243 short barrel powder choice

[Rumanji]

I have reloaded the 243 Winchester for many years and have been a fan of IMR4350. I recently purchased a Ruger M77 Hawkeye compact for my wife. This rifle has a 16" barrel. I am looking for suggestions as to a powder that can be utilized efficiently in this barrel length. I will be loading mainly 80 to 85 grain bullet weights, but also a few 100 grain Nosler Partitons. I am more geared to accuracy than super high velocities. I expect the majority of shots will be 100-200 yards. Thanks for your help!

[bluesea112]

Try IMR 4064. It works well with light and heavy bullets. If your rifle has a twist rate of 1 in 10, then I would stay away from 100 grain bullets. 1 in 10 is not fast enough to give good stability to a 100 gr bullet. If your twist rate is 1 in 9 or faster, then stability is not an issue. 90gr bullets and lighter work well in a barrel with either 1 in 9 or 1 in 10 twist rates.
Check your manual for the proper charges, but I think you will be pleased with the performance of IMR 4064 with any bullet weight you choose to load. (As long as your rate of twist is matched correctly with your bullet of choice.)

[Rumanji]

Thanks for your reply. I have 4064 on hand and will work up some loads with it. The rifle does have a 1 in 9 twist.

[rooster55]

I also have a Ruger M77 compact .243 and love it. It's become my favorite hunting rifle period. Mine has the 1 in 9 twist and i've had very good shot groups using 95 gr Nosler Balistic tips with 36.5 grs of H4895 and 43 grs IMR4831. I prefer the H4895 because i get the same results with less powder. Good luck.

[JLA]

Go with powders listed on the fast side of the chart (usually at the top) , H4895 or IMR4895, reloder 15, IMR4064 or varget would all be good choices...

[Rumanji]

Thanks again, gentlemen!