22-243 loads

[andym79]

Sorry this one isn't about cast bullets!

I recently got a Savage 99 in 22-243, with a 1:8 barrel, I have lots of 77gr smk and so plan on shoot them. As its a wildcat of limited load data I am not really sure of a load.

I am thinking of starting at 37 grains of H4350 and slowly working up, I would really like to hear from anyone who has a 22-243 and what they shoot in it.

Thanks Andy

[sundog]

You might review some 22 CHeetah load data to get some perspective. I'm sure those loads will be a bit hotter than what you might want to run through a Savage 99, but it might give some you insight.

[Lefty SRH]

I have a 22-243 Winchester. You can also look for 22-243 Middlestead data. The case capacity of the two are extremely close.

[andym79]

Might be flawed logic but I am thinking I might be able to find load data this way.

77grain / 224 x 243 = 83 so round up to 85-90 grain look at 243 data and use minimum loads for the 243 e.g. H4350 37 grains and go from there or use 22-250 data and slowly work up.

[Texas by God]

.22 TTH starting loads should work. Stay away from max loads for the 99.

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[andym79]

The 223wssm is the same capacity as the 22-243.

Hodgdon list for the 223wssm

4895 31-34.5
Varget 33-36
4350 37-40
4831 40.5-43.5


Went to the range today rifle did pretty well nothing fantastic but I wasn't shooting for groups, I was pushing velocity with only a single shot per load it was grouping ok. Plus I was only shooting with peep sights on my 99.

I am going to put a Leopold 3-9x40 on it to see what it can really do.

All the loads above loads showed no signs of pressure problems.

I think you could probably go a bit hotter, I have read of 43-43 grains of 4350.

Anyway hit velocity of 3260 with 4350 and my 77smk. Did some 55vmax work them faster till it hit 3800fps and a vmax came apart in a blue puff. I think the 7.7 twist is too fast for that speed and 3200 with the smk is a more sensible option. If it was a 10 twist it would be beautiful with 55vmax.

Recoil no problem gee it was loud though. It looks like its going to reach out no problem.

[Fernando]

Mid Swift data is a starting point - pace your shots - This has a sweet tooth for steel.

[pietro]

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The .22-.243 is based on the .308 Winchester family of cartridges...

Here's a good article on it, including handloading for it: https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.22-243.html


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