Load for my 243 Ultra?

[dk17hmr]

I have had this barrel for my handi since September and have just started playing with it.  Anyone have a go to load for an 243 Ultra?  I havent tried very hard to get it to shoot good yet.  I dont have the coin to go out and buy boxes of bullets and a dozen different types of powder....college student, that should explan it.

I have tried some Nosler 70gr Ballistic tips with IMR 4350 and Varget, with the bullets seated long to get close to the rifling.  Also shot some factory Federal 100gr Power Shocks, that was mostly for breakin and to get brass.  Other than that I havent shot it all that much, and am not happy with the groups it is shooting so far.

I am thinking a Sierra boat tail hollow point, I have had great accuracy in other calibers with them, but I dont know the grain yet.  I might yote hunt with it and my dad said if I get it shooting good he would like to take it with him on a speed goat hunt later this year.

I dont even know why I got the barrel, I have other types of rifles in 223 and 25-06, the 243 doesnt give me anything better then I already have.

Thanks
Dk

[bigjeepman]

My .243 is not in a Handi but you mentioned Sierra bullets and coyote hunting. I use a .243 Ruger M77 Mark II for coyote hunting probably 90% of the time. It shoots 4 different bullets pretty good (less than .750") but I have settled on the Sierra 85gr HPBT Gameking as my bullet this year. I use Varget powder, CCI BR2 primers, Winchester brass, and a 2.650" OAL. This is a very consistently accurate load and that is what I look for. I use Dan Newberry's methodolgy in load development called OCW or Optimal Charge Weight load development. I really believe in this method as it searches for the "best load" and not the smallest group load that I always looked for before. His link is below ... please read it. It is very interesting and makes so much sense to me. He shoots at the range using the "round robin" method with different loads to help eliminate as many variables as possible.

http://www.clik.to/optimalchargeweight


Good luck and good shooting ....

[Mac11700]

Try either the 55 grain CT bullets or the 95 grain version...mitchell has a load for the varmint bullet...I use Reloader 22 for the 95 grainers...Exceedingly accurate and easy to shoot...Each rifle will have it's favorite load..so work up in small increments..The trick to getting the lubalox coated bullets to shoot is to start from a perfectly clean bore..and shoot only them thru it with out mixing different bullets...

Mac

[the_spotdoctor]

I have a regular .243 that I use for hunting some. This load holds about a 1-1/2 group not trying real hard. I use 100 grain Hornady Spire point with 42.0 grains of IMR 4350 with Federal 210M primers, nickel plated Remington cases trimmed, don't know why the nickel cases work better but they seem to. O.A.L . is 2.690-.695 and I load the bullet to where the bottom of cannelure is just touching the mouth of case. This is a pretty consistent load. Might not be the accuracy you are looking for, but I think if you worked at it, it could be well under an Inch.

[Datil]

 My 243 ( not Handi) Likes sierra 86 gr. HPBT pushed with near top
 Load of IMR 4320 CCI L.R. primers Half inch groups when I do my part.
 Marv.

[doeroller]

Have had best luck with the 85 Sierra HP. Loaded 38gr of IMR 4895 but this load is hard on brass in my Tikka. Try 36 gr. Shoots .6 at 100 yd and is easy on brass. Velocity is about 3100. 85 Sierra is hard on a yotes hide.

[quickdtoo]

Have had best luck with the 85 Sierra HP. Loaded 38gr of IMR 4895 but this load is hard on brass in my Tikka.

That's cuz it's a max load in the Lyman book, over max according to Sierra, start data ia 34.5gr, a good place to start!

Tim

[millwright]

I am currently loading my handi 243 with sierra 85 gr bthp gameking over 43.5 gr of imr 4350.  I have also used 43 gr with good results.  It is not a paper puncher, just a fun gun at about 1 1/2 three shot groups at 100.  If you use bags place them by the hinge and not under the forestock unless you bed it.  A friend of mine uses 87 gr hornady spitzers and 3031 powder but I don't remember how much.  I am getting ready to try different col.