Lead free 243

[Tenntrapper]

With no other need to do so, other than it's different, I'm going to start working on a lead free 243 load.
99.9 percent of my hunting is less than 200 yards, with most of that being less than 100.
I've never been "into" the high BC long range bullets because I don't hunt that way...I don't need them. I much prefer a round nose bullet for my style of hunting.
Seems like most manufacturers have discontinued the RN bullets for about everything... including the 243.
The other day a was looking around and ran across some Lapua Naturalis bullets that were 50 percent off. This is one ugly bullet..but it has a round(ish) nose, so I decided to give them a try. Hopefully I'll have a usable load worked up before season gets here and I can see how they do on game.
I'm waiting for some data from another member for the powder I'm going to use. Very little load data out there for this bullet.
If anyone has used this bullet, any suggestions would be appreciated.
I will keep you updated as to how they do.

 

[Remi]

My lead free 243 loads are with the Barnes 80 ttsx and the Hornady 80 gmx. With monos light and fast seems to be the best way as heavy and slower does give as dramatic results.


Win brass
Cci 200
45grs H4350
80 ttsx
3300fps


Win Brass
Cci 200
45grs H4831
80 Gmx
3080fps


Good luck with the Lapua

 

[mike243]

I like the looks of that bullet, never shot no round nose in my 243 but if the speed is up there, I see it being a hammer. The only runners I have had with 243 were premium bullets that held together and didn't mushroom like I would have preferred , I'm pretty sure years ago round nosed bullets were a go to in a lot of calibers before pointy bullets took over the market.

 

[Remi]

With no other need to do so, other than it's different, I'm going to start working on a lead free 243 load.
99.9 percent of my hunting is less than 200 yards, with most of that being less than 100.
I've never been "into" the high BC long range bullets because I don't hunt that way...I don't need them. I much prefer a round nose bullet for my style of hunting.
Seems like most manufacturers have discontinued the RN bullets for about everything... including the 243.
The other day a was looking around and ran across some Lapua Naturalis bullets that were 50 percent off. This is one ugly bullet..but it has a round(ish) nose, so I decided to give them a try. Hopefully I'll have a usable load worked up before season gets here and I can see how they do on game.
I'm waiting for some data from another member for the powder I'm going to use. Very little load data out there for this bullet.
If anyone has used this bullet, any suggestions would be appreciated.
I will keep you updated as to how they do.
View attachment 199831

Also, if you're a rib shooter don't expect bang flops. Harder bullets like harder targets. With monos shoulders are your friends. Breaking one is good, breaking two is more gooder.

 

[Tenntrapper]

Also, if you're a rib shooter don't expect bang flops. Harder bullets like harder targets. With monos shoulders are your friends. Breaking one is good, breaking two is more gooder.

Lapua claims these aren't designed to open into petals like the Barnes...it's more of a mushroom. I don't know how that will affect on game performance, but I'll give it a try. I've killed several with the Barnes bullet in a 223, never had one go more than 20-30 yards...if anywhere. I'm hoping the larger meplat will provide a greater amount of shock.

 

[Remi]

Lapua claims these aren't designed to open into petals like the Barnes...it's more of a mushroom. I don't know how that will affect on game performance, but I'll give it a try. I've killed several with the Barnes bullet in a 223, never had one go more than 20-30 yards...if anywhere. I'm hoping the larger meplat will provide a greater amount of shock.

What powders are you thinking?



The 140gr .264 does well in this guys test.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/4769172/1

 

[Tenntrapper]

What powders are you thinking?



The 140gr .264 does well in this guys test.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/4769172/1

The only data I've found is from Vihtavouri, using their n150, n160, n540, and n550 powders. I've got a bunch of n165 that I would like to use. It's a very cool burning powder, and I like using it with known barrel burners like the 243. It's considerably slower than the others...closer to RL23. Ive had good success with it with 100g bullets, and would like to use with these 90s if possible. Another member is running it through his quick loads (think that's what it's called) for me. Fingers crossed that it works.

 

[Remi]

The only data I've found is from Vihtavouri, using their n150, n160, n540, and n550 powders. I've got a bunch of n165 that I would like to use. It's a very cool burning powder, and I like using it with known barrel burners like the 243. It's considerably slower than the others...closer to RL23. Ive had good success with it with 100g bullets, and would like to use with these 90s if possible. Another member is running it through his quick loads (think that's what it's called) for me. Fingers crossed that it works.

