What is a good .243 powder?

ejpaul1 · 07-31-2005, 09:00 AM

Went out to the grasslands yesterday and was find tuning the 30-06 and the .243 and I could not get the reloads I had to group very well. I was using a winchester case, winchester primer, 40 grains ofIMR 4350 powder and a hornady 100 grain BTSP. I think it is the powder. Any suggestions?

Vapodog · 07-31-2005, 09:22 AM

I've been loading both these cartridges with H-414 ahead of a magnum primer. Both work well for me.

If you're not getting the groups you want check the bedding first.

ejpaul1 · 07-31-2005, 12:09 PM

The bedding? I am new to this, please fill me in. EJ

Vapodog · 07-31-2005, 02:10 PM

Some rifles will shoot fine from the factory.....some (especially my favorites the M-70 Winchester) do not always shoot well as is.....the practice of glass bedding the action to the stock is a long time cure for many accuracy problems.....I also recommend the free floating of the barrel.....meaning the barrel may not touch the stock anyplace.

This can be done at home if you get a glass bedding kit from a gun shop....many choose to have some do it for them.....the cost is about $75 to have it done.

Until this is done one never knows if the accuracy problems are the cause of the ammo or the gun. I'm now to the point that I glass bed a new rifle even before I shoot it the first time.

PaJack · 08-01-2005, 09:41 AM

I have had great accuracy with IMR 4064...

mounting man · 08-01-2005, 01:45 PM

I second Pa jack.4064 IMR!

vangunsmith · 08-01-2005, 05:21 PM

There are many variables in accuracy,and your cartridges are just one.One load might shoot good for one person and lousy for the next! reason all barrels and guns are different ,just like women! You will have to make up and try different loads until you find the right one your barrel likes.it takes time,but in the long run it is well worth it. Most 243 shooter like the 95 & 100 gr bullsts for deer hunting,and the 70gr for varmits ect. Varget and H4831 are good powders to use and are easier on your pocket book as well. hope i helped. vangunsmith

ejpaul1 · 08-01-2005, 07:43 PM

Well, looks like I am buyin a pound of that! Varget I mean and maybe the 4064 as well. I still really love this little rifle, it is the NEF I was talking about. If I can work up a good load, I might just use it for white tail in oklahoma. I was keepin awesome accureacy with the factory stuff. EJ

deerslayer223 · 08-01-2005, 08:04 PM

IMR 4064.

graperunkennels · 08-01-2005, 09:44 PM

I use IMR 4350 with 100gr. gameking. works great in my 243. 4064 is good to, just what ever works best in your rifle.