fps (Chrono was done at different elevation than 1000y shooting).

 

[gmorganal]

My 6x284 has a 10-twist Hart barrel, and it stabilizes the 105 grain A-Max. That bullet might give you a leg up being 15 grains heavier and a higher BC.

 

[Raythemanroe]

My guess is you could stabilize the 105g Amax with a good push. How long is your barrel?

 

[langenc]

Good luck.
Im glad it is shooting and not hunting at that range. I guess seeing a der sized target at that range will take some doing and killing??

What will velocity be at that range?? Bullet expansion?? (if any).

 

[Raythemanroe]

To serious, Just go get some real word data!

 

[CPorter]

Using the scencar at 2900 fps at 700 ft elev, 95 degs, 70% rh still comes out to 40 minutes at 1100 yards. 87 minutes was 1500 yards , sorry.

You also go subsonic about 950-1000 yards

 

[Luke_NL]

Gents, thanks for the replies.

40 MOA-ish seems right. I'm pushing the pills from a 26" barrel, and the 2900 FPS is an approximation of some differing chrono reads. That's a whole other story though, and I resolved the ES-issues by investing in quality brass (which I should have done a long time ago). I'm still divided on best powder load - seating depth combo, so I will just try different loads to see what really works at a distance rather than trying to tell the difference from short range targets. (2850 fps is the lower end, touching 2990 at the higher end).

The "real world data" should prove the calc's right or wrong. Trust me, I'm very eager to obtain the real-world data. Rather than taking it to seriously, I am having some pre-range fun with approximating the tables, making a preliminary range chart and such. Thing is, I don't want to get in there with unrealistic expectations. Not meeting those could dampen what should be good fun, and I intend on making the most of the opportunity.

 

[Luke_NL]

Also, no - this is strictly target exercise. Whereas I have no objection to hunting provided you eat what you shoot (save pest control) I would consider long range shots "best avoided" in a hunting scenario unless strictly necessary (and that does not include the need to inflate ego) and even when necessary, to be reserved for those with evidence based confidence in their ability to take and make a clean shot at the distance.

That's off-topic though (but something I feel strongly about).

 

[Raythemanroe]

Good luck, always always have fun