243 speeds

[roymunson]

I reloaded an accurate round for my 243 Win and really like how it shoots both Bergers and Hornady SSTs in 95 or 100 grain (I can't remember exactly), but it puts them where I want them.

Shot them thru a chrono and I'm only getting like 2850 fps. Should I be getting more if it's hitting where I want it to? I know the round can do more, but for practical hunting purposes, am I missing out on any real performance for deer sized game?

 

[Rich M]

I have done some load workups with 243 - 100 gr Nosler Partition at 2850, 100 gr Pro Hunter at 2950, Sierra TGK around 3,000, and a couple 95 jobbers at similar speeds in the 2900 fps bracket.

I don't think you are gonna sacrifice much performance at 2850 fps. If you want faster, probably need to change powders.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Does that bullet/velocity carry enough velocity at the distances you want to shoot be lethal? If yes enjoy the easy life on your brass, if not dial it up looking for the next accuracy node.

 

[skip189]

My 243 I am shooting 90 gr CX around 3400 fps in 24 inch varmint barrel Remington 700. It's a pretty hot load but flat shooting for coyotes and antelope.

 

[wind gypsy]

What is the barrel length, powder you're using, and how many rounds on the barrel?

Short answer is that velocity will work just fine but there's probably little more velocity on the table if you want it. I'm at 2770ish with my 18" 6 creedmoor and 107/108s and have no concerns about that velocity for hunting.

 

[rayporter]

dont mess with it!!

 

[sveltri]

I started fireforming for my 243 Ackley this weekend. Virgin Hornady brass with 45 H4831SC (2.1 gns below max), 108 eldm, 2868.5 ave, bare muzzle. I only had 1 rnd left but suppressed velocity was 2878, could have easily fell within bare muzzle SD. With Peterson brass and 44 gns H4831SC velocity was 2814 ave.

 

[roymunson]

i'll just leave it. Gun shoots darn good for an off the shelf CVA Cascade. I thought people were getting stupid speeds in some places. But This is a varmint/deer/possible antelope gun. We'll let it ride

 

[rayporter]

you cant miss em fast enough to kill em.

 

[Mulyhuntr]

Barrel length? I get 3000fps with a 108 eld and h1000. Good node at 2980 with 95 berger and h4350. 22" tikka

 

[Jfjfrye]

Barrel length? I get 3000fps with a 108 eld and h1000. Good node at 2980 with 95 berger and h4350. 22" tikka

How many gr. Of h4350 for the 95s.

I’m running 95s for a test soon and was going to start with 43 grains of h4350 for one test set.

 

[Jfjfrye]

i'll just leave it. Gun shoots darn good for an off the shelf CVA Cascade. I thought people were getting stupid speeds in some places. But This is a varmint/deer/possible antelope gun. We'll let it ride

Accuracy trumps speed every time.

 

[Mulyhuntr]

How many gr. Of h4350 for the 95s.

I’m running 95s for a test soon and was going to start with 43 grains of h4350 for one test set.

41gr

2980 was old velocity data. Barrel apparently sped up because last time out the 95gr classic hunter chrono'd at 3050 @ 41gr h4350. Obviously some room to run powder charge wise but it shoots well so I haven't messed with it.

I wouldn't start at 43. Berger data shows a range of 38 to 42 with a 95 grain bullet.

 

[Jfjfrye]

41gr

2980 was old velocity data. Barrel apparently sped up because last time out the 95gr classic hunter chrono'd at 3050 @ 41gr h4350. Obviously some room to run powder charge wise but it shoots well so I haven't messed with it.

I wouldn't start at 43. Berger data shows a range of 38 to 42 with a 95 grain bullet.

Thanks for the update. I think I came up with 43 because max in the Speer book was 44. I’ll definitely do a little more digging before dropping charges.
I love 4350 and would prefer accuracy over speed any day. 41 grains sounds like a great place to start.