Armory Sponsor
Powder for .243. (Page 1 of 2)
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
700
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
Posted: 5/28/2026 7:03:18 AM EDT
| I've ordered a Tikka .243 with a 1:8 twist barrel. This is a new to me caliber. I'm thinking of starting with 105 gr bullets. I've been looking at all kinds of load data, and am interested in Magpro, and N150. Any opinions on these or any other recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance |
|
IMR 4064 was my friend’s go to in .243 win as young woodchuckers. stellar accuracy in his 700V Nostalgic memory as loading those was my introduction to reloading circa 1985. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
|
Originally Posted By PoppaCapp: I've ordered a Tikka .243 with a 1:8 twist barrel. This is a new to me caliber. I'm thinking of starting with 105 gr bullets. I've been looking at all kinds of load data, and am interested in Magpro, and N150. Any opinions on these or any other recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance My 6mm uses Ramshot Magnum and heavy bullets like the 107 SMK and 115 DTAC. I used H4350 and 107 SMK's for many years because it was the standard recommendation. I just could never get the velocity I was supposed to get, not even close. What I did get was sticky bolt lift and super-flat primers. These are the symptoms of a powder that is too fast for the cartridge & bullet. When the 115 DTAC came out, I thought of trying a different, slower powder. I tried Ramshot HUNTER (similar burn rate to N-150). It was better than H-4350 but velocity wasn't quite there. Still dissatisfied, I then tried Ramshot MAGNUM (similar to burn rate to Magpro, slower than HUNTER or N-150). MAGNUM did the trick. I got all the velocity I was supposed to be able to achieve and did so without any signs of high pressure, NONE! I am using Federal 215M (magnum) primers. I don't believe these are needed but are what I chose to use given this was my first use of slow (magnum) powders. Ramshot MAGNUM is all I now use in 6mm. I now have a boatload of H4350 and a big bottle of HUNTER which I will likely never use. Wanting to better understand why I could use these slow powders, I did some "overbore" calculations. As it turns out, the powder volume and bore diameter place my 6 mm in magnum cartridge territory. Your 243 will be similar. No one talks about 6mm as magnum cartridges but they are, or might as well be. This probably explains why 243 is considered to be a "barrel burner" (short barrel life). It's a magnum class cartridge, typically being used with powders that are too fast for the cartridge. Slower powders may help extend barrel life. Mine has many thousands of rounds and shows no signs of accuracy loss. ETA - I got a standard deviation of 6 fps using MAGNUM, my lowest ever. Fear not in testing either or both of those slow powders. I'd suggest the Magpro or Ramshot MAGNUM as the starting point. Just do a standard load development work up. You will be fine. That's what I know via first hand experience. I hope it helps and encourages you in this test. P.S. - Because I found little to no data for my 6mm, I used Gordon's Reloading Tool during this load development to estimate pressures. I used measured case weights and water volumes to improve the model's accuracy. I did this as a safety precaution. During testing, I was within 8 fps of the GRT predicted velocity. Also, I saw no signs of excessive pressure, consistent with the GRT predict (very different than H-4350). |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
701
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: My 6mm uses Ramshot Magnum and heavy bullets like the 107 SMK and 115 DTAC. I used H4350 and 107 SMK's for many years because it was the standard recommendation. I just could never get the velocity I was supposed to get, not even close. What I did get was sticky bolt lift and super-flat primers. These are the symptoms of a powder that is too fast for the cartridge & bullet. When the 115 DTAC came out, I thought of trying a different, slower powder. I tried Ramshot HUNTER (similar burn rate to N-150). It was better than H-4350 but velocity wasn't quite there. Still dissatisfied, I then tried Ramshot MAGNUM (similar to burn rate to Magpro, slower than HUNTER or N-150). MAGNUM did the trick. I got all the velocity I was supposed to be able to achieve and did so without any signs of high pressure, NONE! I am using Federal 215M (magnum) primers. I don't believe these are needed but are what I chose to use given this was my first use of slow (magnum) powders. Ramshot MAGNUM is all I now use in 6mm. I now have a boatload of H4350 and a big bottle of HUNTER which I will likely never use. Wanting to better understand why I could use these slow powders, I did some "overbore" calculations. As it turns out, the powder volume and bore diameter place my 6 mm in magnum cartridge territory. Your 243 will be similar. No one talks about 6mm as magnum cartridges but they are, or might as well be. This probably explains why 243 is