It’s hard to believe we’re already at “Part 11” on the Ruger Precision Rifle series, but there’s so much to cover, and I’m having a ton of fun bringing these stories to you all. This time, we’ll talk about precision reloads end-to-end for the Ruger Precision Rifle in .243 Winchester.

Here’s the walk-through video:

Hopefully that helps you “picture” the end-to-end process for the handloading of this type of ammo (call it match, call it precision, call it what you will!). As mentioned in the video, it’s really helpful *not* to have case lube on the inside of the case necks, and I’m also curious to compare Standard Deviation (SD) and Extreme Spread (ES) between hand-trickled powder as shown in this video with conventionally thrown powder (straight from the measure).

I do like to “switch things up”, so in this article we’re using the following: (pictured above)

• Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron (sizing, de-priming/priming, and seating)
• L.E. Wilson .243 Full-Length Bushing type sizing die (continuing from where we left off in this previous article) and Hornady standard seating die
• L.E. Wilson Case Gage and Depth Micrometer (see previous post)
• Inline Fabrication Ultramount + Quick Change Setup + powder measure arm.
• IMR Enduron 4451 powder

What can I say about this portfolio of gear and components- it’s awesome! If you are looking to handload rifle ammunition, this is a great overall setup. I am much happier with the RCBS ball micrometer compared with using digital calipers to measure case neck thickness. This is one of those scenarios where .001″ makes a HUGE difference. I was off my that measure, and I had bullet seating issues since both sides of the case neck together netted out at .002″ error. Using the ball micrometer and taking the bushing size down .002″ fixed the issue, and now I have perfect neck tension.

I really like the L.E. Wilson full-length bushing-type sizing die. It’s machined beautifully, and once you get the right selection of bushings on-hand you’ll have everything you’ll need to size a variety of brass (headstamps/types) to the exact neck diameter you need. You may be wondering what load data I used here!

.243 Winchester Load Data

• Hornady .243 Winchester Brass (once-fired) – shoulder set back .002″
• 87 Grain Hornady HPBT 6mm Varmint Bullet #2442
• 42.6 grains IMR Enduron 4451 powder
• CCI BR2 Primer
• 2.645″ COL

Use load data at your own risk. Ultimate Reloader is not responsible for errors in load data on this website. Always cross-reference load data with manufacturer’s published data.

The ammunition went together smoothly, but the real test will be a range trip with chronograph data and some groups to measure. Now that sounds like fun!

Thanks,
Gavin