Model 11 Best Load?

[GunDog72]

Hi I'm new to the forum and just wanted to pick yalls brains. I have a Savage model 11 in .243 and I handload all of the shells for it. So far the best bullet I've found it will shoot is a Sierra 60gr varminter, and I've been loading them with 44gr of 4831 and it has been shooting right at or just under 1/2" at 100yrds. Just wanted to know if you have any suggestions as to what the best powder and bullet combo is. Thanks

[Maztech89]

Exact same guns chambered with same reamers, same machine, same everything can still differ so greatly between desired loads its unreal. I think the only unanimous "load" that works is the one that follows the "start low and work up" rule. Consistent 1/2" groups is great for most applications, what more is it you are looking for? Or are you just trying to compare notes with other .243's for curiosity?

Shoot straight!
-Maz-

[GunDog72]

Ya I think that 1/2" is pretty good for factory gun, they only thing I've done to it is replace the trigger spring to get it down to 2lbs and bedded it. Thanks

[bootsmcguire]

For varmint Loads I have had great luck with 58gr V-Max bullets over Varget Powder. For a deer load, the 100gr Sierra Spitzer over RL19 has treated me well in previous 243s as well as some of my buddies rifles. My current 243 is actually a 243AI and I only shoot the 58's out of it for pdogs, target, and the occasional coyote.

Varget and the 58's normally gets me .3-.5 at 100yds for 5 shots. The 100's and RL19 was giving me 3 shots at around .5" @ 100yds in that previous barrel. It was a sporter profile so I only went for 3 shot groups due to barrel heat.

[stangfish]

For varmint Loads I have had great luck with 58gr V-Max bullets over Varget Powder. For a deer load, the 100gr Sierra Spitzer over RL19 has treated me well in previous 243s as well as some of my buddies rifles. My current 243 is actually a 243AI and I only shoot the 58's out of it for pdogs, target, and the occasional coyote.

Varget and the 58's normally gets me .3-.5 at 100yds for 5 shots. The 100's and RL19 was giving me 3 shots at around .5" @ 100yds in that previous barrel. It was a sporter profile so I only went for 3 shot groups due to barrel heat.

Bank

[GunDog72]

Ok thanks, has anyone tried some of Noslers Varmagedon 55grs?

[Mr. Bruce]

My sons model 10 loves the Nosler 55 gr Ballistic Tip Varmint. Over RL17 an 8 shot group measured .500 at 100 yds at 3400 fps. Over H4350 a 5 shot group measured .563 at 100 yds at 3500 fps. Great prairie dog pills.

[wbm]

Another load that has always shot well for me and a few others in a 243 is the 85gr Sierra HPBT over 43gr H4831. Not super fast but very accurate in a Ruger 77, Remington 700 and three Savages. Deadly on deer.

[GunDog72]

Ya I've always heard people talk about those shooting really well but my Model 11 Savage has such a slow twist that it absolutely hates those. It will shoot the 60s at .400-.500 and 100s about 1.500, but for some reason the 85s are about 3.00?
Another load that has always shot well for me and a few others in a 243 is the 85gr Sierra HPBT over 43gr H4831. Not super fast but very accurate in a Ruger 77, Remington 700 and three Savages. Deadly on deer.

[GunDog72]

I forgot to mention that these are all five shot groups at 100 yrds.

[fgw_in_fla]

I've had excellent results with IMR 4895 for the lighter stuff - 55gr Nosler & Sierra to 70gr Nosler & sierra MK's.

90gr Noslers are another story. After several attempts, H4831 was best at 43.7gr.

Who asked about the Nosler Varmagedon? If you can get them to work, drop me a line.
I found a box in the back of my stash area & recalled why I put them there. I could not get anything less than a buckshot pattern at 100yds with them. My rifle will punch dime sized holes all day long with Nosler BT's & Sierra BK's....
Varmagedons..... I'd be better off throwing the box at the target.

Happy shooting.

[GunDog72]

I just got in from sighting in my Model 11 .243 and I think I have found the load that my gun likes the best! The group this is a three shot group at 100yrds, with 60gr. Sierra, over 44gr. of Hodgdon 4831, and I've measured it twice and it comes to just under 1/4 inch. The only other load I would like to try is if I could get my hands on 12 or 15 55gr. Noslers I would like to try them but until them I'm going to stick with this!