Finally getting started on my .243

[desertcj]

Yes, I was looking at those exact two models. Leaning towards the prochrono digital based on the reviews. The price difference is not my concern.

 

[SJB358]

Mike is spot on. A chrono is really an important tool.

I wouldn't imagine there are many bullets that you could find that are tougher than the ET. It's gotta be one of the best for hogs with a 243.

 

[desertcj]

I moved up to a 7mag for pigs, but I don't even hunt them anymore. They are almost exclusively found on private property and I got really lucky once...lol. My .243 is intended for coyotes at long range and antelope. I almost always take the 7mag for deer.

 

[desertcj]

Just a small update. I'm going to order a chronograph and continue working with 7828ssc. I was excited to try some loads with H1000 as I've read that it's really good with the 105 grain bullets in .243. I'm debating on shelving that powder until it becomes more available as I only have 1 pound. I'm considering trying out IMR's new 7977. It is right next to H1000 on the burn rate chart and it is available for now at least.

 

[SJB358]

Sounds like a great plan. Too many great powders to pigeon hole yourself with one powder.

 

[desertcj]

Well, I have a chronograph on the way for the next shooting session. I might have gotten a little carried away this weekend with the loading. I had some federal brass that I loaded up with with 90 grain E-tips and the same progression of 7828ssc from 45gr up to 47gr. Hopefully that same 46.5grn load will shine through. I don't want to have my Lapua brass tied up with a lead free load that I will rarely shoot!

Also went back to the 105 grain hpbt with 7828ssc from 44gr up to 46gr this time. About this time I noticed that I'm starting to run low on this powder already! Time to get an 8 lb jug I guess.

I then decided to crack open my H1000 and loaded up some 105 Amax's. Started at 47gr and went up to 49gr. We'll see if these want to shoot. I will say that this powder isn't as nice to work with IMO.

Still have about 50 pieces of brass that aren't fire formed so I figure what the heck...grab the H4350 and a box of 95gr combined tech BT's. Loaded up a ladder from 40gr up to 43.5gr. This powder is nice. Smooth and trickles nicely. I did notice that it took more force to seat these bullets than the molly coated pills I've been using. Guess that molly really does work.

I think I've pulled "honey do..." duty next weekend so I'm not sure when I'll get to go shooting next. Do you guys clean the barrel when switching between powders during load testing?

 

[SJB358]

I don't clean between powders.

Sounds like you have some shooting. Looking forward to seeing your results. All great combos you have there.

 

[desertcj]

I finally got back to this! I had a chronograph this time too. I didn't get any really sweet groups but I think I'm making progress. My rifle seems to like the 105gr Hornady HPBT better than the Amax. The Amax's seem kinds squirrely, might be the 9.25" twist? Anyways, 46gr of IMR 7828ssc gave me an average velocity of 3039fps, ES 21, SD 8. I think this will really shoot if I give it a chance without 3 girls telling me to hurry up so we can leave, lol. Fairly flat primers, but no ejector mark at 46 gr. I may try 46.5grn and 47gr but I think it's right in there.

I didn't get to shoot the H1000 loads or the 95gr Ballistic Tip s with H4350. Next time on those, but I'm not going to buy any more Amax's at this point and honestly, I'm afraid of what would happen if H1000 turns out to be "The one". Stuff may as well be pixy dust! Retumbo is just as bad....impossible to find. I'd like to try some IMR 7977 before I invest in an 8 lb jug of 7828ssc.

 

[desertcj]

Got out alone for some shooting time today. H1000 with the 105 Amax was crummy! At 49gr-3000fps, they shoot about the same as most of the 7828ssc loads. I'd like to try the 105 HPBT at 49-50gr of H1000 and see what happens. The real magic today was the 95gr CTBT with 43gr H4350. Not bench rest quality, but three shots can be covered with a nickel and those are at 3100 fps if I'm not mistaken. Also saw some real potential out of some 55gr lead FREE BALLISTIC TIPS. Was just shooting 1 round at each 1/2 grain increment and 5 or 6 went into a vertical strung .407" group! The vertical string is from 3900 fps up to 4100 fps. Real excited to try some more of those out at the same charge level.

