243AI data

[GWC]

Anyone with Quickload that would run the numbers for me for the 243AI using 95gr. Berger VLD and H4350 and H414 ? Also any comments or advice  concerning this cartridge is welcomed.

[Catfish]

The 243 AI has about 3.5% more case capicity so you should be able to use the max. load for a 243 and increase it by 3.5%. Work up to these loads though and watch for presure signs.

[Nobade]

Quick Load says that bullet loaded to max SAAMI length (2.710) absolute max of either of those powders is 44.0gr. The 4350 predicts 3135 FPS, the 414 predicts 3188 fps. (26 inch barrel) This is at 55,000 psi or right up against the ceiling.

It also says Norma MRP or IMR 7828 SSC would likely be better choices - better case fill and about 100 fps more speed at 54,000 psi and 100% case fill.

[roper]

Anyone with Quickload that would run the numbers for me for the 243AI using 95gr. Berger VLD and H4350 and H414 ? Also any comments or advice  concerning this cartridge is welcomed.

If it was me I'd call or E-Mail Walt and he give you some loading data for his bullets also might want to read this
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2009/03/berger-tips-for-loading-vld-bullets/

My 243AI has a 1/10 twist barrel and they say 1/9 twist for Berger 95gr VLD bullets is best.

If you look at Hodgdon loading data for the 243 with the powders you want to use they list a max of 42gr with 95gr Nolser bullet.  42gr/H-4350 @ 3087fps and 42gr/H-414 @ 3138fps so with H-4350 you only gain 48fps and 50fps with H-414 for the 243AI using 2grs more powder.

To me alot depend on how your rifle is throated and barrel length as to what real world velocity would be using those longer VLD bullets.

What I normally do is start about mid load for the 243 and work up from there also I'll chronograph those loads and you should start seeing an increase in velocity over whats listed for the 243.  Mine I got to a max load and gained almost 100fps.  I think alot of that was in the barrel and I've got acouple other AI that have been the same.

I've been shooting the 243 since 1965 good little case.  Well good luck

[GWC]

Contacted Berger a while back (2 or 3 weeks ago) and Walt said he had no data for the AI version.
I appreciate the suggestions and the info. I'll post my results as load development progresses .


Thanks,
GWC

[GWC]

The 243 AI has about 3.5% more case capicity so you should be able to use the max. load for a 243 and increase it by 3.5%. Work up to these loads though and watch for presure signs.

Everything I find shows a capacity difference of 7-7.2%. The 3.5% figure is more like the % gained going to 6mm Rem vs the std. 243 Win.

[roper]

Contacted Berger a while back (2 or 3 weeks ago) and Walt said he had no data for the AI version.
I appreciate the suggestions and the info. I'll post my results as load development progresses .


Thanks,
GWC

I guess I should ask did you get any data for the 243 that might help? 

[GWC]

Just got the std. info available from the various manuals. But any info or knowledge is good when working with these non-standard rounds. Berger was very nice to talk with but just didn't have a heck of a lot of info that isn't available elsewhere.