Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Help with 243 load

I'm new to reloading 243 so looking on opinions. Gun is new 243 weatherby vangaurd ll (1-10 twist and 24 inch barrel)and I have shot some factory ammo out of it just see how it would do. Shot really good. Will be using on whitetails. Suggest anything you want but i either have or can get what i list.

Bullet 80 gr ttsx, 90 game changers, or 100 gr interlocks.
Powder H4350,H4831
Note: game changer recommended in 1-9 twist or more

Opinions?

My favorite 243 load is a 100 grain Partition over the old style H4831.

The Interlock is a good substitution for the Partition, if that's what you have available.

It's nice if your powder about fills the case. A lot of people think that this tends toward accuracy. The old long cut H4831 just nicely fills the case with a 100 grain bullet.

I think that a lot of people get into trouble with the 243 by driving lighter bullets at speeds that cause cup and core bullets to break up. So a heavier, slower bullet is one answer to the problem. The TTSX probably also solves that problem, if you are inclined toward that solution.

I got nice groups and very similar POIs with 100gr NPTs over 44gr of H4831 and 95gr NBTs with 41.0gr of H4350 in a Howa Alpine. That rifle has gone to some descendants, along with a supply of that ammo. The 4831 was a shot in the dark based on what was on hand, and is 1.5gr under the Hornady data max for their bullets, which uses the same brass and F210 I did. I have very limited Interlock experience, but imagine one in the ribs wouldn’t do a deer much good.

Very nice. Any velocity data on those loads?

I'd recommend going with the 100 gr Hornady Interlocks...

Keep it simple and then you will have a point of reference. The old Interlocks are proved achievers.

4831 or 4350 are pretty interchangeable for both accuracy and velocity.

Slow it down a couple grains from max velocity, which in most instances will be a little more accurate...and also a hair of lower pressure which will be easy on the brass, for longer brass life .

Mine like 41.5grs 4350 with the 95 BT and 45grs 4350 with the 80 ttsx.

I load 100gr Corelokts over 41gr of H4350 and a WLR primer. The Hornady Interlock is a great choice.

I switched over to 105gr bthp's a while back.

But with what you have on the shelf already l, I would be running the interlocks.

I used to load the 100 gr. Hornady Interlock SP, not the boat tail over IMR 5350. Worked up a load that took 4 fairly large Nevada Mule Deer for some of my neighbors kids doing their first deer hunts. I just used that load to shoot coyotes. I can't recall what the load was as when I moved from Nevada to Arizona the moving company lost some stuff including many years worth of reloading notes. I gave the .243 to one of my friend's kid when I left Nevada. All I can remember about the load is it was either at the max in one of my manuals or close to it. The only .243 I have now is a Ruger #1A and it's been more of a safe queen that a shooter.
PJ

Just what the book suggested. Since shots here tend to be under 100 yards, way under usually, I don’t worry about it much (at all). I do like tidy clusters, but don’t obsess over those either. Good bullets with decent accuracy are what I want.

We've been killing deer in S. Miss. for over 20 years with the .243 Win. I do the loading for the family. We've used the Hornady 100gr. SP for most of that time. Typically with 4350 loads. Here is a link to the Hodgdon load data with 4350 and 4831 powders.

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

I've been rolling 95 grain partitions with 42 gr H4350 for years. That's about a max charge so start low and work up.

I’ve used the Nosler 95 and 100 gr Partitions and the 100 Hornady.. Of the ones you have I would use the 100 Hornady and H4350. .

If those 100 gr Hornady bullets are the SP not the BTSP don't waste them they are better than the btsp by far. I USE 7828 myself or H4831 they get more velocity...mb

41 grains 4350 and 100 grain hornady

Barnes 85gr TSX and 36.5gr of IMR4895 has wacked a lot of deer for me and my kids.

I have used 100gr Hornady but use slower powder like RL19 or IMR4350. The first load is just too good in several rifles.

When I got my first 243 I tried 100nosler partitions but my rifle didn’t like them. NExt was the old 100 hornady soft point with flat base. It shoots great over H4831 and that’s all I’ve shot through it since. I guess when I run out of those I’ll try the box of 90 nosler accubonds I picked up.

Myself, my brother, and my dad all hunted for about a dozen years from my Jr high days until I graduated college with a box of 100g Hornady btsp interlocks that I loaded over imr 4831. We took a lot of mule deer over the years with those in our 6mms. I can't recall ever losing a deer. I was poor and cheap back then and just stuck with what worked. I reloaded and the family mooched off me.

Around 2004 or so I noticed Hornady started changing their bullets from lot to lot and moving the interlock and changing jacket thickness. I lost a little faith in my do everything interlocks. Around then I found SPS and got some really good deals on nosler portion 2 nds. They were about the same price as interlocks so I went to partitions for an all around hunting bullet.

The first year I switched I watched my little brother stone a nice buck from about 375 yards with my little model 7 6mm and a 100g partition. It dropped instantly and never moved. Now he requests those.

