243 Ackley Improved Reference Document.
Version 6.0

Warning: This document is NOT MEant as a reloading manual. it is a compilation of data gathered from various sources for those interested IN the wildcat 243 Ackley Improved 40° shoulder angle (243AI).

 As the author and contributing persons of this reference document have no control over individual loading practices or the quality of the firearms in which the resulting ammunition may be used in, and as this is not and never was intended as a reloading manual but is rather a reference document of what others have tried while developing loads for the wildcat 243 AI,  no responsibility - either expressed or implied - is assumed for the use of these data. 

Loading for WildCAts should be attempted ONLY by experienced handloader familiar with advanced handloading techniques, such as fireforming, neck-turning, and reading pressure signs.
Start all of your load development with loads that are known to be safe in a 243 win and work up slowly.  It is common knowledge that a load that is safe in one rifle may not be safe in another. 

If you Own a RIFLE CHAMBERED FOR 243AI AND HANDLOAD THEN YOU HAVE DATA WE ARE INTERESTED IN. PLEASE FORWARD youR data and any other information that may be of interest to those loading for this wildcat to milender@ICTC.com so it can be added to this document for others to learn from.

Loading Data INDEX
Loading Data INDEX	2
55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip	4
55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip	5
55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip - Moly	6
55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip -Moly Coated	7
55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip	8
58gr Hornady VMax	9
60gr HP Sierra	10
60gr HP Sierra - Used For Case Forming	11
65gr Shilen HP BR - Used For Case Forming	12
65gr Shilen HP BR	13
68gr Berger MEF	14
70gr Hornady SPSX - Moly (Neco Process) - Used For Case Forming	15
70gr Speer TNT - Used For Case Forming	16
70gr Speer HP TNT	17
70gr Hornady HP	18
70gr Nosler BT Moly - Used for Case Forming	19
70gr Sierra - Moly Coated	20
70gr Speer TNT	21
70gr Nosler Ballistics Tip - Used for Case Forming	22
70gr Speer TNT	23
75gr Hornady V-Max	24
75gr Sierra HP	25
75gr Hornady HP	26
80gr Remington PLHP - Used For Case Forming	27
80gr Sierra SBT	28
80gr Sierra SBT Blitz	29
80gr Sierra SBT Blitz - Moly (Midway)	30
80gr Berger HP	31
80gr Stark RPVB - Moly	32
80gr Hornady FMJ - Moly (Neco Process)	33
85gr Barnes	34
85gr Sierra HPBT	35
85gr Sierra HPBT	36
85gr Stark RPVB - Moly	37
85gr Sierra HP	38
87gr Hornady Vmax Moly	39
90gr Speer SP - Moly Coated	40
95gr Barns X - Moly Coated	41
95gr Berger VLD - Moly Coated	42
95gr Berger VLD	43
95gr Nosler BT - Moly - Used for Case Forming	44
95gr Nosler Silver Tip - Moly Coated	45
95gr Nosler Ballistic Tip	46
95gr Nosler Ballistic Tip - FASTEX coated	47
100gr Hornady SP - Used For Case Forming	48
100gr Hornady SP - Moly Coated	49
100gr Sierra	50
100gr Sierra	51
100gr Winchester PSP - Used for Case Forming	52
100gr Winchester PSP - Used for Case Forming	53
100gr Winchester PSP-Moly (Midway)-Used for Case Forming	54
105gr Hornady A-Max	55
107gr Sierra	56
Various Bullets and Powders	57
Index of Developers	67
Other Related Information	70
Letter to Handloader Magazine OCT97	70
Reply from Handloader Magazine - Ken Waters	71
Reply from Handloader Magazine - Al Miller	72
Precision Shooting June 1991	73
Precision Shooting Nov 1997	74
Additional 243AI References	75
Revision Information	76

55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
Owner: 243AI - 31
Rifle: Dogtown HB Varmint Rifle
Barrel length: Hart 27” Match Grade 1.2” contour ?? twist
Primer: CCI BR 
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	4080	4124	fps	
Varget	46.5	47.0	gr.	

Groups sizes where as follows (All groups 3 @ 100 yards):
46.5 - .200” (Use this as my load. Best group .056”)
47.0 - .463” (No pressure signs)

	4198	4242	4270	fps	
H380	52.0	52.5	53.0	gr.	

Groups sizes where as follows (All groups 3 @ 100 yards):
52.0 - .460” (No pressure signs)
52.5 - .475” (No pressure signs)			
53.0 - .750” (No pressure signs)

Other Comments:
No luck with Sierra 60 gr. - grouped agound 1”.
Tried early production 58 gr. and 65 gr. Vmax - neither would group consistently.
The 55 gr. are very good out to 500+ yards - Berger 68’s are good for another couple hundred yards.

55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
Owner: 243AI - 14
Rifle: Remington 700 Varmint
Barrel length: Remington 24” Heavy contour ?? twist
Primer: Fed 210M
Cases: Remington
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	3767	3820	3872	3924	fps	
H414	51.5 	52.0	52.5	53.0	gr.	

Groups sizes where as follows:
51.5 - .787” (actually a 3 hole group.  Two of the holes with 2 bullets)
52.0 - .617” (a double group. One measured .002 for 2 shots and the other .325” for the other 3 shots)
52.5 - .960” (almost complete vertical stringing.)
53.0 - .747” (one group of 3 measured .324 with two displaced off to the left)

All of the above loads are still below listed max for the 243Win loading according to Nosler #4. No pressure signs were seen and cases are not stretching. No ring has appeared where the web thins.

55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip - Moly
Owner: 243AI - 31
Rifle: Dogtown HB Varmint Rifle
Barrel length: Hart 27” Match Grade 1.2” contour ?? twist
Primer: CCI BR 
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	4004	4037	4115	4154	fps	
Varget	46.5	47.0	47.5	48.0	gr.	

Groups sizes where as follows (All groups 3 @ 100 yards):
46.5 - .421” (No pressure signs)
47.0 - .534” (No pressure signs)
47.5 - .450” (No pressure signs)
48.0 - .227” (No pressure signs)

Other Comments:
No luck with Sierra 60 gr. - grouped agound 1”.
Tried early production 58 gr. and 65 gr. Vmax - neither would group consistently.
The 55 gr. are very good out to 500+ yards - Berger 68’s are good for another couple hundred yards.

55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip -Moly Coated
Owner: 243AI - 02
Rifle: Remington 700
Barrel length: Shilen 25” #3 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.687

	 	4170	4230	 	fps	
H4895	 	45.0	45.5	 	gr.	

Using 45.0gr of H4895 average group size is .4” 3 shots @ 100 yards.
Using 45.5gr of H4895 average groups size is .6” 3 shots @ 100 yards.

55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip     
Owner: 243AI - 38
Rifle: Remington 700 S/S 
Barrel length: Shilen 26½” Select Match SS, #8 contour,  1-14 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	 ?	fps	
XMR4064	42.7	gr.	

.502" 5 shot group..

	 ?	fps	
Varget	46.5	gr.	

.521" 5 shot group..

