243 cast varmint load

[Finarfin]

So, I'm looking for a little more than what a 22lr has to offer for varmint hunting. Always within 125 yards, rarely bigger than a coon. I figure a 22 mag would do fine, but would kinda rather not spend all the money it would take to buy one and some optics. I don't want the blast of full bore loads and had considered getting a 223, but then thought why shouldn't I use the 243 I already have? I'd want to probably go with 55-75 grainers and load them to 1600-1900. Sound reasonable? Any tips or pointers?

I guess there are only three real conditions, at least the stopping power of 22wmr, reasonable accuracy, and not much more muzzle blast than 22wmr.

[Wally]

I have a Rem 700 .243 and use the RCBS 95 SP-GC bullet and 11.0 grains of Unique for 1,800 FPS Muzzle velocity. For best results you need to seat the bullet "long" so it just touches the Leade. I consider the accuracy quoite good and on a good day I can hit 4" plates at 300 yards with it. Light cast bullet molds in this caliber are hard to come by. I find it superior to a .223 Rem shooting cast bullets. Recoil is light and it is very enjoyable to shoot.

[Finarfin]

Oh I forgot to mention it is a Winchester model 100 semi-auto and wonder if a light load like that would cycle the action.

I would certainly consider using 95 grainers, wally, what's the blast like on that load?

[runfiverun]

look at bruce b's sticky, he deals with cast in the m-14.
which should be of some help.
1800ish and ejection should be doable with the right gas volume.

[Wally]

Oh I forgot to mention it is a Winchester model 100 semi-auto and wonder if a light load like that would ch le the action.

I would certainly consider using 95 grainers, wally, what's the blast like on that load?

It is loud...like a 12 gauge shotgun, but light recoil.

[Finarfin]

I heard that blue dot is quieter, and have made trailboss loads before that were. Maybe I could try those.

[MT Gianni]

Try the RCBS 95 or the Ly 244496 over 10-14 gr 2400.

[Finarfin]

Anyone think the little plastic tipped varmint bullets would expand at less than 2000 fps? I'd consider those too, just not sure if they'd work. I've shot a few factory loads and they were accurate.

[GP100man]

[smilie=s:

My little 770 loves 12gr. of 2400 & the Lyman 100 grainer !!

:cbpour:

[6.5 mike]

The Nosler 70grs are very accurate at 2400 fps in my 14" T/C 6 m/m tcu, hav'nt tried them slower, or in my .243. Been meaning to try the 55s.

If you are looking for some 75gr cast, I have some from my NOE 6 m/m mold I'm getting ready to re-cast. Turns out they drop just small on the nose for my guns. Bodys are fine. I "beagled" the nose of the mold & gained what I needed so not a problem.

P/M me if interested, & we can work on it. :popcorn:

[reloader28]

We use the 95gr RCBS SP also.
I use about 15gr IMR 4198 powder plus.03gr polyfill in mine, but my brother used around 15gr 2400 and no poly, and it shot great. I'm going to try the 2400.

I dont know about the 100yd groups in his, but mine shoots 3/4" @ 100. The wife and me knock the **** out of p-dogs at 100 - 200yds during the summer.

We also use a 1/16" hollow point 3/8" deep. It is an excellent varmint combo.

[GabbyM]

I very much like the Unique load in my 243’s.

You can shoot long strings of fire without overheating the barrel. Unique burns very clean at pressure levels developed. I use 11 grains under the Lyman 84gr #254496. Have made notes to try more powder and also want to give 2400 a try.

With the rifle powder I tried , Rx7. Great results were obtained but a half grain up or down in charge weight spoiled the groups. Not enough pressure to create a gas seal between case and chamber creating dirty brass and gun.