.243 Pre-64 M70 handloads?????

can't leave well enough alone, I bought a pre-64 M70 featherweight. It shoots pretty good as is with Hornady Custom Lite factory loads, but I want to handload for it just to see if I can improve.

Not even sure what twist it is. Any pet , accurate, hunting loads ya'll can suggest?

Really don't want to test a bunch of different powders and bullets. I have most powders on had but no 6mm bullets.

https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/1560/243-dia-6mm-100-gr-SBT

And H-4350

Hodgdon.com show start load of 37.0 gr. and max of 40.0 gr.

Thanks Jason, I believe its a 10 twist.

Good to go on that bullet weight. I'd ladder test it at 300 yards. Use a Sharpie marker to color the bullets and punch them into white paper. The ink transfers. Shoot three rounds, go to the target and write the powder charge next to the corresponding bullet hole. Come back, shoot the next three. It'll take about an hour to set up the chronograph and paper at my range, and to get them shot. Those few rounds will tell you volumes. Set up a time with me and I'll help you with it. A UTV is awfully handy for this project. That is unless you want to walk 1800 yards that day.

37.9 blue
38.2 yellow
38.5 red
38.8 blue
39.1 yellow
39.4 red
39.7 blue
40.0 yellow
*40.3 red

correct

how 'bout some pics?

Here she is. I'm thinking about a Mcmillan stock?? Blasphemy??

Very nice p64! I certainly wouldn't re-stock a M70 FWT that groups that well.

You said you'd like suggestions for hunting loads. What will you be hunting? PDs, yotes, hogs, deer, elk?

For deer hogs and coyotes, I'd start with 95gr BTips and one of the 4350s.

I shoot 95 berger classic's in my 10 twist 243. Pushed along by h4831sc and a 210m.

Good stuff.

Ordered some BT's and Game Kings, we'll see!

I havs been working up loads with 95 BTs and hornady sst and h380 with a browning 1895. The BTs are a tiny bit tighter but probably not worth the cost differential. I'll probably try some 4350 and 4064 next. Good luck the the project.

SST is a great bullet

Yes that would be blasphemy! Good looking rifle,

I'd leave it in that stock.

JMO.

80 grain TTSX
45.0 IMR 4831 Adjust to your rifle, that is a max load, so work up to it.
F210M
Lapua brass

0.010" off contact with the lands.

Will reliably penetrate through a pig or deer.

FJG,

On the ladder tests, I just hang a big piece of paper and put 4 rows with 3 columns of peel and stick dots.

In loading the ladder, use a Sharpie to write the load onto the shell. Load three of each.

Stay at the bench and look through the scope or a spotter. Shoot one load per dot, and just record on paper R 1 C1 43.0, R1 C2 43.2, R1 C3 43.4, and so on. No mixing up ammo, and save trips back and forth.

I'm sure that works well. I told Buzz to do it at 300. But as long as I don't have heavy wind, I shoot ladders at 500. The dispertion is easier to read at 500. The last two rifles I ladder tested at 300 remimded me why I like 500 better. I can't see bullet holes that far away and figure while I drive down to the target, it gives the barrel time to cool down a bit.

At least both of us belive in ladder testing!

Definitely. And to you as well.

Hard to come by those in very good condition! My 243 Super Grade doesn't get much use but that's why I have the Ruger Varmint to play with.

My 243 likes 100 grain prohunters.

good stuff guys, dang it JG I'm eventually gonna have to spend a range day with you. I'm just afraid you will try and break all my bad habits

I'll cut a switch off the nearest Hackberry to do so, if necessary.