115 gr 243 7 twist

[bladeracer]

I used 2217 and the speed was 3,255 fps. I also tried 2213 but only pushed it to 3132 fps. It had more in it but I never went back to see how far.

How long is your barrel?

[SCJ429]

It is 28 inches. It could be up to 30 fps faster than a 26 inch barrel.

[GQshayne]

You are running your 243 very mild there, my little 6mm BR can shoot a 90 grain projectile at 3000 fps. I shoot a 105 projectile out of my 243 at more than 3,300 fps and get good barrel and brass life.

Yes. But as mentioned I have a point where I have all the aspects I need, being accuracy, case life, good trajectory etc, without going any higher. When I was younger I ran closer to max loads, and to no advantage that I could ever see in the field.

[SCJ429]

It isn't a criticism, just pointing out the potential of this case. I am glad you enjoy hunting with your 243.

[GQshayne]

It isn't a criticism, just pointing out the potential of this case. I am glad you enjoy hunting with your 243.

Agreed, more potential than I am using in my bolt gun, however I neglected to mention that one of my .243's is a lever action. Even though it is a FN made BLR, I think being on the mild side is good. When I bought it, I simply tested my existing mild load from my LSA Tikka, and it works well in the BLR. No need to tinker with it much. Half a grain either way did not show any difference in action feel, or any difference on the target, so I left it as is. But these 90 grain loads are only used on pigs, so ranges are usually under 200m.

[duncan61]

.243 is a brilliant chambering and I am looking forward to using mine on Monday