considered to be a "barrel burner" (short barrel life). It's a magnum class cartridge, typically being used with powders that are too fast for the cartridge. Slower powders may help extend barrel life. Mine has many thousands of rounds and shows no signs of accuracy loss. ETA - I got a standard deviation of 6 fps using MAGNUM, my lowest ever. Fear not in testing either or both of those slow powders. I'd suggest the Magpro or Ramshot MAGNUM as the starting point. Just do a standard load development work up. You will be fine. That's what I know via first hand experience. I hope it helps and encourages you in this test. P.S. - Because I found little to no data for my 6mm, I used Gordon's Reloading Tool during this load development to estimate pressures. I used measured case weights and water volumes to improve the model's accuracy. I did this as a safety precaution. During testing, I was within 8 fps of the GRT predicted velocity. Also, I saw no signs of excessive pressure, consistent with the GRT predict (very different than H-4350). Thanks for the reply. I watched a few videos which suggested that magnum powders are too slow for .243 and 6 cm, so I've been wondering about the Magpro. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
702
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: IMR 4064 was my friend’s go to in .243 win as young woodchuckers. stellar accuracy in his 700V Nostalgic memory as loading those was my introduction to reloading circa 1985. I used 4064 in my old BRNO .223, and found it very accurate with the light bullets I could shoot with the 1:12 twist. I found it too slow to get any velocity. That gun is gone. I've wondered how it would do in my 1:8 AR with 77s, but haven't returned to it. Probably because it was like throwing Lincoln Logs thru my powder measure. I feel it will be too fast for heavy .243s, but I may pick some up once I start playing with lighter bullets. If I do, I'll try it with 77s in the AR. Thanks for the reply. |
|
Originally Posted By PoppaCapp: Thanks for the reply. I watched a few videos which suggested that magnum powders are too slow for .243 and 6 cm, so I've been wondering about the Magpro. I'm sure there's all sorts of material out there about standard loads. That is why I literally "bought into" H-4350 so heavily. I read that stuff everywhere I went. The thing is, it was wrong. At best, it did not work for me, at all. After almost 20 years of ignoring my real, repeatable results and with the advent of GRT, I decided to model the H-4350 and try modeling a slower powder. Sure enough, H-4350 was too fast (very high pressure) and MAGNUM had both higher velocities and lower pressure. GRT is why I tried it. That idea of trying a slower powder has worked out beautifully. It worked from the very first round I fired. I could kick myself for ignoring the obvious for so very long. Buy a one pound container of a slow powder like MAGNUM or Magpro. Buy a small sample of magnum primers. Test it for yourself because YMMV. P.S. - Have you ever used GRT? If not, give it a whirl. See what it says about the 243 with heavy bullets. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
705
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: I'm sure there's all sorts of material out there about standard loads. That is why I literally "bought into" H-4350 so heavily. I read that stuff everywhere I went. The thing is, it was wrong. At best, it did not work for me, at all. After almost 20 years of ignoring my real, repeatable results and with the advent of GRT, I decided to model the H-4350 and try modeling a slower powder. Sure enough, H-4350 was too fast (very high pressure) and MAGNUM had both higher velocities and lower pressure. GRT is why I tried it. That idea of trying a slower powder has worked out beautifully. It worked from the very first round I fired. I could kick myself for ignoring the obvious for so very long. Buy a one pound container of a slow powder like MAGNUM or Magpro. Buy a small sample of magnum primers. Test it for yourself because YMMV. P.S. - Have you ever used GRT? If not, give it a whirl. See what it says about the 243 with heavy bullets. Thanks again. You're one of the members whose opinion carries extra weight to me. Reading thru the manuals, Magpro stood out to me for the speed - and is one powder I can readily get. |
|
I don't load for a .243, but I would think N150 is a little fast for the real heavy bullets. John Whidden used his .243 to win the NRA LR Nationals at least once, probably more. There is an interesting article in SSUSA where he said he used N160. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
707
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Thanks everyone for the replies. No idea when the rifle will arrive. It's a hunter model with a 22" barrel, which is ok since I doubt I will be able to shoot it past 500 yards here. In the meantime, I ordered dies and a couple hundred 105 OTM blems ($22/100!) from Midway. Still taking powder suggestions, although I think I will start with N150 and Magpro. I don't have a good place to chrono rifle right now. I have an old chrony which needs to be in front of the rifle. Maybe I can swing one of those Garmins soon. That would make things a lot easier. For now, I'll probably shoot for groups and chrono the winners later. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
