I have a 243 and a springfield 40 cal. and I like to know what powders I need.
The 243 I will use a 85gr.bullet the 40 180 to 200gr.
The 243 I will use a 85gr.bullet the 40 180 to 200gr.
qustions about what powder to use
- Thread starter jack44
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You have a reloading manual yet??
If you don't, you should, as it answers questions like this.
Lyman #49 even shows the "potentially most accurate" powder & charge with each bullet weight.
For the .243 Win, IMR-4350 or H-414 would not be too far wrong.
For the .40 S&W, Alliant Unique, or HS-6 would do.
But you don't even want to consider loading 200 grain bullets in the .40 S&W!!
It Wouldn't Be Prudent for a guy that still needs help picking powders.
rc
If you don't, you should, as it answers questions like this.
Lyman #49 even shows the "potentially most accurate" powder & charge with each bullet weight.
For the .243 Win, IMR-4350 or H-414 would not be too far wrong.
For the .40 S&W, Alliant Unique, or HS-6 would do.
But you don't even want to consider loading 200 grain bullets in the .40 S&W!!
It Wouldn't Be Prudent for a guy that still needs help picking powders.
rc
Last edited:
I like varget in my 243wssm and H4350 so far. 40 cal is a +1 for unique. I loaded 165s not heavier
243winxb
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ssyoumans
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I concur, Varget works well in 243 but H414 gives me higher velocity and is so much easier to meter, but I do use Mag primers with H414 with it being a ball powder. Hodgdons Superformance worked well too with 243 using 75gr Vmax, haven't tried other weights with it yet.
For 40, I like Rainer 155gr plated bullets or Montana Gold 155gr Jhp ahead of 7.5gr of true blue or 6.3gr of Unique. The load data for Unique met Factory ammo velocity at .8gr below max loads! Start at min and work up with Unique. It can really push those 155's out of a 40. I settled on 6.3gr for 1024 fps out of my Glock 23. I do not recommend going above 7.2gr, that met Speer's Gold dot loads for practice.
For 40, I like Rainer 155gr plated bullets or Montana Gold 155gr Jhp ahead of 7.5gr of true blue or 6.3gr of Unique. The load data for Unique met Factory ammo velocity at .8gr below max loads! Start at min and work up with Unique. It can really push those 155's out of a 40. I settled on 6.3gr for 1024 fps out of my Glock 23. I do not recommend going above 7.2gr, that met Speer's Gold dot loads for practice.
Hondo 60
Member
rc - GREAT answer!!!!!
A reloading manual (or 3) is absolutely the first thing a reloader should beg, borrow, or buy.
We're dealing with small explosions here.
Safety should be our number 1 concern.
Lyman's 49th reloading Handbook is my favorite.
It has a really good how-to section & the widest array of reloading data.
For all new people - if you don't have it, don't start reloading.
A reloading manual (or 3) is absolutely the first thing a reloader should beg, borrow, or buy.
We're dealing with small explosions here.
Safety should be our number 1 concern.
Lyman's 49th reloading Handbook is my favorite.
It has a really good how-to section & the widest array of reloading data.
For all new people - if you don't have it, don't start reloading.
MSgtEgress
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- Jun 1, 2006
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- 195
Ditto on RC's answer. That being said, Any powder used on the .308 would work well in the 243. IMR-4064 & 3031 are the standards. I use 39.5g 4064 in my 7mm-08 and get 1 1/2 groups at 200yd. I have used IMR4007SSC in my 22-250 with great results the case capacities are similar so it should do well too.
For the .40 I would recommend AA-2 for plinker loads and AA-5 or 7 for full power cartridges.
For the .40 I would recommend AA-2 for plinker loads and AA-5 or 7 for full power cartridges.
One more vote for Lyman's 49th. It's stayed near me for most of the two years I've owned it. You can also find good data at Hodgdon's website if you use thier powders. I use HS-6 and HP-38 for my Springfield 40. I prefer HS-6, but HP-38/231 make better target loads.
Are you wanting to use jacketed bullets for the .40, or non jacketed?
What performance range are you seeking, high velocity, mid, or low velocity target?
We are all very interested in helping new reloaders get going, but you probably need to get a better idea of what type of load performance you are seeking, what economic range are you seeking, and for what purpose will you be using these loads for.
Once you have a couple of good quality reloading books it will be easier for us to address your specific areas of interest and concern. As for books, considering the huge amount of published data available data on line, I would focus on books that are geared toward reloading instruction and deffinition. This will enable you to mroe accurately address future questions that will present.
I have found the Speer reloading books to be very good learning books, and ABC's of reloading is excellent as well. But deffinitely get a couple of those.
GS
What performance range are you seeking, high velocity, mid, or low velocity target?
We are all very interested in helping new reloaders get going, but you probably need to get a better idea of what type of load performance you are seeking, what economic range are you seeking, and for what purpose will you be using these loads for.
Once you have a couple of good quality reloading books it will be easier for us to address your specific areas of interest and concern. As for books, considering the huge amount of published data available data on line, I would focus on books that are geared toward reloading instruction and deffinition. This will enable you to mroe accurately address future questions that will present.
I have found the Speer reloading books to be very good learning books, and ABC's of reloading is excellent as well. But deffinitely get a couple of those.
GS
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