.243 Stevens 200 bullets and "light" loads

[bigedp51]

I have a new Stevens .243 I'm loading for, I no longer hunt and I do not shoot in competition. The longest we can shoot at our range is 100 yards so blistering velocity is "NOT" a requirement.

My question is "without" going to what you would normally conceder reduced loads of pistol powder can accurate loads be achieved by just using normal starting loading data. I just want to punch small groups in the target and not shoot high or near max pressure loadings.

I'm asking this for several reasons.

1. I normally start at mid range loadings and work up to higher pressures and have never attempted to look for accuracy loads at the "low end" of the spectrum.
2. Pressures at or below 43,000 cup save wear and tear and are much easer on the bore. Do any of you have any ideas for "light" accuracy loads, or should I put the .243 to bed and shoot my .22 and settle for the kids happy meal. :'(

As you can see below this isn't my first .243 and my Rock Chucker is over 37 years old.

[rjtfroggy]

Biged I am loading mine with 33 grs. of IMR 4895 and 100gr. Speer SP bullets.
They are just around 2700fps and should be just under 43,000cup.This for a hunting load and @100 stays under an inch always,model 11 in a boyds thumbhole stock.I haven't tried match grade ammo but under an inch for hunting works for me,and it is light recoiling.
If I could find an excuse to change to a varmint barrel contour I would but for a gun that gets used 3 weeks a year I can't justify the expense.
The load mentioned above is only .2 above minimum but consult your manuals before you start.