Newbie looking for load data

72gator · September 22, 2009, 04:36 PM

First off, Hello all. I have been lurking here a while leading up to my reloading intro which occurred this past weeked. Let me first off thank all you "old pros" that take the time to help out all in need. Also, thanks to administrators and all involved with this sights operation. It is a wonderful asset to a new re-loader. Now, after running my mouth, I have question concerning a bullet I would like to load. It is 85 gr Sierra HPBT for .243 Win. I own two manuals, and neither had data for this load. Also, I visited Gander Mt. today and could not find anything in their assorted manuals. I have some H-380 powder around and would love a load compatable with that, but I understand that may not be an option. At this point, I would be open to anything as I have no load data whatsoever for this bullet. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

bluetopper · September 22, 2009, 04:46 PM

Let me guess..........rifle?

QBall45 · September 22, 2009, 04:50 PM

Need more info...I'd love to help if I can, but more info is required.

What cartridge/caliber are you loading for.

72gator · September 22, 2009, 04:51 PM

Yes. I edited that it's for .243 Win. Sorry. That was very stupid...even for me.

longranger · September 22, 2009, 04:59 PM

Go to http://www.sierrabullets.com/index.c...tion=reloading and they should have published load data for your needs

QBall45 · September 22, 2009, 05:02 PM

I'm not finding in my books for the load combination your thinking about. And nothing with the powder in question.

Better powder choices might be:
Reloader 15
H 4350
H4895
WIN 760

Looking in my Hornady book, I'm seeing nothing listed at all for your 85gr bullet. It lists 80 & 87gr.

Hope this helps at least a little bit.

72gator · September 22, 2009, 05:14 PM

i have only seen 85 gr Barnes (X-Bullet I think) in manuals. The 85 gr bullets I bought are literally on shelves everywhere I have checked out supplies. I wonder why no load info for them. The Sierra sight doesn't have data like the other brands do. Maybe I could e-mail them if nothing else.

longranger · September 22, 2009, 05:35 PM

This is not your exact bullet but should give you a starting point
http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=6mm&s=145

Slamfire · September 22, 2009, 05:59 PM

I will now add a caveat: My data exceeds factory recommendations!

According to my Sierra Bullet manual, for these bullets: 80 Blitz, 85 Spitzer, and 85 gr HPBT bullets, their load data goes from 37.4 grs IMR 4350 to 42.9 grains. I do not see a barrel length. Their velocity spread goes from 2800 to 3200 fps.

I tested a M70 featherweight with the 85 grain bullet. Even though my charges exceeded manual recommendations, by almost two grains, I never had a leaky primer, pierced primer, or stiff bolt lift.

This rifle was horribly inaccurate with every bullet type, and all powders I put through the barrel. So I had the rifle rebarreled to 308.

Life is much better, and I will never own another .243 again.

My data is only for comparison. I tried IMR 4350/AA4350/H4350 based on recommendations from other shooters.

Code:




M70 Featherweight Classic  Factory 20”? barrel.



85 grain Sierra BTHP, 42.0 grs IMR 4350 wtd, 1960's Lot 6161 R-P cases, FED 210S OAL 2.550"
	
Oct 2001 T=70 ° F		
								
										
Ave Vel =	2859				 	 				
Std Dev =	33				 	 				
ES =	113				 	 				
Low =	2811				 					
High =	2924				 					
N =	10									
										
85 grain Sierra BTHP, 42.5 grs IMR 4350 wtd, 1960's Lot 6161 R-P cases, FED 210S OAL 2.640"	
3 Sept 01 T=70 ° F		
								
										
Ave Vel =	2852				 	 				
Std Dev =	36				 	 				
ES =	120				 	 				
Low =	2801				 					
High =	2921				 					
N =	10									
										
85 grain Sierra BTHP, 43.0 grs IMR 4350 wtd, 1960's Lot 6161 R-P cases, FED 210S OAL 2.640"	
3 Sept 01 T=70 ° F		
								
										
Ave Vel =	2916				 	 				
Std Dev =	43				 	 				
ES =	127				 	 				
Low =	2846				 					
High =	2973				 					
N =	10									
										
85 grain Sierra BTHP, 43.5 grs IMR 4350 1960's Lot 6161 wtd, R-P cases, FED 210S OAL 2.640"	
3 Sept 01  T=70 ° F		
								
