R25 .243

Dawgdad · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 8:56 am Post subject: Re: R25 .243

I followed the OCW for the 58 V-max with IMR 8208 and found a sweet spot for this rifle. I turned down the gas port on the Syrac and needed to open to 10 clicks to get the rifle to eject and hold the bolt open with a mild sighting in load. Once I found the sweet spot I loaded up a few more at that charge and closed it a two clicks and still had good function and shot the group below.

42.2 grains of IMR 8208XBR seated to 2.600 OAL - These were over 3700fps in my bolt rifle but I have not chronoed them yet out of the R25. I would say that they will do for coyotes. I will take 1/2 MOA everyday all day. Moving up to heavier bullets next.

I got the .308 bore sighted and centered on paper with some FMJ Nato ammo. going to try some 168 SMK's with Varget in that one.

Vince · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2014 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: R25 .243

Looking good DD, real good mate. That's a nice tight group that should see you good when chasing ,yotes.

I don't think you will be disappointed with Varget in the .308 mate. I have found that about .5gr below max delivers the best performance with Varget, or as we know it AR2208. A little bit of massaging from that point should put you on the money.

slimjim · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 4:13 am Post subject: Re: R25 .243

very nice, Dawgdad. Keep us posted. Can't wait to see the hunting results. Do you plan to hunt deer with it? If so, what bullet?

Dawgdad · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:27 am Post subject: Re: R25 .243

We are a slug gun state in Illinois so I will only be taking coyotes with it for now.

If I can get an 80-95 grain match bullet to shoot this good in it I might use it in some 300-600 yard prone matches too.

slimjim · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:36 am Post subject: Re: R25 .243

what twist did you get?

Dawgdad · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 9:28 am Post subject: Re: R25 .243

1-10 is stock barrel.

slimjim · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 7:37 pm Post subject: Re: R25 .243

The .243 I'm shooting is 1:9. Its a Rem 700 and I measured it with a cleaning rod several times. I believe the heavier/longer .243 bullets need the 1:9. Is that why you are only looking for 80-90 grain bullets for longrange target shooting. Would you use heavier bullets if you had a faster twist? I just bought some 90gr E-Tips (all copper) that said they needed 1:9.

slimjim · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 8:15 pm Post subject: Re: R25 .243

Thanks for the explanation, Aloys. You must be a happy man.

Dawgdad · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 8:34 pm Post subject: Re: R25 .243

Slim. I'd use 105's if I had the correct twist. Next barrel will have that.

slimjim · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2014 11:02 am Post subject: Re: R25 .243

I have seen where faster twist barrels don't shoot lighter bullets as well, particularly in crosswind situations.

Dawgdad · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2014 2:07 pm Post subject: Re: R25 .243

It really depends on the barrel and bullet combination in my experience. I have a 7 twist 22 barrel that hammers everything from a 45 grain to an 80 grain. Also have a 1:9 that only likes 55's.

I will try some 85-95 weights in the 1:10 but it will be bearing surface/ profile dependent and velocity dependent on whether or not I can make them consistently stable for long range use.

slimjim · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2014 6:19 pm Post subject: Re: R25 .243

I just loaded up some 90gr E-Tips with a .403 BC. They say it needs a 1:9. I'll let you know how they do.