243 18 in barrel load test.

[bolski]

Loaded up the 243 with 37.5,38,38.5, and 39 grs of 4007 ssc today with 95 gr NBT. At best 1.5 inch groups. Gun is a ruger M77 with 18 inch barrel. Do you think their is a better powder choice I should be trying? I was goin to try IMR 4895.

 

[Freedom2live]

Ruger m77 tang safety 1978, loves 70-85 gr bullets with winchester ball ammo 760... anything heavier it shoots okay. . Its currently being re barreled with twist 1-8 @30 inch

 

[Catbird]

Yeah,I'd go with a slower powder. You have a short barrel which does make a difference.But, I think a powder like 4350 or RL22 might be better.I've loaded for a few 243's, but with 22 or longer tubes.

 

[bolski]

I was getting a lot of blow out of the barrel after the shot. What causes that? Not flames but dust like poofs.

 

[Freedom2live]

Unburn powder bud, remember short barrel fast powder.. u need to get that bullet moving before it exits 18 inches of barrel

 

[trucraft]

My 22" barreled Tikka loves Vit N160 with the Nosler 95grn BT but if I was you I might try N140 with the shorter barrel as it a tad faster.

 

[RT2506]

My 2011 Hodgdon annual manual list loads for 15" barrel pistols and with you 18" barrel these are the loads I would use. With 95 gr bullets it list a Max load of 42.0 grs H414 as the top velocity load of 2781 fps. A max load of 35.0 grs H4895 gave 2740 fps.

Keep in mind that H414 and WW 760 are the same powders. Just like H110 and WW 296 are the same.