H4350 is very temp stable, which to me is a big deal. When I made loads and shoot them at 80F and then go hunting when it's -30F they need to shoot pretty much the same. I haven't had much luck regarding the RL (17 and 22) in this regard.
Always had good luck with IMR 4350 for an all around powder in the 243, plus it loads well in other cartridges I shoot as well. H4350 is more temp stable, but I've loaded IMR 4350 since the 70's with never any issues due to it from desert to mountains. If I ever shoot up my pile of IMR 4350 I might go with something else. I generally shoot faster powder with the lighter bullets (4064, varget or RL15).
In the past IMR4350 was ALWAYS my go to powder, though I did run Varget and H414 under 70s for a varmint load w/good success.
Recently out of the IMR so burned up some RL19 w/good results using 70s, 95s and 105s. 9 twist does pretty well. Had one group of 6 shots, whole thing smaller than a dime, at 100 yds, 3 were 70s, 3 were 105s, the 70s were shot using a less than dime and each 3 shot group was about 1/4", was very surprised, and happy. Must have gotten lucky
No doubt the 243 is an overbore round, and can utilize slower powders, one thing to consider is I believe Nosler's data on 243 and 6mm, there are some interesting speeds well above the norm w/say IMR4350, when using powders that often get used in small bore magnums. Seems the speed was boosted a good bit, not sure on accuracy.
Suffice to say, at 2900-3000, typical speeds w/4350s, and 95/100s, deer/hog sized game drop fine when the shooter puts them thru vitals.
Recently I replaced the IMR w/H4350, as in my 260s, it's reported to give 50-75fps or more over IMR. I figured why pass on free speed.
IMR4350 was often a go to back in my college days w/many range members in their 270s, '06's, as well as 243. It works just as good today. Accuracy from 3/8" to 3/4" has been routine in several rifles including a #1A and #1RSI, both new out the box. Must say I have had few problems ever finding good loads for 243s, they all seem to want to shoot sub moa easily IME.
Do note, FC and WW brass did better overall the RP. I'd use either and consider Nosler/Lapua for the ultimate, as those 4 would be solid choices for tight groups. Recently I have tried some Noz (mfg. by Norma from what I hear) and it's very good brass.
When I first started loading for the 243 I gave Sierra a call since I use a lot of their bullets... Talked to a guy for about 30 minutes and he gave me his favorite load for the 243.... Haven't been disappointed with it yet... IMR 4831 is working well for me with 85, 95, 100, and 105's ... like a previous post the RL-17 has worked pretty well also... I have tried the H4350 and got real good results, but none equaled the accuracy of these powders for me or the speed... Matter of fact I bought 8 lbs of H 4350 because it was so highly recommend, now 15 lbs are sitting in the cabinet ... getting ready to give it a run in the 243 AI with some 95 and 105's to see if I can tighten up some groups... Got some good groups with the 105's at just under 3100 with the IMR & RL but not good enough... the H4350 may bring these in a little tighter, but leaning more toward H-1000... Got a friend using Hybrid-V with the 95 Bergers running around 3000 and dropping Florida Hogs and Deer with 1 shot pretty regular ...
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I am going to try H-4895 and 85 grain partitions ,I hope it works ok as I have very technical and specific reasons for using it. I already have it ! Dont want to drop 30-40 more bucks for another Powder ! I am going to be shooting for good accuracy and 3000-3100 FPS out of a Remington 7600 243
I have been shooting 243's since the mid 70's. About 2 years ago, I tried R#19 with win primers with the 85g tripple shock and had Clover leaf groups with SPEED!
85g Tripple shock shot a hole from one end of a doe to the other, broke a hip and front shoulder, lodged under skin.
R#19 stomped my 4350 and 4831 loads, and R#22 was not Super accurate in my rifle.
Best groups I got from the 100s in my 243 actually came from H-1000. Best velocity, too (within the context of excellent precision). That said, 780 was showing promise with the heavies when I quit and sold the 243. For overall flexibility, though, 760 was the powder for me.
Back when it was available, I liked H-450 in my .243 Win 100 gr bullet loads. IMR-4350 was always a fallback. I currently am loading my 90, 95 and 100 gr bullets with Accurate Data 86 Extruded Powder. Sort of a cannister grade version of Accurate 3100. It works very well in my .243 Win with bullets from 70 gr up, also performs fine in the 6.5x55 and the .270WSM, which is good since I bought 24 lbs of it when it was offered by Powder Valley a few years ago. Still have over 16 lbs of it left. Paid about $10 per pound for it delivered. One of my better investments, as it has turned out.
H414 from 55 grainers to 90 grainers. Good speed and accuracy, just not as temp sensitive. When my 8lb jug runs dry I will be making the move to Hunter though.
If you were to pick one powder for 85 to 100 GR. bullets, what would you chose?
Thanks.
H414 is the one powder my rifle said would do it all 10 years ago, and I haven't looked back since. Prior to that 3031 and 4350 were the powders I used.
the most expensive bullet there is isn't worth a plug nickel if it don't go where its supposed to. www.historicshooting.com