58gr Hornady VMax     
Owner: 243AI - 38
Rifle: Remington 700 S/S 
Barrel length: Shilen 26½” Select Match SS, #8 contour,  1-14 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	 ?	fps	
XMR4064	42.5	gr.	

.494" 5 shot group..

60gr HP Sierra
Owner: 243AI - 02
Rifle: Remington 700
Barrel length: Shilen 25” #3 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL:

	 	 	 	 	fps	
H4895	 	 	 	 	gr.	

None of the loads tried using the 60gr Sierra bullet showed any promise. 1.5” 3 shot group @ 100 yards.

60gr HP Sierra - Used For Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 20
Rifle: Winchester Model 70 
Barrel length: Shilen 30” Select Match SS 1-10 twist
Primer: Fed Large Rifle Match
Cases: Hornady Frontier
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL:

	 ~3800	fps	
H414	45.5	gr.	

Load seems fairly accurate - Able to hit ground squirrels consistently at 300+ yards.
.

65gr Shilen HP BR - Used For Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 38
Rifle: Remington 700 S/S 
Barrel length: Shilen 26½” Select Match SS, #8 contour,  1-14 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.662 (set to the lans)

	 ?	fps	
BL-C(2)	41.5	gr.	

.299" 5 shot group..

65gr Shilen HP BR     
Owner: 243AI - 38
Rifle: Remington 700 S/S 
Barrel length: Shilen 26½” Select Match SS, #8 contour,  1-14 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.662 (set to the lans)

	 ?	fps	
XMR4064	41.3	gr.	

.319" 5 shot group..

68gr Berger MEF
Owner: 243AI - 31
Rifle: Dogtown HB Varmint Rifle
Barrel length: Hart 27” Match Grade 1.2” contour ?? twist
Primer: CCI BR 
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	3646	fps	
Varget	42.0	gr.	

Groups sizes where as follows (All groups 3 @ 100 yards):
42.0 - .750”

	3525	3633	fps	
IMR4895	40.0	41.5	gr.	

Groups sizes where as follows (All groups 3 @ 100 yards):
40.0 - .400”
41.5 - .200”

	3925	fps	
VN160	52.5	gr.	

Groups sizes where as follows (All groups 3 @ 100 yards):
52.5 - .250”		

Other Comments:
No luck with Sierra 60 gr. - grouped agound 1”.
Tried early production 58 gr. and 65 gr. Vmax - neither would group consistently.
The 55 gr. are very good out to 500+ yards - Berger 68’s are good for another couple hundred yards.

70gr Hornady SPSX - Moly (Neco Process) - Used For Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 18
Rifle: Custom Sako
Barrel length: Douglas 26” SS Custom contour 1-10 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Rem
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.722" Seated into lands

	3302	fps	
Norma 15	51.0	gr.	

70gr Speer TNT - Used For Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 38
Rifle: Remington 700 S/S 
Barrel length: Shilen 26½” Select Match SS, #8 contour,  1-14 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.668 (set to the lans)

	 ?	fps	
IMR 4064	41.1	gr.	

.100" 5 shot group.

	 	?	 	fps	
XMR4064	 	40.6	 	gr.	
0.262 Avg for three 5 shot groups @ 100 yards for XMR (Accurate XMR).

70gr Speer HP TNT
Owner: 243AI - 32
Rifle: Harris Gunworks
Barrel length: Pac Nor 26” 1-? twist
Primer: Rem 
Cases: Rem
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.647"

	3551	3651	3735	3818	3892	3930	Fps	
H414	47.0	48.0	49.0	50.0	51.0	52.0	Gr.	

70gr Hornady HP
Owner: 243AI - 32
Rifle: Harris Gunworks
Barrel length: Pac Nor 26” 1-? twist
Primer: Rem 
Cases: Rem
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.620"

	3584	3612	3683	3736	3800	Fps	
Varget	42.0	43.0	44.0	45.0	46.0	Gr.	

70gr Nosler BT Moly - Used for Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 37
Rifle: Rem 700 VLS
Barrel length: 26" Remington, 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 3.288” (Using Stony Point gauge)

	3405	3399	3458	 3508	fps	
Varget	42.0	42.5	 43.1	43.7	gr.	

Accuracy: 
42.0gr. -> ~.75"
42.5gr. -> ~.8"
43.1gr. -> ~.5"

70gr Sierra - Moly Coated
Owner: 243AI - 12a
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Remington 25.25” Heavy Varmint contour 1-9.125 twist
Primer: Fed Match M
Cases: 6mm Rem 
Maximum Case Length: 2.061 - 2.066
OAL: .005" off lands

	 3200	fps	
IMR 4350	 46.0	gr.	

	 3638	fps	
H414	50.0	gr.	

70gr Speer TNT
Owner: 243AI - 06
Rifle: Remington 700 action
Barrel length: Shilen 27” 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 
	
	3700	fps	
H414	49.5	gr.	
.35” avg. group size of 5, 5 shot groups.

	3600	fps	
IMR 4895	42.0	gr.	
.50” avg. group size of 5, 5 shot groups

70gr Nosler Ballistics Tip - Used for Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 38
Rifle: Remington 700 S/S 
Barrel length: Shilen 26½” Select Match SS, #8 contour,  1-14 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.668 (set to the lans)

	 	?	 	fps	
XMR4064		40.6			
0.439 Avg for three 5 shot groups @ 100 yards.

70gr Speer TNT
Owner: 243AI - 02
Rifle: Remington 700
Barrel length: Shilen 25” #3 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.610

	 	?	 	fps	
H4895	 	41.0	 	gr.	
Using 41.0gr of H4895 average group size is 1.0” 3 shots @ 100 yards.

OAL: 2.670

	 3572	3611	3668	3731	fps	
IMR4350	47.0	47.5	48.0	48.5	gr.	
Using 48.5gr of IMR4350 average group size is .75” 3 shots @ 100 yards.

75gr Hornady V-Max
Owner: 243AI - 20
Rifle: Winchecter Model 70 Heavy Varmint
Barrel length: Shilen 30” Select Match SS 1-10 twist
Primer: Fed Large Rifle Match
Cases: Hornady Frontier
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL:

	3498	3614	3642	3703	3757	3771	3826	fps	
H414	46.0	46.5	47.0	47.5	48.0	48.5	49.0	gr.	

49.0 gr. of H414 showed  pressure signs.

75gr Sierra HP
Owner: 243AI - 32
Rifle: Harris Gunworks
Barrel length: Pac Nor 26” 1-? twist
Primer: Rem 
Cases: Rem
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.530"

	3486	3579	3651	3736	Fps	
H414	46.0	47.0	48.0	49.0	Gr.	

	3503	3582	3650	3748	Fps	
Varget	42.0	43.0	44.0	45.0	Gr.	

75gr Hornady HP
Owner: 243AI - 32
Rifle: Harris Gunworks
Barrel length: Pac Nor 26” 1-? twist
Primer: Rem 
Cases: Rem
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.590"

	3546	3615	3693	3761	Fps	
H414	47.0	48.0	49.0	50.0	Gr.	

	3567	3616	3669	3703	Fps	
Varget	42.0	43.0	44.0	45.0	Gr.	

Best groups were using 50.0gr. of H414, .6" 5 shot @100 yards.

