.243 Varmint load

[Dan Morris]

First, welcome back to HC.....Several years ago, I downloaded a loading site.
www.data.hodgdon.com

It is full of info.Later, I bought a program from Rocky that is far advanced. If you cannot get a reloading book with the stuff you are using, perhaps this will help.
Loading is kinda trial and error as to what bullet/powder your rifle is gonna like best! Hope this helps.
Dan

[Rapier]

Mini,
The factory cartridges are loaded to a specific velocity for a bullet weight. All you need do is find the factory velocity data on line then duplicate the velocity from a load manual. The result should be the very same accuracy. At least that is how the factories build ammo. On the other hand what you could do is to simply use the accuracy load in the old Lyman book and 99% of the time you will have an accurate load within +- .5 grains.
Best,
Ed

[Minihuntur]

Unfortunately the local gunstore has almost no selection even though they are a major chain store. They were sold out of all primers and .243 brass when I got there and the only suitable powder was Hodgdon Benchmark. So I bought a pound of it and eventually got some brass and primers, but I'm not having any luck with accuracy. I started with 39.0grs and got average 2in. groups @ 100yds. I stepped up to 39.5grs and averaged 1.7, so I have loaded up some with 40.5grs of powder and am hoping for the best. I was wonderin though, the recomended trim-to-length for cases is 2.045in but none of the cases I got were close to that long. Most were 2.038 but I have found some as small as 2.026in. I trim all that I use to 2.035. Also how far should I seat my bullets out? I'm using Nosler 55gr Ballistic Tips of course.
Minihuntur

[Rapier]

The OAL of a cartridge is personal prefrence as long as you do not jam the bullet into the lands. I prefer .003 off myself, because it is an easy setting to work up. You find the "just touching point" using black magic marker and back off 1/8 of a turn with your seater plug. Some prefer .010 off and some like just touching. You might try all three and see which seems to work for you. Just understand that the closer the tolerance the least forgiving the load is for dirt and dust.

I looked up Benchmark for you on a data site that had 104 loads for the 243posted. There was but one load for Benchmark and only one bullet weight, a 70gr over 39.3 gr with no group size but the velocity was 3400+ fps. So sounds like you should find something for the 55 at 39-42 grains. Just work up by .5 grains.

Ah, just found it see if this does not help you:
http://www.reloadersnest.com/detail....rk&LoadID=6373
Best,
Ed

[Minihuntur]

I found a load for a 55gr jacketed bullet in the latest edition of the Lee reloading manual. Starting load is 39.0grs never exceed 41.5grs. I tried those loads I cooked up today and shot a genuine MOA group, I shot two acutally but one group was a bit larger because I flinched. I am now loaded up to 41.5 but its too dark to shoot now so I'l try them tomorow.
Minihuntur

[Minihuntur]

Now I've got a problem! I shot two great groups, .42 and .66 but the gun always shoots a 1.8in. group first. The barrel has to warm up before it shoots good. I think I'll have to use a faster powder or else free float the barrel. Sadly, there is a horrible reloading equipment shortage in Canada right now. Nothing is making it across the border!!! You Americans are hoarding it all. There are only 9lbs of powder in the biggest sporting goods store the province. 9LBS!!! The smaller stores dont have any of the right stuff either. Anyway, would freefloating help? Thanks.
Minihuntur

[Dan Morris]

I would just keep tinkering with it.....BTW, those were impressive groups!
I'd save the floating till much later.JMO...BTW, loading stuff here is not much better!!!
Dan