243 Win - 85gr Sierra GameKing and IMR 4451

Published on June 11, 2022
Duration: 13:56

This video details the reloading process for the 243 Winchester cartridge using an 85-grain Sierra GameKing bullet. The presenter, an experienced reloader, tests IMR 4451 and Hodgdon H4831 SC powders, focusing on achieving acceptable velocity and standard deviation for hunting. The content highlights the importance of consistent brass preparation and primer selection for reliable ballistic performance.

Quick Summary

Achieving consistent velocity in 243 Winchester reloads requires meticulous case preparation, including annealing, resizing, and trimming, along with reliable primer ignition. High standard deviations, especially above 30-40 fps, can indicate inconsistent powder burn, impacting accuracy. For hunting, SDs between 15-25 fps are generally considered acceptable.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Previous Results
  2. 00:43Goals: Velocity & Standard Deviation
  3. 01:46Brass Preparation Details
  4. 02:57Primer Selection Change
  5. 03:44Loading Strategy & Charge Weights
  6. 04:14Bullet Data & Manual Limitations
  7. 05:16Range Testing: IMR 4451 (Initial Loads)
  8. 06:14Extending IMR 4451 Test Range
  9. 07:06Analyzing IMR 4451 Data & New Loads
  10. 08:11Testing 42.3gr IMR 4451
  11. 09:00Testing 42.7gr IMR 4451
  12. 10:03Switching to Hodgdon H4831 SC
  13. 10:50Testing 45.0gr H4831 SC
  14. 11:54Testing 45.5gr H4831 SC
  15. 12:37Final Results & Conclusion
  16. 13:07Usable Hunting Load Achieved

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key factors for achieving consistent velocity in 243 Winchester reloads?

Consistent velocity in 243 Winchester reloads depends on factors like uniform case preparation (annealing, resizing, trimming), consistent powder charges, and reliable primer ignition. High standard deviations often point to issues with powder burn consistency or case fill.

What is considered an acceptable standard deviation for hunting loads in 243 Winchester?

While ideal SDs are low, for hunting purposes, standard deviations up to 15-25 fps might be acceptable. Numbers consistently above 30-40 fps suggest potential ignition problems or inconsistent powder burn, which can affect accuracy and reliability.

How does case preparation impact reloading accuracy for the 243 Winchester?

Proper case preparation, including annealing, full-length resizing, and precise trimming, is crucial for consistent chambering and ignition. This ensures that each round behaves similarly, leading to better accuracy and more predictable ballistic performance.

Which powders were tested for the 243 Winchester 85gr Sierra GameKing load?

The video tested IMR 4451 and Hodgdon H4831 SC powders with the 85-grain Sierra GameKing bullet in 243 Winchester. The goal was to find a powder that provided better velocity and standard deviation compared to previous attempts.

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