.243 Powder Suggestions?

Question

I bought a .243 for coyotes, and reload my own bullets. Im shootin 80 Grains, and i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for powder use?

Answer 1

For the 243 I use only IMR 4895, it is at a burn rate to fit that caliber and case capacity perfectly.
I am a IMR fan because it has a very good and stable shelf life, as opposed to some other brands that tend to get hotter with age.
The IMR 3031 is a little faster in burn rate for my preference in the 243.
The IMR 4350 is way too slow a burn rate for such a light caliber with that powder capacity,
IMR 4350 works great for light bullets in the 25-06 case range but not the best for 243.

When I work up a new caliber I try several of the IMR powders and let the most accurate group determine the powder burn rate that is best suited for it.
I test several 100 rounds before making the call.

For the 243 it preformed best with IMR 4895 and with the IMR powder if for some reason the loaded shells don’t get fired for some time, they will shoot the very same as ammo made with fresh/new powder.

I really don’t know why I am conserved about this, because no powder last very long around my house.
I like to shoot a lot.

That my opinion.
D58

Answer 2

Bullets of around 80 grains will perform well using published reloading data in almost any manufacturer's stock rifle, as the twist rate is usually anywhere from 1 in 9 inches, to 1 in 10 inches. Heavier bullets may require the 1 in 9 or a faster twist.

That out of the way, I'd suggest you stay with medium burn-rate powders like Varget, Reloader 15, IMR-4895, H-4895, or even IMR-4064. Any of these will yield sub-MOA capable ammo with good bullets. I personally have had very good results using Varget with 70 grain Match Kings, and exceptional results (½ MOA) results using IMR-4350 with the Sierra 85 grain BTHP bullet, both being fired through a 1-10 twist barrel.

Answer 3

Personally, I never used 80 gr. bullets. I used 95, 100, or 105 gr bullets.

With the 95 grain bullets, I used AA3100. This produced a deadly accurate combination (95 gr. Partition bullets).

For the 105 gr bullets, I used IMR4350 with great results.

Answer 4

For the 80 grain bullets I would try IMR 4064,IMR4895 or Varget. I load 100 grain sierras and use IMR 4350 as it gives me sub MOA groups.

Answer 5

I agree with the poster above me. Varget (or perhaps H414) will probably be a good starting point, unless you're one of those looking for maximum velocity, in which case you're looking at compressed loads of H4831 or Reloader 22, or something in the ballpark.