80gr Remington PLHP - Used For Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 14
Rifle: Remington 700 BDL Varmint
Barrel length: Remington 24” Heavy contour  ?? twist
Primer:
Cases: Remington
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL:

	??	fps	
Unique	12.0	gr.	

Bullets are seated hard into the lands to eliminate headspace problems during the fire forming process.

80gr Sierra SBT
Owner: 243AI - 32
Rifle: Harris Gunworks
Barrel length: Pac Nor 26” 1-? twist
Primer: Rem 
Cases: Rem
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.600"

	3488	3526	3589	3668	Fps	
H414	47.0	48.0	49.0	50.0	Gr.	

80gr Sierra SBT Blitz
Owner: 243AI - 01
Rifle: Custom Mauser M98
Barrel length: Shilen 26” #5 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: CCI BR-2
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.71”

	3455	3548	3640	3661	fps	
RL22	50.0	51.0	52.0	53.0	gr.	

	3042	3144	3181	3313	3376	fps	
IMR4350	42.0	43.0	44.0	45.0	46.0	gr.	

	3222	fps	
Varget	38.0	gr.	

To date the load development using RL22 looks promising. Additional work is needed with IMR4350 as velocities are not at the level I would like to see them. Varget will also be investigated further as the single load that was tested gave a Std Dev of 9.8fps for the 5 shots fired which was the lowest Std Dev so far in my testing. The best groups so far used RL22 but the single Varget load tested was a very close second.  52.0gr of RL22 is MAXIMUM in my rifle, See letter to and from HANDLOADER MAGAZINE in the “OTHER RELATED INFORMATION” section  of this document.

Best group was using 51.0 of RL22 (~.95” 5 shots @ 100 yards). 

80gr Sierra SBT Blitz - Moly (Midway)
Owner: 243AI - 01
Rifle: Custom Mauser M98
Barrel length: Shilen 26” #5 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: CCI BR-2
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.300” Ogive

	3475	?	fps	
RL-19	48.0	49.0	gr.	
	
	?	3658	fps	
IMR4350	47.0	48.0	gr.	

	?	3325	fps	
Varget	39.0	40.0	gr.	

Most accurate load was 40.0 gr. of Varget @ .782” with a Std Dev. for Velocity of 8 fps.

? indicates velocity was not recorded as the light conditions caused Chrony to Malfunction.

80gr Berger HP
Owner: 243AI - 01
Rifle: Custom Mauser M98
Barrel length: Shilen 26” #5 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: CCI BR-2
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.745”

	 	 	fps	
RL22	51.0	52.0	gr.	

OAL: 2.315” Ogive

	3293	3337	3405	fps	
Varget	39.0	40.0	41.0	gr.	

	3355	3376	3412	fps	
H380	43.0	44.0	45.0	gr.	

	 3480	3583 	fps	
IMR 4350	47.0	48.0	gr.	

	 3468	3519	fps	
RL-19	48.0	49.0	gr.	

Best group .77” (5 shot @ 100 yards) was using 51.0gr of RL-22.

80gr Stark RPVB - Moly
Owner: 243AI - 01
Rifle: Custom Mauser M98
Barrel length: Shilen 26” #5 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: CCI BR-2
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.715”

	3493	3611	3684 	fps	
RL22	50.0	51.0	52.0	gr.	

Best group ..225” (5 shot @ 100 yards) was using 51.0gr of RL-22 and fitted neck cases supplied by Fred M.

80gr Hornady FMJ - Moly (Neco Process)
Owner: 243AI - 18
Rifle: Custom Sako
Barrel length: Douglas 26” SS Custom contour 1-10 twist
Primer: Rem 9 ½
Cases: Lapua
Maximum Case Length: 51mm
OAL: 68mm

		?	 	fps	
VN560	46.0	50.5	51.0 	gr.	

No velocity data is available for these loads at this time. 
Best group was using 50.5gr of VN560 (~.45” 5 shots @ 100 m)

85gr Barnes
Owner: 243AI - 14
Rifle: Custom Sako
Barrel length: Douglas 26” SS Custom contour 1-10 twist
Primer: 9 ½
Cases: Lapua
Maximum Case Length: 51mm
OAL: 68mm

				fps	
VN160				gr.	

None of the loads tried using the 85gr Barnes bullet and VN160 showed any promise

85gr Sierra HPBT
Owner: ronhbr@cableone.netF
Rifle: F.N. Mauser BR action 26" barrel
Barrel length: 26” 1-?? twist
Primer: Fed 215
Cases: Win
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

		3480		fps	
H4831sc		51.0		gr.	

85gr Sierra HPBT
Owner: 243AI - 21
Rifle: FN Mauser BR action
Barrel length: Hart 26” ?? twist
Primer: Fed 215
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	3530	fps	
RL-22	50.5	gr.	

Group size  “ Conditions: Temperature 45 degrees F, Wind switching 5-10 MPH, Sky Partly cloudy

85gr Stark RPVB - Moly
Owner: 243AI - 01
Rifle: Custom Mauser M98
Barrel length: Shilen 26” #5 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: CCI BR-2
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.715”

	3537	?	fps	
RL22	50.0	51.0	gr.	

Best group .955” (5 shot @ 100 yards) was using 51.0gr of RL-22.

? indicates velocity was not recorded as the light conditions caused Chrony to Malfunction.

85gr Sierra HP
Owner: 243AI - 34
Rifle: Whitworth Mark X, Mauser Action
Barrel length: 24” #2 Contour, 1-10 twist 
Primer: Fed 215M
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.65”

	3150	3210	fps	
RL 19	49.0	50.0	gr.	

Accuracy is running about .5"

87gr Hornady Vmax Moly
Owner: 243AI - 06
Rifle: Remington 700 action
Barrel length: 27” Shelin 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	3200	fps	
V160	44.0	gr.	

.40” avg. group size of 5, 5 shot groups.
A word of caution about V160, pressure was monitored by measuring head expansion  on the brass and after expanding 1 to 2 thousandths no further expansion was noted and no other pressure signs showed up until primers started blowing and cases started splitting. 46.0gr of V160 expanded the case head 1.5 thousandths,  after 5 reloadings cases started to split and primers started to blow.

90gr Speer SP - Moly Coated
Owner: 243AI - 12a
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Remington 25.25” Heavy Varmint contour 1-9.125 twist
Primer: Fed Match M
Cases: 6mm Rem 
Maximum Case Length: 2.061 - 2.066
OAL: 2.743

	3210	fps	
IMR 4350	47.0	gr.	

95gr Barns X - Moly Coated
Owner: 243AI - 12a
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Remington 25.25” Heavy Varmint contour 1-9.125 twist
Primer: Fed Match M
Cases: 6mm Rem 
Maximum Case Length: 2.061 - 2.066
OAL: .005" off lands
	3022	fps	
RL -22	48.0	gr.	

	3070	fps	
IMR 4350	45.0	gr.	

	3115	fps	
IMR 4831	47.0	gr.	

	2968	fps	
H4831	47.0	gr.	

None of the Branes loads produced satisfactory accuracy, up to 2.0" at 112 yards.

