Hi everyone. Althought this is my first post, I regularly have a look at reloading data for my .243 Winchester. While doing this, I have noticed that there are several loads (mainly fron Hodgdon's) using Speer 70 gn TNT and getting in excess of 3500fps.
As I have used these for many years for foxing in the UK, I have always taken note of Speers recommendation of NOT exceeding 3400fps with these.
Has anyone ever tried near max loads, because my shooting supplier, who agrees with me, think that they would probably disintigrate before they left the barrel?
I have not "reported the load" becuse someone out there may know different.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Regards
Dave.

Yes I have launched them and other Speer TNT bullets in excess of 3500 fps. Never ever had a bullet disintigrate----maybe I was just lucky? Who knows. But even if you load them around 3400 fps you will never know the difference.

Hi again.
After contacting Speer wit the following question:-
"I have, for a number of years, cosistantly used .243 70 Gn TNT. You
state on the box that we should not exceed 3400fps when reloading, Yet
some reloading manuals for a .243 Winchester, (Hodgdon for example),
give a Max load of 46Gn's of H414, resulting in 3568fps. Although I have kept below 3400fps, as you recommend, what are the problems that could occur by exceeding your limit.
The reply was :-
"You can load the 243 70 gr TNT to velocities above the 3400 fps,
that is if you are NOT fussy about it making it to the target. The TNT
bullet is made to explode on contact, unfortunately, that can be induced
by speed and rotation and can happen "pre-target". The velocity
restriction is there to accommodate the bullet, not the cartridge
pressure.

In my own case, I have seen a "grey mist" at about 30 yds when the
bullet is over driven. This can be as subtle as high humidity or 30-50
degree rise in temperature, if you're on the edge.
Shoot Straight!
Coy Getman
CCI/Speer Technical Service Coordinator
(800) 627-3640 # 5351 (pound key must be used)
Fax: (208) 799-3589

Attached is the group I have posted in load data:-
3 Shots averaging 3334fps at 100 yds, Group .238.

Dave.

I've never had problems withthem blowing up driven hard in a .243.
But that is in cold dry conditions at night

later
P

not a bad little group that! Those foxes better watch out!
What rifle you launchin them outta?

.243 Cz550 American, Tasco Titan 3.5-10x50 & T8 Reflex Moderator. Using Land rover bonnet as rest, which is how I do most of my lamping, until I get some mounts sorted for my night scope.
Dave