708
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By slowr1der: I don't use either powder or bullet you're talking about. So my reply may not be helpful. However, my 243 absolutely Love's IMR4831. I'm primarily shooting 95 grain SST's, but I have also loaded some 100 grain bullets with it. This looks like an interesting choice. I'm gonna keep this in mind. Thanks. I have lots of Varget-speed powders. I might experiment there, but they seem fast for 95 and up. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
723
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By Smallmouth: IMR 4064 has worked well for me, shoot mainly bullets between 75-87grs. Yeah, I may go that route in the future, but for now, I'm focused on heavier than 100gr bullets. I have 105 OTMs. I changed my VV powder to N165, and I have it and Magpro. I have standard and magnum primers, dies, and.... No gun yet. There's not much experienced user info out for these longer bullets in .243, so I've been researching every thing I can. I've also been looking at 6cm information, because it is fairly similar to what I want to do. And, no, I won't be using 6cm load data for .243. just similar powders, and bullets. |
|
Originally Posted By PoppaCapp: There's not much experienced user info out for these longer bullets in .243, so I've been researching every thing I can. I've also been looking at 6cm information, because it is fairly similar to what I want to do. And, no, I won't be using 6cm load data for .243. just similar powders, and bullets. When I went thru this for my 6XC, there was no data,... none. I was on my own. Thank goodness for GRT or I may not have undertaken the endeavor, at all. GRT helped point the way to go. In fact, after my testing was done, I was within 6 fps of the GRT predict, velocity went up 300-400 fps and ALL signs of excessive pressure I experienced with "standard" powders were gone. Am I repeating myself? 
|
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
724
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: When I went thru this for my 6XC, there was no data,... none. I was on my own. Thank goodness for GRT or I may not have undertaken the endeavor, at all. GRT helped point the way to go. In fact, after my testing was done, I was within 6 fps of the GRT predict, velocity went up 300-400 fps and ALL signs of excessive pressure I experienced with "standard" powders were gone. Am I repeating myself? I'd love to try it, but, unfortunately my operating system won't run it. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
727
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Still no rifle! 😔. I'm going into town on Thursday. Gonna stop in and see what's up.. in the meantime, I'm ready. Have scope, rings, base. Bought bullets- Midway 6mm 105 OTM seconds- appear to be Nosler hybrids (good price). I bought powder. Trollslayer recommended magnum powder for this endeaver, and I appreciate his recommendation. I have N165 and Magpro. I'm going into this with an open mind. Also, being on a fixed budget plays a major role. I also picked up A4350, and Ramshot Hunter, giving me 4 steps between 4350 and Magnum powder speeds. I can measure velocity for pistol in my backyard with my old Chrony. But I live on a hillside, and I only have about 25 yards range. My backstop is 6 short logs, and I feel it inadequate for rifle. Hopefully, when I (finally) get my rifle, I can get up to the local, public, tube range and do velocity/accuracy testing. Once I do initial testing, I have a 350 meter range sometimes available to do longer testing on. In the future, I plan on testing longer .243 bullets, especially hunting bullets in the 1:8 Tikka. This is, in fact, a hunting rifle. I will use the old Chrony for now. Because it has to sit in front of the rifle, it limits what range I'm allowed to use it at. Also, it just measures speed- no strings, no es, no sd. Hopefully, before too long, I'll get a Garmin (or Athelon). This seems like a perfect choice for my situation. |
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: My 6mm uses Ramshot Magnum and heavy bullets like the 107 SMK and 115 DTAC. I used H4350 and 107 SMK's for many years because it was the standard recommendation. I just could never get the velocity I was supposed to get, not even close. What I did get was sticky bolt lift and super-flat primers. These are the symptoms of a powder that is too fast for the cartridge & bullet. When the 115 DTAC came out, I thought of trying a different, slower powder. I tried Ramshot HUNTER (similar burn rate to N-150). It was better than H-4350 but velocity wasn't quite there. Still dissatisfied, I then tried Ramshot MAGNUM (similar to burn rate to Magpro, slower than HUNTER or N-150). MAGNUM did the trick. I got all the velocity I was supposed