Thread: .243win bushpig hand load help

Hi guys,

I have been trying to work out a decent load for my Remington Model 7 .243 (16.5" barrel DPT can) with 85gr Nosler Partitions.

Started off with AR2209 based on old posts on this topic, but was disappointed with the velocities I was getting.

Powder AR2209
COL 2.680
Projectile Nosler Partition 85gr
Federal Large rifle primer
Federal cases

Results of load ladder as follows (2 shot groups - Im a cheap bugger so wont do 3 shots):

38.5 gr, 2399fps, 15mm group
39.0 gr, 2460fps, 11mm group
39.5gr, 2499fps, 15mm group
40.0gr, 2557fps, 19mm group
40.5gr, 2559fps, 13mm group
41.0gr, 2627fps, 24mm group
41.5gr, 2656fps, 17mm group
42.0gr, 2672fps, 8.5mm group
42.5gr, 2694fps, 12mm group

As I said disappointed with velocities, but maybe I am just being over optimistic given that my barrel is very short? I dont want to go over book max loads as the suppressor will already be getting a hammering as is.

Other powders on hand are:
- AR2206H
- AR2213SC
- AR2217
- Benchmark8208

If anyone has experience with any of the above powders in .243 (particularly bush pigged rifles) I would be keen to hear your ideas. Failing that i might just have to revert back to my old tried and true load of 100gr Partitions behind 39grs of 2209, only going 2520fps but never had a deer run more than 20m (bearing in mind all my shooting is in the bush and 50m is a long shot!

Many thanks,
Dawg

H414 or w760 (same thing different name) work well with the lighter bullets in short barrels

I get good velocity (just shy of 2900 fps) with 100gr in my dads 18.5" m7 with IMR 7828ssc

But if 50 yds is a long shot i wouldnt get to concernrd with velocity

Used 2206H with 85gr Barnes, never worried about velocity, grouped well and did the job.

Your over thinking it all, when you say your shooting animals no further than 50 metres then the velocity your getting is fine.

In my Remington Model 7 I ran 95 gr Targex projectiles behind 43 gr AR2209 for 2950 fps and never shot a deer further than 120 metres

Switch to 85gr Sierra using 44gr 2209.

My bush load is doing just over 2500( 140 out of a 260) but doesn't matter as it will be for close quarters combat

try the 2206

You shorten a .243 and then complain about a lack of velocity...................

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your advice and suggestions. Tried the Ar2206H this morning and produced very similar velocities to 2209. Accuracy was slightly better in 2209, and it fills the case better so I will stick with that powder.

I will try and post up pictures of my ladder load results incase anyone in the future is interested in doing a .243 Bushpig.

https://ibb.co/7NgN7D8

https://ibb.co/FwwjytN

Cheers,

Josh

Greetings Dawg,
Those seem like pretty consistent loads. AR2209 is a pretty good fit with the .243 lighter projectiles. The original purpose of the ladder test, often called the Audette (I think) ladder test was to determine nodes where the point of impact stayed the same as more powder was added. The idea was that this indicated the likely most accurate load especially at longer range. I doubt that any of this is of concern to you at 50 metres.
Regards Grandpamac.

Try TeRei s specs above, those 85gr sierras outperform many heavier and flasher offerings

I shoot the 85gr sierra flat base varminters out of my 16" mossberg Patriot 243 at 3020fps with winchester brass, 44gr 2209.

Velocity on prochrono was 2970fps and on labradar was 3020fps.

Mossberg do have slightly tight bores though

I was getting about 3200fps with the 87gr vmax back when the barrel was still 22"

Originally Posted by TeRei

Switch to 85gr Sierra using 44gr 2209.

If it shoots like it does, good enough I reckon. Otherwise agree with above. Deadly projectile in the 243.