The following is all about a .243 Win rifle and load development dedicated to Coyote hunting. I’m posting this should there be another varmint hunter searching for similar answers. Can’t honestly say any of this is scientific - just one man’s findings – his rifles – his loads. FWIW – YMMV – JM2CW.
The rifle is a T3x SS – 243 Win – 1:8 twist. My first 243 rifle with this twist. Trigger 1.5 lb, crisp. Just my personal preference, not recommending that to anyone.
Over the years my 243’s were all 1:10. Typically loaded with 75 to 90 gr bullets. They all stabilized. At LR school, the 90 gr AB was accurate (for me) at 900 yards – bench work only – not for hunting >> at that distance. That particular rifle – Savage Varmint – put 5 shots thru ONE 6mm hole @ 100. Rifle was a bit heavy for hunting and here I am with the Tikka wearing my Zeiss Conquest V4.
With that 1:10 background – I was a bit unsure about lighter bullets in the 1:8. Loaded up a few 75 gr & 80 gr – off to the range. Close to MOA @ 100 but not consistently. Maybe the rifle – maybe my loads?? Your loads might work – hope they do – mine didn’t. At least not to my typically unreasonable .5 MOA expectations.
After reading a trillion words on the BEST “slightly” heavier weight bullets for Coyotes – 2 bullets rose to the top. The Hornady 87 gr V Max and the Sierra 85 gr BTHP. Had a few V Max in stock – went and bought the Sierra’s.
I used IMR 4350 in both loads – just under each Manual’s max. Made 2 separate range trips with these 2 bullets seeking THE accuracy load @ 100. Somewhat surprisingly, with the V Max, I kept chasing anything under MOA. # 1 and # 2 touching - # 3 always went someplace else. Not once, too many times.
Had 3 loads on the bench with the 85 gr BTHP. Hopeful. First 3 shot group, 1 MOA – barely. Last 2 shots didn’t help the group. Second group – 1/2 gr more powder - 3 shots, slightly better but easily 1 MOA. 2 more shots with this load – didn’t improve the group but definitely MOA. Promising. Last load – another 1/2 gr more powder – 5 rounds. # 1 and # 2, overlapping. # 3 went exactly thru hole # 1. Exactly. Hopeful. # 4 and # 5 kept the group to .3 MOA.
OK – one 5 shot group doesn’t prove a whole lot, but I’m off to a good start. Time and work invested – worthwhile. I wish the V Max would have done better but can’t fault the rifle / scope. Next test – 300 yards.
FWIW – the Conquest V4 is a joy to use. NOT saying it’s better than anyone’s scope. I am saying – when you make a POI adjustment – elevation and/or windage - that’s what you get. Exactly.
Happy Holidays everyone.
The rifle is a T3x SS – 243 Win – 1:8 twist. My first 243 rifle with this twist. Trigger 1.5 lb, crisp. Just my personal preference, not recommending that to anyone.
Over the years my 243’s were all 1:10. Typically loaded with 75 to 90 gr bullets. They all stabilized. At LR school, the 90 gr AB was accurate (for me) at 900 yards – bench work only – not for hunting >> at that distance. That particular rifle – Savage Varmint – put 5 shots thru ONE 6mm hole @ 100. Rifle was a bit heavy for hunting and here I am with the Tikka wearing my Zeiss Conquest V4.
With that 1:10 background – I was a bit unsure about lighter bullets in the 1:8. Loaded up a few 75 gr & 80 gr – off to the range. Close to MOA @ 100 but not consistently. Maybe the rifle – maybe my loads?? Your loads might work – hope they do – mine didn’t. At least not to my typically unreasonable .5 MOA expectations.
After reading a trillion words on the BEST “slightly” heavier weight bullets for Coyotes – 2 bullets rose to the top. The Hornady 87 gr V Max and the Sierra 85 gr BTHP. Had a few V Max in stock – went and bought the Sierra’s.
I used IMR 4350 in both loads – just under each Manual’s max. Made 2 separate range trips with these 2 bullets seeking THE accuracy load @ 100. Somewhat surprisingly, with the V Max, I kept chasing anything under MOA. # 1 and # 2 touching - # 3 always went someplace else. Not once, too many times.
Had 3 loads on the bench with the 85 gr BTHP. Hopeful. First 3 shot group, 1 MOA – barely. Last 2 shots didn’t help the group. Second group – 1/2 gr more powder - 3 shots, slightly better but easily 1 MOA. 2 more shots with this load – didn’t improve the group but definitely MOA. Promising. Last load – another 1/2 gr more powder – 5 rounds. # 1 and # 2, overlapping. # 3 went exactly thru hole # 1. Exactly. Hopeful. # 4 and # 5 kept the group to .3 MOA.
OK – one 5 shot group doesn’t prove a whole lot, but I’m off to a good start. Time and work invested – worthwhile. I wish the V Max would have done better but can’t fault the rifle / scope. Next test – 300 yards.
FWIW – the Conquest V4 is a joy to use. NOT saying it’s better than anyone’s scope. I am saying – when you make a POI adjustment – elevation and/or windage - that’s what you get. Exactly.
Happy Holidays everyone.
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