to be able to achieve and did so without any signs of high pressure, NONE! I am using Federal 215M (magnum) primers. I don't believe these are needed but are what I chose to use given this was my first use of slow (magnum) powders. Ramshot MAGNUM is all I now use in 6mm. I now have a boatload of H4350 and a big bottle of HUNTER which I will likely never use. Wanting to better understand why I could use these slow powders, I did some "overbore" calculations. As it turns out, the powder volume and bore diameter place my 6 mm in magnum cartridge territory. Your 243 will be similar. No one talks about 6mm as magnum cartridges but they are, or might as well be. This probably explains why 243 is considered to be a "barrel burner" (short barrel life). It's a magnum class cartridge, typically being used with powders that are too fast for the cartridge. Slower powders may help extend barrel life. Mine has many thousands of rounds and shows no signs of accuracy loss. ETA - I got a standard deviation of 6 fps using MAGNUM, my lowest ever. Fear not in testing either or both of those slow powders. I'd suggest the Magpro or Ramshot MAGNUM as the starting point. Just do a standard load development work up. You will be fine. That's what I know via first hand experience. I hope it helps and encourages you in this test. P.S. - Because I found little to no data for my 6mm, I used Gordon's Reloading Tool during this load development to estimate pressures. I used measured case weights and water volumes to improve the model's accuracy. I did this as a safety precaution. During testing, I was within 8 fps of the GRT predicted velocity. Also, I saw no signs of excessive pressure, consistent with the GRT predict (very different than H-4350). N150 is a lot faster than Ramshot Hunter. Its closer to Big Game. Hunter is more in the H4831 burn rate which is closer to N160. Hunter is outstanding in the 243. |
Proud deplorable. MAGA!!
|
Originally Posted By 1Coyote-conquest: N150 is a lot faster than Ramshot Hunter. Its closer to Big Game. Hunter is more in the H4831 burn rate which is closer to N160. Hunter is outstanding in the 243. I posted a burn rate chart above (see post #15). They're never perfect but they give the general lay of the land. It shows all the powders you mentioned, those I discussed and those the OP discussed. I tried HUNTER in my 6 mm but moved on to MAGNUM, as it was too fast. What bullet weights have you used with HUNTER in .243? It's great to have a load that really works, even if it isn't what everyone else is using. Heck, I was shooting mine just today. |
|
I'm going to post this link trying to ensure you and the OP get to see the video. It's about a new 6mm heavy-for-caliber bullet but you'll note he is using a very slow powder (N-565), even slower than the Ramshot MAGNUM that I use with the DTAC 115 gr. Then again, he's a Pro and I am just a Joe. Link to thread with video Direct link to YouTube video  Berger .243 cal 120 gr Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) |
|
Originally Posted By PoppaCapp: I'd love to try it, but, unfortunately my operating system won't run it. Perhaps I can do some runs for you. Then, you can see if it helps provide any guidance beyond what's in this thread. What bullet(s) are you planning on using? |
|
Originally Posted By bpm990d: The new 120gr LRHTs are going to be tough in an 8 twist. They might be stable, but their aerodynamic qualities are going to be compromised. All my barrels are 1/8" twist. I might, just maybe, try the bullets but wouldn't buy more than a single box I just don't foresee buying a new barrel just to shoot a new, expensive bullet. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
730
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: Perhaps I can do some runs for you. Then, you can see if it helps provide any guidance beyond what's in this thread. What bullet(s) are you planning on using? Thanks for the offer! I bought 105 OTM blems from MidwayUSA. I believe they're Nosler rdf. I've already bought 4 powders, though, and don't plan on getting more prior to testing. I'll post my results. Still waiting on the rifle  Called today, guy with the info was out, so no news. He'll be there tomorrow, and so will I as I have to go into town tomorrow.I'll probably test a heavy hunting bullet next. Haven't looked into these yet. Thanks for the video. I saw this in the other thread yesterday. I doubt my rifle could produce enough velocity to stabilize these with 1:8 22 inch barrel. |
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: All my barrels are 1/8" twist. I might, just maybe, try the bullets but wouldn't buy more than a single box I just don't foresee buying a new barrel just to shoot a new, expensive bullet. They are really specialized bullets, but they will probably shoot fine, you just wont maximize their potential. The 120s have a length of 1.383 according to Berger and will give you a SG-1.21. Years ago I shot some 175gr Berger VLDs out of a 13 twist Palma rifle at a few matches. They shot great, but the probably didn't fly as well as they would have if they were shot out of a 10 or 11 twist. The Berger calculator says they had a SG of 1.16 and their BC is compromised by 10%. |
