.243 | H - 4831sc | 90gn Nosler BT. Go or No-Go!

[@paulfrevert3662]

I can never get enough of the 243

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for commenting and for watching. Yes, the 243 is in a class all to it's own since 1955.

[@stephendye4602]

I was just talking about primer heat and flame win primers are among the hottest regardless if mag or normal cci and fed are cooler and could make a difference might be worth a try

[@donbenson5292]

My best powder for 90gr bullets has been R22. My best group was a .665 inch at 370 yards in an absolute stiil environment, 90gr hpbt Berger MEF in a bolt rifle. I will probably never do that again!! But I am trying. Lol I like a 243. Thanks Dave.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

.665 @ 370 yards is trully great indeed. I may have to try Rel 22. Thanks for watching

[@hoffpbass]

I'm wondering if you can go over max load b/c the AR platform will give up a little pressure vs. Bolt action? Dave, your videos have officially replaced Saturday morning cartoons 😂 I look forward to your release every week when I hit the dining table for breakfast after a long cold dog walk. Keep 'em comin' 🤠 👍

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words here.

[@sethboyce9832]

H4831 sc is my best load in 243 bolt action with 26” barrel. 87 vmax. 3,200 fps. SD is pretty decent. Accuracy is excellent

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for your input here and for watching.

[@sethboyce9832]

Thank you for the videos Dave. I enjoy them

[@sethboyce9832]

Thank you for the videos Dave. I enjoy them

[@sethboyce9832]

Thank you for the videos Dave. I enjoy them

[@perdidocamaronero5400]

I just loaded three rounds of .243 with 90 grain Speer Hot Cor bullets in new Remington brass. Hodgdon lists 90 gr Speer SP min charge of H4831 at 45.0 and max at 48.0(C). 3203fps at max. Speer lists 90 gr Hot Cor min charge of H4831 at 37.1 and max at 41.2 3076fps at max. I called Hodgdon and inquired about the big difference they stood by their data he said maybe it's a typo. To be safe I loaded the Speer max of 41.2 grains of H4831. Mainly curious to see just what the velocity will be I'm betting low. I previously loaded some of the 90 grain Hot Cors with 42 grains of Winchester 760 the Speer book gives 43 grains max load (3056fps). My chronograph recorded 3156 avg of five shots with a sd of 17.2. The group was about two inches. Terrible accuracy. I don't know much about Speer bullets I never have shot any these were some I picked up locally for .26 each. I loaded some with 36.0 gr Varget and only got 2887fps but a low sd of 8.1. Group was 1.5 at 100 yds. I hope the 4831 does better the Varget max load is 36.5 gr and 3106fps I don't think I can get there with Varget with this bullet. I have run into all kinds of problems with this Turqua, first the scope rail screws were stripped from the factory and the rail came loose. I also found it wouldn't chamber some Hornady new factory loads it was hitting on the shoulder and this is brand new production ammo. I have tried Norma, Winchester and new Remington they are fine must have tight headspace or Hornady sizes their brass a little different. The first brass I did load development was new primed Fiocchi I purchased from Midway. After seating bullets in it the neck od was only a half thousands to one thousands less than max od according to SAAMI drawings. I made it through about forty pieces loaded with Berger bullets then started using the Speers and Noslers and that was it they wouldn't chamber neck od was over max. I pulled all those bullets and boxed the remaining brass up. Starting all over with new Remington brass and I really don't like it I have a .260 that doesn't like Remington brass for some reason. Like I said lots of fun.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes, I did a video called 243 Win. Pros and Cons. Yes the 243 Cases all stretched after firing as I suspect shoulder what you found and inconsistent case dimensions. As well as the case being powder charge finicky. Thanks for watching

[@jamesyarbrough4777]

i love h4831 with 90s, 95s and 100s.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Glad that powder/bullet combo works well for you. Thanks for watching.

[@keithalbrecht4785]

Good Morning Dave!!! Sorry I've not using that powder, but I know what your going through!! I've had similar problems with other calibers, were powder & bullet combo didn't work! I enjoy watching all load work-ups!!!

