Thread: 87 BTHP

Afternoon all.

I have loaded some of the Hornady 87 BTHP with 2209.

Current batch are 42 - 43 - 44 gr.. do I dare go to 45? ADI data suggests that the max is 43.5

Anyone loaded theirs up to 45 or is that too hot?

(Tikka T3)

ADI data can be a little conservative but I would be cautious about going up in one grain steps, shoot what you have loaded and see what the accuracy is like at 44 grs
you may have reached the accuracy potential, I shoot the 87 BTHP in a 6mm Remington and get .5 MOA at near max powder loads,
I suggest that you go up in .3 grs steps the last little bit, once you go past the optimum powder charge the accuracy will fall off quite quickly,
Take care eyes are only issued once,
Robert.

I'm not even sure how to go up in .3 on the Lee scale I have. Probably more chance of half a grain.... I have read that 44 is the way to go. But, I'm sure there is someone out there who has a t3 and has used them. Also read that 45 was a load used but it's a bit over my comfort zone even though the ADI is conservative

If you want to push the limits you need a better scale than a Lee, You will probable find your most accurate loads is 1.5 to 2.0 grs under max but it is handy to know what the limit is
batches of powder are not always the same burning rate so it is good know the safety margin you have.

Yeah. Good point. Only loaded a few in the 44 gr range.

Happy to see them accurate regardless of speed. I have loaded most of them in the 43 range

I use the 87 gn spirepoints exclusively in my 243 and 6mm. 43.6 in the 243 and 44.4 in my BSA 6mm. Superb accuracy and performance.

Sounds like I need to invest in a digital scale.....

Mark Bridgman (Custom Cartridges, Taupo) developed a 87gr HDY BTHP + 45gr AR2209 load for my Sako AII .243. Superb accuracy (3 shots touching) and 3283 fps actual velocity. No pressure issues.

Just been reading the Shooting Aus .243 reloading page.

Seems like a few guys are using 44 as a normal load. There are even a few that have 45.5 with the 87 Vmax in their Tikka rifles... that doesn't really surprise me as ADI get you to read a warning before entering their Rifle loads page.

I'll definitely keep an eye on the pressure signs as I go up from 42 to 44 and post up results.

Originally Posted by Pauli

Mark Bridgman (Custom Cartridges, Taupo) developed a 87gr HDY BTHP + 45gr AR2209 load for my Sako AII .243. Superb accuracy (3 shots touching) and 3283 fps actual velocity. No pressure issues.

Legend. Thanks man.

Originally Posted by SlimySquirrel

Sounds like I need to invest in a digital scale.....

Don't buy a cheap one they drift quite badly unless you invest in a Chargemaster or similar you are better off with a decent beam scale Lyman RCBS Hornady Redding all make
decent powder scales

Thanks for that. I'm not keen on a cheap one... I'd prefer to wait and save up for a decent digi that has good feedback ratings.

Originally Posted by SlimySquirrel

Thanks for that. I'm not keen on a cheap one... I'd prefer to wait and save up for a decent digi that has good feedback ratings.

And then a little more for one that trickles out the powder for you too.

You're talking about gun powder, right?

Originally Posted by SlimySquirrel

You're talking about gun powder, right?

Well the oats for my porridge just got stuck.