Light loads for my 243

[Muddly]

In an effort to extend bore life, I'd like to have some nice light loads. Definately sub 3000 fps and closer to 24-2500 would be better. Manuals I have don't go that low, but I'm hopeful some of you might have some pet loads. Not particular as to bullet weight, but 80 grain and up are my preference.
Just looking to punch paper and not burn out the throat.
Many thanks.

[Zero333]

Here are a couple I tried for fun... (sorry I didn't chrono but they felt light, especially the ones with H-4895 felt like nothing)

75gr V-max
40 gr H-4350
5-shots at 109 yards
Quickload velocity estimate 3,000 fps from 26" stick.



75gr V-max & 3 loads with H-4895, 5-shot groups
23 gr
23.5 gr
24 gr
QL velocity estimate 2,117 - 2,157 & 2,197 fps
26" stick.

[wbm]

H4895 is the powder you might consider for reduced loads. One example from Hornady is below.

28.5gr H4895
Bullet 80 GR. Hornady SSP 0.243"
2.640"OAL
2704fps 31,100 CUP

[Marine]

I haven't had much success with really light loads, accuracy, finding a safe powder and not much use for them. I do like lighter than max loads for barrel life especially when they shoot really well. I have such a load and it is the most accurate in my .243. 87 gr Vmax, 36.5 gr IMR 4064 at 2650 coal. Velocity is under 3000 and recoil is very light. Hornady lists 37.1 gr at 3100 max but my load feels modest in muzzle blast and recoil and would guess its' easy on the barrel. Varget is almost a perfect substitute for 4064 but I have never tried it as I have a big jug of 4064. Of course this is for one barrel but I would think with a little tuning another Savage might duplicate my results.

[GaryB]

My Speer Reloading Manual No. 13 lists reduced loads for the 85 and 90gr bullets...

85gr SPBT
17-19gr IMR-4198
1796-2005 fps

90gr Spitzer SP
17-19gr IMR-4198
1776-1990 fps

It's an old manual and powders change, so use this data with caution.

[big honkin jeep]

Darn sure be careful with reduced loads and dont go below published minimums. I have had some hang fires and crazy results in the past being stupid. The best powder I'm aware of for reduced loads that still maintain decent velocity is as mentioned H4895. According to Hodgdon it is safe to load down to 60% of a Maximum charge in most cartridges with .243 being one of them. I have had very good results using it and have several .308 win loads that recoil less than a standard .243 factory load. Other benefits are reduced muzzle blast and noise.
Good luck and stay safe

[Stumpkiller]

What Jeep said ^^^.

[Muddly]

I tried 40 grains of H4831sc under a 100 grain Sierra. Accuracy is excellent for my needs. 3 shots at 100 are in the 5/8-3/4 inch range. Velocity is probably 2600ish.
More experiments to follow.
Many thanks for the tips!

[dfrosch]

H4895

https://imrpowder.com/wp-content/upl...ifle-loads.pdf