mathman, I'm sure the soot is a byproduct of the copper fouling eraser. Normally, I don't clean much especially after getting dialed in for deer season. I leave the bore dirty until finished unless I think some rain or snow has entered the barrel.
But that brings up another question. It would seem that the more residue there is in the bore, the more likely it would attract moisture and maybe cause rust.
Keith, I agree these are not max loads. If I needed the speed to whack a 250 yard coyote, I'd increase the powder. This is about the velocity I usually run on the 85s. The H414 burns pretty clean at 40 to 41 grains with the 85.
Are you using Staball with the 100 Hornadys? If so, how much? By the way, after switching to 55 Nosler BTs in my 223, I haven't had too many coyotes walk away so the 243 hasn't been needed.
