.243 and IMR4166

[DDMS]

Hello,

During this current climate I have been looking at trying reloading for the first time.

I have purchased a Lee Loader Classic in 243 win, some Nosler 90g ballistic hunting, some Speer 85g BTSP and some IMR4166, and Lee Modern Reloading 2nd edition.

I am hoping to find someone who has some experience with IMR4166 and 243 win reloading.

No I don’t have any scales or anything yet, and I am contemplating buying a Lee 50th Anniversary kit, however I want to see if I can improve the accuracy with basic handloads first.

I have a BSA monarch in .243 which does not like Winchester Power Point 100grain rounds, but does like Federal Powershok 80grain. I am looking to try something in between and see if I can find something more accurate. My main reason is out of interest, and secondly as I like to know that my rounds will land where I want them too (providingI do my bit)

The reason for IMR4166? I was advised on this from the RFD, and it was one of the few items he had left after everyone had panic bought. I know this isn’t the way to go about it normally, but as long as I can make a safe load then I am happy for now.

Has anyone any experience with IMR 4166 and 243 win? And does anyone have experience of using it with a Lee Classic loader? I have been advised that it is a replacement for Varget but have read views to the contrary. I am struggling with finding load data online for the powder and bullet combo I have chosen, and want to make sure that I am set up right before commencing. I know I will probably find all the info I need in the Lee Reloading guide, but it hasn’t arrived yet!

Is it safe to use one 2.5cc scoop of IMR4166 straight from the Lee Loader?

sorry for the long post.

Oh, I intend on shooting Deer and Fox with the load I make/develop at ranges of 200m or less (I wouldn’t be confident making a shot over that range)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cottis]

Firstly, I think IMR 4166 is exempt from REACH restrictions, so getting more should be possible although someone else might know more.

I have not loaded with this powder but it looks fairly fast, so would potentially suit slightly lighter bullets in the .243 but a quick look on the IMR reloading website shows that you can load for 85 grain and 90 grain bullets using this powder but case fill would not be as full as I personally would like.

For example, a 90 grain (A speer SP) is listed as having a max loading of only 37 odd grains. I don't tend to load towards the top end of charge weights for a given bullet, so this could well be 35grains of powder which would leave the case not as full as I would like. It is not necessarily a bad thing though and is doable.

Your rifle appears to have already shown a possible dislike of heavier bullets, so if I were you, I would try the 85grain bullets first which will need a touch more of 4166 powder which will give better case fill and possibly better results.

You don't know until you try but take a look at the IMR website. It should give you some insight approx charge weights for various bullets using the powder that you bough.

Hodgdon Reloading

Hodgdon Reloading Landing page

www.hodgdonreloading.com

 

[Odders]

One thing I'd recommend above all else.
Get some powder scales & NOT the cheap electronic ones.
Try Ebay for used RCBS, Lyman, Redding, Ohaus or other reputable make (Lee's is OK but sub optimal). I've picked them up in the past for £30-50.

 

[Muir]

I'm going to tell you how to find the weight of 4166 in 2.5 CC.

Google "VDM Chart, Lee"
Find the "VDM" , which is the volume of 1 grain of that powder.
Google the VDM calculation. It is basically, Volume (2.5) divided by VDM= grain wt of that volume (2.5) of that (4166) powder. I took me 4 minutes to come up with the answer. Give it a go.~Muir

 

[DDMS]

I'm going to tell you how to find the weight of 4166 in 2.5 CC.

Google "VDM Chart, Lee"
Find the "VDM" , which is the volume of 1 grain of that powder.
Google the VDM calculation. It is basically, Volume (2.5) divided by VDM= grain wt of that volume (2.5) of that (4166) powder. I took me 4 minutes to come up with the answer. Give it a go.~Muir

Thanks very much Muir. Much appreciated.

 

[Muir]

Thanks very much Muir. Much appreciated.

Tell me what you come up with, when you do.~Muir

 

[DDMS]

Tell me what you come up with, when you do.~Muir

I got 33.7 grains. Please correct me if um wrong.

 

[Muir]

I got 33.7 grains. Please correct me if um wrong.

Well done! Not that hard, is it? Lee's "Modern Reloading" explains this procedure in depth and lists the VDM chart. It's a good read, even if you are just using the Lee Loader.

I commend you on using the Lee Classic Loader. I try to keep one for every chambering I load for. ~Muir

 

[Rusty Gate]

Hello,

During this current climate I have been looking at trying reloading for the first time.

I have purchased a Lee Loader Classic in 243 win, some Nosler 90g ballistic hunting, some Speer 85g BTSP and some IMR4166, and Lee Modern Reloading 2nd edition.

I am hoping to find someone who has some experience with IMR4166 and 243 win reloading.

No I don’t have any scales or anything yet, and I am contemplating buying a Lee 50th Anniversary kit, however I want to see if I can improve the accuracy with basic handloads first.

I have a BSA monarch in .243 which does not like Winchester Power Point 100grain rounds, but does like Federal Powershok 80grain. I am looking to try something in between and see if I can find something more accurate. My main reason is out of interest, and secondly as I like to know that my rounds will land where I want them too (providingI do my bit)

The reason for IMR4166? I was advised on this from the RFD, and it was one of the few items he had left after everyone had panic bought. I know this isn’t the way to go about it normally, but as long as I can make a safe load then I am happy for now.

Has anyone any experience with IMR 4166 and 243 win? And does anyone have experience of using it with a Lee Classic loader? I have been advised that it is a replacement for Varget but have read views to the contrary. I am struggling with finding load data online for the powder and bullet combo I have chosen, and want to make sure that I am set up right before commencing. I know I will probably find all the info I need in the Lee Reloading guide, but it hasn’t arrived yet!

Is it safe to use one 2.5cc scoop of IMR4166 straight from the Lee Loader?

sorry for the long post.

Oh, I intend on shooting Deer and Fox with the load I make/develop at ranges of 200m or less (I wouldn’t be confident making a shot over that range)

Thanks in advance.

Dont bother with the scoop.
IMR site has one of the best reloading resources available freely. Click on rifle/long gun, select calibre, bullet weight, select imr & hit go. Listed left to right are the powder & recipes for each gr bullet ( lightest first.).

The stuff your using or looking for is the Enduron range, REACH compliant.

 

[Muir]

If he isn't going to use the scoop, what should he use? Buy a scale to go with his Classic Lee Loader? He has the powder, he just wanted to know what weight of powder a 2.5cc scoop would throw. With 90-100 grain bullets he will be fine. ~Muir

(Classic Lee Loaders produce very good ammunition, by the way....scoop and all)

 

[DDMS]

First loads made up.

85g Speer Boat Tail Soft Point. One 2.5cc scoop (35.9 grains according to the manual) IMR 4166 with a COAL of 2.620”. Should give velocity of 3019fps.

Looking forward to getting these tested at the range once this al blows over.

Muir thanks for the help.

Have a powder measure and scales on their way too. I have a feeling this might be tickling my fancy.