Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 243 and imr 7828

i have been over lots of load info on lots of forums. i haven't seen a load yet using imr7828. i am using this powder in my 7mm so have it on hand. the nosler fifth addition lists 3 loads for the 243 with this powder. shows great load density.... so i loaded up some test rounds from 43gr-45gr in 1/2 gr incriments with 95gr sierra hpbt. has anyone tried this powder with the 243?

I just did recently, for the same reasons as you. That's what I had.
I was using 95gr NBT and Rem 9 1/2 primers. Hornady Brass. COAL 2.925" out of a 22" tube.
Per Book max is 45.5, but I had shot some loads before and velocities were nowhere near and no pressure even at 46gr.
Based on my specs a friend run QuickLoad and max with MY COAL and components was almost 50gr of IMR7828.
I loaded some more up and velocities were the following on a ladder test.

44.5 - 2694, 2787
45 - 2798, 2893
45.5 - 2880, 2903
46 - 2887
46.5 - 2943 (previous time had gotten 2922)
47 - 2990, 2977
47.5 - 3119 - Not sure about this one, maybe cartrdrige and powder got hot in chamber??
48 - 3054

When shooting for groups (OCW) 46 and 48 had the most potential.
Some of these are only 1 shot because I was planning on shooting a ladder test, but conditions sucked so I aborted.
I had some remaining bullets with less charge and 43gr had 2 shots touching and 1 about 1 inch out, but I 'm sure velocity was not ideal for maximizing the cartridge potential.
I am not sure if I want to take it much beyond 48gr IMR7828, but there were no pressure signs, no excess velocity, though the powder may be awfully snug if not compressed.

It's too slow for the .243. Get some H-4350 or RL22.

Occasionally I'll use a powder that happens to be on hand but I've found over the years and dozens of different chamberings that your time is best spent starting at the start with powders known to perform well in a given chambering.

I use R-22 (have it on hand) in my 6mm, which is close enough to the .243 Max load is giving me 3070 fps with a 95gr BT.

I've had good luck with it behind 105 AMAXs. The SSC version gives favorable load density. I'd agree that it might be on the slowish side for the 95 gr bullets but certainly usable if on your loading bench.

WOW..... i don't think i'd be able to seat a bullet with 48gr imr7828. cases were pretty full with 45gr.

thanks for all the info. i did powderup up some 4350 loads at the same time. i'm fresh off a knee replacement so will be awhile til i get to the range with my new gun. reloading has kept me from going stir crazy!!!!

I recently bought an older M700 ADL in .243, and the best load I've tried so far has been IMR7828SSC and the Nosler 95 Ballistic tip.

I haven't shot any deer with it yet, but it is very accurate.

vic... how many grains in that load...

One of Hodgdon's loads, 45.8 grains, work up to it. I had no problems, 7828 is pretty slow for that case, but just be sure.

My load was plain 7828, not SSC. With 48gr it did load all the way up to the shoulder. Again, my COAL was 2.925", which is longer than SAAMI. You are using a different bullet, so work up to it.

I've learned not to shy away from less traveled loads, especially when I don't have what's normally considered ideal - or it doesn't work well for me. FWIW, Lyman has 7828 as the accuracy load for the very similar 6mm with 100 grainers. Nosler lists 7828 as one of its top loads for speed with accuracy in 100 grainers in the 243.

RL22 and 7828 are veritable "peas-in-a-pod" in the 6.5x55 when it comes to top charges, also similar in the 340 Weatherby. In these days of sometimes tight powder supplies, I say give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

thanks again for all the input

In my 2 243 IMR7828 gives about 100-200fps faster velocity's than 4350, or Re22, or 4831. 4350 being the lowest velocity's before pressure signs. 100gr BTSP hornadys are what I have been shooting lately. With 85gr I just go to H414

THANKS BALTZ..... I'VE ALREADY GOT SOME LOADED SO I'M GOING TO TEST THEM.... THANKS

I ran a test today on my 7828 load. It definitely kills deer!