Which Powder for .243 and or .308 are you using?

im4flight

im4flight

New member
OK, getting ready to start loading for my .308 and then my .243 later in the year. I would like to pick up some powder now in prep. for that.

Just wondering what you guys are using. From what I have been reading I will probabbly need two different powders for these calibers?

I am not going to be loading for 1 whole groups. They both shoot MOA with factory rounds, just looking for something to do as good or a little better than the factory rounds. These are both hunting rigs right now.

I am currently loading for my .223's and handgun, so have varget and unique on hand, but realize these are not going to work for the larger cal.

Thanks for the advice.
 
Well, Varget will work in the 223, 243, and 308, so good that you already have that one. I use 4064 in my 243 also. I've been looking at Reloader 17, seems to get good velocity. Since the 308 is the parent case of the 243, you can expect a few powders to work well in both. Bullet selection and weight will vary that some of course.
 
I run imr4831 in both of my 243's with really good groups. But I have also had good luck with imr4064 and h380 out of the 243. You would have to look at the reloading book to see what can go back and forth between the 2. I don't try to find one powder to go between 2 different calibers unless you are loading 1000's of rounds of each every year and want to buy bulk powder. I have not been able to get great groups out of different calibers with the same powder. I have found that you might give up a little with one gun or both by trying to use the same powder. JMO
 
I am expecting to have to get 2 different poweders for the two, unless someone knows on 1 that works good in both.

Again, not looking for the best, but something that works good in both would be fine.

I think I might start with the Varget then since I already have it and see what I get for groups. I have seen great things about reloader 17, and have been wanting to try it, so might go that route also.
 
As already mentioned try the varget in both before you go any further. After that H4895 works for both too. Lot's of powders that will work with both.

CB
 
IMR4064 with great results in the .243 Win. (a Remington R25), and it did not seem to matter which bullet or weight, compared to a few other powders tried it works best for me. I have not had much time to do extensive test with the .308, but confident it will work well in it also (DPMS).
 
I have not had good luck with Varget in anyting but a 308.

However, IMR 4064 works very well in both calibers.

I really hate the idea of using only one powder, barrels are very particular in what they like and range of bullets is another issue.
 
I have not had good luck with Varget in anyting but a 308.

However, IMR 4064 works very well in both calibers.

I really hate the idea of using only one powder, barrels are very particular in what they like and range of bullets is another issue.
 
Funny you should ask this question as I was wondering the same thing. Currently trying RE-15 in .308 and have tried various powders in my Winchester .243 with OK results. Was thinking I needed something new and 4064 keeps coming up. Might need to try some.
 
seems to me for the 243 it depends on what bullet weight is being considered.

I like H4350 and H4831 for the 243, I tend to like 80 to 90 grain bullets.



Varget works good for the 70 to 75 grain bullets, have not tried it for heavier ones.
 
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