|
Originally Posted By PoppaCapp: Thanks for the offer! I bought 105 OTM blems from MidwayUSA. I believe they're Nosler rdf. I've already bought 4 powders, though, and don't plan on getting more prior to testing. ... my rifle ... with 1:8 22 inch barrel. Here's one run from GRT using 37.4 gr to 41.50 gr of HUNTER. I used the 105 Nosler RDF at 2.7098" OAL for this run. 41.5 gr yielded a muzzle velocity of 2864 fps from your 22" barrel. 37.4 gr yielded a muzzle velocity of 2578 fps from your 22" barrel. Discussion - I took this range of powder charge weights for HUNTER from Ramshot's loading data guide. As a guide for charge weight selections, I used 105 Berger which should be close to your 105 Nosler for charge weight selections. To be clear, the GRT run was done using the 105 Nosler RDF. The 41.5 gr I used (upper most curves in the graphic) is listed as the max charge in Ramshot Loading Data for 243 Winchester with that 105 Berger VLD bullet. Note this 41.5 gr load yields only ~10% margin on max peak pressure. It would work but it's certainly NOT where I would start. Ramshot lists 37.4 gr as the starting charge weight (lowest curve in the graphic). I used a charge weight step size of 0.82 gr (for my convenience in running GRT). Charge weights shown are - 37.40, 38.22, 39.04, 39.86, 40.68, 41.5 gr. 
|
|
GRT does have data for Alliant's Magpro. :-( I ran Ramshot's MAGNUM, instead. It is shown right next to Magpro in the burn rate chart I have. It will be indicative of what you can get with a slower powder. Muzzle velocity went as high as 2905 fps for a stout max charge. <-- Start lower, as shown below.  |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
733
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Looking back at a Winchester HV in 243 I owned at one time. The 75gr V-Max liked Varget, whereas the 87gr BTHP liked H4350. It was a shooter! |
jme and I am a NRA Endowment Member
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
R W Emerson
|
Originally Posted By rn22723: It was a shooter! .243 / 6mm is a great caliber! The only negative I have ever heard is that of all the 6mm's out there, the .243 Winchester cartridge tends to be a barrel burner. As a reloader, you can load it down a bit when high velocity is not needed (100-200 yard shooting) and I'm sure you can extend barrel life. My 6XC has many thousands of rounds down the pipe and is still very accurate. |
|
With a Username like yours, 243winxb, I had to do the run. I just had to. Once again, I set the max powder charge to yield about 10% margin relative to SAAMI max pressure allowable. All these powders look like they will work. It seems 243W is easy to reload with almost whatever you have. That's good. 
|
|
Hybrid 100v has been my go to with 105s for the PRS rifle when it was chambered in 243. Hunter is excellent also for lighter bullets. Really thinking about getting another barrel now that those Berger 120s dropped |
Ddiggler
I'm going out of this world the same way I came in... naked, kicking, screaming, and covered in blood and vaginal secretions.
I'm going out of this world the same way I came in... naked, kicking, screaming, and covered in blood and vaginal secretions.
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
785
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Finally got the rifle yesterday. Ended up with a 1:8 20" barrel. Was told Tikka not making 22" barrels right now, and wouldn't know for about a month if they would again. 24" barrels are available, but 1:10. Gonna be busy for a few weeks, don't see any testing for at least 2 weeks. My plans for now- bought a box of factory ammo to sight in and have brass fired from my rifle. I want to measure magazine- length, and distance to lands. |
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
833
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Just an update. Sighted in the rifle a couple days ago. My old Chrony didn't pick up even 1 shot. Decided to get an Athlon to replace it. The 100 yd range I usually go to has become unavailable. This was a Tuesday-Sunday range. The 350 meter range is my alternative, but, it is only available to me a few days a month. Hoping I can get there next Tue or Wed. Used sight-in brass to set up my sizing die. Found my distance to lands, and mag length for the 105s. Searched and didn't find data for AA4350 and 105s (except AI, which I distrust). Did find 100s, so I backed down from there, probably too much. And I will work up from there. Also loaded up for Hunter testing. Both of these are loaded .020 off the lands. Just waiting for range time at this point |
|
I had good results for my old .243 M788 with 100 grain Speer SP and 45.0 of H1000 lit with a Federal 215M primer. My nephew killed a hog with it and begged me to sell him the rifle, so I just gave it to him, now he loads that recipe. |
<placeholder for something good in the future></placeholder>
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
