Looking for a new powder for .243

• Jan 29, 2018

• #1

transfixer

Senior Member

This is for the experienced or avid reloaders, I have always used IMR 4350 for my .243 loads, mostly running 87gr bthp, occassionaly I've had to use 85gr of one brand or another, I'm having a difficult time finding IMR 4350, seems as though everyone in my area is out, and midway is showing out of stock with no backorder ?

I haven't tried virtually any of the new powders that have come out in the last 10 or 15 yrs, so I'm looking for another choice from someone who hopefully loads the same type rounds, consistent tight groups is what I'm after, not maximum velocity. I've got the latest Hornady and Lyman manuals, just don't know which powder to choose ?

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #2

O

Oldstick

Senior Member

You haven't finished until you at least try Varget in any of the 308 based family of cartridges.

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #3

transfixer

Senior Member

I almost bought a pound of it today, they had plenty of it in stock, just didn't want to spend $30-$35 on one I'd never used until I asked for recommendations. I've already got 3 or 4 pounds of powder I tried years ago and didn't like the results, so they sit on the shelf until I find something they'll work for,, lol

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #4

Jester896

Senior Clown

RL-15 might be good. Works wonders in my .308. 760 works pretty good in my .260 but not when it is hot out. H4350 works good in the .260 and my go to for accuracy and stability.

Sierra claims to get the best accuracy with 4064

MidSouth has it

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #5

tree cutter 08

Senior Member

Varget, imr4895 imr4350 is what I've used and each does very good for me. I think the 4350 shot the best with the 85 gr noslers and the 4895 shot the best with the 85 gr tsx.

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #6

Stroker

Senior Member

IMR 4350 has been my go to powder in my .243's for over 35 years. Seems like H4350 has slowly replaced IMR 4350, burn rates are nearly identical. Bass Pro usually has H4350 but never IMR 4350. Depending on the projectile and rifle I have had some success with IMR 4064, IMR 4831, and RL 19. IMR 4831 has worked best with 100 grain projectiles and longer 24-26" barrels.

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #7

BriarPatch99

Senior Member

Reloder 17 is going to be one of the better ones in that bullet weight range ...

IMR 4451 ... Would be good also

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #8

wareagle700

Senior Member

Varget, 4064, or RL-16 would be my recommendation if you can't find H4350.

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #9

Yotedawg

Senior Member

I've always had very good accuracy from 308 casings using H380. Not velocity, but accuracy. Especially in 7mm-08. If you have any laying around load a few up.

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #10

transfixer

Senior Member

Thanks for the suggestions guys, guess I'll be testing out some new recipes in the near future, I've used IMR 4350 for a long time, on both my .243 and my .308 loads, I may try some H4350, I saw it today along with Varget, so I may buy some of both.

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #11

BriarPatch99

Senior Member

Just a little side note ... Not that you can use a burn chart for loading ... But .... On Hodgdon' updated burn chart ...
IMR 4350 is # 115
IMR 4451 is # 116
H4350 is # 117
RL17 is # 118

As you see they all fall with in a number or two of each other...

 

• Jan 29, 2018

• #12

Big7

The Oracle

BLC2 will run an 85gr 6MM boolit over 3000 fps.

That is my favorite powder for that size case.
I use several but that is the go-to most of the time.

 

• Jan 30, 2018

• #13

jmoser

Senior Member

Oldstick said:

You haven't finished until you at least try Varget in any of the 308 based family of cartridges.

Click to expand...

Surprisingly Varget data is not so popular in the .243; I do use it from .223 to 45-70 with great results.

My 87 gr Vmax load is H4831; extremely accurate in my Savage .243 1:9.25 twist.

I use the 'SC' short cut version for easier metering but data is the same.

 

• Jan 31, 2018

• #14

rosewood

Senior Member

BriarPatch99;11079073 IMR 4451 ... Would be good also[/QUOTE said:

Been using this myself in .260 and 6.5 creed because I can't find h4350. It has been wonderful in those. Just tried in .243 this last weekend and the results look promising. It has been easy to find arond here and i think i will use it a lot especially if it stays available. Good thing is, it is made on this continent.

Click to expand...

 

• Jan 31, 2018

• #15

Jester896

Senior Clown

we lucked up recently and picked up 20# of fresh H4350...but there is 8# of 4451 too to run in our .260s

4451 has some strong velocity in the .243 closest thing to it is H100V...pressure is up there too.

4064 has the lowest pressure and only 150 fps slower velocity.

 

• Feb 1, 2018

• #16

pdsniper

Senior Member

I have been using Ram shot Hunter it out preformed 4350 in my rifle