.243 Maiden Voyage

[wv.citybilly]

Thanks all for help in getting me up and running with reloading.

.243
90gr bullet
Headspace Dim 1.625
Max Case Length 2.045
Primer Depth .004
COL 2.640

Grain Weights Tested:
41.5, 41.75, 42.0, 42.25, 40.5, 42.8, 43.1, 43.4

Best Group
43.1
3/4" MOA @ 100yds

 

[wv.citybilly]

Learning . .

.243 @ 100yds
90gr bullet
Headspace Dim 1.625
Max Case Length 2.045
COL 2.640

Testing primer seating depth
.0000 (flush)
.0003
.0005
.0008

 

[wv.citybilly]

.243
@ 100yds
Wind 3.5mph

Powder weight 42.9 gr
Bullet weight 90 gr

Base to Datum 2.034
Shoulder 1.621
Primer Depth .0005

Changed brass to Lapua
Added using mandrel to case prep (hoping to remove flyers)

 

[todde]

My little 243 hunting rifle is my favorite of my centerfire rifles.
Todd

 

[todde]

Thanks all for help in getting me up and running with reloading.

.243
90gr bullet
Headspace Dim 1.625
Max Case Length 2.045
Primer Depth .004
COL 2.640

Grain Weights Tested:
41.5, 41.75, 42.0, 42.25, 40.5, 42.8, 43.1, 43.4

Best Group
43.1
3/4" MOA @ 100yds

What powder are you testing?
Todd

 

[wv.citybilly]

What powder are you testing?
Todd

IMR 4831
Hornady ELD-X 90gr

 

[wv.citybilly]

.243
@200 yds

Testing 42.9

 

[todde]

I have started doing all my load testing at 200 also. 4831 has been a good powder for me also. I have been working with the Sierra 1540's and H1000. Right now in early testing, it looks promising.
Todd

 

[wv.citybilly]

I have started doing all my load testing at 200 also. 4831 has been a good powder for me also. I have been working with the Sierra 1540's and H1000. Right now in early testing, it looks promising.
Todd

This is all pretty new to me. Looking forward to seeing your results.

 

[wv.citybilly]

Testing and refining . .

Powder weight 42.4 gr
Bullet weight 87 gr
Base to Datum 2.036
Shoulder 1.756
Primer Depth .0005

Jam 2.365
Seating Depth 2.290

 

[todde]

I hear good things about the 87's. I have some but never have tried them. Good job.
Todd

 

[wv.citybilly]

I hear good things about the 87's. I have some but never have tried them. Good job.
Todd

Thanks.

I'm no expert on anything except for drinking coffee, but the per the Berger Stability Calculator, the 87gr should be a more stable bullet than what I was testing. Why I switched gears. I have a T3X SV twist rate of 8. My original testing was with Hornady ELD-X 90gr, no complaints, but I'll have to come back to it.

f.y.i., with the Berger VLD, the Redding Competition Seating Die uses a Seating Stem (part #55744 for .243) that better fits the bullet, where other seating dies might damage it.

Berger Twist Rate Stability Calculator

 

[todde]

Are you planning on hunting with this rifle?
Todd

 

[wv.citybilly]

Are you planning on hunting with this rifle?
Todd

I just shoot paper and steel.

 

[wv.citybilly]

Testing and refining . .

Powder weight 42.4 gr
Bullet weight 87 gr
Base to Datum 2.036
Shoulder 1.756
Primer Depth .0006
Seating Depth 2.289