6.5 Staball in .243

[onlybrowning]

Was checking out .243 win load data today, specifically for Barnes 85gr TSX, and came across something that I thought was surprising. The new Hodgdon manual lists Staball 6.5 at a significant higher velocity than everything else.

So, my question is, is it worth buying some 6.5 Staball when I’ve got H4350, H4831sc, and Varget on the shelf?


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[camelcluch]

If it’s worth it is completely up to you. Do you have a load you’re happy with? Are you chasing something that can’t be done? Is the money worth the fun of tinkering and experimenting?

 

[Gobihawk]

I use H4350 with 87 grain Bergers in my .243. Cut pdogs in half at 400 yards. I'm not switching.

 

[Vicomb]

H4350 for me! 103gr eldx 41 gr all day long!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I’m using stabal with the 80ttsx in 243 with reasonable accuracy. It tends to have more velocity but isn’t always the most accurate, you don’t know till you try but I’d start with what you got unless you’re itching to try something else.

 

[Dukhtr3]

I just went and looked at my reloading book and I am getting 3450fps 85 tsx h4350, 22" barrel. I haven't touched it since my kid started shooting a 6 arc and the 243 sits in the safe. I haven't messed with staball before with them so I don't have anything to compare it too.

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[onlybrowning]

Thanks everyone. I’ve not loaded for .243 before, but I’ve got experience loading many other cartridges. I’ll stick with what I’ve got for now. If anyone has a load they’ve found to be consistent in a few rifles, I’m all ears. Thanks again.


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[HighUintas]

I have used staball 6.5 in a 6.5cm with 147s and a 30-284 with 185s. It was very accurate and fast.

I have not tried it in my 243 yet. I have some and have thought about it, but it is a double base powder so it likely will burn the barrel out faster than the powder you have. That is why I haven't tried it yet. Otherwise, I would think it would work very well.

 

[MT-nuffgun]

I use Staball 6.5 with 87 vmax in my daughter’s rifle. 3200FPS. I believe I could push it faster but it shoots very well where it is at.

 

[onlybrowning]

I can’t recall another instance where I’ve seen an almost 300fps difference in the typically used powders and one other. 3404fps listed for Staball 6.5 and 3141fps listed for H4350.

The difference in velocity is moot for my intended usage, but I thought it was interesting.


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