.243 with 90 gr Nosler Accubond

[Sea Buck]

On a whim I decided to go with a 90 gr AccuBond for my .243 this deer season. I use a Ruger RSI with a 18" barrel. I emailed Nosler for a load recommendation as their test barrel was 24" They came back with " use a powder on the fast side...IMR4451,RL-19"..,neither can be found in this area. The next down on their chart is IMR 4064 of which I use a lot. Burn rate is in the middle of the pack. Does anyone have a favorite load/reccommendation for a .243 and 4064 and a 90 gr bullet?
I am thinking of 35 gr of IMR4064. Your input would be appreciated.

 

[T. O'Heir]

Only ever used IMR4350 with a 90, out of mine. A 1 in 9.125 twist, 22" barrel(I think it's 22 anyway. Definitely not 18.) Cooey M71. Similar to a Win M70.
In any case, do not just pick a load and hope. You must work up the load for your rifle. IMR4064 will do nicely though.

 

[jmr40]

I'd use the data from Noslers website.

http://www.nosler.com/nosler-load-data/243-winchester/

The shorter barrel will make no difference in powder choice. The load that gives the most speed with a 24" barrel will also be the fastest from an 18" barrel. It just won't be as fast as published numbers, but don't be surprised if it isn't all that far off.

They got quite a bit more speed with powders other than 4064. With a shorter barrel I'd be looking at something with more speed to make up some for the shorter barrel

 

[Hunter Customs]

I don't know if this will be of any help, I load the Nosler 95 gr Ballistic Tip on top of IMR 4831 for a little over 3100 fps out of a 24 inch barrel.

 

[Mobuck]

Probably an OK powder recommendation considering the 18" barrel. The slower powders are more likely to produce a lot more blast and flame. 4895/4320/4064 are all fairly close together on the burn rate chart IIRC.
Personally, I'm not a fan of Accu-Bond. I've seen some failure to expand issues over the past few years even though I'm shooting them out of a 257Wby.

 

[NHSHOOTER]

I have used both H380 and H4895 to push 90 gr bullets "speer" with good results, with a 24" barrel. No chronograph so I cant give you speed but I know they grouped well out to 200 yds.