The .243 Win superlite saga (painless method)

[MT-nuffgun]

So here we go. New rifle, new load. Rifle: tikka t3x superlite .243 win 8 twist 22” barrel brass: starline (virgin) Primer: CCI 200
Powder: win staball 6.5 (43gr) 1 round loaded to check pressure
Bullet: hornady 105 bthp
COAL: 2.750”

I was hoping to be able to seat the bullet at 2.830” which placed it perfectly at the neck/shoulder jct of the case and would just fit in the M magazine. This was not the case. Ended up seating my way down to 2.750” before no lands marks showed up on a sharpied bullet. I wish tikka would have given a little bit more freebore with the new 8 twist 243 but beggars can’t be choosers.

Still waiting on a scope for this rifle but after it is set up I will continue to update this post as I stumble my way through this process.

 

[MT-nuffgun]

 

[Steve300xcw]

I like that bullet.

Never thought about running the longer mag.

 

[MT-nuffgun]

I’m just running the standard “M” mag that came with the rifle, if the chamber was throated properly for heavy for caliber bullets like the 108/109 eldm or 112 match burner, I could see the need for the extra length in the “M+” mag.

 

[Thejet]

If you +P it you can seat the 108-115s out to mag length.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I’m just running the standard “M” mag that came with the rifle, if the chamber was throated properly for heavy for caliber bullets like the 108/109 eldm or 112 match burner, I could see the need for the extra length in the “M+” mag.

I'm dumb today. Was thinking of the mags that come with the 6.5x55 an such

I'm still running a 1:10" gun. I just load them at mag length and call it a day. Cant say I have any complaints. Love the price too!

 

[MT-nuffgun]

Update: ran 20 rounds of factory through the new rifle after work sighting in, then fired the test round at max load listed above with a warm barrel and warm round, No pressure signs observed. Now to load 20 rounds for grouping on the next session.

 

[goathunter]

I gotta be honest I still don't understand the painless method. Just fire one off at max load and cross your fingers?

 

[MT-nuffgun]

what intrigues me about it is that most of the load dev I have done throughout my life has ended with at or near max load shooting/grouping the best so why not just start there and see. If you see pressure back off. I don’t think by starting at or near max load is going to push such high pressure that you would cause damage to the rifle or yourself. Some guys +p the chamber and load so much pressure that virgin brass only lasts one firing and they seem to get by just fine. This is the first time Ive tried the painless method but so far it has already saved me plenty of time and money, even if the current load I’m trying doesn’t group.

 

[aachey]

I gotta be honest I still don't understand the painless method. Just fire one off at max load and cross your fingers?

As originally posted its supposed to be “close to max”. I guess it comes down to everyones risk levels. Usually(not always) i just do a couple rounds working up to pressure or max recommended load, so i know for sure. Then i also had the thought, that most people buy factory ammo and send it, not knowing how hot it is. Yes, i have had factory weatherby ammo flatten primers in my 300 bee. I do generally compare multiple book load data so it helps me reassure that even without testing, my loads at least should not be over pressure to the point of putting myself in a dangerous situation.

 

[goathunter]

what intrigues me about it is that most of the load dev I have done throughout my life has ended with at or near max load shooting/grouping the best so why not just start there and see. If you see pressure back off. I don’t think by starting at or near max load is going to push such high pressure that you would cause damage to the rifle or yourself. Some guys +p the chamber and load so much pressure that virgin brass only lasts one firing and they seem to get by just fine. This is the first time Ive tried the painless method but so far it has already saved me plenty of time and money, even if the current load I’m trying doesn’t group.

Yes I agree I always like to be at max load.
I like the idea of saving powder and time with a book load. But working "off book" with Quick Load data, for example, I'm a little cautious.

 

[MHWASH]

I always load up 5 at .5 below max, then 5 right at max. I've never had any issues, but a few times I've only fired 3 of the max loads because it was obvious they were MAX!