I shoot a lot of h1000, 7828 and h4831 through my 243's. I've never used the Vihtavouri stuff only because I've never seen any for sale around here.

 

[Tenntrapper]

I shoot a lot of h1000, 7828 and h4831 through my 243's. I've never used the Vihtavouri stuff only because I've never seen any for sale around here.

I've got some h4831sc and RL19 that I think I could work something up with...if I have to. Just really wanting to use the n165.
I always have to order the VV powders online..no one around here sells them either.

 

[ImThere]

I'm have to buy a 243 now because I like the way "lead free 243" rolls of the tongue! I should've kept my last one!

 

[Tenntrapper]

I'm have to buy a 243 now because I like the way "lead free 243" rolls of the tongue! I should've kept my last one!

I think @Hduke86 has a couple for sale in the classifieds...

 

[Hduke86]

I'm have to buy a 243 now because I like the way "lead free 243" rolls of the tongue! I should've kept my last one!

I sure got a pretty one for sale in the classifieds but you definitely probably wouldn't want to tote it a long ways

 

[Hduke86]

I shoot a lot of h1000, 7828 and h4831 through my 243's. I've never used the Vihtavouri stuff only because I've never seen any for sale around here.

Sportsman's Warehouse in Chattanooga had a good selection of it the other day if you're ever in that area.

 

[Remi]

Sportsman's Warehouse in Chattanooga had a good selection of it the other day if you're ever in that area.

Thanks, I'll check them out if I get down their way.

 

[Tenntrapper]

Sportsman's Warehouse in Chattanooga had a good selection of it the other day if you're ever in that area.

The VV powders?

 

[Hduke86]

The VV powders?

They had a good selection of Vihtavuori on the shelf. I didn't take notice in what all flavors cause I've never messed with the stuff but if I'm in the area tomorrow I'll take a picture of what they have. Also noticed a HUGE difference in what ammo the had available compared to just a month ago. The shelf was very noticeable depleted of ammo

 

[Tenntrapper]

They had a good selection of Vihtavuori on the shelf. I didn't take notice in what all flavors cause I've never messed with the stuff but if I'm in the area tomorrow I'll take a picture of what they have. Also noticed a HUGE difference in what ammo the had available compared to just a month ago. The shelf was very noticeable depleted of ammo

Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

[DaveB]

IMR7828 with 100 or 105 gr Partitions

Nosler data #3 shows 47.5 gr and 3250 FPS as max load.

This load killed a bunch of California mule deer. In my Rem 700 ADL in 243 the accuracy was very very good.

 

[Tenntrapper]

I shoot a lot of h1000, 7828 and h4831 through my 243's. I've never used the Vihtavouri stuff only because I've never seen any for sale around here.

Ok, something isn't right. Got the data back from the member with all the testing stuff.
Based on the info I provided, it said there would be a node at 45g of n165...at the book coal. Also said it would be a compressed load (102 percent case fill). But said it would only be a 50k psi. Said I didn't have the case capacity to get to next node. I started at 44g and loaded in .3 gr increments up to 45.2. None of these are compressed...I can hear the powder when shaking. Also, I can go another.080" in coal to the lands. Just for shiggles...I filled a case to the bottom of the neck (about where the heel would be if loaded at longer coal), then weighed that powder. I can get 48g in the case.
I checked everything with 2 scales... everything seems correct. But the first load not being compressed has me baffled.
I haven't tested any of the loads yet...stupid cows took up camp right behind my target...maybe today.

 

[Remi]

Ok, something isn't right. Got the data back from the member with all the testing stuff.
Based on the info I provided, it said there would be a node at 45g of n165...at the book coal. Also said it would be a compressed load (102 percent case fill). But said it would only be a 50k psi. Said I didn't have the case capacity to get to next node. I started at 44g and loaded in .3 gr increments up to 45.2. None of these are compressed...I can hear the powder when shaking. Also, I can go another.080" in coal to the lands. Just for shiggles...I filled a case to the bottom of the neck (about where the heel would be if loaded at longer coal), then weighed that powder. I can get 48g in the case.
I checked everything with 2 scales... everything seems correct. But the first load not being compressed has me baffled.
I haven't tested any of the loads yet...stupid cows took up camp right behind my target...maybe today.

Could be a variance in brass type. Winchester brass gives me several more grain capacity than say Federal brass. Also maybe length, so if you are loading to a longer length than tested with lighter brass that could impact case fill percentage.

