I am fixing to work up a load for my Tikka 243 using 85 grain Barnes TSX bullets. The powders I have on hand are IMR 4064 and Hogdon 4895. I have some load data from their site, but was wondering if anyone had a pet load using this particular combo. I have read on some other forums that the Tikka does not like the Barnes bullets.
Load data for new 243
- Thread starter Rambo
- Start date
Hidalgo
Well-known member
I doubt that anyone will give you exact load data (for safety reasons) and even then it is a toss-up if it will shoot in your particular rifle the same as it does in theirs. I will say that I found the best accuracy with my Tikka by using "middle of the road" powder charges. As I worked up into the max charges accuracy dropped off a little.
Keep in mind that every barrel is different, and a perfect load in one rifle might be just so-so in another.
Develop your loads by starting just above minimum and working up. You'll likely see accuracy increase, then drop off at some point. There are however some max charges that shoot extremely well. This takes some time, but that's part of the process. There aren't any shortcuts to load development.
Keep in mind that every barrel is different, and a perfect load in one rifle might be just so-so in another.
Develop your loads by starting just above minimum and working up. You'll likely see accuracy increase, then drop off at some point. There are however some max charges that shoot extremely well. This takes some time, but that's part of the process. There aren't any shortcuts to load development.
2muchgun
New member
I cannot help you with the Tikka, in particular, but every barrel is different anyway.
As for the 85gr TSX 4064 is a perfect powder to try. MOF, of the many 243s I've loaded for, 4064 has never not worked great with bullets between 80-87gr. It remains my powder of choice for said bullet weights in my 243s. Over 87gr and I switch to 4350.
I don't use Tikkas so am hesitant to give more specifics. The Barnes can be finicky as to seating depth. You need to know how far your bullets are from lands.
I'd start at 36gr. 4064 and work up from there. Paying close attention to "bullet jump".........
As for the 85gr TSX 4064 is a perfect powder to try. MOF, of the many 243s I've loaded for, 4064 has never not worked great with bullets between 80-87gr. It remains my powder of choice for said bullet weights in my 243s. Over 87gr and I switch to 4350.
I don't use Tikkas so am hesitant to give more specifics. The Barnes can be finicky as to seating depth. You need to know how far your bullets are from lands.
I'd start at 36gr. 4064 and work up from there. Paying close attention to "bullet jump".........
