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  #1  
Old 04-07-2013, 03:54 AM
AzSam AzSam is offline
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Default Perplexed by my 243 Win.

I know a 243 Win is a bit on the large size here at Saubier, but mine has me scratching my head. Historically I have only shot 2 loads through it;
105gr Speers with AA4350 and 55gr Nosler Bal tips with H414. Both perform right in line with published load data from Speer and Nosler respectively from it's 22" factory barrel. Recently I have been working with 75gr Hornady HPs using Varget, H4831 and AA4350. I do not know why but across the load spectrum the vels are almost 300fps below where the manuals indicate things should be, max loads only running a smidge over 3100fps vs. in the 3300-3400 range with either of the above powders, Varget being the slowest of the lot. The above 55gr NBTs with H414 shoot extremely well zipping right along at 3900 without a hitch or preassure issues.

Has anyone experienced this themselves with a .243 or other ctg? I know the 22" will produce lower vels vs a 24 or 26 inch tube but I don't think it should be this much, considering it's fondness for and performance with the 55gr NBT. Is it just the 75gr Horn HP, or the weight, powder choice(s)? I have 2 cats so the reason of "because that is just way some rifles behave" is not what I want to hear.

Appreciate your input and suggestions.
Michael

Last edited by AzSam; 04-07-2013 at 06:13 PM.
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  #2  
Old 04-07-2013, 09:29 AM
Russell Russell is offline
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Default Same problem

I have the same problem with a ""Factory Chambered" Remington Model SEVEN .243. If we had a tighter chamber I believe we would be more inline with the manuels. It used to bother me however, I have learned to live it. It still kills coyotes.
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  #3  
Old 04-08-2013, 06:52 AM
kenbro kenbro is offline
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AzSam,
This might not help you,but,these are some figures I get using H4895 powder.
.243: 65gr berger FB target bullet/39grs H4895 = 3268 Ave.
" " " " " " / 40grs " = 3325 "
" " " " " " / 41grs " = 3418 " These 3 loads will all shoot 1/2inch or less with a bipod and rear bag. I need to be at 3435 fps if I want to shoot deer legally in the England,as that would give me the required 1700 ft lbs energy needed with a 65 gr bullet.
As regards Nosler BT 55gr, I've had to go up to 43 grs of H4895 to get 1/2 inch groups, anything less and the groups open up as powder charge decreases. I have not tried this load over my chrony yet, but it's not Hodgdons max and shows no presssure signs. Regards,Ken.
PS. Barrel is a Pac-Nor sssm with a SAMMI spec chamber x 21 inches long.
I always use a sound moderator,which I think helps me with grouping.
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Last edited by kenbro; 04-08-2013 at 07:28 AM.
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  #4  
Old 04-08-2013, 07:32 AM
moorepower moorepower is offline
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The Hodgdon reloading center does not list any thing as slow as 4350 or 4831 with the 75 grain bullets. I don't think you are going to find the velocity with either you are looking for. I have used 414 for 55-80 grain bullets and RL19 for 87-100 grain bullets and have normally got within 75-100 fps of book velocity in my Rem 788.
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  #5  
Old 04-09-2013, 12:52 AM
AzSam AzSam is offline
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I first tried Varget, it shot well but at max charge weights it was in 6BR vel range, hence trying something a bit slower with H4831 and AA4350. I have an older Hodgdon manual that provides data for the slower powders. Giving H414 a try has crossed my mind considering how well it does with 55gr NBTs.
Many thanks, Michael.
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  #6  
Old 04-09-2013, 01:45 AM
TinMan TinMan is offline
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I have a 243 that wouldn't shoot heavy bullets well, but but absolutely loves 70gr Blitzkings and H4895. Jsut awesome explosive terminal performance on varmints.
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Old 04-09-2013, 04:07 PM
Joe O Joe O is offline
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Default

Only info I can add is that Varget is faster than H4350 or H4831,but still a little slow for top velocity with the 75s.I do use it for fireforming for 243AI w/70gr bullets. I then go to H414 fo 70 gr SBKs or Nosler blitz on Prarie dogs.
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  #8  
Old 04-09-2013, 04:39 PM
ramos ramos is offline
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Question: How OLD are your Hogdon manuals and how NEW is your powder? Usually a good idea to try and keep your data and powder close to the same age. Just a thought, have not reloaded 243 for many moons.
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