243 ai items needed

**87predator** · 03-10-2012, 05:12 PM

I just ordered a 243 ai barrel, and want to know what all I need to buy to get started. I currently have both a hornady and lee delux rifle dies with collet neck sizer for 243. Mainly interested in reloading equipment needed. Any other helpful equipment tips would be much appreciated.
Have go and no go guages on order, plus have wrenches and vises from other builds. Just haven't messed much with Ackley Imroved cartridges.

**GaCop** · 03-11-2012, 07:47 AM

Sound like your ready to load after installing the barrel. I use my Lee 223 Rem collet die on my 223AI and it works great. Don't worry about case lengths when you fire form as the cases will shorten when blown out to AI dimensions. You may want to look at a body bump die when chambering gets a bit tight from collet neck sizing.

In my experience, Winchester brass is better quality overall than RP so I recommend fire forming with them. If at all possible, use new or once fired brass for the forming process.

If I'm leaving anything out, someone please correct me...........getting old is a b-tch.

**kelbro** · 03-11-2012, 04:38 PM

I use a Lee 243 Collet neck sizing die, Redding 243AI body die, and a Redding 243AI seater. Works like a champ with an average runout of .002 across the board. I started off using a standard 243 seater and it worked OK but the Redding 243AI seater is a hair better. If you have the Lee dead length seater, you are probably good to go.

Found out today that H4895 works very well in my 243AI with 105gr bullets. Found really good loads with H4831SC, IMR4350, and Varget too but the H4895 was the best. Good thing since I still have about 7# of it and my 223AI likes it too.

**bootsmcguire** · 03-11-2012, 10:32 PM

I basically use the same setup as kelbro does except I use the Collet Die, Redding Body Die, and Lee Dead-Length Seater. I shoot 58gr. V-Maxes out of mine over Varget, and am getting about 4050FPS and holds 1/2 MOA. Mainly used for target and Varmints. Very Flat shooter.

Joe O · 03-12-2012, 06:30 AM

I use a redding type S,neck bushing die plus body die if needed.I seat with this, http://www.gmwvickerman.com/html/pro...ml#StandardDie
Only shoot two bullets,95 SMK,and 70SBK.H4831sc for the 95 and H414 for the 70s.1:9 twist.

**kelbro** · 03-12-2012, 11:42 AM

Boots, what twist is your 243AI? Curious about the smaller bullets going very fast.

Mine's a 1:8.

**bootsmcguire** · 03-12-2012, 08:55 PM

Mine is a 1:9.25 twist. It is a factory Savage, SS, Fluted, Varmint barrel that has been rechambered. Bought it from another member here who was getting a new barrel. This one had an 1800 round count when I got it, and IIRC its just a touch over 2200 rounds now. Still shoots 1/2 MOA. I have had the 58's up faster (not sure how fast exactly) but I have not seen any hint of bullets separating or exploding in flight.

**kelbro** · 03-12-2012, 10:49 PM

Thanks. I have an image in my head of a nice whitetail doe catching an 85gr TSX in her neck :)

**87predator** · 03-13-2012, 02:38 PM

guages are on back order, canceled well wait till closer for barrel to arrive. No any other places to order those?

Joe O · 03-13-2012, 05:29 PM

You could screw the barrel in with a Virgin 243 case chambered and adjust till the bolt closes with slight resistance,(crush fit),then a piece of scotch tape on the head for a no go,with the bolt only closing 1/2 way.Go back and forth with that procedure till it's right.Seat bullets to jam .005-.010 into the lands.