 

[Tenntrapper]

Could be a variance in brass type. Winchester brass gives me several more grain capacity than say Federal brass. Also maybe length, so if you are loading to a longer length than tested with lighter brass that could impact case fill percentage.

I understand that, but this was calculated based on the water volume of the brass I have.
I'm going to redo the water volume thing...see if I somehow screwed that up.

 

[Tenntrapper]

Update....I screwed up. Must have gotten a bubble while doing the water weight.
New weight and data puts me at 47g for the node.
Now, I'm taking the first loads back apart...

 

[Tenntrapper]

Another update...loaded test rounds this morning with the new data. Started at 46g and worked up in .3g increments. At 46.9 it had a very light compression. At 47.2 it was a little more but not bad. If I remember correctly, he said 47g should be 101.5 percent case fill. Loaded everything.050" off the lands. Hung 5 targets and started shooting. Best group ended up being the 47.2g load at .339". I will load a few more to verify, but I'm good with this load for the hunting I do. No signs of pressure in the rounds fired. His calculations had it at 55.5k psi, so should be good to go. Speed, although not fired through a Chrono, was predicted to be just shy of 2900 fps at 47g.
If the follow-up rounds duplicate the test rounds...I think I've found me a new load for deer.

 

[Tenntrapper]

IMR7828 with 100 or 105 gr Partitions

Nosler data #3 shows 47.5 gr and 3250 FPS as max load.

This load killed a bunch of California mule deer. In my Rem 700 ADL in 243 the accuracy was very very good.

Just curious...my nosler data is showing a max load of imr7828 with a 105g at 43g and 2798fps. How are you getting another 4.5 grains and 450 fps out of it? I know you can sometimes go over, but that seems excessive. Serious question.

 

[DaveB]

Just curious...my nosler data is showing a max load of imr7828 with a 105g at 43g and 2798fps. How are you getting another 4.5 grains and 450 fps out of it? I know you can sometimes go over, but that seems excessive. Serious question.

My error. The 47.5 is for the 95 and 100 gr partitions.

I do agree the 47.5 looks like a several grain error. Looked up some old data of mine and with 45.5 my COAL was 2.790 to give you an idea of the throat on the 243.

Interesting, the 6mm Rem shows 49 gr max load of 7828 and 3140 FPS.

Thanks for pointing out my error.

 

[Tenntrapper]

My error. The 47.5 is for the 95 and 100 gr partitions.

I do agree the 47.5 looks like a several grain error. Looked up some old data of mine and with 45.5 my COAL was 2.790 to give you an idea of the throat on the 243.

Interesting, the 6mm Rem shows 49 gr max load of 7828 and 3140 FPS.

Thanks for pointing out my error.

Wasn't necessarily trying to point out an error...was trying to learn...
Thought maybe you knew some tricks...

 

[DaveB]

Wasn't necessarily trying to point out an error...was trying to learn...
Thought maybe you knew some tricks...

It was an error and my feelings don;t get hurt unless you ask me do I own a chebbie.

What you pointed out led me to believe that 47.5 is an error in the book. Tomorrow I am gonna try and load 47.5 in a R-P 243 brass.

Only trick I know is be very careful loading pistol rounds.

 

[Tenntrapper]

My error. The 47.5 is for the 95 and 100 gr partitions.

I do agree the 47.5 looks like a several grain error. Looked up some old data of mine and with 45.5 my COAL was 2.790 to give you an idea of the throat on the 243.

Interesting, the 6mm Rem shows 49 gr max load of 7828 and 3140 FPS.

Thanks for pointing out my error.

Although the 6mm is considered a short action, wouldn't it (being based on the 257 Bob case) be closer to an intermediate size round? Also, it's rated at a higher (65k psi) pressure than the 243's (60k psi).

 

[DaveB]

Yes, case capacity is ever so slightly larger but 49 grains of IMR7828, Short cut or not, is one big charge.

I still load it in my 243 and 300 Winmags. burn rate is perfect for heavy-for-caliber stuff.

When I was loading a close friends 300 Weatherby with 180's I think I got like 30 bullets a pound. Long throat......lots of magazine room....loaded so long it even caught the eye of the Weatherby folks when they were in Los Angeles. I used to go there for advice and such with the Mark V. Its kinda nice to have 1 guy say something and the whole place come for a look. Class place and great people.

 

[Tenntrapper]

7000/30= 233.33g
Dayyyuummm!!!