95gr Berger VLD - Moly Coated
Owner: 243AI - 12a
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Remington 25.25” Heavy Varmint contour 1-9.125 twist
Primer: Fed Match M
Cases: 6mm Rem 
Maximum Case Length: 2.061 - 2.066
OAL: Touching lands

	3056	fps	
RL -22	48.0	gr.	

95gr Berger VLD
Owner: 243AI - 06
Rifle: Remington 700 action
Barrel length: 27” Shelin 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	?	fps	
V160	48.5	gr.	

After 3 reloadings cases split and primers blew. 
.75” avg. group size of 5, 5 shot groups.

95gr Nosler BT - Moly - Used for Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 12
Rifle: Rem 700 VS 
Barrel length: SS
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: Kissing lands

	2781 	2795	2833	2869	fps	
W760	 39.5 	40.0	40.5	41.0	gr.	

39.5 - 40.5gr gave slightly round shoulder edges, some neck smudging.
41.0gr. gave a nice shoulder.
Accuracy:
39.5gr. -> .757"
40.0gr. -> .477"
40.5gr. -> 1.415"

	2700 	2737	2774	?	2870	2902	2927	fps	
Varget	34.5 	35.0	35.5	36.0	36.5	37.0	37.5	gr.	

	3010	3017	3055	3055	3082	3156	3172	3193	fps	
RL19	45.5	46.0	46.5	47.0	47.5	48.0	48.5	49.0	gr.	

48.5gr. load of RL19 works VERY well.

95gr Nosler Silver Tip - Moly Coated
Owner: 243AI - 12a
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Remington 25.25” Heavy Varmint contour 1-9.125 twist
Primer: Fed Match M
Cases: 6mm Rem 
Maximum Case Length: 2.061 - 2.066
OAL: .005" off lands

	3100	fps	
RL-19	47.0	gr.	

95gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
Owner: 243AI - 02
Rifle: Remington 700
Barrel length: Shilen 25” #3 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.720"

	 3220	3310 	Fps	
IMR4350	44.0 	45.0	Gr.	

	3225	3398	Fps	
RL 22	48.0	49.0	Gr.	

	3351 
See Note 1	Fps	
RL 22	48.0	Gr.	

More bench shooting with these loads is needed.

Note 1: This load used Federal 215 primers.

95gr Nosler Ballistic Tip - FASTEX coated
Owner: mkw@varminthunters.com
Rifle: 
Barrel length: 
Primer: 
Cases: 
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	3111	3124	3173	Fps	
RL 22	46.0	46.5	47.0	Gr.	

100gr Hornady SP - Used For Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 12a
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Remington 25.25” Heavy Varmint contour ?? twist
Primer: 
Cases: R-P, Win Super X, 6mm Rem R-P, 6mm Rem Win Super X
Maximum Case Length: 2.075
OAL: 

	3086	fps	
RL -19	46.0	gr.	

Accuracy was .973 for 6 shots at 112 yards, .654 for 5 shots at 112 yards.

100gr Hornady SP - Moly Coated
Owner: 243AI - 12a
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Remington 25.25” Heavy Varmint contour 1-9.125 twist
Primer: Fed Match M
Cases: 6mm Rem 
Maximum Case Length: 2.061 - 2.073
OAL: .005" off lands

	3175	fps	
RL -22	50.0	gr.	

NOTE: VERSION 4.0 incorrectly stated that this load was using RL-19.

Maximum Case Length: 2.061 - 2.066
OAL: 2.738"

	 3185	fps	
IMR 4350	 47.0	gr.	

	 3120	fps	
RL-22	 49.0	gr.	

Accuracy was .502" using the RL-19 load, no further load experimenting will be done with this bullet. Will used this load for deer hunting

100gr Sierra
Owner: 243AI - 18
Rifle: Custom Sako
Barrel length: Douglas 26” SS Custom contour 1-10 twist
Primer: 9 ½
Cases: Lapua
Maximum Case Length: 51mm
OAL: 68mm

				fps	
VN560				gr.	

Loads using the 100gr Sierra and VN560 looked promising.

100gr Sierra
Owner: h.eller@kabsi.at
Rifle: Rem 788 
Barrel length: a 26” Douglas premium 1 in 7” twist
Primer: CCI BR-2
Cases: Lapua or RP
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	3320	3390		fps	
VN560	48.0	49.0		gr.	
49.0gr is MAX

	3340			fps	
H1000	50.0			gr.	
This load is too HOT! 

	3430			fps	
IMR7828	50.0			gr.	
This load is too HOT! 

100gr Winchester PSP - Used for Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 01
Rifle: Custom Mauser M98
Barrel length: Shilen 26” #5 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: CCI 200
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.65”

	See Note 1	fps	
IMR4350	40.6	gr.	

Note 1. This load was used for fire forming and velocity and group size were not measured.

100gr Winchester PSP - Used for Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 09
Rifle: Custom Remington 700
Barrel length: Shilen 27” #5.5 contour 1-8 twist (.270” neck)
Primer: Winchester WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.65”

	See Note 1	fps	
IMR4227	25.0	gr.	

Note 1. This load was used for fire forming and velocity was not measured.
Accuracy was 3” - 4” @ 100 yards.

	See Note 1	fps	
IMR3031	33.0	gr.	

Note 1. This load was used for fire forming and velocity was not measured.
Accuracy was ~1.0” for 3 shots @ 100 yards.

100gr Winchester PSP-Moly (Midway)-Used for Case Forming
Owner: 243AI - 01
Rifle: Custom Mauser M98
Barrel length: Shilen 26” #5 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: CCI 200
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 2.045”
OAL: 2.735”

	See Note 1	fps	
IMR4350	40.6	gr.	

Note 1. This load was used for fire forming and velocity were not measured. Group Size is about 1.5 to 2 “.

105gr Hornady A-Max
Owner: 243AI - 02
Rifle: Remington 700
Barrel length: Shilen 25” #3 contour 1-10 twist
Primer: WLR
Cases: Winchester
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 2.769"

	3033	3098	3196	Fps	
IMR4350	42.0	43.0	44.0	Gr.	

All shot less then 1" but more bench shooting with these loads is needed.

107gr Sierra
Owner: h.eller@kabsi.at
Rifle: Rem 788 
Barrel length: a 26” Douglas premium 1 in 7” twist
Primer: CCI BR-2
Cases: Lapua or RP
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

	3075			fps	
H414	44.0			gr.	

	2890			fps	
H1000	48.5			gr.	

	3000			fps	
IMR7828	47.5			gr.	

