Got the 243 AI out in the snow.

I have been working up a load for it using 58 grain hornady vmax and h414 powder. But It has been snowy and nasty around here for the last few weekends.
Last weekend it was only 22 degrees but the wind was calm so on the spur of the moment I decided to rush out get the latest two loads over the chrono.
Here is the bench after I shoveled and scraped it off as best I could.
http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1a2074fa.jpg

Here is the target board. I hastily stapled the only target I could find on short notice to it
http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/...psa50a37a9.jpg

I fired three five shot groups. The red squares are 1/2 inch btw.
The one on the left is factory federal ammo, the flier is the first shot through a clean barrel with the nest 4 going through about a quarter inch hole. The middle group is the 50 grain load and it ran all five into that 1/2 inch group at around 3850 fps.
The group on the right is the 51 grain load and it really opened up but some of that could be me getting cold and shaky.
It was getting about 3950 fps but its too hot, had one heavy bolt lift and the primers were starting to look a little on the flat side. I only have H414 and H380 to play with right now but I'm hoping to pick up some varget and maybe some lapua brass at the gunshow next month.
The 50 grain load shows promise and I should play with seating depth but I don't want to work on it too much because in the summer it might be too hot and I'm gonna have to start over with new brass anyway.
But anyway I think this thing is gonna shoot. It is already the most accurate firearm I have ever owned.

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/...psbe095b66.jpg

Great chambering and bullet choice for Varmints.

I am shooting that same bullet in mine, and with Varget I am averaging 4000FPS with no signs of pressure and getting terrific accuracy. If you can get your hands on some I would recommend it.

Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bootsmcguire

Great chambering and bullet choice for Varmints.

I am shooting that same bullet in mine, and with Varget I am averaging 4000FPS with no signs of pressure and getting terrific accuracy. If you can get your hands on some I would recommend it.

Good luck.

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Yep I was hoping for 4000 but it didn't make it with this powder.
How much varget are you packing in there if I may ask?

I'd have to go check to be sure, I have not had to load any for it in awhile. I loaded about 3x's what I needed for a pdog trip a year and a half ago and am still working through them, hence I have not had to load any for it in a long time. With several new calibers and barrels since then I have not been giving her the attention she deserves. IIRC I was at either 46.5 or 47.0grs. Remember to work up slowly, just 'cuz mine takes it doesn't mean yours will. However I will say that I have gotten terrific brass life with it and zero pressure signs. Before the trip I was running the same 50 brass over and over and still have them separated for future use and so far they have over 25 firings on them and they have only been neck sized and haven't been annealed yet. I am wondering how long I can make them last.