Thread: AR2208 for .243 ?

A while ago I loaded some 87 gr SP Hornady for a friend using 35.5 grs of 2208 , out of his 20 inch barrel we got an average speed of 2756 fps. While it worked and it killed fallow deer ok the 243 is better suited to powders like 2209 , Staball 6.5 , 2213sc, it likes slower burning powders. In the Noslar guide No 9 there is a listing for the 80 gr Spitzer using a Max of 39 grs Varget (2208) for 3300 fps which suggests my load for the 87 gr is a lightish load. As always use caution when working up loads.

Originally Posted by Mooseman

A while ago I loaded some 87 gr SP Hornady for a friend using 35.5 grs of 2208 , out of his 20 inch barrel we got an average speed of 2756 fps. While it worked and it killed fallow deer ok the 243 is better suited to powders like 2209 , Staball 6.5 , 2213sc, it likes slower burning powders. In the Noslar guide No 9 there is a listing for the 80 gr Spitzer using a Max of 39 grs Varget (2208) for 3300 fps which suggests my load for the 87 gr is a lightish load. As always use caution when working up loads.

People dont understand how effective and clean a powder 2213sc is in the 243. Stunning in a Sako heavy barrel 75 using 75gr.

Originally Posted by TeRei

People dont understand how effective and clean a powder 2213sc is in the 243. Stunning in a Sako heavy barrel 75 using 75gr.

Have found 2213sc excellent for 87 gn V-Max and 90 gn ELD-X, for both velocity and accuracy through 22 and 23 inch barrels.

Counterpoint to "slow powder is best". Light pills in the 90gn and under range get by quite happily with faster powders, running 40gn of IMR4320 topped off with an 87 Hornady hpbt, and getting 3150 and half moa in my wee Savage. That load has worked in several .243's. ADI 2206h and IMR4895 also work really well for 90 and under pills (based on rifles I have loaded for and used.)

I do use ADI2209 for heavier pills: 95 Berger, 95 Targex, 95 SST, 105 Targex. 105 over a stout load of 2209 getting 2900fps and sub moa at 300. This in a 20" Rem 700 9.25 twist. Unlikely to work in a Winchester, Sako or Tikka as they are 10 twist.

No idea whats up with the 90gn "Game changer" suspect it might be length, but any of the usuall 95's should work in a 10 twist, have fed 2 different T3's with allsorts and never had problems.

Just feed the thing 90 Hotcors or 90 NBT and all will be fine. 2208 is good as gold.