Hi fellows,
I'm just going to start into coyote hunting. Before I invest in "the perfect rifle", I'd like to use my 243 Winchester "deer rifle" for a while. It's a "Browning A-bolt Hunter".
I've had it for a few years, and I've been able to routinely shoot sub MOA at 100 yards off the bench. I've only shot 85, 95, and 100 grain bullets. I've only used IMR 4350.
Now, I'll need a lighter, varmint style bullet. I bought a box of Hornady V-MAX bullets in 75 grains as a place to start.
When I tried reloading the first batch yesterday, I discovered that if I seat them to the .005 or .010 off-the-lands depth that has always given such good accuracy with the heavier/longer bullets, the base of the boat-tailed bullet only goes about 1/3 of the way into the case neck. This doesn't seem like a very sturdy bullet construction?
So my question is this: Should I seat it deeper? Will this PROBABLY diminish accuracy? Or is it still OK to construct a bullet that only partially engages the case neck of the brass?
I'll work up the load both ways eventually, but I don't want to do something unsafe.
Question #2. With the lighter bullet, should I be using a different powder?
Thanks in advance.
Regards to all,
Jerry in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
I'm just going to start into coyote hunting. Before I invest in "the perfect rifle", I'd like to use my 243 Winchester "deer rifle" for a while. It's a "Browning A-bolt Hunter".
I've had it for a few years, and I've been able to routinely shoot sub MOA at 100 yards off the bench. I've only shot 85, 95, and 100 grain bullets. I've only used IMR 4350.
Now, I'll need a lighter, varmint style bullet. I bought a box of Hornady V-MAX bullets in 75 grains as a place to start.
When I tried reloading the first batch yesterday, I discovered that if I seat them to the .005 or .010 off-the-lands depth that has always given such good accuracy with the heavier/longer bullets, the base of the boat-tailed bullet only goes about 1/3 of the way into the case neck. This doesn't seem like a very sturdy bullet construction?
So my question is this: Should I seat it deeper? Will this PROBABLY diminish accuracy? Or is it still OK to construct a bullet that only partially engages the case neck of the brass?
I'll work up the load both ways eventually, but I don't want to do something unsafe.
Question #2. With the lighter bullet, should I be using a different powder?
Thanks in advance.
Regards to all,
Jerry in Southwestern Pennsylvania.