.243 Reloading help

[Scoggsy1978]

Evening gents,

I am starting on the road to reloading ammo for my .243. I have just about got all the gear to get started but now it comes to the key bit on load data. I have been looking on the various brand apps but can’t find the complete breakdown of data I need. Can anyone help. I am looking to use:-

- Lapua brass
- Sierra blitzing 70gr bullets
- N140 powder
- rifle is a Sako 75 finnlite

Any tips on working up a load would be gratefully received.

thanks

scott

 

[simonl]

Are you loading to save money or to get better accuracy?

 

[simonl]

explains what OCW is about. I think it's a pragmatic approach to tuning a load - where you're much less likely to be chasing your tail.

 

[Ttocs]

Rifle reloading data | Handloading | Rifle calibers | Centerfire Rifle bullets | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

Vihtavuori offers rifle reloading data for numerous calibers and bullets for match and hunting purposes. Never exceed maximum loads.

www.vihtavuori.com

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Go to the Vihtavuori website or download the app.
You can use data for a bullet of the same weight and type ie another 70 gun bullet if necessary. However in this case they list it.
I would suggest if you haven’t already got one a reloading manual Modern Reloading by Richard Lee for instance is worth reading at least once cover to cover. You won’t go far wrong following it.

 

[NP435]

Evening gents,

I am starting on the road to reloading ammo for my .243. I have just about got all the gear to get started but now it comes to the key bit on load data. I have been looking on the various brand apps but can’t find the complete breakdown of data I need. Can anyone help. I am looking to use:-

- Lapua brass
- Sierra blitzing 70gr bullets
- N140 powder
- rifle is a Sako 75 finnlite

Any tips on working up a load would be gratefully received.

thanks

scott

I load 10 or so in a few charge weights and see how it works. most of the time a case filling load works the best. No that does not mean fill the case, follow the data.
After I get the seating depth ok for the magazine i mark the charge weights on each case and fire form least to most looking for changes and trouble. Helps to have a friend who already does this help with set up. Feel free to pm me with more questions.

 

[Scoggsy1978]

explains what OCW is about. I think it's a pragmatic approach to tuning a load - where you're much less likely to be chasing your tail.

thanks for this.......very interesting. Will be loading to save money and increase accuracy (hopefully)

 

[Scoggsy1978]

Rifle reloading data | Handloading | Rifle calibers | Centerfire Rifle bullets | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

Vihtavuori offers rifle reloading data for numerous calibers and bullets for match and hunting purposes. Never exceed maximum loads.

www.vihtavuori.com

View attachment 175550

thank you. This was just what I was after.

 

[Scoggsy1978]

I load 10 or so in a few charge weights and see how it works. most of the time a case filling load works the best. No that does not mean fill the case, follow the data.
After I get the seating depth ok for the magazine i mark the charge weights on each case and fire form least to most looking for changes and trouble. Helps to have a friend who already does this help with set up. Feel free to pm me with more questions.

My plan is to measure my COAL so the bullet sits 20thou off the lans. Then ladder test a series of loads working up in 0.5grain increments using the load data provided.

Once I find a good group do I then start testing different seating depths keeping the chosen load?

Also do I need to trim the cases to anything other than standard length as have seen that some data shows ‘trim to length’ measurements?

thanks again

 

[DVS1]

Have a search on YouTube for Erik Cortina and his reloading videos, may save you a fair bit of time and materials. Each to their own but I wish I'd seen his videos a year ago!

 

[Ttocs]

I think you’ll probably find the short 70gr bullet isn’t long enough to give you .020” off the lands. Just load them to 2.681” as per the Sierra data And don’t worry about the jump (Make up a dummy round and check it doesn't engage the lands). The rule of thumb is, load with at least the bullet diameter in the case ie seat them at least .243” into the case.
N

 

[Sonicdmb73]

thanks for this.......very interesting. Will be loading to save money and increase accuracy (hopefully)

You will probably find that you won't save much if any money. If you load your own long enough you might, but don't hold your breath.
Why you don't really save money is you tend to fire more. You also have the cost of the kit to get back plus your time. Most people don't count their time in their costs either.
What you do get though is ammunition tailored to your rifle. A lot more practice with your rifle along with a consitent (ish) supply.

 

[Scoggsy1978]

I think you’ll probably find the short 70gr bullet isn’t long enough to give you .020” off the lands. Just load them to 2.681” as per the Sierra data And don’t worry about the jump (Make up a dummy round and check it doesn't engage the lands). The rule of thumb is, load with at least the bullet diameter in the case ie seat them at least .243” into the case.
N

Thanks Ttocs. I will definitely take your advice on the bullet length.....thanks

 

[NP435]

My plan is to measure my COAL so the bullet sits 20thou off the lans. Then ladder test a series of loads working up in 0.5grain increments using the load data provided.

Once I find a good group do I then start testing different seating depths keeping the chosen load?

Also do I need to trim the cases to anything other than standard length as have seen that some data shows ‘trim to length’ measurements?

thanks again

My understanding of trim to length is to never have the case mouth engage the lead of rifling thus raising pressures and possibly sticking in the chamber. Cases stretch during sizing so if trimmed after sizing this cant ever happen. I don't try changing seating depth if results are ok during testing. I seat to magazine and if that works and marks are on the ogive of the projectile I seat deeper in small changes until those are gone. You can of course test as you desire with depth changes.

 

[Utectok]

Change one thing at a time. Also I was surprised how helpful annealing cases was in squeezing down group sizes. Not a lot but definitely that last 1/4 inch. Plus you get the fun of building an anealler

 

[Ttocs]

Scott what Daddy has written is correct and an important safety point. Trim each of your cases to the min trim length from the outset and then measure them, or re-trim, before each subsequent re-loading. A case that is too long could extend beyond the chamber, jamming in the throat causing excessive neck tension and a consequent pressure spike that may be catastrophic.
Another advantage is with even neck length you’ll get even neck tension and more consistent accuracy in your finished rounds.
N