.243 win 95gr smk powder options

[Southwind]

I already load .243 for a savage 26” and I can get the 105’s to work good with imr 4451. I just got a ruger American predator in .243, and am wanting some advice. Due to the shorter 22” barrel, I am planning to run the 95gr smk to keep up velocity. With the 22” barrel in mind, would it be better to use 4451 or a slightly faster burning powder like 4064/varget as I have plenty of both?

Thx

 

[Kevins750]

I would think your groups would dictate which powder to use. I would try working up some with 4064 and 4451 see how they shoot.
If the accuracy is there and then if you have a chrono you can check for the speed.

I have a 26" shillen with 105-108gr bullets I use the 4350's but have used varget, 4320 and 4895 on the 58-95gr bullets.

 

[Southwind]

Thx for reply, I have used 4064 with 87/95gr bullets out of my 26” barrel, and while it gave good groups with low SD’s, it was rather slow.

I just didn’t know with a 4” shorter barrel, if a faster burning powder than 4451 would be better.

 

[Friday]

I use N550 and H4350 on my 95tmks better accuracy with N550

 

[RegionRat]

Sometimes, but not always... the primer combination will make up for the bbl-length-burn speed issues. You will just have to try a few.

 

[MnHunter]

The powder providing the most FPS in the 26" will also provide the most FPS in the 22"