858
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
First range report. 1:8 twist, 105 OTMs AA4350- charge weights from 34.0 to 37..8 produced velocities from 2260 to 2496. Group sizes were horrendous at 3 to 5 inches. I knew I was starting light, so we'll move up on this powder. Ramshot Hunter- charges from 40.8 to 43.3. Velocities were better., but accuracy still sucked. Got halfway thru this test. Velocities started at 2682 for 40.8 and reached 2786 for 41.8. Group for 41.8 had 1st 2 shots touching, and 3rd about 1.25" to the left. At this point, I was wondering WTF? I still had some of the Federal factory ammo left so I tried it to verfy the rifle and my shooting and got a 3/4" group. So now wondering what is wrong. The balance point of these bullets is pretty far back. Do I need more velocity to spin them faster to stabilize them? Or do they not like my seating depth? Nosler gives a much shorter OAL for this bullet. Decided to test both theories... Next test, I'm going to 42.3 Hunter, and COAL increments from Book to my .020 off the lands. Now, have to wait for range time again. Any thoughts or criticisms? I did wonder about the bullets, as I bought them as blems. I tested them for weight- all exactly 105, base to ogive- exactly the same, and length- varied .002. I did replace the old Chrony with an Athlon. I really like it. I used it in my backyard to verify some pistol loads for SCSA. It's so much easier than the Chrony, and hasn't missed a shot yet. |
|
Are you using three shot groups? I'd say start with 5 shot groups and then go to 20 shots once you think you have it worked out. You are not done until the 20 shot group looks good. Don't use "blems" to develop loads. Buy a box of first quality bullets to develop your loads. Go cheap once you have a good basis. Photo shows 20 rounds each first grade SMK (left) and "seconds" both at 100 yards. It was windy that day and I never attempt to correct for wind during testing, so some amount of the lateral dispersion is wind. Same shooter, same rifle, same day,... 
|
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
862
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
I like to weed out what doesn't work with 3 shot groups. If they don't shoot good in 3, they won't shoot better with 5.... Once I weed out the bad, I'll shoot more- that's the point, isn' t it.I'll shoot the next test. I'm wondering if the bullets are crap, or if they're just "special needs. With my rudimentary measuring ability- Hornady Comparitor/ beam scale, they'e pretty consistant. I have used Nosler 77 blems, and they shot lights out. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
Jun 2007
Posts:
72914
EE: 100% (1)
WA, USA
|
Originally Posted By PoppaCapp: I like to weed out what doesn't work with 3 shot groups. If they don't shoot good in 3, they won't shoot better with 5.... Once I weed out the bad, I'll shoot more- that's the point, isn' t it.I'll shoot the next test. I'm wondering if the bullets are crap, or if they're just "special needs. With my rudimentary measuring ability- Hornady Comparitor/ beam scale, they'e pretty consistant. I have used Nosler 77 blems, and they shot lights out. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Joined:
Oct 2025
Posts:
863
EE: 0% (0)
KY, USA
|
Originally Posted By Trollslayer: I think the picture I tried posting is now visible. OP, what I am suggesting is you start with a known-good bullet and go from there with your reloading efforts. Nothing more than that. I appreciate and understand what you're saying. I'm exploring territory new to me, and am taking all suggestions seriously. If I can't get these to fly straight on the next test, they'll get put on the back-burner. That being said. They are beautiful and consistent bullets. I think they'll be great once stabilized. I don't know yet if that can be accomplished with a 20" 1:8 .243. |
|
Originally Posted By PoppaCapp: I like to weed out what doesn't work with 3 shot groups. If they don't shoot good in 3, they won't shoot better with 5.... This is just something to think about, as you originally asked for comments. It's not intended as criticism. So, let me pose a problem with 3 round groups, it's problem of logic. Shoot one round - felt good looks good. Shoot another - also felt good but is a bit off from the first. Question #1 - which of those two is the "good" round? Was it just the wind? Shoot a third - also felt good and may line up with one of the previous shots (or maybe not). Question #2 - was shot #3 lined up with the good round or the off round? How can you tell, if you don't really know which of the first two was the good round? You'll get there, no matter what sample size you use for load development testing. No one would or should ignore a three shot clover leaf group but,... Just remember, it has been more than once where a second test did not agree with the first. I see it all the time in my testing and that of others, in both accuracy and point of impact testing but also in chronograph results. |
Powder for .243. (Page 1 of 2)
Armory Sponsor