243 Load

[cal45]

Went to the range today to try to find a load for my Savage 110 243. I shot Winchester Super X with 100gr spire point, and reloads with IMR 4350 and IMR 3031 using 100 gr. Hornady spire points. The results for three five shot groups are as follows:
Win. factory-2829 FPS ave. widest spread 1.240"
IMR 4350-2846 FPS ave. widest spread .810"
IMR 3031-2807 FPS ave. widest spread .750"
The IMR 3031 powder gave me a little slower speed but tighter groups at 100 yards. The 4350 FPS was more consistent from shot to shot. Hunting ranges will probably not be much more than 100 yds. Which load would you use. I'm leaning towards the 3031 because it uses 7 grs. less powder and is more accurate although just a tad slower. What do you think? I just used the factory stuff for a reference and empty brass.


<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1">[ 02-20-2002 17:43: Message edited by: cal45 ]</font>

 

[Calif. Hunter]

The velocity difference between loads is not great, so I'd go for the better accuracy. That would give me more confidence than a few dozen FPS. Although if you are shooting deer at 100 yards, even the accuracy difference between your loads is not critical. But, I am an accuracy nut...

 

[AzKiote]

The theory behind this is that the closer you load the cases to max capacity the more consistent your powder ignition will be. This is probably the reason that the IMR4350 gave you more consistent velocity.

Just my opinion, but I would work with some different powder charges using the 4350 + other primers and see what I could work up with it for accuracy.

Good luck!

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1">[ 02-20-2002 21:14: Message edited by: AzKiote ]</font>

 

[Idaho Ron]

Look at the ackley book vol #1, some time. I use a load out of there that uses 4350. The problem is it does not say IMR or Hodgdon. I used the hodgdon and worked up to the load they had listed for the Hornaday 100 grain bullet. I get 3140 fps out of my 22" barrel on my winchester. This load produces sub 1" groups regularly. Ron