New build--22-243??

[nmkid]

On the phone with Zack at ODCR the other day. I need a .22 varmint rifle. We tossed around a few ideas and I need to get back with him. I've was thinking about a 22CM but, I've already had one of those. So next in line would be a 22-243, (22-243AI?) just because I have thought about one for many years. So, any members shooting one lately? I don't care about barrel longevity, I don't shoot that much anymore. Heck, chasing coyotes-marmots, the barrel would probably outlive me.

 

[STS]

If you already have a 22 CM, then the next most appropriate choice in my opinion, would be the 22-243 Middlestead. The 30 degree shoulder, gives it an edge in case life. It's an impressive round, and if I didn't have a couple of 22 CM's, I would definitely have the Middlestead. I've thought about doing one just because I like to learn about what makes cartridges tick.

 

[B23]

On the phone with Zack at ODCR the other day. I need a .22 varmint rifle. We tossed around a few ideas and I need to get back with him. I've was thinking about a 22CM but, I've already had one of those. So next in line would be a 22-243, (22-243AI?) just because I have thought about one for many years. So, any members shooting one lately? I don't care about barrel longevity, I don't shoot that much anymore. Heck, chasing coyotes-marmots, the barrel would probably outlive me.

My gunsmith (Defensive Edge Rifles) has his version of a 22-243 Improved he calls 224 Terminator. I don't know the exact reamer specs but it's basically a 22-243 Imp w/35° shoulder. Fully formed cases (Lapua brass) holds 56gr H2O.

Mine is built on a trued Rem 700 w/Krieger 8tw barrel and HS Prec det. mag setup. It sends 80gr ELD-M's out of it at 3650 and it's shooting those really well. As you can tell from the pic below my rifle is certainly no LW build it's got a little weight to it so recoil is almost nonexistent.

One of the things that's really convenient with DE and all of their Terminator cartridges is they offer formed Lapua brass that is ready to go at a very reasonable price so you don't have to bother with or use up any of your components fireforming.

 

[1lessdog]

22-6MM AI you get lots of speed. Zack built me a one and a 6MM AI. They both shoot really good.

 

[426nut]

Gentlemen, I present... the ".220 REDLINE"

I like wildcats. And being an avid predator hunter, I've gravitated toward 'hotrod' type cartridges...fast & flat is where it's at!!! Maximum point blank range and terminal performance on critters are key elements for a 'hotrod' to improve upon, over factory available cartridges. Ideally...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[7315br]

My version is close to the Middlestead...but not quite. It's more like the full length 22-243 40* shoulder, but a 30* shoulder. Does 3640 fps with the 75 gr Hornady ELD and a Kreiger 7.7 twist 29" plus brake. It's been really accurate to 1200 yds. I've taken a number of PD's out that far with it. 3rd picture is a 100 yd group. 4th picture is a 1000 yd group (about 3"). Panda RBLP action, Krieger bbl, Jewell trigger, Shehane ST-1000 tracker stock.

 

[MQ1]

A straight 22-243 followed me home a year ago, and I’ve been impressed with the ease of forming brass and how easy it was to find some decent loads quickly. It is an 8 twist, and I found a good load for a 62 Lehigh controlled chaos that is ready to test on some coyotes soon. Good luck on making a choice…alot of good options out there, I’m just really appreciating the simple options lately

MQ1

 

[K22]

I am an avid varmint hunter.

Have you considered the great 22 250? This is a first-class long range varmint cartridge in my experience. If you reload, you can enhance its performance to the point that it leaves nothing to be desired for long range varmint hunting.

It has the advantage of being a standard cartridge with an abundance of rifle options, component options, and proven load data. A custom with a match barrel could even take the performance to a higher level.

 

[Mark W]

A few years ago I bought a Savage 12FV in 223 and paid a gunsmith to run a 22-243AI reamer in the factory barrel. It was a blast shooting pop cans and water bottles out to 300 yards with no hold over or dialing up. I was pushing 75 Gr Amax at just over 3600 fps. It was fun while it lasted.

If I were to take on a similar project today, I would probably do a 6mm AI 12 twist and set it up to shoot 75-80 grain bullets.

 

[284winner]

On the phone with Zack at ODCR the other day. I need a .22 varmint rifle. We tossed around a few ideas and I need to get back with him. I've was thinking about a 22CM but, I've already had one of those. So next in line would be a 22-243, (22-243AI?) just because I have thought about one for many years. So, any members shooting one lately? I don't care about barrel longevity, I don't shoot that much anymore. Heck, chasing coyotes-marmots, the barrel would probably outlive me.

The best thing I read in your post is " I don't care about barrel longevity". Many do and if that's the case, stick with the 223. I've had different larger case .224 cartridge builds. My recent is a 22/284. The twist/bullet weight/velocity really comes into play with the big case 22s. It's not barrel wear that bothers me either. What bothers me is when I pull the trigger and don't see a hole in my target, I've realized it's not making it to the target but rather vaporizing on the way. I have an 8 twist barrel now and it's doing great with 75/80s. It seems to be the ideal twist.

 

[SteveOak]

Since a 243 is actually a 243-08, wouldn't this be a 22-08?

It does sound like fun though.