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

The groups were good but the precision numbers show this recipe to be not to palatable to my tastes. LOL

[@bruceburen6349]

great video as usual, appreciate you sharing your knowledge

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching.

[@scottm7365]

Good stuff, Strohmeyer! 6mm rocks!

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching

[@usafret4709]

Dave, I have run into the same thing. High SD and ES and exceptional groups. Not sure I understand it. Maybe some more testing on that highest load?

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Other powders gave me better results. Just testing this combo recommended as best in the Nosler manual.

[@perdidocamaronero5400]

I bought a used H&R Handi Rifle in .243 years ago. It has a short barrel maybe 18inches I don't know the twist rate. When I got it I shot some factory loads and it wouldn't eject maybe why the guy sold it to me.The chamber had some tool scratches in it so I used a fired brass and some polishing compound and lapped it some it helped but I finally pulled the ejector spring out and stretched it a little and it ejects 100 % now. First handload I ever shot in this thing was 42 grains of 4831 SC behind a Berger 95 VLD Hunting bullet. at 100 yards this thing shot bugholes. I loaded up to 44 grains and the primers looked a little flat so I stuck with 42. I shot several loads and this thing shot lights out. I moved and two years later I pulled it out and shot some Winchester Ballistic Silvertip hand loads. It shot all over the place. I even went back to the 95 Bergers with H4831SC still wouldn't shoot worth a flip. Cleaned the barrel with JB and tried again. No good shot like a shotgun even tried three different scopes. Bought a borescope and discovered the barrel is terrible in this thing. Chatter marks the entire way only thing I have come up with is I cleaned it too much. It went from sub moa to at best 1.5. I have a .308 no go gauge and the barrel will close on it so maybe it finally has given up I have given up for sure on it. I just loaded the same load of 95 Bergers for a new Turqua Savage .243 I have now they are next to be tried in it. I have a Magnetospeed now and have been developing some loads for this rifle so far nothing has really impressed me maybe some 58 grain V Max they shoot right at half moa at 100 yards but a tad slow at 3412 fps with Varget. Lots of fun when you get a new rifle lucky I have a pretty good supply of components. Thanks for the video glad to see some data with H4831 even if it is a semi auto.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for sharing your experiences here and for watching. My Bolt rifles in .243 have the similar results + or - 1/2 of 1 percent in velocity, but do group better. But as a hunter no animal I have ever shot needed the testing shots of 3,4 and 5.

[@stephendye4602]

If you tested it with a magnum primer you might try with a standard primer sometimes a magnum primer bruisence causes the e.s

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks Stephen. Tested with Win. Large rifle primer. It is my experience to use Magnum primers only if the bullet makers manual prescribes it, or if you are loading 60 grains or more. Fortunately I have other powders that have performed well in this .243.

[@bobcatforever3485]

Dave. Another good and interesting video. I would be happy with most of your numbers. I try to do all the loads the same but still get too large of a variation. Must be the chronograph, couldn't be me. lol. Thanks for sharing and take care.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks Bobcat.

[@jeffreygibbons6878]

Thanks, Dave. Good video. I liked the comment about group vs standard deviation. Definitely shows up at longer ranges. I used 4831 and lighter copper bullet 85 grs i think and had good results with stdev and accuracy. I forget, are you using bushing dies for this work up? I definitely see my deviations shrink when i use better brass and busing dies. Keep em coming.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

I use just standard Lee Pacesetter dies, I like to feel the bullet seat slowly while twisting the cartridge to minimize run out. This method allows me to evaluate the neck tension of the case to know when the case is near the end of its useful life. Because this rifle is an AR- 10 with violent semi auto load, I have to apply a crimp. I have not yet mastered the feel of the correct crimp, so I believe slight bullet set back contributed to the too high SD's and ES's.

[@cw2a]

Mornin Dave! I need more SC powder. 4831 has been good for me. I hoping 85/90's prove best in arc.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Best wishes on your load development for your 6 ARC. It's a Great cartridge indeed.

[@stephendye4602]

E.s. could be as simple as a primer change some work better than others in certain calibers and powders

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

True. I wish primers were readily available everywhere.

