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Hi all, I'm looking at shooting the 105 amax in .243 and would like to hit 3000 fps. Anyone have any data or experience other than factory load data. Not looking to just run hot rounds and blow anything up. I've been shooting the 70 gr SMK and 87 gr vmax. Would like to build a long distance, 1000 yard round.
8 twist 26" or better Barrel with RL17, RL25, or Hybrid100V. I'm waiting on a 7 twist barrel right now at 27" throated long for 105-115 grain VLD's and Sierra DTACS and with be giving the Hybrid100V a go. I'm currently using it in my 6.5-06 and getting 140VLD's right around 3000FPS with 49grs. I'm starting my 243 loads at 39grs and will verify up to 41grs if I need to go that high, but would like to get them moving around 3000-3050fps. My bullet choices are Berger 105 Match Hybrid Target, Berger 115 VLD Target, and Boron Nitride Coated 115 DTACS.
Once I get the barrel and get it out I will post up my reports.
McGee - Over a year ago I was testing the 105 A-Max in a Savage 11 243 and started to work up loads of H4350 in reduced case capacity. Using converted 7.62 LC pulldown brass sized to 243 and turned necks I was getting 2900 fps at 5000 ft elevation, Temps. 90°F - bench in the sun. No hard extraction.
I had estimated 2650 fps but was getting 2900 fps chrono at 12 feet from bench. The higher speed surprised me. I was glad for the temperature stability of H4350 and that I used a start load. I only had time for 10 rounds sharing the range and was dialing in a scope. Sorry - nothing to report on a longrange you are going for but I think you can get to the 3000 fps with good brass.
dont forget the 95 gr VLD, i shoot mine out of a 26" Mcgowan at about 3150 with either N160 or H4831SC and ive shot out to 1050 yards. G1BC is about .49 which is close to the 105 but you can push them faster with less pressure/powder/ect. and there only about 34$ per 100
plus 105 a-max are a unicorn to me, i wanted to try them on an antelope really bad but i haven't seen them on a shelf for well over a year
http://www.6mmbr.com/243Win.html Lots of info on the 243 here. Where I went before my barrel choice.
You are really going to need at least a 26" barrel to get all the velocity you can out of it. I didn't have any trouble getting the 105 stable out of the 9.25 twist of my savage barrel and I was able to get them to 2850 in a 22" barrel with H4831 and H4350. Probably could have gone hotter but that seemed to be the sweet spot for that barrel.
Thanks for the input all!
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
Plenty of loads for your application here.
Dean
Also looks like the new IMR powder is on the site now. It has one listed faster. Don't now where to get it though.
It is actually quite easy to get a .243 Win with the 105 Amax out to 1k. Yes, more barrel means more velocity which means less wind drift but almost any length will get you there. The factory 1:9.25 twist have seemed to work fine. I load mine with Ramshot Hunter at 2700 fps (17" barrel) and last shots for group went into less than 4" at 950 yards.
I resurrected this thread, because I am switching from my '06 to my 243, for powder conservation, as my main deer rifle. I will most likely be using 95gr Partitions this year, but am really interested in the 105 Amax. My main concern was whether or not it worked in factory barrels, and from what I read here, it does. I do not see much mentioned on groups, but only speed. How well do the factory barrels group with this bullet?
Thanks.
In my experience they group great. I was able to hold half moa easily.
Sometimes you get a sweet one, but most of the time you get at least MOA. Always more capable with handloads of course.
I will be hand loading, haven't bought factory ammo in years. I will most likely be using IMR4350, since that's what I have a good supply of. Powder has been almost as hard to get as 22lr ammo around here. I am hoping I can find a good load with it.
Do the Amax's like to be seated close to the lands, or is it possible with these long bullets, and still fit in the mag well?
I ran 105 Berger hybrids and 115DTACs today out of my 7twist xcaliber 243 from AGW. Both were very accurate, but I think I'm going to run the DTACS. Also was pushing them real slow and will increase my charge to find my high node.
Well I was wondering about the 105 Amax from factory barrels. Cannot afford a new barrel right now.
I am currently running my 105's about 10 thou off the lands but have found the Amax to be pretty forgiving in most cases. I usually find the best somewhere between 10-15 off, have done as much as 35 off with good results.
OK thanks. Am uysed to working with the Barnes bullets at about .050 off or more, so I wanted to be sure. At powder and bullet prices don't want to waste any more than necessary.
i wish i could find some 105 a maxs!!!! havent seen them in a year!!!
what type of distance will you be shooting handi rifle???? under 300 yards they shuold all be fine but over that with lower impact velocities the Amax and berger will shine!!
Grafs, Cabela's and Midway all show 105 A-Max in stock.
Where I hunt on private land (not mine) I have had opportunities at about 425, but didn't have time for a shot in that particular event. At the time I had my '06 loaded with 168gr TTSX's at about 2950. Power was not an issue in that case, and I would have taken a shot had the buck stood still, but he just kept walking. He was looking over his shoulder a lot, so I am sure something had him nervous.
For the most part though, my shots will be around 300 or less, in which case, yes, any of the bullets I mentioned will get the job done. In fact I believe at 300 or less the Nosler is probably a better bullet. Someday I would like to have the $$$ to build a long range 243, like with a 7 twist barrel at 24-26" (not a bull barrel) most likely varmint weight, and try any an every long distance bullet available for the 6mm. I most likely would end up with a 24". I know a little more speed could be had from longer, but it would have to still be a hunting gun. I had one Savage 12 and traded it off. No use for a dedicated paper puncher, especially a 26" bull barreled 223. Seems like an oxymoron to me.