Various Bullets and Powders
The following data is all for the rifle listed here.
The grey area in the bullet column indicates MOLY bullets.
Owner: singleshot@vernonia.com
Rifle: Rem 700 Long action
Barrel length: Pac-Nor or Schnieder 26" 1:10 twist
Primer: 
Cases:
Maximum Case Length: 
OAL: 

.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
Nosler 55	2.67	IMR 4064	45.3	3983	34	1.60				
Nosler 55	2.67	IMR 4064	45.5	4002	49	0.62				
Nosler 55	2.67	IMR 4064	45.7	4006	40	1.22				
Nosler 55	2.67	IMR 4320	45.3	3853	79	0.95				
Nosler 55	2.67	IMR 4320	45.5	3867	51	1.33				
Nosler 55	2.67	IMR 4320	45.7	3908	23	0.87				
Nosler 55	2.67	H 414	52.3	4052	84	1.03				
Nosler 55	2.67	H 414	52.5	4172	14	0.90				
Nosler 55	2.67	H 414	52.7	4058	160	1.38				
Nosler 55	2.67	H 414	52.9	4206	34	1.80				
Nosler 55	2.67	H 414	52.4	4074	15	0.35	Oil in Barrel			
Nosler 55	2.67	H 414	52.5	4077	77	0.74				
Nosler 55	2.67	H 414	52.6	4093	28	1.46				

.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	50.6	3992	25	0.85	Oil in Barrel			
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	50.8	4031	18	1.46				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.0	4001	36	0.93				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.2	4043	18	1.19	Oil in Barrel			
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.4	4121	31	1.18				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.6	4090	30	0.60	Oil/Flyer			
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.8	4136	10	0.82				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	52.0	4175	38	1.06				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	52.2	4191	23	1.31	Oil in Barrel			
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	52.4	4209	13	1.31				
VMAX 58	2.61	C 1730	45.0	3705	29	1.12				
VMAX 58	2.61	C 1730	45.3	3695	16	0.96				
VMAX 58	2.61	C 1730	45.6	3669	22	1.48	Oil in Barrel			
VMAX 58	2.61	C 1730	45.9	3728	16	1.06				
VMAX 58	2.61	C 1730	46.2	3722	39	1.06				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.6	4038	14	0.60	Oil in Barrel			
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.7	4054	29	1.06				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.8	4076	10	0.77				
VMAX 58	2.61	H 414	51.9	4071	16	1.44				

.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
Nosler 70	2.67	H 414	47.3	3567	21	1.70	Oil in Barrel			
Nosler 70	2.67	H 414	47.5	3544	28	1.50	Oil in Barrel			
Nosler 70	2.67	H 414	47.7	3594	24	0.89				
Nosler 70	2.67	Varget	41.8	3480	22	1.50	Oil in Barrel			
Nosler 70	2.67	Varget	42.0	3506	13	1.50				
Nosler 70	2.67	Varget	42.2	3538	12	1.50				
Nosler 70	2.67	Varget	42.4	3527	18	1.50	Oil in Barrel			

.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
VMAX 75	2.6	H4831SC	47.0	3301	8	0.56	Oil in Barrel			
VMAX 75	2.6	H4831SC	47.5	3343	15	0.44				
VMAX 75	2.6	H4831SC	48.0	3343	31	0.82				
VMAX 75	2.6	H4831SC	48.5	3392	6	0.84				
VMAX 75	2.6	H4831SC	49.0	3461	138	0.78				
VMAX 75	2.6	IMR4064	39.5	3384	17	0.74	Oiled Barrel			
VMAX 75	2.6	IMR4064	40.0	3449	27	0.75				
VMAX 75	2.6	IMR4064	40.5	3449	22	0.65				
VMAX 75	2.6	IMR4064	41.0	3474	22	0.87				
VMAX 75	2.6	IMR4064	41.5	3554	13	1.34				
VMAX 75	2.6	VARGET	40.0	3331	18	0.84	Oiled Barrel			
VMAX 75	2.6	VARGET	40.5	3378	8	0.95				
VMAX 75	2.6	VARGET	41.0	3429	8	1.32				
VMAX 75	2.6	VARGET	41.5	3429	8	1.11				
VMAX 75	2.6	VARGET	42.0	3481	14	1.24				
VMAX 75	2.6	H4350	47.0	3559	10	0.51	Oiled Barrel			
VMAX 75	2.6	H4350	47.5	3611	14	0.59				
VMAX 75	2.6	H4350	48.0	3690	14	1.08				
VMAX 75	2.6	H4350	48.5	3726	11	0.70				
VMAX 75	2.6	H4350	49.0	3768	15	0.41				

.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	42.9	3064	21	1.04				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	43.2	3074	37	0.74				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	43.5	3126	31	0.90				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	43.8	3117	31	0.62				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	44.1	3196	25	0.82				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	44.4	3207	25	1.08				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	44.7	3239	14	0.66				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	45.0	3217	13	0.92				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	45.3	3273	15	0.87				
VMAX 87	2.43	IMR 4350	45.6	3284	11	1.22				
.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	40.0	2926	62	0.76				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	40.5	3021	33	0.53				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	41.0	3035	23	1.05				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	41.5	3079	47	0.88				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	42.0	3111	16	0.61				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	42.5	3130	34	1.01				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	43.0	3157	52	0.76	4 = .206			
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	43.5	3185	12	0.59				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	44.0	3208	18	0.34				
VMAX 87	2.474	H 414	44.5	3258	39	0.73				

.243 Ackley Improved/ Break in Schneider Barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
87gr hpbt	2.522	H 414	44.3	3226	13	0.87	5/clean			
87gr hpbt	2.522	H 414	44.5	3180	8	2.19	5/clean			
87gr hpbt	2.522	H 414	44.7	3258	18	1.26	5/clean			
87gr hpbt	2.522	H 414	44.9	3253	26	1.14	shoot 10			
87gr hpbt	2.522	H 414	45.1	3290	15	0.68	4 in .150"			
.243 Ackley Improved Schneider Barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	44.7	3211	17	0.85				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	44.8	3225	6	0.85				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	44.9	3226	18	0.95				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	45.0	3254	25	1.03				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	45.1	3243	17	1.09				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	45.2	3282	14	0.74				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	45.3	3290	30	1.17				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	45.4	3315	19	1.09				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	45.5	3286	27	1.07				
87gr hpbt	2.414	H 414	45.6	3303	15	1.48				

.243 Ackley Improved Schneider Barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	46.0	3013	34	0.72	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	46.3	3061	20	0.31	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	46.6	3074	3	0.62	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	46.9	3114	17	0.47	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	47.2	3152	11	0.53	CleanBarrel			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	47.5	3156	9	0.89	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	47.8	3218	17	0.49	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	48.1	3218	21	0.55	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	48.4	3223	40	0.57	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	48.7	3243	3	0.43	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	49.0	3279	19	0.27	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	49.3	3315	10	0.67	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.416	H 4831	49.6	3330	5	1.15	3 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.183	H 4831	48.8	3204	51	0.57	5 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.183	H 4831	48.9	3252	14	0.90	5 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.183	H 4831	49.0	3232	8	1.15	4 1n .67			
87gr hpbt	2.183	H 4831	49.1	3267	20	0.99	5 shot grps			
87gr hpbt	2.183	H 4831	49.2	3261	17	0.99	5 shot grps			
.243 Ackley Improved Schneider Barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	46.3							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	46.6							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	46.9							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	47.2							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	47.5							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	47.8							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	48.1							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	48.4							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	48.7							
Nosler 90	2.204	H 4831	49.0							

