Thread: 243AI loads. What do you run?

I am still looking into the best combo for the 243AI as far as powder goes and some online articles suggest slower powders giving best velocity and life in the 243AI. I have a tin of 2217 (H1000) and have been fire forming with 47g 2217 under a 95g Targex. Anyone else got a load for either this or AR2226 (Retumbo) for the heavies from a 243. Plan to run two bullets. 95g Partition and 105 VLD.

James, I thought 2225 was the retumbo equivalent? How's she shooting so far? Any neck sizing issues?

Originally Posted by R93

James, I thought 2225 was the retumbo equivalent? How's she shooting so far? Any neck sizing issues?

Yeah, you're right 2225 is Retumbo

Leathel has experience with the 243Ai - He might read this or send him a PM

Originally Posted by kiwijames

Yeah, you're right 2225 is Retumbo

I will show my missus the first three words from this quote James. I never hear those words in my house. It is also suppopsed to be the equivalent to RL-25. BB reckons RL 25 has temp issues and I have had some unexplained things happen with it as well. N560 might be worth a play?

2217 or 2225 would be good if you can fit enough in the case,depending on throat length although the 95gr might bennifit from a faster burn rate..If its speed your looking for then n560(quickload has it at the top for velocity) or RL17 but speed and barrel life have an unforgiving relationship. Im useing n165 becsuase Iv got a heap of it, the 105 vlds are nudging 3100. anything in the 2213sc R119, R22 range will be worth a try.

Originally Posted by sneeze

2217 or 2225 would be good if you can fit enough in the case,depending on throat length although the 95gr might bennifit from a faster burn rate..If its speed your looking for then n560(quickload has it at the top for velocity) or RL17 but speed and barrel life have an unforgiving relationship . Im useing n165 becsuase Iv got a heap of it, the 105 vlds are nudging 3100. anything in the 2213sc R119, R22 range will be worth a try.

I think I can get enough 2217 in. 47g in the standard 243 is about 90%.

but speed and barrel life have an unforgiving relationship

I gave up on speed a while ago. 3300 from a 7RemMag with 162 Amax was cool until I saw the insides of the barrel. That was with N560 too. A nice accurate load @ 3K would be ideal with the 105s and maybe a shade more with the 95s.

Originally Posted by R93

I will show my missus the first three words from this quote James. I never hear those words in my house. It is also suppopsed to be the equivalent to RL-25. BB reckons RL 25 has temp issues and I have had some unexplained things happen with it as well. N560 might be worth a play?

Hows does it go.................if a man says something in the woods, and a woman is not there to hear him, is he still wrong?

Originally Posted by R93

I will show my missus the first three words from this quote James. I never hear those words in my house. It is also suppopsed to be the equivalent to RL-25. BB reckons RL 25 has temp issues and I have had some unexplained things happen with it as well. N560 might be worth a play?

I read the RL2X series were a bit sensitive and also there was some issues re batch variance (or so the interweb experts have mmentioned).

I have only used them in one calibre but do think there is some truth in various reports about the powder in that range.

RL15 works very well for me in the 7mm-08

I was thinking of trying RL17 in the 260AI.
I am no longer a speed demon when 1/2MOA is usually the difference.
RL-15 would be easier on the barrel I spose. I might scrounge some off you sometime James.

What load are you using in the 7mm/08 James?

I think 44.5g with a 140BT on top. I have a full tin if you want.

Cheers James. I would be better off with a sample in case It doesnt go that good in my rifle. Barrel wont be on till after I head back to Oz so I wont get much done till July. I would like it up and running before we head out with you and chase some Japs