Reloading for a 243 400m bunnies

So after watching Gimps reloading video I have decided I am going to work up a 400m rabbit load. I have never reloaded before but I have done some research and now am a little more informed.
So I reckon I need a press, some dies and a powder measure. Now that sums up what I know. Is there a reloading kit that will do the job. I expect to shoot maybe 100 rounds a month. Is there someone in Taupo that can show me the ropes?
As far as projectiles are concerned I have a ruger haweye 1:9 twist 16.5" barrel. From what i have read a 65-80gn projectile seems to do the business.
It would be great if one of the more experienced guys could do a sticky on reloading 101

1:9?? Time for some 105gr Amax's!!

Sorry Tone the .243 is 'USELESS' apparently.:pacman:
http://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.n...y-useless-331/

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Originally Posted by gimp

1:9?? Time for some 105gr Amax's!!

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Yep definately for deer. What do you think for 400m Bunnies? I am not going for speed, but more for a tame, accurate load

105gr Amax for everything. They'll whip any light bullets functionally. Having multiple loads is impractical.

talk to mark bridgeman custom cartridges in taupo

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Originally Posted by DAVE.H

talk to mark bridgeman custom cartridges in taupo

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Yeah I thought about that too, but seein it was his business, I wasnt too sure if he would be keen on showing someone how to do his job!

Scales or measure? They are different, one does weight the other volume.

Bit of case lube and neck lube, a good set of verniers, primer pocket cleaner and a deburring tool and your away.

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Originally Posted by gimp

105gr Amax for everything. They'll whip any light bullets functionally. Having multiple loads is impractical.

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I agree with Gimp. The A-Max is very accurate and will smoke the bunnies.

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Originally Posted by Wirehunt

Scales or measure? They are different, one does weight the other volume.

Bit of case lube and neck lube, a good set of verniers, primer pocket cleaner and a deburring tool and your away.

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Cheers Man

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Originally Posted by gimp

105gr Amax for everything. They'll whip any light bullets functionally. Having multiple loads is impractical.

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I have some 105s showing up today, so I can have a play with a 700 SA 243 I have lying around :thumbsup:

:cool:Cool KG what is your barrel twist and length?

If your after maximum splat with a decent BC the 87gr Hornady Vmax is impressive! If you really want to stretch the ranges the 105gr Amax is the preferred choice if your barrel twist shoots it accurately.

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Originally Posted by Tone

:cool:Cool KG what is your barrel twist and length?

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It's a STD Rem 700 243 SSPS.
I didn't think they would shoot but I saw TUIMAN shooting them the other day so I thought I would give them ago.
One small snag, Fastways don't know where the pills are......otherwise I could have told you about how they went by now....:XD:

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Originally Posted by DAVE.H

talk to mark bridgeman custom cartridges in taupo

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Originally Posted by Tone

Yeah I thought about that too, but seein it was his business, I wasnt too sure if he would be keen on showing someone how to do his job!

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So I was up at the Taupo Range again today taking care of the rest of the Minah population when who should turn up.....Mark Bridgeman. What was he doin? He was running up some loads for a 243! WTF Strike me down. So after talking and chewing the fat for 10 mins, I mentioned I would like to reload for the 243.
"No worries Tone, give me a ring and we will set it up. What gear have you got?"
I havent got any yet I say
"Good cause I got shit loads from stinky to gold plated. You can work out what is best for your needs. Here is my card"

Well, I dont think I get anymore fortunate that that.

gud shit Tone, well thats a bloody good start for ya

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Originally Posted by LJP

If your after maximum splat with a decent BC the 87gr Hornady Vmax is impressive! If you really want to stretch the ranges the 105gr Amax is the preferred choice if your barrel twist shoots it accurately.

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Yup if the 105 doesn't work the 87gr Vmax is super accurate in my rifle and they make a mess of things... taken a few goats as well and they do some damage for sure

This one has a big hole but what you can see in the pick is how empty the neck is behind the hole..

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...e/P8200075.jpg

I can vouch for the V-Max also. I shot one with Leathel's rifle that same day front on and it instantly fell over and died. Massive amount of blood loss on the ground and big wound.

oh my gosh, i know i told my wife i was buying NOTHING............well well well, off to the jewellery shop MR TONE.....sucker.

Gold. If the 105 Amaxes don't work, try some Targex 105's. Byrn makes them in 1:8 and 1:9 twist barrels.

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Originally Posted by Tone

So I was up at the Taupo Range again today taking care of the rest of the Minah population when who should turn up.....Mark Bridgeman. What was he doin? He was running up some loads for a 243! WTF Strike me down. So after talking and chewing the fat for 10 mins, I mentioned I would like to reload for the 243.
"No worries Tone, give me a ring and we will set it up. What gear have you got?"
I havent got any yet I say
"Good cause I got shit loads from stinky to gold plated. You can work out what is best for your needs. Here is my card"

Well, I dont think I get anymore fortunate that that.

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Well you've landed on your feet there Tone, professional advice and at your doorstep.
The only problem I would forsee rabbit shooting with the 105gr, is to shoot to 400+ you'll need a turret scope and a good proven drop chart.
The 87gr vmax etc will be faster and flatter, a little more forgiving if holdover is the method used.