I just loaded some 85g partitions for a new 700 youth rifle I dropped in an mdt lss with a magpul adjustable stock for my 10 year Olds back up gun. I loaded some lighter h4895 and 8208xbr loads that should only clock around 3000. I'll go see which load it likes hopefully in the morning. I also did some 90g accubonds. I still have a bunch of those 2nd partitions so I'll let the kids burn them up. I shoot 108 eldxs in my 6s these days. At least the ones twisted for them.

Bb

I have maybe three boxes of 85gr overruns IIRC. Been thinking about some .250 Savage-equivalent H4895 loads with those for my 6CM. Oughta be easy on the barrel and tough on scrawny whitetails.

100gr interlock from hornandy,imr7828ssc or 4831ssc go by book loads one more powder has my recommendation hunter.getting some greT speed and accuracy from hunter. Check hogdon reloading data center

Similar story, but we used the 100 grain Partitions and 95 BTs a lot when we started. The 95 BT is about my favorite deer bullet going mostly, besides, like where you mentioned, the 108 ELD works.

Won't find a hell of alot wrong with 95 gr partitions either fact of the matter I rate them better than the 100's...mb

Nope, the good days when they were all 10-15 bucks for 50 in a bag were nice. A good 243 would shoot all three about the same.

100 gr Hornady interlock 39.0 gr IMR 4350

IMO, in a modern bolt action rifle like a Vanguard, this is an E-Z decision. Use the 100gr Hornady Spire Point Interlock and H4350 with standard LR primers (mag primers not needed). Start a few grains below and work up to 41-42 grains of H4350.

I’ve had good accuracy with the 90 grain GameChanger over RL16. 44.5 grains gave me ~3125 fps.

I'm kind of in the same boat here boys.

Ruger American 243. 22", 1:9. Want to use the 100gr Partition.

Have loads made up with H4831sc: 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43. Haven't shot them yet. Oal is 2.652 vs Noslers 2.680. 2.652 is .020 off the lands. 2.680 would be jammed.

Hodgdon data online today is 39-42.

Older / other manuals are ALL over the place
Lee 39-42
Hodgdon 25th 44-46
Hornady 11th 42-45.5
Nosler 40-44

Then I come across this:

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=31367
(Post 11 specifically)

Any thoughts here? Folks there pretty adamant that 4831 lends itself to pressure spikes. Even invoking Barsness...


(By the way I've got plenty h4350 on hand also...)

Three 243's and a 243AI.......with 90 and 95g NBT's and 100g NPt's H4831 has generally given the best combo of accuracy and velocity. One of those 243's and the 243AI does like RL26 also and runs 75-100fps faster.

100g NPt's usually max out around 2900fps in my 22" bbls. RL-26 does produce more velocity, but in two of the rifles accuracy is not very good.

With the MV in the 2900 to 3000 fps MV, these loads will work on ANY whitetail, blacktail or any other kind of deer at 300 yds and beyond, as long as the shooter can put the bullet in the vitals...a hundred grainer, has also taken down more than their share of Elk also..

Well, shot the h4831sc loads...

22" barrel, 1:9 twist, 100gr partition, RP brass

41gr 2698avg 45es 3/4" group
41.5 2737avg 71es 1/2"
42 2752avg 72es 2 3/4"
42.5 2782avg 52es 5/8"
43 2790avg 97es (yikes) 2 1/4"

Primers looked perfect and bolt lift was easy all the way.

I like the 1/2 & 5/8 groups, but I want better than 50es and about 2900fps avg. Also, I see the velocity plateau at 42.5-43 and will stay super aware of the jump to 43.5. I believe h4831 can get me there, sooooo...

Am thinking of going 43.5, 44, 44.5 and seeing how I end up in ES and group. Also not crazy about the near 100es on the last. Load is not nearly compressed, powder audibly shakes in the case.

The only question I have is on pressure and max. The old max was as high as 46 in previous manuals. Now, most hover in the 42-45 range. Hodgdon lists to 42. Nosler lists to 44.

If none of the 3 additional work, then it's off to h4350 I think.

Thanks for all the replies so far. So I got my dies in and decided to give h4350 a try with 90 gr gamechangers. Win brass and fed210. Iv got a few starter rounds to check velocities but I'm have a hard time deciding my COL. I left my bullets way out to seat later. This is my first time to load seirra anything so I dont have that manual. Anyone got a manual with 243 90 gr gamechangers? If so what is recommended COL?

4100, 1537, & 7295 are all listed at 2.700 ...

I believe your bullet is the 4100.

37-42.3gr of h4350 is what they list.

Thanks CoRifleman.

I've probably experimented more while reloading for the 243 than all other cartridges combined. Of course, it was the first cartridge I reloaded for over 40 years ago. I am currently reloading for 4 of them, of which 3 are Remington 700's and the other a Model Seven. My go-to powders are W760 for bullets weighing 58-90 grains, and IMR4350 for the 95 and 100 grain bullets. I have found those two powders perform overall better than anything else I've tried.

