.243 AI Loads

[adam32]

Hi everyone, first time poster but I've been browsing here for a while.

I was wondering if any one has any good .243 Ackley loads they would like to share. I have a rifle getting built for me (eta about 5 months) and I'm trying to get some loads lined out ahead of time. I want to shoot the 95 or 105 Berger VLD's, and then some smaller bullets too. It is a 1/8 twist Broughton, so it should handle the bigger bullets.

Thanks in Advance

 

[JLR]

the load TMR and I shoot through our .243AI's is 105gr Bergers with 49.0gr of Reloader 22. Gives us around 3300fps, but it's pretty warm and shows some pressure when it's hot during the summer. 48.5gr of RL22 seems to shoot good all the time though.

 

[eddybo]

46.3 gr RL22 with a coated 115 dtac with BR2s .20 in the lands shoots one hole for my 243AI....just walked in from shooting it. Shoots the same while fireforming with the same load. No idea of the velocity, but it is not hot in my gun.

 

[James Jones]

eddybo thats the little Sendero clone that Mr. Don just built ?? man you and him are gonna blow my contest dieting and cost me more money , I did manage to get him some aluminum pieces maybe he can build himself one of those big F-class rest.

From the guys I've talked to it seems like verybody is liking the R-22 , I personaly used IMR-4350 in mine a few years back it gave the best accuracy but the velocity was a bit low around 3100fps from a 26" barrel. The more and more I shoot the Vihtavuori powderes the more I like them , I think that the N-165 would be a good choice and from a bit more speed the N-560

 

[adam32]

Thanks guys, I'll keep ya updated on how it shoots.

 

[257speed]

46.0 Reloader-19 under a 105 A-max 3177fps and super accurate.

 

[eddybo]

Thats the one James...and for a gun with a used barrel stock and action it is wild how this thing is shooting. When this barrel was a 6x284 it was very frustrating....nothing worked...thus its being pulled. I still havent figured it out because both smiths who have chambered this barrel are very good.

I think I am going to stick with the RL22 since I shot my best 3 shot 700 yard group ever today with that little hunting gun and luckily it was within an inch of the point of aim. I am going to have to go back and measure but it isnt much over one inch...and even if it was luck (and it was luck because the wind was nasty and I had to use 3 different holds because it was switching)...I will take it. The best part was I had four witnesses and I was able to keep a straight face and say I needed a little more load work and walk off like I shoot sub 2 inch 700 yard groups everyday.
I let the nephews fireform 16 rounds by firing them at the 700 yard target. The 10 and 13 year olds put 7 out of 16 within 3 inches of a 2 inch target spot. I was prouder of that than I was my group.

eddybo thats the little Sendero clone that Mr. Don just built ?? man you and him are gonna blow my contest dieting and cost me more money , I did manage to get him some aluminum pieces maybe he can build himself one of those big F-class rest.

From the guys I've talked to it seems like verybody is liking the R-22 , I personaly used IMR-4350 in mine a few years back it gave the best accuracy but the velocity was a bit low around 3100fps from a 26" barrel. The more and more I shoot the Vihtavuori powderes the more I like them , I think that the N-165 would be a good choice and from a bit more speed the N-560

 

[eddybo]

Mr. DOn told me you visited with him for a couple hours. Watch out...hanging out with him is addictive and very expensive. Was he working on my 7WSM???? Tell me he had a no.6 kreiger chucked in the lathe fitting it to a stiller predator...or that he had a green robertson composits stock in the mill...I need some good news since I got skunked on opening day.

 

[Adam Lee]

i saw that group! lol

 

[shiredude]

45 gr RE 22 w/ 107 SMK @ 3200 fps

 

[adam32]

Thanks again guys. Keep 'em coming if you have any.

 

[adam32]

46.3 gr RL22 with a coated 115 dtac with BR2s .20 in the lands shoots one hole for my 243AI....just walked in from shooting it. Shoots the same while fireforming with the same load. No idea of the velocity, but it is not hot in my gun.

Now that the rifle is completed and will be in my hands next week, I thought I'd bump this thread up.

Eddybo,

You use 46.3gr's when fireforming regular .243 brass? I didn't think that much powder would fit into .243 brass...?

I just ordered up 100 Lapua cases, 100 Berger 105gr VLD's, 50 95gr Ballistic Tips and 100 87gr V-Maxs. So with those and the 115's you sent me, I should be having some fun after I scope it!!

 

[eddybo]

It doesnt exactly fit but it can be forced You will not need a long drop tube or anything but you will hear some powder crushing. It is going to be a compressed load how much depending upon seating depth. I like a full power charge when trying to fireform the lapua brass. As always start lower and work your way up. At 45gr with a 2.710 coal quick load predicts pressure to be around 52219 with non coated 115 bergers. That combo has worked very well in my gun hope it works for you.