										
Ave Vel =	3048				 	 				
Std Dev =	54				 	 				
ES =	159				 	 				
Low =	2978				 					
High =	3137				 					
N =	9									
														
85 grain Sierra BTHP, 44.0 grs IMR 4350 1960's Lot 6161 wtd, R-P cases, FED 210S OAL 2.640"

10 Mar 02  T= 44 ° F		
								
										
Ave Vel =	3002									
Std Dev =	42									
ES =	121									
Low =	2953									
High =	3074									
N =	10									
										
85 grain Sierra BTHP, 44.5 grs IMR 4350 1960's Lot 6161 wtd, R-P cases, FED 210S OAL 2.640	

3 Sept 01  T=70 ° F		
				"				
										
Ave Vel =	3200									
Std Dev =	29									
ES =	99									
Low =	3156									
High =	3255									
N =	8

**Unclenick** · September 22, 2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slamfire1

. . . I do not see a barrel length. . .

It's on page 302 in my copy of the 5th edition. Remington 700 with 22" barrel, Federal cases, Federal 210M primers used for all the .243 loads in the manual.

Sorry your experience with the chambering was poor. I know a number of people who think it's great. I wonder if you got a bad barrel?

72gator · September 22, 2009, 07:18 PM

This is a great place to start at least. My first batch of reloads were shot through a Rem. 660 carbine that belongs to my wife. We are prepping it for my 13 year old daughter to use this coming deer season. I was shooting 100 gr Hornady BTs with Win primers and 36gr H-380 powder. From a bench at 75 yds. my 3-shot group measured just over 1/2 in. As I said, I now have a starting point with this load. I own the new Modern reloading manual, as well as Nosler's manual. They seemed very concise at first, but I guess with the manufacturers constantly developing new stuff, it would be hard to keep updated. Thank you for your replies and the info. I am anxious to put these rounds together. I guess I need some IMR 4350. It is so hard to get locally.

oneounceload · September 22, 2009, 07:52 PM

When I loaded that particular bullet in a Ruger #1 RSI, it really liked 4350 powder....got 3/4 inch groups....great for pronghorn

darkgael · September 22, 2009, 08:36 PM

The Sierra manual lists the 85 gr hpbt with H380. Start is 36.7 grains.
Max is 38.2.

bltmonty · September 22, 2009, 08:40 PM

check out reloadersnest.com. they have lots of reloading information. The following link has 351 loads for 243 winchester:

www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=5

You do have to be careful, though, with some of the data as it might be loaded to hot or perhaps even false.

72gator · September 22, 2009, 10:02 PM

Thanks everyone for the info. Small window for the charge as per Sierra's scale, but quite workable. I guess if the min. is 36.8 gr, and the max is 38.2, 37 grs. would be a good place to start.

Seedtick · September 22, 2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

72gator -
...Thank you for your replies and the info. I am anxious to put these rounds together. I guess I need some IMR 4350. It is so hard to get locally.

Hey gator, I got an email notice this afternoon that Natchez has IMR 4350 in stock. Hope this helps.

ST

72gator · September 23, 2009, 12:15 AM

Ty seedtick. If I mail-order, I kinda have to load up on supplies with the hazmat fee added on. However, if I keep burning rounds at my current rate, I will need to stock up again soon anyway

It is my intention to have a variety of powder and bullets on hand, so it is inevitable that I will prolly need to choose an online source. Thanks again. It does appear that the panick-hoarding/stocking trend is beginning to subside according to people in the business. So that's great news for all of us.

September 22, 2009, 08:36 PM	#13
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	Load The Sierra manual lists the 85 gr hpbt with H380. Start is 36.7 grains. Max is 38.2. __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

September 22, 2009, 04:36 PM	#1
72gator Member Join Date: September 17, 2009 Location: Bedford Co, Pennsyltucky Posts: 56	Newbie looking for load data First off, Hello all. I have been lurking here a while leading up to my reloading intro which occurred this past weeked. Let me first off thank all you "old pros" that take the time to help out all in need. Also, thanks to administrators and all involved with this sights operation. It is a wonderful asset to a new re-loader. Now, after running my mouth, I have question concerning a bullet I would like to load. It is 85 gr Sierra HPBT for .243 Win. I own two manuals, and neither had data for this load. Also, I visited Gander Mt. today and could not find anything in their assorted manuals. I have some H-380 powder around and would love a load compatable with that, but I understand that may not be an option. At this point, I would be open to anything as I have no load data whatsoever for this bullet. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Last edited by 72gator; September 22, 2009 at 04:50 PM.

