Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles 243 Win Nosler 55gr Varmageddon-Interesting Result

Picked up a 250ct box of these 55gr FBHP at a recent gun show for a price I couldn't refuse. This is a short bullet with a very unimpressive .192 BC and I could get no where close to the lands and keep the bullet in the case. I used the Nosler recommended 2.510 COL and loaded 10 each with 44 and 45 grains of Varget and headed for the range. This powder and charge has done well for me in the past with the 55gr BT and the 58gr V-Max.
The 44 grain load shot a disappointing 1.911 average for 3-3 shot groups (2.276, 2.087 and 1.371). This 700 ADL normally shoots very well with a wide variety of bullets so I was very disappointed until I fired the 45 grain charge. The first group was .220 and I finished with a 3 group average of .450!
I don't think I have ever had such a dramatic change in accuracy with the only change being a grain of powder. Next time I'll remember the chronograph and report on velocity.

Great info! Thanks for posting.

My BAR 30-06 went from a 3/4 inch 3 shot group to a 3 inch group with a 1/2 grain increase so I guess it does happen.

I had the same thing happen in a 375 JDJ and cast,4 to 5 in. groups to one hole at 50 yards when I hit the sweet spot at 1/2 grain max with trail boss.

I may even back it down a grain as well to see what happens there. Heck I have 230 more to play with...

Yes, thank you.

I tried those on yotes here and in KS and MO with less than great results. Penetration was pretty much superficial and large holes for about 1-2 inches. Killed them but not DRT. Not the same results as we are getting from the BTs. Let me know if you get a chance to try them out would like to know what your experience is. HAPPY HUNTING

That's good information to know-thanks. How about the 58gr VMax on Coyotes-any experience? I know the 243 is often thought of as less than fur friendly...

I have tried several different bullets and grain weights with the 55gr BTs being the best so far. But nothing is a sure bet with the 243 this is just what has worked for me for a lot of years. HAPPY HUNTING

I use both the 55's & 58gr Z-max on coyotes. Never had the "splash" problem with 55's, but agree they don't have much permeation. With all the 30-40# class coyotes the Z's usually pass through, but not always.

Got the chrono out this morning to try this load again. 10 shot string with the 45.0 gr load averaged 3711.8 fps at 30 degrees Fahrenheit. A little slower than I had hoped for but the accuracy is still there. Very windy with up to 20 mph gusts and still averaged .775 for 3 groups. One lucky group went into .186 during a rare calm moment.
Tried 45.5gr of Varget as well which is Nosler's max load. Similar accuracy minus the lucky small group for a .846 average.
Velocity was 3756.3 fps for 10 shots. I'm pleased with the range results with this bullet so far.

I think this kind of very finicky behaviour is pretty typical when you have so much powder behind such a small pill. Kinda like what you hear of with reloading some of the really overbore magnums like the 7mm RUM and STW. Pressure changes dramatically with only tiny percentage changes in amount of powder used.