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