 

[SJB358]

Nice. Sounds like a great day. The 95 BT is one awesome bullet in the 6mm's. It's a deer killing son of a gun.

 

[desertcj]

Yeah, I'm happy to finally find at least one great load. It's actually 3 shots that fit under a dime! I'll take it but I think it's about 100 fps slower than it could be.

 

[jmad_81]

I had great luck with H1000 and the 105 A max in my 243. It was either 47 or 47.5 gr. I can't remember. I was susing Nosler brass, and getting 3040 I think. It shot very well. My rifle was a 1:9.25 as well. RL-25 worked really well also. If I had to do it over again, I would give RL-26 a try. It shoots really well in my 280 AI and 6.5 SAUM.

I had bettter luck with 7828 ssc with the 95 Bt and VLD.

Hang in there, you'll get it dialed in pretty shortly.

 

[desertcj]

Still tinkering around with this. Going to Wyoming for antelope next month. Not sure if I'm going to take my .243 or my 7mm-08, but I figure I should get a load dialed in for this. Loaded in fireformed, neck sized cases. BR2 primers. Hornady 105gr HPBT, Molly coated. I've got 3 powders to try. IMR7828ssc-46gr, 46.5gr, 47gr. H4831sc-46gr, 46.5gr, 47gr and H1000-49gr, 49.5gr, 50gr.

All of the lowest charges will be right at 3000fps.The top loads should hit 3100fps but of course I'll be watching for pressure signs. Driving up to the mountains to shoot tomorrow, so I'll report the results. Hopefully with some decent groups.

 

[desertcj]

Got out today and I was able to get all of my shooting done. I finally found what looks like a really good load with 50gr of H1000. Average velocity was just below 3000fps which you can see on the target. Kind of surprising because 50gr is like 4 grains over book max? It shoots great though and no pressure signs with that load. It will be going to Wyoming with me, hopefully for a close encounter with an Antelope.

Experienced something that I had read about before. My lowest starting load of H4831sc showed an ejector mark on the case head. Next shot, same charge weight barely showed an ejector mark. Third shot was fine and so were all subsequent shots even with another grain of powder. I'm calling it oil in the chamber. I've heard of that before, but never had it happen until today.

 

[SJB358]

You found a winner! That bullet will hammer antelope.

 

[desertcj]

I shot one into some milk jugs at about 80yds. I didn't find it, but it certainly expanded. First two jugs were devastated, third jug had a 1/2" hole in and out the side. I'm guessing a small portion of whatever was left. A behind the shoulder shot would seem to be pretty decisive.

 

[SJB358]

I'd think it'll work well. Should be a great Bullet out in the open spaces.

 

[desertcj]

Leaving next Friday to try for an Antelope, got my load basically dialed in. 50.5gr H1000, BR2 primer, neck sized Lapua brass, 105gr Hornady HPBT wet Molly plated. Got a 3 shot group today that measures .222"! I'm very happy with that. Avg velocity from a 26" barrel is 3037fps.

 

[preacher]

Good luck to you Pard! I love hunting antelope as you can usually see them out and about all day long! I don't care for attached bi-pods, but I have used crossed sticks (homemade and store bought) from the sitting position for some great shots! My last antelope doe ( and closest) was shot with a 6mmx284 and the 90gr BT....shot her at 150yds, blew a fist sized exit hole in her! Its no big deal on antelope as they don't have a lot of meat on their ribs anyhow! But watch out for that wind out there! In those short-grass prairies I can never accurately judge the wind. Actually, its a lot easier to get a close shot on an antelope than some would have you believe...lots of dips/gulleys and such in the prairie. Surprisingly, a rag on a thin stick is still a good draw to those crazy things! I wouldn't use a decoy on public land as I don't trust other hunters! A .243 is just about "custom ordered" for antelope hunting I feel. Plenty to fight the wind and still not tear the little guys up too bad! Have a ball!

 

[desertcj]

I just got one of those Primos quick adjust tripods for this trip. It helps for sure, but nothing like prone.Bringing this along to verify my drop chart...its 12" diameter.