06-30-2008, 07:34 AM
| #1 |
| Member | .243 win i wanted to make up some fast varmint loads for a .243. it's a savage with 1 in 9.25 twist. how light of a bullet can i go that will be stabilized with that twist? i can imagine a 55gr v-max at over 4000 fps would do a number on groundhogs. thanks |
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06-30-2008, 09:52 AM
| #2 | |
| Senior Member  | Quote:
You can try the various 55 grainers to see which one shoots best, but the most common problem with light bullets and fast twist (over-stabilized) is that they take longer to sleep (eliminate yaw). Some will shoot groups a say a 100 yds and find they don't group worth a darn, but shooting groups at 2-300 yds. they find it shoots quite well. Because of this,,,some will give up at the 100 yd range figuring they just won't work. Yet some may never sleep, or at least take longer ranges to do so. Then too, if you shoot over-stabilized bullets at ultra long range, they fly with the axis perpendicular to the bore. So with high trajectories they have a nose up attitude upon decent. Whereas a properly stabilized bullet will have the nose follow the trajectory arc. This isn't a real problem until you get to the transonic range, which can vary, but generallly speaking, is 1365 -1435 fps at sea-level,,,, if I remember correctly. This is out there a long, long ways, and most don't need to worry about it. If the 55's don't group well at 2-300 yds, you may want to try the 60-70 gr. varieties. But don't be discouraged, as I have seen some light bullets do very well also at shorter ranges with the fast twist. One just never knows, until you shoot them. Dave Last edited by Onesonek; 06-30-2008 at 09:56 AM. | |
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06-30-2008, 11:07 AM
| #3 |
| Senior Member  | Your problem with light bullets will be the fact that they are shorter and have a long jump to the riflings,plus they may start faster but they slow down faster too.The bullet co,s make very good varmint bullets for the .243win in 75/80gr weights that give very explosive actoin at longer range and can be seated closer to the riflings and even tho they arent impressive for muzzle velocity,they are great down range and with their higher bc are a much better choice.Forget the fps and go for accuracy.All fps accomplishes is barrel erosion and less accuracy.I like the Sierra 80gr blitz varminter if loading isngle because the softpoint doesnt work well in the mag but the Hornady 80gr VMAX with its plastic tip works great in the mag and has almost as good of accuracy.The only drawback for these two is they are rough on pelts,so I have to go to hunting bullets when trying to save pelts.4000fps isn't all it is cracked up to be.Hitting what you shoot at is. sam. |
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06-30-2008, 11:17 AM
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| Senior Member  | I agree with Onesonek and sam, you may find that the 65 gr. vmax will outperform the 55 gr. I always work my loads up at 300 yds, that way you can adjust powder and bullet seating to work out most of the verticle variences. I have had several rifles that would only shoot 3/4 MOA at 100 yards but would shoot 1/3 MOA at 300.
__________________ One hole groups are as easy as pulling the trigger, until you pull it the second time. Last edited by telkev; 06-30-2008 at 11:19 AM. Reason: . |
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06-30-2008, 11:24 AM
| #5 |
| Member | accuracy is more importent definately but i'm thinking mostly plinking at 100 yards. i'm trying to see how high i can make a pop can jump. my one friend and i get together every saturday and blow things up with our various rifles and it's more about fun and spectacular results than bench shooting accuracy. we already have load for paper and hunting which work quite well. as long as i get 2-3 inch groups at 100 with the 55gr i'll be happy. but if the bullet won't stabilize properly at short range then i may try a 65. thanks |
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06-30-2008, 02:12 PM
| #6 |
| Member | That is to fast of a twist for the 55 Gr now the 87 Gr v-max will shoot like house fire out of that '.243 savage from 47.5 to 48.5 of H4831 its a great load from 3200 to 3300 fps it will out shoot the light bullets at any range. just learn to click your scope up or down for different ranges. So your are always holding dead on. |
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06-30-2008, 05:36 PM
| #8 |
| Senior Member | Sam's right, light ain't a problem, especially at a short range like 100 yards. You can "over-stabilize" a bullet, but doing so won't cause a problem at any reasonable hunting range.
__________________ Certified rifle and pistol instructor |
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06-30-2008, 05:55 PM
| #9 |
| Senior Member | Not to cause a problem but just to post an . . . . . . observation - the .243 has a pretty zippy standard velocity. So, personally I am a bit lost on speeding it up. But to each his own. Good luck. From a satisfied .243 shooter. |
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06-30-2008, 06:37 PM
| #10 | |
| Senior Member | Quote:
 One thing I forgot to mention along with what others brought up with the throat issue,,,is. I have shot many 55gr. NBT's ranging from 34-4100 fps out of 12" twist barrels and had no problems. I'm sure the other makes would fair as well. There are times when heavier with better BC's, would be a blessing however. But I haven't tried or know of anybody that has tried any 55 at 4000+fps, in a twist faster than 10". It isn't uncommon for some bullets to come apart due to the faster rotational spin imparted by the combination high velocity and faster twist. It is sometimes possible to pick this up by shooting at paper at real short range. If the bullet is starting to discintegrate, you'll see a spiral vapor trail imprint on the target, or fragment holes if it's already seperated. Just thought I would mention this if you can't get on paper and not seeing much for hits on the backstop. Dave | |
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07-01-2008, 04:16 PM
| #11 | |
| Member | Quote:
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