developing .243 loads for M77 mk2 target

[slpcrf450x]

I just bought a Ruger M77 Mk 2 target in .243 win. I would like to end up with 2 main loads to shoot. One with 65gr vmax or other varmint bullet that will reach 400-500 yards for prarie dogs, coyotes, etc. And one load with a relatively high BC but still a good hunting bullet to use on anything from coyotes to mule deer. I was thinking Berger 95 grain VLD for this?

Powders I have on hand are IMR4831, IMR4064, Varget, Superformance, and H380

bullets I have on hand are 65gr Vmax, 85gr Sierra Gameking bthp, 95gr Berger vld, and 100 grain Hornady Interlock bt

the 95gr vld claims a .486 BC and requires 1 in 9" which is what my bbl is

the heavier berger requires 1 in 8" twist. I do not know what 105 grain Amax (claimed BC .5) needs for twist rate and I dont know if this would work on game anyways.

PS bbl is broke in and has 100 rounds through it with some other varmint bullets that I wanted to use up

The hornady Interlock btsp claims a .405 BC which is pretty impressive for a lead soft point hunting bullet.

Sierra gameking 85gr BC=?

Once I make my initial bullet and powder selection and start loading I will reduce by 10% from shown maximums but what increments should I use to step up the loads? .1 grains .5 grains? I am going for minute of Prairie dog @500yds with the varmint load with max speed, and at least .5moa for the hunting/target round with a reasonable velocity.

 

[slpcrf450x]

So i guess a more simple question is what increments do you step up your handloads by?

 

[mshootnit]

I always had near match accuracy with Hornady 87 gr. SP which is a fast and excellent all around performer in 243. I also had very good luck with the Nosler 70 gr ballistic tip. Powders that worked very well are H380, H4350, and RL 15.

 

[NCsmitty]

Welcome to THR, slpcrf450x.

You pose a common question, and when dealing with a list of powder like yours, which will all work in the 243 Win, a quick run of 5 rds each beginning with a recommended start load and use 1gr increments up to 1gr under the maximum load listed, should give you an indication of the rifle's appetite for a particular powder and bullet, without using up a box of bullets right off. For those loads showing potential, you can bracket the promising loads by going .5gr each side and fire for effect. Be cautious moving to maximum load territory, should you choose to do so.

This should give you some loads to try on game or refine even more, but you need to have the experience to watch for pressures, and read your fired cases.

I'm a firm believer of using 5 rounds for each group as it gives a better picture of consistency than 3 shot groups.

www.hodgdon.com has the most up to date data list, which has a few loads using the Superformance powder, and all the other powders that you listed.


NCsmitty

 

[slpcrf450x]

Thanks for the replies and the welcome. I completely agree with the 5 shot group. I tried a few of the bergers with 4831 and 4064 with a couple loads each. I seated them to where they touched the lands and I didnt get anything great a couple of decent groups but now I have a new question should I seat just off the lands or touching? suprisingly those long bergers will still fit in the mag box when seated to touch.

 

[LoonWulf]

I load my 95grn bergers with h4350 and have had good results. My friend and i are in the process of working up loads for Vmax and Hornady 100grn spire point, as well as the 88grn berger flat base vlds. We are also using superformance powder for some of his loads.
I belive the 85grn sierras BC are in the high .3s. I found my rifle shot them very well at about 2900fps, but more then that and they got erratic. I have also used them in my 6x47 at about 2750 and they shot very well in that gun. I also had good luck with the 70grn B-tips, as well as the 75grn Sierra hps.
For load work up i usually use a ladder of .5grn incremental charges, from min to max. I shoot them all at the same target and check for horizontal dispersion, usually if they dont move much side to side then it will be a decent bullet and powder for the gun.

 

[Art Eatman]

I've always had excellent accuracy with the 85-grain Sierra HPBT. Three behind a dime is common. I used to shoot five-shot groups, 35 or so years back, and generally got 5/8 MOA. I use IMR 3031.

Ruinacious on coyotes; adequate for deer, being picky about the particular shot.

 

[HOWARD J]

Here is a group of 19 shots at 50 yards using Winchester cases wirh a 105 gr
A-Max hornady bullet with 39 gr of H4350 powder
I was testing cases not bullets---this came out the best
Rifle: Savage 243 EDGE with 3-9 scope

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[slpcrf450x]

I shot some of the 65 gr vmax working up as suggested and got to 51 grains with superformance and then went up in tenth of a grain increments and got awesome groups with 51.7 (all 5 touching) and 51.8 (4/5 touching with a user induced flyer) . I think the shown max on hodgdons website is 51.9

If I vary the seating depth slightly will that allow me to fine tune the load? or will the effects be minimal?

 

[LoonWulf]

Hard to say. If your set on a powder charge, and dont mind messing around then go for it. For me personally once Ive found a bullet and powder charge that goes under 1" consistently, then ill mess with other stuff.