.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	45.5	2955	25	0.86				
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	46.0	2989	18	1.11	4 in .15"			
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	46.5	3041	14	0.70				
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	47.0	3054	21	0.41				
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	47.5	3102	12	0.55				
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	48.0	3123	19	0.69	2 in 1, 3 in 1			
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	48.5	3162	19	0.96				
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	49.0	3233	15	1.36				
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	49.5	3246	16	1.48				
Nosler 95 	2.47	Reload 22	50.0	3285	15	0.64				
.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	36.0	2731	15	0.67				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	37.0	2805	3	0.51				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	83.0	2894	40	0.85				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	38.5	2921	17	1.34				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	39.0	2944	11	1.21				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	39.5	2985	33	1.34				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	40.0	3076	10	1.11				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	40.5	3128	6	0.72				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	41.0	3168	12	1.09				
Nosler 95 	2.47	IMR 4320	41.5	3186	21	0.69				

.243 Ackley Improved Schneider Barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	46.0			1.12				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	46.2	3033	22	0.56				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	46.4	3060	16	0.62				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	46.6	3068	7	0.51				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	46.8	3083	19	0.98				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	47.0	3076	21	0.97				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	47.2	3091	18	0.94				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	47.4	3090	19	0.64				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	47.6	3142		0.41				
Nosler 95 	2.204	H 4831	47.8	3139	17	0.46				
.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	42.0	2838	17	1.65	Oil in Barrel			
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	42.5			1.05				
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	43.0	2863	8	0.96				
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	43.5	3055	44	1.32				
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	44.0	3025	32	0.89				
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	44.5	2958	6	1.75				
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	45.0	2991	17	1.15				
100 Partition	2.48	H 4831 SC	45.5	2976	23	0.85				

.243 Ackley Improved/Pac-Nor barrel										
Bullet	OAL	Powder	Charge Wt.	Average 	STDEV	Group Size	Comments			
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	39.3	2784	22	1.95				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	39.6	2807	31	1.50				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	39.9	2868	29	1.08				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	40.2	2835	27	1.43				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	40.5	2869	19	1.30				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	40.8	2858	41	1.37				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	41.1	2884	19	0.55				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	41.4	2911	19	0.91				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	41.7	2877	29	1.85				
100 Partition	2.49	H 414	42.0	2905	17	0.91				

Index of Developers

Developer			Page		       Developer				Page

243AI - 01	29, 30, 31, 32, 36, 49, 51, 54
243AI - 02	7, 10, 23, 45, 52, 54
243AI - 03	54
243AI - 04	54
243AI - 05	54
243AI - 06	21, 38, 42, 54
243AI - 07	54
243AI - 08	54
243AI - 09	50, 54
243AI - 10	54
243AI - 11	54
243AI - 12	43, 54
243AI - 12a	20, 39, 40, 41, 44, 46, 47, 54
243AI - 14	5, 27, 34, 54
243AI - 15	54
243AI - 16	54
243AI - 17	54
243AI - 18	15, 33, 48, 54
243AI - 19	54
243AI - 20	11, 24, 54
243AI - 21	35, 54
243AI - 22	54
243AI - 23	54
243AI - 24	54
243AI - 25	54
243AI - 26	54
243AI - 27	54
243AI - 28	54
243AI - 29	54
243AI - 30	54
243AI - 31	4, 6, 14, 54
243AI - 32	17, 18, 25, 26, 28, 54
243AI - 33	54
243AI - 34	37, 54
243AI - 35	54
243AI - 36	54
243AI - 37	19, 54
243AI - 38	8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 22, 54
243AI - 39	54
243AI - 40	54
243AI - 41	54
243AI - 42	54
243AI - 43	54
243AI - 44	54
243AI - 45	55

Developers: Jeff	Valley City	ND	USA	243AI - 01	jmilender@fm-net.com	
				243AI - 02	mbennett@nmsu.edu	
Bob	Stanwood	Washington	USA	243AI - 03	73744.3460@compuserve.com	
				243AI - 04	bagger@mother.com	
				243AI - 05	Ben1546@aol.com	
Dale	Monticello	UT	USA	243AI - 06	dalesgas@sisna.com	
				243AI - 07	Dals27@aol.com	
				243AI - 08	rfleck@cascorp.com	
George	New York	NY	USA	243AI - 09	gsamaras@erols.com	
				243AI - 10	kg038@csufresno.com	
				243AI - 11	khp4@mis.net	
				243AI - 12	mchang@qmp.reedsendecke.com	
Fred	Calgary	Alberta	Canada	243AI - 12a	melzerf@cadvision.com	
Doug	Sunbury	PA	USA	243AI - 14	MrBowling@aol.com	
				243AI - 15	overrev@rapidnet.com	
Rich	Salina	Kansas	USA	243AI - 16	rich@mail.midusa.net	
Tom	Sacramento	CA	USA	243AI - 17	T.Harris@pbnec.com	
Tore	Trondheim		Norway	243AI - 18	tkvandep@c2i.net	
Bill	Toledo	OH	USA	243AI - 19	willbird@accesstoledo.com	
				243AI - 20	Dsim@cmn.net	
				243AI - 21	mrussell@micron.net	
				243AI - 22	HillestaM@aol.com	
				243AI - 23	dugco@nznet.gen.nz	
Bob (Note 1)	Ft. Wayne	IN	USA	243AI - 24	72270.3314@compuserve.com	
				243AI - 25	Nitro500@usaor.net	
				243AI - 26	linzy@gte.net	
				243AI - 27	Gkristof@aol.com	
Ty	Hanna	WY	USA	243AI - 28	tschultz@union-tel.com	
				243AI - 29	redmist@mb.sympatico.ca	
				243AI - 30	rathunter@juno.com	
				243AI - 31	DKvassay@aol.com	
Brad	East Troy	WI	USA	243AI - 32	DEVTAZ@aol.com	
				243AI - 33	VanWilgenK@aol.com	
				243AI - 34	WGrant6318@aol.com	
Mike 	Eugene 	Oregon	USA	243AI - 35	LTCLEE@aol.com	
Allen	Santaquin	UT	USA	243AI - 36	No  E-mail	
Mark				243AI - 37	Richardson@a-omega.net	
Floyd				243AI - 38	TolstonF@ennis.ednet10.net	
Loren		NV	USA	243AI - 39	No E-mail	
				243AI - 40	GLShooter@aol.com	
				243AI - 41	rtseu@sosinc.net	
				243AI - 42	champeau@gte.net	
				243AI - 43		
				243AI - 44		
				243AI - 45		

Note 1 - Bob (Bob Blaine) works at Sinclair International (1-219-493-1858) and has extensive experience with the 243AI.

If Your E-mail address is listed above and you would like your Name, City, State/Province, and Country added send an e-mail to jmilender@fm-net.com indicting this along with the information. If you have already sent the request and the information and your information is incorrect or missing from the table please send the information again as I probably lost  or miss typed it.

Other Related Information 
Letter to Handloader Magazine OCT97
Dear Sir;

I have a question concerning the use of case expansion measurements to determine maximum pressure for a given rifle.  I have used the method described in Ken Waters’ book Pet Loads to develop loads for my 243 Win and 308 Win successfully. My question is what to use as a baseline for case expansion measurements for a new rifle I had built. The rifle is a 243 Ackley Improved  40 degree, the action is a Mauser M98 with a 26” Shelin barrel. The cases used for my load development are all within 1 gr. weight and were trimmed, had the primer pocket uniformed and the flash hole deburred. They were then fire formed using 40.6 gr. of IMR4350 CCI200 primers and a 100 gr. Win PSP bullet seated to a overall length of 2.650”.
The cases were then sized using a Redding 243 Ack Imp FL die set setup to insure that the shoulder of the case was not set back and loaded with a 80 gr. Sierra SBT Blitz seated to an overall length of 2.710”, CCI BR-2 primer and the following powders and charges.  Velocity and Case Measurement in the below chart are the average of 5 shots.