[@smallcityhomesteaders1600]

Good stuff bud. I sure liked that last group! Say what you want about the SD, it printed grrat and that velocity is damn lethal. My best hunting load also has a 40 something SD but it always shoots good and fast and knocks whitetail deer rite down.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Glad that works well for your needs. Thanks for watching, but a 90 fps swing in velocity on just a 3 shot group needs further investigation on my part. I just started crimping these rounds because of the violent action of this AR-10 causing bullet setback by as much as 30 thousands. I believe I don't have the crimping technique quite right.

[@smallcityhomesteaders1600]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 yeah, that will definatly affect things. I will generally pick the highest velocity with a decent SD, regardless of what the group looks like and then take that charge, load 15-20 more and try different seating depths.....little less....little more and try to tighten up the group from there. That's what i learned from the F-class guys anyway and seems affective. You'll get it. God bless ya sir!

[@mikesauer7775]

Some newer powders seem to be weak. Last batch of benchmark is running 100fps slower than old bottle. Also have acc2230 and 2520 running 200fps below listed velocity. 100fps could be from 20" barrel instead of 24"

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes, lower velocity is relative to barrel length, especially with slower burn rate powders. Thanks for your comment here.

[@ThecrazyScotsman]

Interesting results for sure

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

In this rifle with this load component mix, the numbers did not conform to optimum performance. Thanks for watching.

[@carlwilliams6300]

Great video as usual my friend

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for the visit

[@carlwilliams6300]

Yes sir enjoy the videos

[@jerrywiese9722]

Dave, good shooting as usual. I was wondering if the load data you mentioned in the beginning of the video said if it was for a bolt gun or a gas gun? I think load data and velocities are usually lower for a gas gun aren't they?

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Depends on the Cartridge. The MSR-10, has a larger and heavier bolt than a cartridge chambered for a smaller and lighter bolt of the AR-15 bottleneck type cartridges. But again your rifle could vary so go by your manuals recomendations always to be safe. In this case for the .243 win. there is no separate data in the Nolsler (on-line data.)

[@nicholasbarcomb2324]

Have you thought of something in the Varget or H4895 burn rate? Just a thought and may be better in a semi-auto. Good luck and stay safe!!! 😉😉😉

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

No I have not because those powders are too fast of a burn rate especially in a 24" barrel. 243 Win does best with medium to slow burning powder according to most of the so called experts. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching.

[@williamgaines9784]

​@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 4895 shows 3100fps for 243 with 90 gr bullet and 24" barrel. The M-1 Garand has a 24" barrel(although its gas port is further down the barrel than an AR, that faster burn might be what one needs in a gas gun) which 4895 is supposedly the dream powder for it. Continued good luck on your quest for the best load in your rifle.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

@@williamgaines9784 Thanks for that information and posting it here.

[@rustynut1967]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 My 6x47 L loves Varget and it's a 29" barrel. H4350 would probably give a little more velocity.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

@@rustynut1967 4350 does great until the top loads (velocities) then things become a bit wonky in my testing for 243. 6.5 Creedmoor, 25-06 and 30-06. But that is just my limited experience.

[@Walkercolt1]

HORRIBLE caliber/bullet/powder choices! Try some WW-785, NORMA MRP, or Hodgdon ultra-slow burning BALL powder! (there are many others too!) You can't get enough "stick" powder into a Win .243 case to push an 85+ grain bullet at good velocity and safe pressures. I've own FOUR .243 rifles: A Ruger M-77, A Ruger M-77V and Ruger Number One and a Savage .243 99E lever gun. I'm sorry to say I sold all of them (for obscene profits!). The Ruger Number One was a one-of-one thousand Bill Ruger Autographed with a 30.6" hexagon barrel. It paid for my new Ram Pick-up. 90, (95), 100 and 105 grain 6mm bullets are not the Win .243 strongest suits for easy powder choices and minimum load work-up.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Agree on Win 780 (but sadly discontinued) I invite you to check out some of my other .243 Win. videos for other Velocity and Accuracy results. But thanks anyway for your input here.