• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

Rmitch223

Rmitch223

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 14, 2009
209
2
38
Oklahoma City
I have a Rem. 700 SPS Varmint and have been shooting Hornady .75 gr ammo threw it since it was new, groups fairly well, but I'm not sure if there is a better load out there. I mostly stuck with the 75 gr ammmo because I was primarily hunting coyotes with this rifle, but now Im solely using this rifle as a bench-rest gun. What ammo would you guys suggest that would be the most accurate for this rifle?
It has the factory barrel which is 26" and a 1&9 1/2 twist.

I saw that Southwest ammo has some loaded 115gr DTAC rounds for a decent price. would this round be the best to go with?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Regards,

Ryan
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

Ryan that factory twist barrel most likely won't stabilize the heavy 115 bullets. They usually need a 8 or faster twist.

How far you plan on shooting?

Finding an accurate ammo in a rifle is usually trial and error. You should be fine with some 105grn and lighter bullets. The trouble with the .243 is there isn't alot of match ammo available. You ever think of reloading? Not difficult and you should have the brass from your factory ammo. It takes a little investment at first but will work out in the end and you will be able to tailor ammo to your rifle.

If you don't want to reload then try some of the Hornady SST loads. It's a very accurate bullet that can also be used to hunt. HSM also loads some of the Berger 95grn hunting VLDs.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I plan on shooting 100-500yrds.

So the max I can probably go with this barrel is 105?

I'm currently not interested in reloading.

 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

Ive noticed there are a lot more companies making custom ammo for match shooting. Does anybody know of a company making any .243 match ammo?
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I've been shooting copper creek 115DTACs and they are pretty decent. Shoots about .3". I have noticed that every so often I get a wicked flyer. Also sometimes the bolt is hard to close. But for match grade ammo it's pretty good.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I would try out some Hornady 105 A-Maxs or 105 BTHPs. I would imagine one of the custom loaders here on the Hide will load you up whatever you would like.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

Im kind of interested in peoples opinions on the 105 gr vld and the 105 amax.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

You don't need very heavy pills for that distance (100 to 500 yards). Reloading with 70 grains will do very well at those distances.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

copper creek's 105 vld load should hammer out to 1000 in your barrel, at best i was getting near 1" @ 400 yards with the 105 a-max same barrel you'r using.

I would not be against sending you a small batch of some custom hand loads for you to try, PM me if you'd like. but once you see how they shoot you may not want to go back to factory loads
grin.gif


also i reccomend keeping the copper out of your barrel, would like to chat about how your gun is shooting for you, i dont talk to many folks shooting .243 with this barrel.

how many rounds down yours? word of advice, shoot slow, let it cool... my barrel is almost toarched already 675 rounds
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWP6114</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> word of advice, shoot slow, let it cool... my barrel is almost toarched already 675 rounds </div></div>

Sage advice. I toasted my .260 with less than 1k rounds because I would bang out strings without cooldown.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWP6114</div><div class="ubbcode-body">copper creek's 105 vld load should hammer out to 1000 in your barrel, at best i was getting near 1" @ 400 yards with the 105 a-max same barrel you'r using.

I would not be against sending you a small batch of some custom hand loads for you to try, PM me if you'd like. but once you see how they shoot you may not want to go back to factory loads
grin.gif


also i reccomend keeping the copper out of your barrel, would like to chat about how your gun is shooting for you, i dont talk to many folks shooting .243 with this barrel.

how many rounds down yours? word of advice, shoot slow, let it cool... my barrel is almost toarched already 675 rounds
</div></div>

PM SENT
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

PM not received... correct and fire again.

also take a min to complete your profile so we know a little about you like where your from...
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

Just found me another factory pipe on the cheap already machined with my same chamber specs... screw off/on, yea com'on.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I can shoot the 105 vld's out of mine just fine its a 1 in 9.125 twist .5 inch groups at 100
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rmitch223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Rem. 700 SPS Varmint and have been shooting Hornady .75 gr ammo threw it since it was new, groups fairly well, but I'm not sure if there is a better load out there. I mostly stuck with the 75 gr ammmo because I was primarily hunting coyotes with this rifle, but now Im solely using this rifle as <span style="font-weight: bold">a bench-rest gun</span>. What ammo would you guys suggest that would be the most accurate for this rifle?
It has the <span style="font-weight: bold">factory barrel</span> which is 26" and a 1&9 1/2 twist.