Powder	Powder Charge (gr.)	Velocity (fps 12’ from Muzzle)	Std Dev (fps)	Case Measurement (inches)	
IMR4350 (forming load)	40.6	?	?	.4702	
IMR4350	42.0	3042	33	.4700	
IMR4350	43.0	3144	14	.4705	
IMR4350	44.0	3181	13	.4704	
IMR4350	45.0	3313	37	.4705	
IMR4350	46.0	3376	23	.4706	
					
Varget	38.0	3222	10	.4705	
					
RL22	50.0	3455	39	.4707	
RL22	51.0	3548	15	.4709	
RL22	52.0	3640	15	.4710	
RL22	53.0	3661	39	.4711	

None of these loads show any obvious signs of excessive pressure. I have not fired any factory 243 Win loads in this rifle yet, would it be valid to use the expansion of the factory loads as my baseline even if I am forming the case when it is fired? Any suggestions on what to use as a baseline measurement for case expansion would be appreciated. Also what level over baseline would be considered wise given the action used and the caliber? If you should need any further information I can be contacted as listed below.

Thank you for your assistance and keep up the good job.

Jeff Milender
E-mail jmilender@fm-net.com

Reply from Handloader Magazine - Ken Waters
(This letter is a retyped copy of the letter received from Ken Waters)

Dear Mr. Milender:
	You are of course correct in pointing to the difficulty of determining a baseline for case expansion measurements with a wildcat or an “Improved” chamber rifle since you are thus unable to use factory cartridges as a basis.

	As I explained in the chapter “Developing Pet Loads”, it isn’t proper to predicate case expansion measurements on factory loads fire-formed in an Improved case and chamber, A portion of the pressure developed having been expended in forming a case to fit the chamber.

	Accordingly, with a wildcat or Improved chamber, it is necessary to fire a series of rounds with the same bullet but increase powder charges, using same make cases which have been fire-formed in that rifle, recording loads, chronographed velocities and expansion ring measurements to form a chart, precisely as you have done with 80-gr. Sierra in your .243 Ackley Improved rifle.

	Studying that chart, I look first for break-over points. Note that with your loads producing velocities of 3100 - to - 3300 - fps, case base diameter increased from .4704” to .4705” - a logical progression- but at 3376 -fps the reading was .4706” beginning an upward climb to .4707” at 3455 -fps, .4709” at 3548, .4710 at 3640, and .4711” at 3661.

	This would indicate the break-over point to be .4705” base expansion in concert with an instrumental velocity of around 3300 -fps. Considering that as the baseline you seek, your heaviest load shows an increase of .0006”.

	Now some judgment is called for, with a look at velocity increases. Note that the last previous load increase from 51.0 - to 52.0 grs RL-22 resulted in a significant velocity raise of 92 -fps, while the final load increase to 53.0-grains netted a velocity gain of only 21 -fps.  That’s a signal load-and-clear that the 52.0-grain charge with .4710” expansion qualifies as “Maximum” in your rifle, any further increase being impractical if not unsafe. It thus shows the benefit of combining velocity records with case expansion measurements.

Sincerely

Ken Waters

Reply from Handloader Magazine - Al Miller
(This letter is a retyped copy of the letter received from Al Miller, all typo errors are due to my limited spelling and typing skills)

Dear Mr. Samaras:

	The Ackley Improved .243 is almost identical to the Mashburn’s version. Ballistics are almost identical. The following loads were fired in a 26-inch barrel with a rate of twist of one turn in 10 inches. As always, when building loads in your rifle, start a little low and work up carefully.

60-gr. bullet	50 grs.	grs.	IMR-4350	3930	fps	
	42	“	IMR-4320	3460	“	
	48	“	“	4170	“	
75-gr. bullet	39	“	IMR-4895	3390	“	
	43	“	“	3630	“	
	45	“	IMR-4350	3400	“	
	50	“	“	3765	“	
	42	“	IMR-4064	3495	“	
	44	“	“	3710	“	
	42	“	H-375	3390	“	
	44	“	“	3495	“	
90-gr bullet	39	“	IMR-4895	3225	“	
	41	“	“	3500	“	
	44	“	IMR-4350	3310	“	
	48	“	“	3575	“	
	46	“	IMR-4831	3310	“	
	49	“	“	3490	“	
	39	“	H-380	3025	“	
	40	“	“	3090	“	
100-gr. bullet	41	“	IMR-4350	2910	“	
	47	“	“	3400	“	
	45	“	IMR-4831	3090	“	
	50	“	“	3340	“	
105-gr. bullet	37	“	IMR-4895	2885	“	
	39	“	“	2960	“	
	45	“	IMR-4831	3040	“	
	48	“	“	3290	“	

Keep your barrel cool

Al Miller
					
Precision Shooting June 1991
(Retyped from Precision Shooting June 1991)
.243 Ackley Improved 40°
24” Barrel: Ranger Maverick
By: R.H. Jourdan
BULLET	STARTING TEST LOAD
	TESTED LOADS		
 WEIGHT	POWDER	/CHG	/VELOCITY	/CASE	CHG	/VELOCITY	/CASE	/TEMP	NOTES	
60 gr.	H4895	42	3690	W	45	3945	W	50°		
	IMR4895	42	3445	W				75°		
	IMR4064	45	3781	W	48	4116	W	55°	Careful of temperature!	
 	H380	49	3676	W	50	3745	W	45°		
	H414	50	3582	W	52	3993	W	90°	Full case.	
										
70 gr.	H414	50	3763	W	51	3860	W	95°		
	H450	49			51	3566	W	95°	Full case.	
										
75 gr.	IMR4895	43	3452	W				50°		
	IMR4064	45	3545	R				65°	Accurate @ 45 gr.	
	H380	48	3485	W	50	3606	W	55°		
	H414	47	3288	R	50	3670	W	50°	Powder lot is important.	
	IMR4350	47	3427	R	48	3506	R	50°		
	H450	49			51	3453	R	55°	Full case.	
										
90 gr.	IMR4895	41	3187	R				55°		
	H4895	39			40	3271	W	45°	Watch temp.	
	IMR4064	40			43	3371	W	38°	Watch temp.	
	H380	44	3119	R	47	3334	R	55°		
	H414	48	3307	R	50	3352	W	45°	Excessive at 90°.	
	IMR4350	44			47	3411	W	55°	Excessive at 75°	
	H450	46			50	3360	W	90°		
	H4831	46							Not tested.	
	IMR7828	49			51	3327	W	40°	Case full. Watch temp.	
										
95 gr.	IMR7828	48			50	3368	W	45°	Case full. Watch temp.	
										
