Stevens 200-.243

[bigblue]

It took me a while to get the barrel broken in, but I finally came onto a load I think was made for this rifle. I was at the range five out of the last seven days. First with the 30-06 and then when I broke the ejector in that , I switched to playing with the .243. I loaded up some Sierra 100gr. Gamekings over 42.8gr. of RE-19 at a COL of 2.650" and came away with 5/16" three shot groups at 100 yards! It almost makes up for the broken 30-06 ejector. ;D
Don

[DocHolladay]

bigblue said:

came away with 5/16" three shot groups at 100 yards! It almost makes up for the broken 30-06 ejector. ;D
Don

I would think it would almost make up for it. I think I would probably still be angry at myself, but would get over it until the parts came in.

[bigblue]

Doc,
That 30-06 load is the first time I had a problem with a rifle due to a over pressured handload. I don't think it was a matter of too much powder as it was a matter of the cartridge length being too long. The bullet was pressed against the rifling and created the over pressure issue. Something to keep in mind once you get set up for loading your own. It does show well for the strength of these Savage/Stevens actions, that it didn't experience anything worse than a broken ejector. I was really getting some good results with the 30-06 handloads until this problem popped up.
Don

[DocHolladay]

I will keep the OAL in mind when laoding. I am going to use the OAL of the Hornady's I am shooting now to go off of. Then all I have to do is work on my powder load and primer type.

[bigblue]

Doc,
I usually have very good results with the cartridge overall length, by loading a bullet into an empty case, leaving the bullet length purposely long and trying to cycle it in the rifle. I keep pushing the bullet back until it works, then set it back another .050". That works very well and sets the cartridge length just right for the individual rifle. The one reason I see for the problem I had was that the bullet must have somewhat stuck into the rifling and released again as I opened the action. That left it too long even though I was still able to chamber it. I used that measurement to set up the load and, well you know the rest of the story. I quess you never stop learning with something like this.
I had my 7mm-08 Stevens out to the range today. I ended up using 140gr. Barnes XLC-BT bullets. They have a really good reputation for performance on game at both close and long range. I set the scope up for 2.75" high at 100 yards so that I can shoot without having to change my point of aim almost to 300 yards. That gives me a point of impact no more than 3" high or low to 300 yards. With deer you usually have at least a 8" vital area, so I still have some room for error.
I'm doing my best to get all the rifles set up now so I'm ready for hunting season.
Don

[DocHolladay]

I am thinking that no matter what bullet I use, as long as I get the proper powder charge and it is the same OAL as the Hornady's I should get the same results once I find the right powder charge. My rifle loves the Hornady factory ammo. That is why I am thinking this. It has the correct OAL, powder charge, and primer that my rifle wants and likes. I will find out for sure once I get the rest of my reloading gear. I will start experimenting once that is complete. I also got some reloading manuals off the net , thanks to an internet savvy member.

[bigblue]

Doc,
Which rifle will you be loading the Hornady's for?
Don

[DocHolladay]

The loads will be for my Remington 700 .270 win.