I saw that Southwest ammo has some loaded 115gr DTAC rounds for a decent price. would this round be the best to go with?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Regards,

Ryan </div></div>

Lets us know how you do!

Also why the want to shoot the heavy pills so bad??

You should start reloading! I know you say you have no intention of reloading but that is one of the joys of it. You can shoot whatever bullet you want to. Also you don't have to worry about buying "Match ammo" because your reloaded ammo will be better as it is made just for your rifle!

Not to sure on this but I don't think many BR shooters buy their ammo!

My 9.25 barrel won't shoot the 105's!
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZGreene</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can shoot the 105 vld's out of mine just fine its a 1 in 9.125 twist .5 inch groups at 100</div></div>

how does it do at further distances like 400 or 600?
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmpowder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Also why the want to shoot the heavy pills so bad??

My 9.25 barrel won't shoot the 105's!</div></div>

heavy generaly comes with higher BC, highest BC moving the fastest generaly does the best.

how fast are you pushing the 105's in your 9.25 twist?

if you push the MV up the RPM of the projo is faster and can stabalize hevier than normal bullets for that given twist. thats why i had my factory pipe punched to AI.

DM what barrel are you shooting on the .243? I saw your semi auto shootout groups, no doubt you can shoot, lol
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWP6114</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZGreene</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can shoot the 105 vld's out of mine just fine its a 1 in 9.125 twist .5 inch groups at 100</div></div>

how does it do at further distances like 400 or 600?

</div></div>
Last week at the range i shot just over a 1 inch group at 425. Thats the farthest i can shoot there. And out in the desert i shot some milk jugs at 500 and at 750 and they were great out to there.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I agree with the reloading .. won't take long to ring up a few bucks buying premium ammo..plus you can do it better your self.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

JWP6114 loaded me up some 105amax and they shot extremely well.
Had multiple 3 shot groups at 100yrds that were less than 1/2".

I plans to shoot these loads at longer ranges in a couple weeks.

I'm definitely gonna have to start reloading now
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I have the 243 sps, and with the BC stock it shoots both the Hornady and Berger 105 great (.3-.5") @ 100)Try H1000 and Magnum primers, just the mag primers cut my groups down. Retumbo works ok too, and also better with mag primers as well in my gun.
But if your shooting to 500, why not the 70-95gr SMKs? The 70s won matches for years. I do wish Rem would opt for an 8 twist brrl though, maybe then I could push the 115 DTAC
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I also have a 243 varmint. Switched to B&C medalists and really brought my groups in. Can punch holes all day at 100yards. I was recently shooting 80gr Nosler(purple tip) with 41.8gr of Varget and 3.290"(head to ogive). I recently switched to Berger Match VLD's in 95gr with H4350. Working on a load currently, will post results when finished. The stock really helped with accuracy being free floated.
 
Re: Most accurate .243 loaded ammo?

I agree - the factory boys need to start offering 8 twist. Just sayin' .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Winchester xpr 243
Replies
0
Views
267
ConnaB99
C
H
12.5 criterion and garmin velocity dump
Replies
28
Views
461
NHR
N
Bergara HMR
6.5x55 Swedish - what's going on with same loads 2 brass types?
Replies
5
Views
341
Bergara HMR
Bergara HMR
JR1200W3
The most inherently accurate pistol cartridge? Intended picture thread.
Replies
43
Views
876
bulletbluesky
B
A
338 Lapua Ackley Improved questions and request for load data
Replies
8
Views
211
Dogtown
Dogtown
Top Bottom
Back