getting started with the .243

[Alleycat]

I want to start reloading .243 for a new Axis I just acquired and I'm pretty much ready to go except for one important thing. I'm overwhelmed with bullet powder combinations and don't know where to start. What I would like to do is put together a smokin varmint load based around a 58 to 70 grain bullet (really not sure what bullet to go with) and a deer hunting load with the Barnes TTSX in mind as I've read good reports on these.

Since I'm posting I'll also mention I have a couple nice model 99's in .250 and .300 sav and I think I may give reloading these a try as well. I don't shoot them that much but there isn't much available from the factory any more, particularly for the .250.

Thanks
A

[scope eye]

Varget and RL15 are they adjustable wrenches of powder, but so happen to fit in perfectly for your application.

55 Noslers 45gr
58 Vmax's 44gr
60 sierra's hp 43gr
65 Vmax's 42gr
70 blitz kings 41gr

Start a couple grains lower same amount for both powder.

Dean

[Alleycat]

Varget and RL15 are they adjustable wrenches of powder, but so happen to fit in perfectly for your application.

55 Noslers 45gr
58 Vmax's 44gr
60 sierra's hp 43gr
65 Vmax's 42gr
70 blitz kings 41gr

Start a couple grains lower same amount for both powder.

Dean

Perfect! Thanks Dean

Allan

[bootsmcguire]

Varget and RL15 are they adjustable wrenches of powder, but so happen to fit in perfectly for your application.

55 Noslers 45gr
58 Vmax's 44gr
60 sierra's hp 43gr
65 Vmax's 42gr
70 blitz kings 41gr

Start a couple grains lower same amount for both powder.

Dean

+1 to all of that. Varget is my go-to powder for the 243 with the lighter bullets.

[snowgetter1]

I have also found IMR 8208 XBR to be very accurate with light bullets.

[bythebook]

I would like to suggest the Sie. 85 gr. HPBT GameKing also. It is an all round bullet for varmits or deer, we have used it in several rifles over the years with great results. I mostly use IMR 4064 with.

[Hog Assassin]

I have had great success with the Sierra 85 gr. HPBT GameKing as well. I have used IMR 4350 42.5 grs. with results in the .4 range in my old groundhog piece (old Mossberg 800V totally customized over the years). It has taken hogs out to 700 yards and is dynamite on deer as well. The Mossberg was my first rifle after I got home from Vietnam and is an old standby. I have a newer Savage LRP in 243AI that I am working up loads for and it shoots even better so far. I will report later on how that develops.

[WuzYoungOnceToo]

For deer/hogs I cooked up an 85 gr TSX (6mm TTSX weren't available at the time) + 43.5 gr Ramshot Hunter load that reliably produces sub-MOA groups from my son's 110.

[fgw_in_fla]

On this side if the world I've had remarkable results with IMR 4895 & 4064 for the light bullets up the 75gr.
4320 also works for 70 & 75gr.
For the 90's & 95's - after numerous attempts I ended up with H4831. 4831 is my go to with the .270 so I had it on hand.

There's only 2 powders I hate - Varget & H380. Never had any good results with them.
Seems most of the mid range burn rate powders will work for the .243.