A lot of my experimenting has been with a Remington 700 Youth rifle, with a 20 inch barrel. It's the one my grandkids use, and they've taken a number of deer with it. I loaded it down a bit at first, as their shots were limited to 100 yards or less, but lately I've cranked it up to max loads, as they have gotten older and more experienced. 42.0 grains of IMR4350 is listed as max with a 100 grain Hornady Interlock, and it will shoot half inch groups at a 100 yards, and is the load it'll be shooting this year. Last year's load was a 95 grain SST using 40.5 grains of R16, and it also shot very well, but I'm out of R16.

I've also had pretty good luck using IMR4064 and H4350 in the 243, shooting the heavier bullets. The key to success is trying as many different components as one can, although in today's world of high prices and shortages, it can be challenging.

I tried the Gamechangers in two of my 243's, using several different powders, and just could not get them to shoot like I wanted. My best groups were with W760 powder, and then H4350. I'll check later and see what COAL I used.

Old School still gets it done.

that would be my first choice of the three. I used the Interlocks . They penetrate great but I wanted something that opened up a little easier. Normal distances for me are inside 200 so I load light and get good results.

To add to above

R-p brass, 100gr npt, h4831sc, 2.220 to ogive

43.5gr 2785avg 14es 3/4"
44gr 2812avg 52es 1.75"
44.5 2836 bolt just starting to get firm, so only fired one shot.

Looks like 43.5 is where I'll go .2 either way and see if I have some tolerance either direction.

Next will be 43.3, 43.5, 43.7. All above were 4 shot groups. Will probably drop to 3 shot groups here with weighed brass.

Also going to try 39, 39.5, & 40 of h4350 and see if I can pick up some velocity in the 22" barrel. I've got some 100gr npt pulls with cannelure I'll use for this. Stocks are getting low!! I ordered a box I found online and it's the older flip top, black/white/gold and sure enough it's a slightly different bullet profile - so that's a bummer.

Well today didn't go as planned - one of those frustrating days at the range...

All of the groups were bad (comparatively). I couldn't even shoot the 43.5 that was great yesterday very good today. So either it was me, or something in my process was no good. Same seat depth, same lee FCD, precise powder charges, same sizing die, same cleaning regimen, same weighing brass.


R-P brass, 100gr npt, h4831sc, 2.220 to ogive

43.3 2798avg 52es 1.125"
43.5 2818avg 57es 2.125"
43.7 2802avg 42es 1.75"

Next, I tried the H4350 loads

H4350, R-P brass, 2.220 to ogive, 100gr npt

39 2768avg 24es 1"
39.5 2802avg 28es 1.5"
40 2848avg 49es 1.25"

If there's a common theme at all - it's that anytime I break 2800 I lose accuracy (the 40gr h4350 load was alright, but I'm shooting for a sub 1" group). Each of the absolute best groups were in the 2730-2785 range. Weirdly enough - the 43.5 in H4831sc that went 2785 @ 3/4" yesterday went 2818 @ 2.125" today.

Days like today make me feel like I'm just wasting components.

In my own experience, it’s always me. Good loads don’t go bad overnight.

But I also don’t worry about a nice round 1.5” group.

Fury thank you, I can appreciate that. Im going to try a few different charge weights in the h4350 (39, 39.3, 39.7, and 40 again) and reshoot the most recent h4831s in 4 shot groups (up from 3). All of the group's are equilateral triangles, so I'm going to move it 5 thou closer to the lands and try a .015 jump (previous was .020).

CoRifleman re-read your post and think you are on right track with seating depth. I use an old tested method of 0.04 increments someone here turned me on to a long time ago.
This is trending to be a faster way to get good groups rather than charge weights. It especially makes sense because two of my three hunting rifles have tight magazines so I can load to fit.

I started this thread about 2 weeks ago because I never fooled 243 other than factory ammo. I appreciate all who responded. So this is my follow up on load development.
243 weatherby vangaurd with 24" barrel. 1/10 twist .
Powder H4350
Fed 210m with winchester brass
90 gr seirra gamechangers
COL 2.716/CBTO 3.130
I was worried that the 90 gr gamechangers might not shoot since they are recommended for 1/9 twist or faster.
I'm trying to save components as much as possible so I go at load development little different these days.
First short ladder for pressure/speed
40.5/2962
41 / 2989
41.5/ 2989
42/ 3058
No pressure signs so I load 3 at 42.5. Chrono only read 1 at 3108. 0.535" @100yds. So I'm feeling pretty good now about gamechangers. Now to load up more and confirm groups.

Any decent 85-90 grain bullet and about 44-45 grains of WW760 (H414 is the same powder) and you're good to go

47.9 gr of RL26 behind a speer 100 btsp, loaded with a cci mag primer it's a 1/2 moa load from a factory 700 tube cut to 22". Loaded to 2.780 in win brass, and according to alliant data should be in the neighborhood of 3100 fps.

Why guess or ask for opinions. Load em up and see WHAT YOUR GUN LIKES