September 22, 2009, 04:46 PM	#2
bluetopper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 1,197	Let me guess..........rifle?

September 22, 2009, 04:50 PM	#3
QBall45 Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2008 Location: South Central Minnesota Posts: 584	Need more info...I'd love to help if I can, but more info is required. What cartridge/caliber are you loading for.

September 22, 2009, 04:51 PM	#4
72gator Member Join Date: September 17, 2009 Location: Bedford Co, Pennsyltucky Posts: 56	Yes. I edited that it's for .243 Win. Sorry. That was very stupid...even for me.

September 22, 2009, 04:59 PM	#5
longranger Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2008 Location: Buffalo WY Posts: 1,056	Go to http://www.sierrabullets.com/index.c...tion=reloading and they should have published load data for your needs

September 22, 2009, 05:02 PM	#6
QBall45 Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2008 Location: South Central Minnesota Posts: 584	I'm not finding in my books for the load combination your thinking about. And nothing with the powder in question. Better powder choices might be: Reloader 15 H 4350 H4895 WIN 760 Looking in my Hornady book, I'm seeing nothing listed at all for your 85gr bullet. It lists 80 & 87gr. Hope this helps at least a little bit.

September 22, 2009, 05:14 PM	#7
72gator Member Join Date: September 17, 2009 Location: Bedford Co, Pennsyltucky Posts: 56	i have only seen 85 gr Barnes (X-Bullet I think) in manuals. The 85 gr bullets I bought are literally on shelves everywhere I have checked out supplies. I wonder why no load info for them. The Sierra sight doesn't have data like the other brands do. Maybe I could e-mail them if nothing else.

September 22, 2009, 05:35 PM	#8
longranger Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2008 Location: Buffalo WY Posts: 1,056	This is not your exact bullet but should give you a starting point http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=6mm&s=145

September 22, 2009, 07:18 PM	#11
72gator Member Join Date: September 17, 2009 Location: Bedford Co, Pennsyltucky Posts: 56	This is a great place to start at least. My first batch of reloads were shot through a Rem. 660 carbine that belongs to my wife. We are prepping it for my 13 year old daughter to use this coming deer season. I was shooting 100 gr Hornady BTs with Win primers and 36gr H-380 powder. From a bench at 75 yds. my 3-shot group measured just over 1/2 in. As I said, I now have a starting point with this load. I own the new Modern reloading manual, as well as Nosler's manual. They seemed very concise at first, but I guess with the manufacturers constantly developing new stuff, it would be hard to keep updated. Thank you for your replies and the info. I am anxious to put these rounds together. I guess I need some IMR 4350. It is so hard to get locally.

September 22, 2009, 07:52 PM	#12
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	When I loaded that particular bullet in a Ruger #1 RSI, it really liked 4350 powder....got 3/4 inch groups....great for pronghorn

September 22, 2009, 08:40 PM	#14
bltmonty Junior Member Join Date: June 3, 2007 Posts: 7	check out reloadersnest.com. they have lots of reloading information. The following link has 351 loads for 243 winchester: www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=5 You do have to be careful, though, with some of the data as it might be loaded to hot or perhaps even false.

September 22, 2009, 10:02 PM	#15
72gator Member Join Date: September 17, 2009 Location: Bedford Co, Pennsyltucky Posts: 56	Thanks everyone for the info. Small window for the charge as per Sierra's scale, but quite workable. I guess if the min. is 36.8 gr, and the max is 38.2, 37 grs. would be a good place to start.

September 23, 2009, 12:15 AM	#17
72gator Member Join Date: September 17, 2009 Location: Bedford Co, Pennsyltucky Posts: 56	Ty seedtick. If I mail-order, I kinda have to load up on supplies with the hazmat fee added on. However, if I keep burning rounds at my current rate, I will need to stock up again soon anyway It is my intention to have a variety of powder and bullets on hand, so it is inevitable that I will prolly need to choose an online source. Thanks again. It does appear that the panick-hoarding/stocking trend is beginning to subside according to people in the business. So that's great news for all of us.