Picked up my .243 today

[Muddly]

Got her home and gave her a quick cleaning and check up. I believe I got a very good deal! The action is new stiff, there's no blueing wear and very minimal handling marks on the stock. By her serial number, she's a 1985 model and a true short action. After cleaning God knows what out of the bore, its a rolled up mirror with a sharp throat and virtually no copper fouling.
Her trigger is a very fine 3 1/2 pounds and very consistent too.
The scope is a Simmons 3x9 model 1010 and the mounts, Weaver bases and rings I don't recognize, make me think the rifle was originally a package deal. The scope looks good, once I cleaned the funk of the ages off the lenses.
All in all, I'm hopeful for this one. That she shows so little use is remarkable, and good for me! I've never had luck with the 243. Accuracy and consistency issues with a Remington 700 CDL and a Handi Rifle. Never took either for a walk. I have a bud who's used the 243 and liked it.
So begins the adventure. Fingers and toes crossed...

[taylorce1]

.243 is one of my favorites, usually pretty easy to find a load for as well.

[Muddly]

Picked up a set of used RCBS dies, neck Sixers, for $15. Got them set up, now all I need is powder and ball. Thinking of the Hornady 95 grain SST. Would think that 2900 fps would be just fine. Powder thoughts? Like to keep the pressures low(ish) and the barrel cool.

Am looking forward to a nice batch of chest soup!

[huntfisheat]

imr 4064 always seamed good but if u want to stay safe with pressures 4350 and and 4831 fill the case good and good speeds with out to much pressures

[Muddly]

Got a box of Hornady 95 grain SST's and a pound of H4831sc. Had great results with that powder in my old 270.
Those SST's look nasty. Lots of shank being the ogive. Maybe that's the secret to good skinny bullets?
Can't wait to try them out!

[Muddly]

Behind the ogive. Stoopid smrt fone...

[taylorce1]

SST bullets always shot well for me, but I hate them on game. They're a little too explosive for my tastes, my sample of one pronghorn killed with the .243 and 95 SST was not good. Animal was shot at 100 yards broadside, bullet gernaded internally perforating everything lung, heart, liver, diaphragm, and guts. Largest bullet fragment was recovered offside flank near testicles weighed 17 grains, total jacket and core separation as well.

[penna shooter]

Congrats