243AI load development now or wait

[EastCOYotes]

So I’m about to receive my new 243 AI barrel and my question is... should I just start load development right away since I have 285 pieces of 243 AI brass? Or should I instead spend some time shooting some factory 243 ammo to FF more brass and break the barrel in a little? After initial break in and load development the rate of rounds through this rifle should go down since it will
mostly be for hunting

 

[Supersubes]

If your present brass is good, use it. The barrel will change a bit early on, but you’ll still be able to find out what it likes with regard to bullets and powder.

 

[EastCOYotes]

If your present brass is good, use it. The barrel will change a bit early on, but you’ll still be able to find out what it likes with regard to bullets and powder.

I bought all the brass off a member on here and it’s all 2-3 times shot but looks in really shape. I’m wanting to just try what you mentioned

 

[MakeSawdust]

Not sure what you're going to run in it. All my .243AI have been for 105-115 on top of H-1000. I usually start with load development right away, but refine it at around the 150 round mark. If I was I a hurry and didn't want to test the hell out of things then I would practice barricade shooting with a light load for 150 RDS and do a quick load development. I have found with some barrels I get lucky and get great groups right away and others require a little more experimenting with the load.

 

[Batemanb12]

I would agree with makesawdust. Start your load development with a few good starting loads such as the H1000 or 4831sc under some of the vld’s in the 107-110 range. You should hit a good node around the 3200 FPS range. What chamber did you get the .455 or .460?

 

[Long Range 338]

Tagging in here, I love the 243AI. I've been shooting 105 RDFs at a fairly 3100 fps. I'm hoping it helps the throat last a little longer, and its right at max velocity if I want to hit a match with it.

 

[EastCOYotes]

I have Berger 105gr hunting VLDs and I have H4350 and Varget powder sitting around that I was thinking of starting with. But maybe I’ll try to get some H1000 as mentioned and give that a try. As for the chamber being .455 vs .460 I am not sure. If The Barrel will cooperate and produce something fairly right away I won’t hesitate to take it out coyote or deer hunting.

 

[EastCOYotes]

Tagging in here, I love the 243AI. I've been shooting 105 RDFs at a fairly 3100 fps. I'm hoping it helps the throat last a little longer, and its right at max velocity if I want to hit a match with it.

I was considering loading to around 3100-3150 FPS in case I did ever want to shoot this in a match. What powder are you running?

 

[Long Range 338]

I'm running R16

 

[6brshooter]

Find a good fireform load, something like 42-43 gr of h4350 with a 105-110. I bet your fireform load will shoot in the .3s if you have a good barrel and skill. I use h4831sc in my 243ai loads, 46.8 and 47gr respectively, with 112 barnes and 107smk. I get 3100 with the 112 and 3250 with 107