100gr.	IMR4895	39	3034	W				55°		
	IMR4064	41	3130	R				65°		
	H414	45	3040	R	48	3267	R	78°	Powder lot important.	
	H380	42	3060	R	46	3228	R	55°		
	IMR4350	44	3147	R	45	3198	R	50°		
	H450	48	3073	R				85°		
	IMR7828	49	3161	R				55°	Compressed.	
										
105 gr.	H414	44								
	IMR4350	44								
	H450	45								

(Note that neither PS magazine nor the author represents these loads to be safe under all circumstances.  They are reported for information only purposes. The individual shooter will find that results will vary in different firearms, both as to results and safety.)

Precision Shooting Nov 1997
(Retyped from Precision Shooting November 1997)

.243 ACKLEY IMPROVED AND VIHTAVUORI POWDER

	Powder	Start Load	Velocity	Max Load	Velocity	Comments	
60 gr.	VV133	36 gr.	3210	40 gr.	3565	Hot! with flattened primers	
Moly	VV135	37 gr.	3284	41 gr.	3656	Accurate load, .35	
	VV160	46 gr.	3331	50 gr.	3642		
							
74 gr.	VV133	37 gr.	3281	42 gr.	3571	Stiff extraction, ejector marks	
Moly	VV135	36.8 gr.	3192	40 gr.	3430		
MEF	VV160	44 gr.	3187	48 gr.	3487	49 gr. pierced primer	
							
80 gr.	VV133	33 gr.	2904	38 gr.	3267	Warn load at 63 °	
Moly	VV135	35 gr.	3060	39 gr.	3350	Warm load at 63 ° , 40 gr.	
MEF						smoked primer	
	VV160	44 gr.	3159	50.3 gr.	3418	67 °	
							
88 gr	VV133	35 gr.	3014	39 gr	3236	Very Hot!	
Moly	VV135	36 gr.	2940	39.5	3240		
	VV160	43 gr.	3048	47 gr.	3325	67 °  - watch temperature	
							
90 gr.	VV133	35 gr.	3025	38.5	3259		
Moly	VV135	35.5 gr.	3037	38 gr.	3210	Stiff extraction, ejector marks	
Boat tail	VV160	44 gr.	3159	48 gr.	3361	flat primers at 90 °	
							
These loads showed promise during the priminary testing and will be tested further.	

	Powder	Charge	Velocity	Group Size	
68 gr. Moly	VV133	40 gr.	3565	.36	
	VV135	38 gr.	3389	.26, .31	
					
74 gr. Moly	VV133	40.5gr	3478	.32, .36, .2, .32, .9 at 200 yards	
MEF				with 4 shots in .56	
					
80 gr. Moly	VV160	50.3	3621	.33, .5	
MEF					
					
88 gr. Moly	VV133	39 gr.	3236	.45, .45, .6, .88, .59, .37, .46	
	VV160	46.1 gr.	3280	.37, .46	
					
90 gr. Moly	VV133	38.5 gr.	3259	.57, .53	
Boat tail	VV160	46.1 gr.	3280	.47, .5, .76, 1.2 at 200 yards,	
				with 4 shots in .75	

Additional 243AI References

Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders - Vol. I & II  by P.O. Ackley

Precision Shooting , June 1991 issue. - Load data tables from article included in this reference document.
Precision Shooting, Oct 1991 issue.
Precision Shooting, Feb.1993 issue.	- Good article no load data tables.
Precision Shooting, July 1993 issue. - Good article no load data tables.
Precision Shooting  Nov 1997 issue. - Load data tables from article included in this reference document.

If anyone has any of these copies of Precision Shooting please send me a copy of the 243AI articles so I can check into including them in this document. (jmilender@fm-net.com)

Revision Information

Date	Description 	Revision	
16JAN98	First Version of 243 Ackley Improved Handloading Reference. Includes data for 80gr Sierra SBT Blitz, 80gr Berger HP, 80gr Hornady FMJ, 85gr Barnes, and 100gr Sierra bullets.	1.0	
30MAR98	Additions:Matt’s 55gr Nosler BT, 60gr Sierra HP, and 70gr Speer TNT. Jeff’s 100gr Rem PSP forming load. A list of e-mail contacts. Added a section for additional 243AI References.
Corrections / Changes: Made the first page a Warning Page and the second page the index. “MENT” was changed to “MEANT”, “you data” changed to “your data”, added additional warnings and disclaimer. “Shelin” was changed to “Shilen”. Revised Jeff’s Max. load for 80gr Sierra SBT Blitz down from 53.0 to 52.0 gr of RL22. Removed IMR4350 40.6 gr load from 80gr SBT Blitz data. Added correct IMR4350 40.6gr. 100gr Winchester PSP forming load. Added information to Tore’s 80gr Hornady loads. In footer added a class for loads that the owner considers over MAX. Added letter to Handloader Magazine. Added Loads from Precision Shooting Magazine June 1991 issue.	2.0	
17JUN98	Additions: Added reply letter from Ken Waters on Base Line Pressure Question. Added letter from Al Miller of Handloader Magazine. Added 85gr Sierra Loads from mrussell@micron.net. Added 70gr Speer TNT loads, 87gr Vmax loads, and 95gr Berger VLD load from Dale, Added 80gr Sierra SBT Blitz - Midway Moly, Berger 80 gr. HP, Stark 80gr. and 85 gr. RPVB - Moly, and 100gr. Win PSP Midway Moly - Fire forming loads from Jeff. Added 75 gr Hornady V-Max and 60 gr. Sierra Fire forming load data from Dsim. Added 100gr Winchester PSP Fire Forming Loads from George. Added 100gr Hornady SP Fire Forming Load from Fred. Added 55gr Nosler Bt loads and 68 gr. Berger MEF loads from Doug. Added e-mail address of new group members. Added  member numbers and names. Added loading data from Precision Shooting June 1991 and November 1997. Added index of Developers.
Corrections / Changes: Changes all references to my e-mail address to my new address ( jmilender@fm-net.com). Corrected some e-mail addresses in list. Changed all owner names to groups numbers. Changes “Contacts that are loading for or are interested in the 243 Ackley Improved” to “Developers”.	3.0	
11AUG98	Same as version 3.0 but without file problems	3.1	
5NOV98	Added Loading data from 243AI - 02 95gr BT and 105gr A-Max, 243AI - 18 70gr Hornady SPSX , 243AI-3485gr Sierra HP, 243AI-37 70gr Nosler BT MolyCoated - Used for case forming, 243AI - 12 95gr Nosler BT - Moly - Used for case forming, 243AI - 12a 100gr Hornady AP - Moly, 95gr Barnes X Moly, 95gr Berger VLD - Moly, 70gr Sierra - Moly, 95gr Nosler Silver Tip - Moly, 90gr Speer SP - Moly. Added new members. Added developers index.	4.0	
8NOV98	Corrected 100 gr Hornady SP - Moly load from 243AI-12a was RL19 and should be RL22	4.1	
29JAN99	Added 243AI-32 loads for 70gr Speer TNT, 75gr Sierra HP, 75gr Hornady HP, and 80gr Sierra SBT. Added 243AI-38 forming loads for 65gr Shilen HP BR, 70gr Speer TNT, 70gr Nosler BT, AI loads 65gr Shilen, 58gr Hornady and 55gr Nosler	5.0