243 is done!!

[wisconsinteacher]

With my 2nd trip to the range with the 243 and 95gr Btips I am done with load development.

Speeds were 3090 fps with groups of .744-.611-.504" I also caught one in a jug. The first 2 jugs were split wide open. 3 and 4 had holes that drained water.

Now the question, do I take this rifle to WY in place of the 25-06 or 270? My 25-06 is accurate but speeds are not that great at only 2890 fps with the 110 AccuBond.

 

[Dwh7271]

Kind of hard to argue with that speed and accuracy.
I'd take it. :grin:

 

[JD338]

The 243 Win won't let you down in WY.
What powder did you use in the 243 Win?

JD338

 

[wisconsinteacher]

42.0 grains of IMR4350/Federal Brass/CCI200 Primer

I didn't measure COAL just the ogive.

 

[JD338]

IMR4350 was always my go to powder for the 95-100 gr bullets in the 243. For the 70 gr bullets, 39.5 grs IMR4895 was the load. WELL under MOA in 8-9 different rifles so it was referred to as the "Club Load".

JD338

 

[BretN]

Take what you are most confident with. But that is a great 243 load. Nice work. It won't let you down. The antelope would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I am using 47.0 grains of IMR4350 with the 70 B-tip and getting under MOA with ease and speed of 3400 fps if I remember right.

I do have 3 tags so maybe should bring all 3 rifles and use them all.

 

[ksubuck]

Nice work. Wish my 243 was getting that combination of speed and accuracy with 95 BTips and IMR 4350.

I like your last idea. Take all three guns.

 

[MAinAR]

Shot this group this evening with 44.5 grain IMR4831 under 85gr Barnes TSX at 3,125fps in 20" barrel factory savage gun. Temp was 69 degrees. Loaded in Nosler Brass. This was at 200yds. OAL is 2.645 per Barnes. This load is awesome. Top 2 were on 4th firing brass and lower was on unfired brass but was 3rd shot too, no cooling just shoot. Scope adjustment is in order now.

Case is full but no crunch at seating, I LIKE it. Just barely shake space. 44.5 is it!


This one was at 200yd last week with same combo only at 44 grains imr4831
I done load building for this one. 6 shots no cooling, from 1 thru 6 bolt and shoot barrel was hot when I put it down!

 

[Guy Miner]

Nice results on target, both of you.

WT - looks like that 95 grainer is a shooter, and I like the penetration/expansion too.

I'd take a primary and a backup rifle, just taking whichever one put the biggest grin on my face. I don't think the pronghorn is going to know if he was shot by a .24, .25 or .27 caliber bullet.

Good work at the loading bench, and at the range! Enjoy your hunt.

Guy

 

[Dr. Vette]

I agree on a primary and a backup rifle. I always do that because "stuff happens" and you want to be prepared.

I used my 270 for my antelope last year even though I didn't intend to. We stumbled upon some antelope, that rifle was on top when I needed one in a hurry, and it got used. I then used my 257 Wby for my deer a few days later. This year I'm working on a 243 to take just in case we have a chance at antelope.

Any of your choices will work well.