800fps loss for 2" is a heck of a lot
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Another suggestion to consider.....Load different weights of powder but same bullet and COAL(seating depth). Shoot them at 300m or yds in a true round robin manner t keep yourself unbiased and pick the load with the least vertical dispersion. Ignore the horizontal dispersion, it is likely wind.
Take the best(least vertical dispersion load) and narrow down the powder weight to be closer to either side of the best vertical dispersion load.
You are attempting to get the max SAFE velocity with the least vertical dispersion. That point will be or close to your low Statistical Deviation and most consistent MV.
That load will be the best load of that powder/bullet/primer/case/etc. for that rifle all the way to infinity. Just shoot those longer distances and record the drops.
Wind and other environmentals however are a whole other effect.
I reload for half a dozen 243 winchesters and you may want to give the Lee factory crimp a poke. Also seat that sucker 10 thou or so off the rifling.
Or go to the dark side and buy 87 Vmax or the other way and do 58 vmax . If you do the latter let me know I'll pull out some loads I have used that'll knock your socks off for accuracy.... those have a specific col that is nowhere near the rifling but boy do they shoot!
Bought so Varget last night and loaded some 38, 39, 40 and 41g. Going try them in the next few days.
That reloading becomes a part time job :)