Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles H380 Load for 243 Sierra GK 100gr & Nosler BT 90gr?

Per title, these are two bullets I've selected for whitetail hunting 100-200yards. Rifle is a commercial FN Mauser - 24" barrel.

This is my first reloading experience, so looking for a little bit of help. I have some H380 powder that I bought along with some used reloading equip. In researching, it looks a bit more suited to lighter weight bullets. Can anyone refute that with a recommendation supporting it or would I be better off going with a different powder? I'd rather start off with a good match for bullet selection in my application than making something work that isn't really the best fit.

I don't mind some personal research - that's part of the interest in this for me. However, I couldn't find any H380 in the Pet Loads Sticky for 243 Win - which is prob a good sign that it may not be ideal. Just thought I'd ask since I have 2lbs of it on-hand.

Thanks in advance.

H380 wouldn't be on my radar.

For one powder to load both of those bullets I can tell you H4350 or IMR4350 will do very well.

I've had very good luck using W760 with 90 grain bullets in the 243. For bullets weighing over that, IMR4350 is hard to beat. 6.5 Staball has also worked well for me with bullets in that weight range. H4350 is also a good choice.

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm glad I asked and much appreciated for the experienced insights.

4831

3031 is another

That seems a bit on the quick side for the subject 90 and 100 grain bullet weights.

I’ve got a load for the 90s

IMR 4831 and 85 grain Sierra is all I’ve used. Usually shoots clover leaf @ 100 yards. Back in the 90s I experimented with h380 out of a Ruger Mark 2 heavy barrel with 100 grain bullets, soon as I swapped to a magnum primer it was a great shooter.

Can't help you on the Nosler but with the 100 gr SGK H4350 and IMR 4451 (now discontinued but still can be found) will do everything you need in the 243.

But if you REALLY want to it to shine, Varget it and forget it. This from running that bullet in 3 different 243's, (two premium barrels and one factory Remington) with the same load (all 3 powders).

38 grains IMR 4064 with a 85 grain bullet fine tune the OAL .010 off the lands to start. Was told by a long range competitor, in any rifle the load was shot in, it shot under an inch at 100 yards. Mine did.

I’m gonna give that a shot

No trying to start an argument, but there are better powders for the 243 than Varget.

IMR or H4350 for 85 grains and heavier.

too late !

Some H4350 followed me home from Bass Pro. Later this evening, my wife asked me if she could buy some seasonal pillows for our patio furniture. I was happy to say yes as that was the right answer today.

Then list them, I'm sure the OP would appreciate the input.

I listed the three powders that I've had the best results with using that same bullet. Varget works very well in a lot of things here. I really don't care what you think of it.

Been a whole hour, surely you've thought of something by now to edit your post with.

Troll.

After 3 powders with one bullet brand of the same weight and not getting good results? then move on to another bullet with the same powders.

Can't go wrong with H4350 in a 243.

Except the damn price of it these days.